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Robin McCallum

Biographical Details

I attended Royal Belfast Academical Institution from 2001-2008. After leaving secondary school, I gained a place to study Modern History at Queens in September 2008. Upon completion of my Undergraduate degree, I opted to pursue my interest in medieval history further by studying for an MA in History (Medieval strand) at Queens in 2011. My MA Dissertation examined the Urban Revolts in monastic and seigneurial boroughs in England from 1327-1331. I am currently in the first year of my PhD.

 

Research Topic

My main research interest is in the relationship between English towns and the king during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. My PhD thesis examines the relationship between Bristol, Norwich and York with the king from 1272-1350. This period witnessed English wars with Scotland, Wales and France; the Black Death; the Great Famine and Murrain crisis of 1315-21; civil war; and the emergence of Parliament. My research is based on the themes of royal charters and privileges; the defence of the kingdom; the financial and commercial relationship; Parliamentary representation; and spectacle and pageantry. My PhD thesis will investigate the military and financial demands which the king placed on these towns during periods of domestic and foreign conflict. Towns were forced to lend the king money during the conflicts with France. Therefore, my thesis examines the individuals who leant money to the king and their role in local government. Royal charters were a key element in the crown-town relationship. I am researching the methods and personnel used by towns in negotiating for a charter from the king.

Aside from my PhD, I am currently editing my MA Dissertation and attempting to get it published in an academic journal.

Supervision:

Dr James Davis