Halls of Power: Changing Political and Administrative Culture at the Palace of Westminster in the Sixteenth Century

A significant shift in political and administrative culture occurred at the Palace of Westminster during the sixteenth century, transforming it from a primary royal residence into the exclusive domain of law-courts, Parliament, and state offices. This transition, marked by the English monarch's increasing absence, led to the repurposing of spaces like the Exchequer to accommodate growing financial demands and public interactions with the Crown. The study reveals how this change fostered distinct relationships between the Crown and the public, granting institutions within the palace greater legitimacy through their representation of the realm's community. The research employs a detailed examination of administrative practices and historical records to illuminate these evolving dynamics.

Biggs, E. (2024). Halls of Power: Changing Political and Administrative Culture at the Palace of Westminster in the Sixteenth Century. Journal of British Studies, 63(2), 390–410. https://doi.org/10.1017/jbr.2023.112