Medieval King- Powerful or Pitiful

[Tolkien R.R.J]

A common misconception is that medieval kings were dictators wielding absolute power over their subjects. In reality, their authority was far less than that of modern presidents or governors. My latest article explores the extent of a medieval king's restricted power and highlights how weak and powerless they often were.

The Medieval King: Powerful or Pitiful?

Article by: Jeb Smith

bibliotecanatalie.com

 

[jacks]

I wonder if Ann Boleyn and Catherine Howard, were truly treasonous, or whether Henry just got his way. My point being Kings probably played the system very well and in doing so were very powerful.

 

[Tolkien R.R.J]

I wonder if Ann Boleyn and Catherine Howard, were truly treasonous, or whether Henry just got his way. My point being Kings probably played the system very well and in doing so were very powerful.

You will notice they all fall outside of kingship (700-1300 ad and Anglo-Saxon England) and ruled after Monarchs were instituted.

How did Medieval European Kings Differ from later Monarchs and Roman Emperors?​

How did Medieval European Kings Differ from later Monarchs and Roman Emperors? — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history

 

[Richard T]

Seems like a good article for Kings of a certain time period. Samuel told the Israelites what they could expect from a king. The whole idea of a magna carta in England too was to limit the kings authority. So like all forms of government, kings and rulers do have some limits, but this greatly varies.
In general a fortunate President and likely a decent one does little that negatively effects your personal life. On some occasions a President may have a policy that helps. But unless there is a war or something really negative the President is not too consequential. A pastor or close friend and family are generally far more important.

 

[Tolkien R.R.J]

Seems like a good article for Kings of a certain time period. Samuel told the Israelites what they could expect from a king. The whole idea of a magna carta in England too was to limit the kings authority. So like all forms of government, kings and rulers do have some limits, but this greatly varies.
In general a fortunate President and likely a decent one does little that negatively effects your personal life. On some occasions a President may have a policy that helps. But unless there is a war or something really negative the President is not too consequential. A pastor or close friend and family are generally far more important.

Samuel warned the Israelites about a monarch, not a king. I would love to have your thoughts on my article that argues Magna Carta etc were not advances on liberty but signs of its decay. The opposite of what we were thought. Kings were limited far more than politicians are!

Medieval History – Representation and Written Constitutions: The Origins of Freedom?

Representation and Written Constitutions question if historical governance reforms truly offered freedom or manipulated power under a guise of representation.

historymedieval.com