It was a time of transition, and the temper of the Justiciar was eminently transitional.

Bred in the school of Henry the Second, Hubert had little sympathy with national freedom, and though resolute to maintain the Charter he can have had small love for it; his conception of good government, like that of his master, lay in a wise personal administration, in the preservation of order and law.

But he combined with this a thoroughly English desire for national independence, a hatred of foreigners, and a reluctance to waste English blood and treasure in Continental struggles.

Able as he proved himself, his task was one of no common difficulty.

He was hampered by the constant interference of Rome.