Justice and Grace

"This broad-ranging new study - the first of its kind - examines the key role of the late medieval English parliament in hearing and determining private petitions between c. 1270-1450. Until now historians have focused on the political and financial significance of the medieval parliament. This book offers a ground-breaking re-evaluation placing emphasis on parliament as crucial interface between the king and his subjects by offering the latter direct access to royal justice and grace. Consideration is given to how petitions were written and why petitioners sought redress specifically in parliament. The study makes an important contribution to our wider understanding of late medieval English government and its ability to redress local difficulties, as well as the nature of local society and the problems that confronted individuals and communities."--Jacket.