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Humphrey Newton (1466-1536): an early Tudor Gentleman

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Biography of Humphrey Newton offers a unique view of gentry life at the time.The public and political lives of the fifteenth- and early sixteenth-century gentry have been extensively studied, but c...
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  • 17 July 2008
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Biography of Humphrey Newton offers a unique view of gentry life at the time.

The public and political lives of the fifteenth- and early sixteenth-century gentry have been extensively studied, but comparatively little is known of their private lives and beliefs. Humphrey Newton of Pownall, Cheshire, offers a rare and fascinating opportunity to redress the balance, thanks to the fortunate survival of a commonplace book he compiled c.1498-1524. Drawing upon this unique manuscript, this interdisciplinary and multi-dimensional study of Newton explores his family life, landed estate, legal work, piety, and his literary skills [he composed nearly twenty courtly love lyrics]. It charts his social advancement and the self-fashioning of his gentle image, while placing him in the context of current discussions of gentry culture.

What makes Newton even more noteworthy is that he was among the unsung and little known stratum of English society historians have labelled the 'lesser' gentry. As such, this book provides the first comprehensive biography of an early Tudor gentleman.

Dr DEBORAH YOUNGS is lecturer in medieval history at Swansea University.
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Price: $130.00
Pages: 278
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Inc.
Imprint: Boydell Press
Publication Date: 17 July 2008
Trim Size: 9.21 X 6.14 in
ISBN: 9781843833956
Format: Hardcover
BISACs: BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Memoirs, Memoirs, BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Historical, HISTORY / Europe / Great Britain / General
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[A] significant contribution to gentry studies. [...] The point of Youngs's book is to contribute to the all too small pool of insights into the people and personalities at the heart of local society in early Tudor England, something she achieves with aplomb.
Introduction
The Newton Family
Humphrey and the Law
Land and Lordship
Beliefs
Lifestyle
Writer
Humphrey: the Man and his World
Bibliography
Index