HTY 340: British History; Professor Moon's Library Instruction: War of the Roses

In the Middle Ages the castle was an important military and administrative centre, essentially utilitarian in its design and in the purposes it served. Because it played so central a role in medieval history, and because the wealth of material is so great, the author has concentrated on English seiges undertaken in the period from the Norman Conquest to the War of the Roses. This includes many dramatic actions fought on the continental dominions of the English Crown such as Chateau Gaillard and Rouen. Drawing from contemporary records and his own inpsection of sites, Philip Warner's narrative explores the skills of the architect, the engineer and the miner, as well as the courage of troops and their commanders.

Few historians have had a greater impact on their chosen period than K.B. McFarlane. This complete collection of the articles that he published during his lifetime represents the core of his work.

Contents: Parliament and "bastard feudalism" -- "Bastard feudalism" -- An indenture of agreement between two English knights for mutual aid and counsel in peace and war, 5 December, 1298 -- Loans to the Lancastrian kings, the problem of inducement -- Henry V, Bishop Beaufort and the red hat, 1417-21 -- At the deathbed of Cardinal Beaufort -- War, the economy and social change : England and the Hundred Years War -- A business-partnership in war and administration, 1421-1445 -- The investment of Sir John Fastolf's profits of war -- William Worcester : a preliminary survey -- William Worcester and a present of lampreys -- The War of the Roses.