Dr Adele (Del) Sykes
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dralrs.bsky.social
Dr Adele (Del) Sykes
@dralrs.bsky.social
250 followers 180 following 18 posts
Medievalist. Talks a lot (& occasionally writes) about urban social politics & documentary culture. Does stuff with Historic Towns Trust, English Heritage & Institute of Historical Research. Labrador-mum. Whacky-witch-granny. Gin-lover. On the run from Tw…
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Reposted by Dr Adele (Del) Sykes
thelondonjournal.bsky.social
First up is 'The Politics of Wardship: A New Perspective on Societal Dissatisfaction and Civic Unrest in Late Fourteenth-Century London', by @dralrs.bsky.social: www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Abstract This article uses socio-political research on wardship practices in late fourteenth-century London to provide a fresh perspective on the broader political turmoil of the period. By examining the social politics of key civic figures like John Pecche, a draper and alderman who exploited guardianship for personal gain, the article reveals a clearer picture of societal dissatisfaction. Pecche’s exploited ward, John Costantyn, later aligned with John Northampton, a reformist politician who advocated for transparency and ethical governance. Costantyn’s resentment toward his manipulated guardianship, alongside Northampton’s moral campaign, added fuel to a wave of civic unrest, ultimately leading to Costantyn’s execution. Through these interconnected lives, this article presents the role of civic guardianship as a catalyst in reshaping accountability and transparency, and examines how personal ambition, social responsibility, and political reform converged, ultimately transforming urban governance and the expectations of civic leaders in late medieval London.
November 28, 2025 at 6:03 PM
dralrs.bsky.social
Congratulations!
March 22, 2025 at 11:54 AM
dralrs.bsky.social
Yes please. I am just about to publish an essay with you on 14th century social politics (and opportunistic aldermen).
December 18, 2024 at 10:02 AM