The mechanics of medieval state formation: Observations from Wales

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the mechanics of the medieval state‐making process, and specifically the ways in which the inhabitants of medieval society came to terms with the territorialisation of power. It seeks to use Bourdieu's notion of habitus to conceive of a process of state formation that was essentially gradual in nature, one which was characterised by distinct themes of institutional continuity between the pre‐state and state political landscape. In essence, the state‐making process portrayed in the paper is one which is dialectical in nature, as state institutions are developed through a process of mutual mediation between societal leaders and their subjects.