Chronicles (1 of 6): The Historie of England (6 of 8): The Sixt Booke of the Historie of England
Chronicles (1 of 6): The Historie of England (6 of 8): The Sixt Booke of the Historie of England
History - British, History - Medieval/Middle Ages, History - Religious
Chronicles (1 of 6): The Historie of England (6 of 8) is a historical account by Raphael Holinshed, written in the late 16th century. This volume details the history of England from the Anglo-Saxon period (449-1066), focusing on key figures such as King Inas of the Westsaxons and significant events like battles and the influence of Christianity on the monarchy. Holinshed's work is notable for its comprehensive narrative and its impact on later literature, particularly as a source for William Shakespeare's plays.
About Chronicles (1 of 6): The Historie of England (6 of 8): The Sixt Booke of the Historie of England
Chapter Summaries
- 1
- Inas becomes king of the Westsaxons and the whole monarchy falls into their hands. He fights various battles, makes laws, and eventually renounces his kingdom to go to Rome as a pilgrim.
- 2
- Various kings of the Eastsaxons and Eastangles succeed each other. Offa becomes a monk, and there are discussions of bishops and religious reforms, including the controversial authorization of images.
- 3
- Cuthred becomes king of Westsaxons and faces troubles from Ethelbald of Mercia. After various battles and reconciliations, Cuthred dies and is succeeded by the cruel Sigibert.
Key Themes
- Divine Providence and Christian Kingship
- Throughout the chronicle, kings are portrayed as instruments of God's will, with their successes and failures often attributed to divine favor or displeasure. Christian conversion and devotion are presented as essential to legitimate rule.
- The Corruption of Power
- Many rulers fall into moral corruption, particularly through lust, murder, and betrayal. The chronicle shows how power can corrupt even initially virtuous leaders, with consequences for both ruler and realm.
- The Cycle of Violence and Revenge
- The narrative demonstrates how violence begets violence, with murders leading to revenge killings and rebellions. This cycle particularly affects royal succession and the stability of kingdoms.
Characters
- Inas (Ine)(major)
- King of the Westsaxons who brought the whole monarchy of the realm into their hands. A right excellent prince descended from ancient lineage, known for his valiant prowess and Christian devotion.
- Ethelburga(major)
- Queen and wife of King Inas, a noble woman who devised clever schemes to persuade her husband to renounce worldly power. She became a nun and abbess at Barking after Inas went to Rome.
- Offa of Mercia(major)
- King of Mercia of great stoutness and ambition, who achieved great victories but also committed cruel acts. He removed the archbishop's see from Canterbury to Lichfield and made his realm tributary to Rome.
- Alfred (Alured)(protagonist)
- King of the Westsaxons, renowned for his wisdom, learning, and resistance against the Danes. He was driven to hide in marshes but eventually triumphed and established laws and learning.
- Edward the Elder(major)
- Son of Alfred, king who expanded the realm by conquering the Danes and joining the kingdoms of Eastangles and Mercia to his dominion. More focused on princely power than learning.
- Elfleda(major)
- Sister of Edward the Elder, a martial lady who governed Mercia with great wisdom. She built and repaired many towns and castles, and was known as the supporter of her countrymen and terror of enemies.
