Lordly Power and Lordship: Earl Ranulf III of Chester, a case study, c.1181-1232

Moore, Gavin Raymond (2017) Lordly Power and Lordship: Earl Ranulf III of Chester, a case study, c.1181-1232. Doctoral thesis (PhD), Manchester Metropolitan University.

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Abstract

Earl Ranulf III of Chester was one of the leading figures in the Angevin period. However, our understanding of his life is limited. Existing biographical accounts provide only a narrow perspective on the earl’s life. This thesis aims to provide a wider outlook on the earl’s life through examining him in relation to the theme of power. Power is also a unclear topic in this period. Understanding the basis of the power of lords, of course, has a central role to play in understanding Angevin England. However, in recent years historians have investigated and overturned a great many of the established beliefs surrounding our understanding of Angevin society in general. These arguments have led to a great deal of uncertainty and incoherence in our understanding of the source of the lords’ power in that period. The secondary aim of this research is, therefore, to examine the impact of these various debates and provide a coherent assessment of the basis of lordly power within the Angevin period through an analysis of Earl Ranulf. The approach taken to power herein is based upon a historiographical analysis, which points to power being created through a variety of personal relationships. Lordly power, consequently, in this study is presented as being based upon the lord being able to manage a population that is termed a lordship. This study identifies the key relationships Earl Ranulf creates in his lordship and by doing so also draws out common themes in his methods in order to provide a more model like approach to discuss lordly power. Throughout the study, Earl Ranulf is also compared to his contemporaries in order to provide a wider context to the discussion.