At the Apex of the Aristocracy

Abstract

This chapter takes the lax kingship of Stephen as an opportunity to observe the expansive nature of Anglo-Norman aristocratic lordship. Ranulf II, earl of Chester is chosen for special study. We examine the motives behind aristocratic competition and violence, relations with lesser lords and with lords of equal degree, and dispute settlement by means of conventiones. We also look at the concept of signoria as a means of understanding lordship in England, taking Coventry as an example. This is followed by a consideration of the fortunes of the Chester lordship during the resurgent kingship of the Angevins. I return here to the concept of Königsnähe. The chapter concludes with an overall assessment of the nature of the Chester lordship. Although the focus is on the policies of members of the high aristocracy, their actions reveal much of the outlook and behaviour of the aristocracy in general and of the conditions under which they lived.