Dr. Jonathan Healey

Biography

Jonathan Healey is an Associate Professor specializing in social history at the University of Oxford. His research distinctly focuses on early modern England, particularly the intricacies of social policy and the operations of local governance as evidenced through historical legal frameworks. He has been actively involved in understanding the dynamics of the Star Chamber court and its influence on social policy formulation during periods of upheaval, such as the English Civil War. Healey's work delves into the political implications of the abolished Star Chamber in 1641, examining how the court manifested royal prerogative in governance. Additionally, his scholarly pursuits include an exploration of the historical context surrounding local courts and the enactment of poor laws amid food shortages and famine, contributing significantly to the understanding of agrarian policies and landholding practices of the time. He encourages postgraduate research students who share an interest in early modern social history.

Research Interests