Chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland (2 of 6): England (11 of 12)edward the Third, Who Came to the Crowne by the Resignation of His Father Edward the Second
Chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland (2 of 6): England (11 of 12)edward the Third, Who Came to the Crowne by the Resignation of His Father Edward the Second
The Chronicles that gave Shakespeare his history plays. This is the raw material that became Richard II, Henry IV, and Henry V - the vast Tudor-era chronicle that shaped how we imagine medieval England. Raphael Holinshed and his collaborators compiled this monumental work in the 1570s, drawing on medieval sources to create a sweeping narrative of British history from the mythical ages through Elizabeth I's reign. This particular volume covers Edward III's early reign - a fourteen-year-old king dominated by his mother Queen Isabella and her lover Roger Mortimer, while discontented nobles plotted and towns rose against their abbots. Here is the world that made Shakespeare's kings: the texture of medieval governance, the raw machinery of succession, and the violent birth of the Hundred Years' War. For anyone who has ever wondered where the Bard found his material, here it is - the original chronicle that fired his imagination.
About Chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland (2 of 6): England (11 of 12)edward the Third, Who Came to the Crowne by the Resignation of His Father Edward the Second
Chapter Summaries
- 1327
- Edward III becomes king at age 14 after his father's abdication, with twelve lords appointed as governors. Queen Isabella and Roger Mortimer effectively control the government, leading to various conflicts and disturbances.
- 1328-1330
- Edward III marries Philippa of Hainault and begins asserting his authority. Roger Mortimer is arrested and executed for treason, while wars with Scotland continue with mixed results.
- 1337-1340
- Edward III claims the French throne and begins the Hundred Years' War. He forms alliances with Flemish cities and wins the naval Battle of Sluys, establishing English control of the Channel.
Key Themes
- Divine Right and Legitimacy
- The chronicle explores questions of rightful kingship through Edward III's claim to France, the deposition of Edward II, and various succession disputes. Divine favor is seen as validating legitimate rule.
- Chivalry and Honor
- The establishment of the Order of the Garter and the conduct of knights like the Black Prince exemplify medieval ideals of chivalric behavior, courtesy to enemies, and martial prowess.
- War and Peace
- The chronicle details the costs and consequences of warfare, from the devastation of the Black Death to the economic burden of military campaigns, while also showing war as a path to glory.
Characters
- Edward III(protagonist)
- King of England who came to the crown by his father's resignation. A powerful military leader who claimed the French throne and established the Order of the Garter.
- Edward the Black Prince(major)
- Edward III's eldest son and heir, a renowned military commander who won the Battle of Poitiers and captured the French king. Known for his chivalric conduct.
- John II of France(major)
- King of France captured at the Battle of Poitiers by the Black Prince. Held prisoner in England for several years before being ransomed.
- Queen Isabella(major)
- Edward III's mother, daughter of Philip le Beau of France. Initially ruled as regent with Roger Mortimer before being sidelined by her son.
- Roger Mortimer(antagonist)
- Earl of March who initially controlled England with Queen Isabella. Eventually executed by Edward III for treason and the murder of Edward II.
- Queen Philippa(major)
- Edward III's wife, daughter of William Earl of Hainault. Mother to several princes including the Black Prince and John of Gaunt.
