'This is a splendidly fresh and clear account of the main political events in England between the Norman Conquest and King John's Magna Carta.' Michael Clanchy FBA, Emeritus Professor of Medieval History at the Institute of Historical Research, University of London 'Lucid and perceptive, striking an effective balance between primary andsecondary authorities, Huscroft's book is both a significant statementin its own right and an ideal introduction to other work in the field.' Professor David Carpenter, Kings College London 'Ruling England' is about the exercise of political power in England at a time of formative change in the country's history. Framed at one end by the Norman Conquest and at another by Magna Carta, it describes what happened, why and with what consequences in politics, government, law and the church. It analyses developments from a royal perspective and focuses on the policies and priorities of the English kings, the limitations of the political system within which they operated, and the efforts they made to expand their power. It explains how the ruler of the most sophisticated kingdom in twelfth century Europe was eventually compelled to submit to the humiliation