This study investigates the independent prerogative which Mary I and Elizabeth I exercised through royal proclamations. These public documents were announced throughout England, informing men and arguing the Queen's positions, commanding local officials to perform specific actions, and on occasion creating new but temporary law that was designed to meet crisis situation when no delay could be tolerated. The theoretical relationship between this prerogative power and the existing statutory law has been the subject of much debate. This study adds an element previously neglected, the...