The Web of Honour

Soldiers, Christians, and Gentlemen in the English Civil War

Dados Bibliográficos

ID8958351
AutoresBarbara Donagan (The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, autor correspondente)
Ano2001
Volume44
Fascículo2
Páginas365-389
Data de publicação2001-06-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoThe Historical Journal (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0018-246X • E-ISSN: 1469-5103
EditoraCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s0018246x01001807
PMID18942223
OpenAlexW1983683748
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas12

Contrary to stereotypes that represent it primarily as an expression of machismo or romantic chivalry, military honour in early modern England was professional, moral, utilitarian, and a force for social stability. It was pragmatic as well as idealistic. It shared attributes of civilian honour but also comprehended rules and obligations specific to soldiers. Professional honour required that the soldier should know and observe the codes and practices of his métier. To do so satisfied his internal sense of personal integrity and brought external reputation. Honour also had a broader social value. Mutuality and utility marked its operation in the English civil war. This mutuality safeguarded practices both sides found useful, such as prisoner exchanges, for the honour of each side was engaged in observance of the relevant rules. The survival of a bipartisan soldiers' honour ameliorated relations between enemies. It helped to prevent irrevocable social divisions, to sustain social order, and to enable previously warring Englishmen to live together with tolerable equanimity

Ancient history · Chivalry · Honour · Political science · Reputation · Sociology · Spanish Civil War · Value (mathematics · Historical Economic and Social Studies · Historical Studies of British Isles · History · Irish and British Studies · Law