The process of colonisation that followed the Norman Conquest defined much of the history of England over the next 150 years, structurally altering the distribution of land and power in society. This theme is defined in a previously unpublished lecture on Colonial England, given in 1994, but it runs through all the sixteen essays in this collection. J.C. Holt's subjects include Domesday Book, the establishment of knight-service, aristocratic structures and nomenclature, the relation of family to property, security of title and inheritance, among other matters. He comments on the work of Maitland, Round and Stenton and ends with studies of the treaty of Winchester (1153), the rasus regis, and Magna Carta.

A revised edition of J. C. Holt's classic study of Magna Carta, the Great Charter, offering the most authoritative analysis of England's most famous constitutional text. The book sets the events of 1215 and the Charter itself in the context of the law, politics and administration of England and Europe in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Additionally, a lengthy new introduction by two of Holt's former pupils, George Garnett and John Hudson, examines a range of issues raised by scholarship since publication of the second edition in 1992. These include the possible role of Archbishop Stephen Langton; the degree of influence of Roman and Canon Law upon those who drafted the Charter; other aspects of the intellectual setting of the Charter, in particular political thinking in London; the Continental context of the events of 1212-15; and the legal and jurisdictional issues that affected the Charter's clauses on justice.

A valuable group of papers by pupils and associates of John Prestwich, which reflects his own rigorous questioning of the sources to elicit a clear picture of the realities of the wars that so concerned the medieval state.' LONDON REVIEW OF BOOKS

Magna Carta, imposed on King John by his barons in 1215, is widely regarded as the foundation of the British constitution. This is the classic study of the origins of the rebellion which culminated in the events at Runnymede. Professor Holt investigates the causes of the baronial revolt, and explores the social and administrative setting of the northern shires and their landed families. Professor Holt's introduction to the paperback edition draws on recent research on border societies to offer new insights into the organization of the northern barons. He also provides a valuable Guide to further reading.

A scholarly feast... a milestone in the history and historiography of medieval England. Its essays are without exception authoritative and well-written and it indicates not only the progress made in Domesday studies in the last hundred years but also the continuing significance of the pioneer work of the great Domesday scholars such as Maitland and Galbraith.' PROGRESS IN HUMAN GEOGRAPHY An enduring contribution to historical scholarship.' AMERICAN HISTORICAL REVIEW name studies, palaeography and topography.

A revised edition of J. C. Holt's classic study of Magna Carta, the Great Charter, offering the most authoritative analysis of England's most famous constitutional text. The book sets the events of 1215 and the Charter itself in the context of the law, politics and administration of England and Europe in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Additionally, a lengthy new introduction by two of Holt's former pupils, George Garnett and John Hudson, examines a range of issues raised by scholarship since publication of the second edition in 1992. These include the possible role of Archbishop Stephen Langton; the degree of influence of Roman and Canon Law upon those who drafted the Charter; other aspects of the intellectual setting of the Charter, in particular political thinking in London; the Continental context of the events of 1212-15; and the legal and jurisdictional issues that affected the Charter's clauses on justice.