Stephen Langton

"Stephen Langton" offers an authoritative examination of one of the most influential figures in medieval English history. Based on the Ford Lectures delivered at the University of Oxford in 1927, this scholarly work by Frederick Maurice Powicke delves into the life and career of the Archbishop of Canterbury who stood at the center of the monumental struggle between the English monarchy and the Papacy.

The text explores Langton's intellectual formation in the schools of Paris and his subsequent role in the political crises of the early thirteenth century. Powicke provides deep insights into Langton's involvement with the drafting and preservation of the Magna Carta, his complex relationship with King John, and his steadfast dedication to ecclesiastical reform. By situating Langton within the broader context of European scholasticism and canon law, the author illuminates the intersection of theology and statecraft in the Middle Ages.

This volume remains a definitive resource for students of British history and church history, offering a meticulous portrait of a statesman-prelate whose legacy shaped the foundations of English constitutional liberties. Through careful analysis of contemporary sources, Powicke revives the character of a man whose moral authority and legal mind helped define an era of profound institutional change.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.