In recent years Edward II's reign has attracted the attention of a
number of scholars whose work has considerably modified the traditional
picture. As a result, there has been a move away from the emphasis on
constitutional and administrative theory and practice to a consideration
of the personalities involved, notably Edward himself and the earls of
Pembroke and Lancaster. Although medieval biography is difficult, such
an approach has been highly successful - the actions of individuals are
seen to be crucial in any analysis of events. However, since Kathleen
Edwards's pioneer article in the mid-1940s, the Church's contribution
has been largely neglected. In her view, after Archbishop Winchelsey's
death the bishops cut sorry figures indeed. The time has come for a more
sympathetic appraisal, in particular of the role played by Adam Orleton,
promoted successively bishop of Hereford, Worcester and Winchester by a
pope who paid no attention to the expostulations of the government at
home.