Skip to Main Content

The Government of Scotland 1560-1625

Online ISBN:
9780191714160
Print ISBN:
9780199243549
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Book

The Government of Scotland 1560-1625

Julian Goodare
Julian Goodare
Lecturer in Scottish History, School of History and Classics, University of Edinburgh
Find on
Published online:
1 January 2010
Published in print:
14 October 2004
Online ISBN:
9780191714160
Print ISBN:
9780199243549
Publisher:
Oxford University Press

Abstract

This book shows how Scotland was governed during the transition from Europe's decentralised medieval realms to modern sovereign states. The expanding institutions of government — crown, parliament, privy council, local courts — are detailed, but the book is structured around an analysis of governmental processes. A new framework is offered for understanding the concept of ‘centre and localities’: centralisation happened in the localities. Various interest groups participated in government and influenced its decisions. The nobility, in particular, exercised influence at every level. There was also English influence, both before and after the union of crowns in 1603. The book argues that the crown's continuing involvement after 1603 shows the common idea of ‘absentee monarchy’ to be misconceived. Particular attention is also paid to the harsh impact of government in the Highlands — where the chiefs were not full members of Scottish political society — and to the common people who were also excluded from normal political participation.

Contents
Close
This Feature Is Available To Subscribers Only

Sign In or Create an Account

Close

This PDF is available to Subscribers Only

View Article Abstract & Purchase Options

For full access to this pdf, sign in to an existing account, or purchase an annual subscription.

Close