Naval Administration and the Raising of Fleets under John and Henry III

Abstract

The article examines naval administration in the century leading up to the establishment of the post of Admiral by Edward I in 1298. The creation by King John of the Assize of Winchester, a revenue collecting mechanism which resulted in a degree of central rather than local control of shipping, is seen as a precursor of the naval administration system which emerged later. During the long reign of Henry III there were episodes of reversion to raising fleets through local bailiffs and sheriffs before the more clearly defined central authority was established under Edward I.

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Filed under: Atlantic | Late Middle Ages | English Channel
Subjects include: Administration | Logistics