Dr Jonathan Healey

I am a social historian of early modern England. I direct the MSc in English Local History and the Undergraduate Diploma in Social and Local history. I am keen to hear from postgraduate research students interested in early modern social history and the history of the English Civil War and Revolution.

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.