Poer and Protest in England 1525-1640 [Paperback]

Drawing on new research from local archives as well as reinterpretations of published literature,Power and the Peopleexamines how England remained governable despite the wars, famine, epidemics, and dynastic and religious crises that characterized the tumultuous period between 1525 and 1640. The book surveys the mechanisms of authority at various levels, from the street and alehouse to the manor and the royal court to reveal the challenge of maintaining order without a standing army or professional police force. Alison Wall investigates everything from the roles of village constables to the social cohesiveness resulting from civic celebrations and participatory politics, providing students with a rich perspective on the social world and political culture of early modern England.

This is social history with the politics put back, and political history at its best. John Guy, Professor of Modern History

This judicious and perceptive survey will be essential reading for teachers and students. A thought-provoking synthesis which draws both on Dr Wall's own research and on extensive secondary reading. History

Every point raised is dealt with competently and with well-selected illustrative details. The English Historical Review

Examines how England remained governable despite the wars, famine, epidemics, and dynastic and religious crises that characterized the tumultuous period between 1525 and 1640. The book surveys the mechanisms of authority at various levels, from the street and alehouse to the manor and the royal court to reveal the challenge of maintaining order without a standing army or professional police force.

Alison Wall is a former Lecturer in Modern History, Christ Church, Oxford.