Although history, legal history, and socio-legal studies significantly overlap in concerns, methods, values and history, and a common tradition, these commonalities are frequently overlooked. In seeking to promote greater dialogue between these disciplines, this article examines their complex interaction, arguing that the work of socio-legal scholars, historians, and legal historians would benefit from greater cross-fertilization. It focuses on the ‘legal turn’ in recent history writing on early modern England, particularly Christopher W. Brooks’s ground-breaking analysis of the nature and extent of legal consciousness throughout society, and the central role of law and legal institutions in the constitution of society. It then outlines some areas of common interest and, having highlighted the increasing convergence between history, legal history, and socio-legal studies, concludes that greater dialogue would enhance our understanding of the role of law in society, and of society, and would be of more than mere historical interest.