Tudor Cornwall is the first major work on the subject to be published since the late A.L. Rowse's pioneering book of 1941. It covers all aspects of life in the country and examines the popular theory of Cornish distinctiveness, which it finds to be largely without foundation.
It contains illustrations of manuscripts which are the tools of the historian's trade and photographs of Tudor houses. Much use has been made of records of law cases, which are a rich source of information about the behaviour of people of all classes. The manuscripts of the College of Arms have been invaluable in establishing the social structure of the elite, while the taxation rolls have provided details of nearly everyone's wealth.
Contemporary diaries and letters allow the lifestyles of both country gentlemen and of courtiers to be described. The references to some 800 named men and women from around 400 families will help readers who are researching their Cornish ancestry.
Contents:
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
Conventions Used in the Text
Preface
1. Tudor Cornwall
- Introduction
- Contemporary Historical Sources
- The Theory of Cornish Distinctiveness
2. Social Structure
- Family Origins
- The Gentry
- Social Mobility
- Naming Customs
3. Education and Wardship
- Education
- Wardship
4. Kinship, Marriage and Careers for Women
- Kinship
- Marriage
- Careers for Women
5. Character, Behaviour and Recreations
- Character
- Behaviour
- Recreation
6. Wealth, Incomes and Inflation
- Wealth - Incomes
- Inflation
7. Local Government and Justices of the Peace
- Local Government
- Justices of the Peace
8. Sheriffs and Other Officials
- Lords Lieutenant
- Deputy Lieutenants
- Vice Admirals
- Other Officials
- Leading Families in Local Government
9. Rebellion and War
- Rebellion
- War
10. Religion
- Attitudes Towards Religion
- Catholics
- Puritans
- Gentry Clerics
- Penalties for Dissent
- Financial Factors
11. The Court and the House of Commons
- The Court
- The House of Commons
12. Litigation at the Westminster Courts
- Cornish Litigiousness
- Forgery
- Litigants’ Ability to Pursue Cases
- The Litigation of William Kendall
- The Attorney-General v. Robert Arundell and a Jury
- Tristram Winslade v. Reginald Mohun and Others
Epilogue
Some Contemporary Documents
Notes and References
Bibliography
Index of Personal Names
