Lingard's history of England abridged: with a continuation, from 1688 to 1854.

Front matter

Class _ J j f \ 3 2,

Book. . L l H

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Preface

Dr. Ltngakd's History of England is so well known, and its reputation so universally established, that it is deemed unnecessary to enter into any lengthened commentary on its merits.

For more than a quarter of a century, this work has been before the public ; it has passed through the fiery ordeal of hostile criticism, yet not a single statement, penned by its author, has been proved to be erroneous. The ease and classical purity of its style has ever been admired ; but in all the higher and more essential qualifications of history, in full and impartial details, in clear and methodical arrangement, in deep and patient research, it stands without a rival.

No writer ever labored with greater assiduity than Dr. Lingard to dispel the prejudices of his countrymen, and to diffuse the light of truth over the annals of his country. Hume may please, and Macaulay may fascinate, but if we seek to gain a correct view of those events which lie far back in the dim vista of English history ; if we desire to be fully instructed in the rise, progress, and development of those institutions which form the basis of the British empire, or seek to gather reliable information in relation to the religious institutions of the country in former ages, we must turn to the truthful pages of Lingard.

Previously to the appearance of his great work, the people of England were comparatively strangers to the true history of their own country. The public mind had been perverted by the fictions of former writers ; it had drunk deeply at the polluted fountains of historical knowledge ; but it remained for Dr. Lingard to expose the errors of previous historians, to destroy their theories, and to dissipate the prejudice of ages.

Not only was Lingard a truthful historian himself, but he pointed out to others the duties of a historian, as the reader may learn from the following extract given in his own emphatic language :

" Admit no statement merely upon trust, but weigh with care the value of the authorities on which you rely, and watch with jealousy the secret workings of your own personal feelings and prepossessions. Such vigilance is a matter of necessity to every writer of history, if he aspire to the praise of truthfulness and impartiality. He must withdraw himself aloof from the scenes which he describes, and view with the coolness of an unconcerned spectator the events which pass before his eyes,

4 PREFACE.

holding with a steady hand the balance between contending parties, and allotting to the more prominent characters that measure of praise or dispraise which he conscientiously believes to be their due. Otherwise, he will be continually tempted to make an unfair use of the privilege of the historian ; he will sacrifice the interests of truth to the interests of party, national, religious, or political. His narrative may still be brilliant, attractive, picturesque ; but the pictures which he paints will derive their coloring from the jaundiced eye of the artist himself, and will, therefore, bear no very faithful resemblance to the realities of life and fact."

The work, however, in its original form, is too voluminous for general circulation, and thus limited in the sphere of its usefulness. A compendious edition has been frequently called for ; at length the desideratum has been supplied. The following Abridgment, which has been carefully prepared from the latest edition of the larger work, published under the supervision of its distinguished author, will be found to contain all the important and most interesting portions of the original, while its price will place it within the reach of all classes in the community. It embodies the spirit, and retains the language of the original, except when the change of a word was found necessary for a proper connection of the different parts.

The Continuation has been compiled by an author long and favorably known to literature. It passes over a period fraught with events of the deepest interest, and faithfully and impartially records the most important transactions.

The Sketch of the British Constitution, the Abstract of Geography of England in Saxon times, the List of Eminent Natives, and the Marginal Notes, will add much to the interest of the work, and will be found useful to the reader by way of reference.

Baltimore, January 1, 1855.

To the above the author of the Appendix has nothing further to add, except to say that he has endeavored to execute his own task with an impartiality in keeping with the general character of the work. J. S. S.

Georgetown, D. C, March 25, 1873.

Contents

Sketoh of the Constitution of the British Empire page 15

Distinguished Natives of Great Britain and Ireland 19

Geography of England under the Saxona... 21

CHAPTER I.— Roman Britain

Caesar twice invades Britain — The British Tribes — Their Manners — Religion — Government — Gradual Conquest of Britain by the Romans — Its state under the Emperors — Conversion of the Natives to Christianity — The Romans abandon the Island : A. C. 55 to A. D. 449.

