This episode explores how six medieval kings helped shape the English state. From John and the Magna Carta to Edward III’s reforms and Richard II’s downfall. Professor Caroline Burt & Professor Richard Partington explain how war, taxation, common law, Parliament, and the struggle for lawful rule turned kingship from a personal power into something more accountable and institutional. We unpack what made a “good” ruler during this period, why charisma and temperament mattered, and how Christianity and European politics influenced governance.

Arise, England: Six Kings and the Making of the English State:

University of Cambridge Publications: https://www.hist.cam.ac.uk/publication/arise-england-six-kings-and-making-english-state

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arise-England-Kings-Making-English/dp/0571311989

Professor Caroline Burt:

https://www.hist.cam.ac.uk/people/dr-caroline-burt

Professor Richard Partington:

https://www.joh.cam.ac.uk/research/academics/fellows/richard-partington

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:45 Early ‘English’ Governance

05:57 Synopsis of English Kings (1199 to 1399)

16:43 What Constitutes a Good King?