King and Country - England and Wales in the 15th Century

This selection of essays and papers, published variously in Wales, England, France and North America between 1964 and 1990, deals with the fifteenth century. It explores themes in the history of England, Wales and, to some extent, the dominions of the English crown beyond. Such a triple perspective can be instructive for the historian of England as well as for historians of Wales and of the king's lands overseas. Crown, court and capital were the fulcrum of political, administrative and social developments throughout the English realm and its associated dominions, as is illustrated here by the experience of Yorkshire and the north, and the principality and marches of Wales.

In 1453 the last emperor of Byzantium, Constantine XII, died fighting on the ramparts, bringing to a romantic end the glorious history of this legendary empire.

Byzantium survived for 800 years, yet its dominions and power fluctuated dramatically during that time.