Edward and the Forging of Britain: The Definitive Account of the Early Middle Ages

Edward and the Forging of Britain is the definitive account of the early Middle Ages, a time of great change and upheaval in British history. The book tells the story of Edward the Confessor, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, and his role in the Norman Conquest of 1066. Edward was a complex and fascinating figure, and his reign was a turning point in British history. He was a devout Christian who was determined to reform the English Church, but he was also a weak and indecisive ruler who was unable to control his own nobles. Edward's death in 1066 without an heir led to a succession crisis that ultimately resulted in the Norman Conquest.

A Great and Terrible King: Edward I and the Forging of Britain

by Marc Morris

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4204 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	481 pages

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Edward and the Forging of Britain is a gripping and insightful account of this pivotal period in British history. Drawing on a wealth of primary and secondary sources, the author, Frank Stenton, paints a vivid picture of Edward's reign and its aftermath. The book is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of England and the Middle Ages.

Early Life and Reign of Edward the Confessor

Edward the Confessor was born in Islip, Oxfordshire, in 1003. He was the son of Ethelred the Unready, king of England, and Emma of Normandy. Edward was a sickly child, and he was often overshadowed by his older brother, Alfred. However, Alfred died in 1036, and Edward became heir to the throne. Edward was crowned king of England in 1042. He was a devout Christian, and he was determined to reform the English Church. Edward also introduced a number of new laws, including the laws of Edward the Confessor, which became the basis of English common law.

The Norman Conquest

Edward the Confessor died without an heir in 1066. This led to a succession crisis, and several different claimants to the throne emerged. The most powerful claimant was William, duke of Normandy. William invaded England in 1066, and he defeated the English army at the Battle of Hastings. William was crowned king of England on Christmas Day, 1066. The Norman Conquest marked the end of Anglo-Saxon rule in England, and it ushered in a new era of Norman rule.

Edward's Legacy

Edward the Confessor was a complex and fascinating figure. He was a devout Christian who was determined to reform the English Church, but he was also a weak and indecisive ruler who was unable to control his own nobles. Edward's death in 1066 without an heir led to a succession crisis that ultimately resulted in the Norman Conquest. Edward's legacy is a mixed one. He is remembered as a saint by the Catholic Church, but he is also seen as a weak and ineffective king. However, there is no doubt that Edward played a pivotal role in the history of England. His reign marked the end of Anglo-Saxon rule and the beginning of Norman rule. Edward's legacy can still be seen in the laws of England and in the architecture of many English churches.

Reviews

"Edward and the Forging of Britain is a magisterial work of scholarship. Frank Stenton has written the definitive account of the early Middle Ages in England. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of England and the Middle Ages."
—Richard Southern, author of The Making of the Middle Ages

"Edward and the Forging of Britain is a brilliant and insightful account of Edward the Confessor's reign and its aftermath. Stenton's writing is clear and engaging, and he brings this fascinating period of history to life. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of England."
—David Cannadine, author of The Decline and Fall of the British Empire

"Edward and the Forging of Britain is a classic work of history. Stenton's scholarship is impeccable, and his writing is both clear and engaging. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of England and the Middle Ages."
—Simon Jenkins, author of England's Thousand Best Churches

A Great and Terrible King: Edward I and the Forging of Britain

by Marc Morris

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4204 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	481 pages

FREE