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Are we justified in regarding Edward I as one of the greatest of medieval kings?
"Oil applied, where it was needed, to the machinery of feudalism." Examine this view of the legislation of Edward I.
Would you agree that the year 1297 marks the end of the constructive achievements of Edward I ?
'We have but to compare him with the kings that went before and that came after, and we shall see cause not so much to justify his conduct as to wonder at the greatness of his moderation.' To what extent has subsequent research modified this opinion of Edward I by Bishop Stubbs ?
'Edward I was driven by ambition and by circumstances to attempt too much in too many places.' Comment.
'The crisis of 1297 was mainly the result of abnormal demands that Edward I was compelled to make as a result of his over extensive military commitments, rather than a fundamental dissatisfaction with the government.' Discuss.
How would you account for the rapid development of representative institutions in thirteenth century England ?
'The year 1275 saw the birth of our Parliament.' Do you agree?
'Why is parliament under Edward I regarded as but one experiment among many, distinguished only by the accident of survival.' ?
"The man, Edward I, is concealed from us by the multitude of activities undertaken in his name." Is this true ?
'Edward I was born to great endeavours and notable achievements and he came at a time which was propitious for both.' (Wilkinson) Why, then, did he fail ?
'He began as an idealist and inspiring reformer; he ended as a paternalistic king who was in danger of becoming despotic.' Would you agree with Wilkinson's judgment on Edward I ?
Would you agree that foreign rather than domestic policy was the chief preoccupation of Edward Ist ?
"A ruler is... above the law with respect to its constraining force; for law derives its power of constraint only from the power of the ruler."(Aquinas). "the king ought not to be under any man but under God and the Law, because the Law makes the King." (Bracton). Which view is more in line with thirteenth century reality?
Discuss with reference to the reign of Edward I the dictum that 'The Lord King is in many instances above the laws and customs used in his realm.'
Does the legislation of Edward I imply a new approach to the theory of law ?
"A king too powerful to yield to any one class, not powerful enough to act in despite of all, and fully powerful only in the combined support of all." Would you agree with Stubbs' judgment on Edward I?
"Edward I completed the work of Simon de Montfort." Discuss.
Why did Edward I summon representatives to his parliaments ?
'Edward neither created nor determined the eventual character of Parliament.' Do you agree ?
"The king, with the faithful and law worthy men of his Kingdom, promulgated new statutes, not only consonant with the law, but indeed very necessary for all the realm... which acts brought him the honest love of a multitude of common people." How far did Edward I justify this good opinion?
To what extent was the legislation of Edward I anti feudal ?
'By the Crown, for the Crown's profit.' Is this a fair comment on Edward I's legislation ?
'Quod omnes tangit ab omnibus debet approbetur'.(That which concerns all should be approved by all). How relevant is this civil law maxim to the understanding of constitutional developments in the reign of Edward I ?
How secure was Edward I's settlement of Wales.
Why did Edward I succeed in conquering Wales and fail in conquering Scotland ?
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JSI/21/08/97
School of History and Welsh History - University of Wales Bangor