ABSTRACT
Before the various experiments by which the baronial opposition sought to overcome the strength of the household system are examined, a description of the way in which certain prominent royal supporters assumed an unofficial yet decisive part in the administration must be given. For a description of the household system in action is complementary to the previous study which has been made of that system and its influence. The description will illustrate the sources of strength and weakness and show the household system acting upon the administration. The study of the household system in action supplies a fitting conclusion to the study of the administrative and household machinery, and a suitable preparation to the study of the practical problems which confronted the baronial opposition and the measures with which they endeavoured to face those problems.
