Dr Jonathan Healey
Associate Professor in Social History
Kellogg College
Research Interests
My current research is on the court of Star Chamber, social policy, and popular legalism and politics. Abolished in the revolutionary year of 1641, the Star Chamber was an expression of the royal prerogative, and my current work considers the role played by the court and by the Attorney-General in formulating social and agrarian policy.
I have written about the poor laws, famine and food shortages, local courts, the history of common land and landholding, local festive culture and the role of constables in the maintenance of order.
Publications
The Blood in Winter: A Nation Descends, 1642
After years of tension between a king and his people, in 1641 England reaches a semblance of peace. Armies have disbanded, legislation has passed to ensure Parliament will continue to sit, and the people are tentatively optimistic. Radical politicians congratulate themselves on a stunning political victory. Royal servants are coming to accept an altered future.
Then comes winter. With it, chaos, protests, political deadlock, and eventually a remarkable attempt by King Charles I to destroy his opponents. On 4 January 1642 Charles marches on the small riverside city of Westminster at the head of an army, seeking to arrest five Members of Parliament. In doing so, he sets in motion a series of events that will lead to bloodshed and war, changing a nation forever.