Michael Brown

Michael Brown is Professor of Scottish History at the University of St Andrews' School of History. He holds an MA and PhD from St Andrews and is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and Scottish History Society. His research examines political society in medieval Scotland (c.1250-1500) and relationships across the British Isles, with particular focus on royal/aristocratic lordship ideologies.

Research explores how power structures operated through warfare, legal frameworks, and cultural institutions. Key themes include:

• Evolution of treason concepts in state formation
• Chivalric culture's political role
• Monastic centers as hubs of lordship
• Insular diplomatic networks

Recent publications demonstrate sustained focus on how crises (wars, succession disputes) reshaped Scottish political identity. His scholarship combines meticulous archival analysis with innovative reinterpretations of key texts like Barbour's Bruce.

Honors include the Saltire Society's Agnes Mure Mackenzie Prize and Royal Historical Society's David Berry Prize. He currently supervises PhD candidates researching medieval aristocratic networks and legal culture.