Henry and Hubert De Burgh 1227–1231

This chapter examines the relationship between Henry III and Hubert de Burgh. In January of 1227, with the lifting of the last restrictions on his power, the whole nature of Henry's kingship changed. With his authority enhanced, he might lead the campaign to recover his continental empire. Within England, he could reverse the damaging inroads made since 1225 into the royal forests. There was also money to be made from those seeking confirmation of old charters and fresh concessions in new ones. All this took place within a framework set by the justiciar, Hubert de Burgh. Such was his dominance that unpopular policies were often blamed on the minister not the monarch. With the king's emancipation in 1227, Hubert had another ambition, one, beyond a certain point, less commendable. It was to direct the flow of Henry's patronage towards himself.