Principal Events: Coesar invades Britain and returns to Gaul page 25

Cxsar invades Britain a second time 26

Manners and Customs of the Ancient Britons 26

The Tin Mines, or Tin Islands 27

Keligion of the Natives : their Mode of Worship 28

Boadicea : her heroic conduct 32

Exertions of Agricola in Britain 32

Invasion of the Caledonians: the vallum of

Antoninus 33

The Emperor Servetus visits Britain 33

The Franks and Saxons 33

Constantius opposes the Usurpation of Al-

lectus 34

Christianity introduced into Britain 34

What we may believe concerning the Introduction of Christianity 35

Edicts published in Britain against Christianity by Dioclesian, &e 36

Constantine becomes head of Roman Empire 37

Hengist and Horsa aid the Britons 38

Druids; their Power 29

The Bards; their Employment 29

The Form of Government 29

Conduct of Augustus and Tiberius 30

Foolish Conduct of Caligula .* 30

Britain again Invaded; Caractacus defeated and led captive to Rome 30

The Isle of Anglesey invaded : the Druids

destroyed 31

CHAPTER II.— Anglo-Saxons

Ihe Saxons found eight distinct Kingdoms — The Natives retire to the Western Coast — The reigns of the Saxon Bretwaldas, and of other Saxon Kings, down to Alfred — Account of the writers Bede and Alcuin — Foundation of the English Monarchy under Egbert. A. D. 449 to 871.

Principal Events; Rupture between the British Kings and the Saxon Chieftains :

Battle at Aylesford 39

Cerdic extends the Saxon power 39

Eight Saxon Kingdoms formed : the Bretwalda 40

Pope Gregory sends Augustine to convert

the Saxons 40

Laws of Ethelbert 41

Bede and Alcuin : their Literary Productions 42

Egbert unites the Saxon Kingdoms into one 42

CHAPTER III.— Alfred the Great

His Birth — Education — Accession to the Throne — His Contests with the Danes- — His Reverses — His Success — His Victories — His Labors in favor of Literature— His Death. A. D. 849 to 901.

Principal Events: Alfred born at Wantage 43

His early Education limited 44

Alfred is' called to the Throne : the Danes 44

Alfred secludes himself in Somersetshire... 45 He defeats the Danes : builds Castles and

Fortifies the Coast 46

His success over the Danes by sea 47

Alfred remedies the evils that had followed tho Invasion of the Danes < 48

His Severity against Corrupt Judges 48

His Efforts to Revive Literature 4i>

He Translates several Works: Arrangement of his Time 50

Hastings Invades Kent : is Defeated 51

His Death 51

CHAPTER IV.— Anglo-Saxons Continued

Edward — Athelstan — Edmund — Edred — Edwy — Edward the Martyr — Ethelred— Edmund Ironsides. A. D. 901 to 1016.

Principal Events; Edward enters Marcia, and takes Elfwina prisoner

Athelstan called the first Monarch of England

Edmund— Edred— Edwy

Edgar recalls Dunstan 54

The Story of Elfrida— Edward Martyr 55

Ethelred : fie orders a Massacre of the

Danes 5fi

1*

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER V.— The Danes

Canute — Harold Harefoot — Hardicanute. A. D. 1016 to 1042

Principal Events: Canute labors to win the affection of the English page

Harold Harefoot— Hardicanute acknowledged King 58

CHAPTER VI.— Saxon Line Restored

Edward the Confessor— Harold the Second. A. D. 1042 to 1066.

Principal Events : Edward the Confessor called to the Throne : he marries

Editha, 59

Remarkable Death of Godwin 60

Character of Edward 61

Harold the Second proclaimed King 62

Harold's army before the battle of Hastings 63

William's Army 64

Battle of Hastings 64

Bravery of William and Harold — Death

of Harold 65

Number of the Slain 66

CHAPTER VII. — Manners and Customs of the Anglo-Saxons. Principal Events : Saxon Institutions 67

Feudal System introduced into England.... 67

Distinctions of Rank — Thanes and Reeves 68 Proceedings before Anglo-Saxon Tribunals

— Criminal Prosecutions 69

Purgation by Oath — Ordeals by Water and

Fire 70

Crimes of Homicide and Theft : their Punishment 71

Slavery— Population of Cities 72

The Shire-reeve— the Wic-reeve : his Duty 73

CHAPTER VIII.— William the First

William is crowned — Goes to Normandy — Returns to England — Subjects and oppresses the Natives — Insurrection of the Normans — Rebellion of Robert, his son — His War with France — His Death and Character. A. D. 1066 to 1087.

Robert declares War againsthis Father 77

William's Death and Character 78

His respect for Religious Institutions 79

Principal Events: William begins his reign 74

Massacre of the People on the day of his Coronation 75

William suppresses the Revolt in Normandy 76

CHAPTER IX.— The Feudal System

Military Tenant — His Duty — The nature of his Fees — Fees of Inheritance — The grievance of Fees — The restrictions when the heirs were Females—- Sources of the King's Revenue.

Two grievances attended the descent of

80 Fees 83

81 Restriction when the Heirs were Females 84

82 The King's Revenue : Domesday Book 85

Principal Events: The Oath and Duty

of Military Tenant

His Duty in time of War ; nature of his Fees The Heir required to pay heriot and relief..

CHAPTER X.— William the Second

William succeeds — His Wars with his Brother — He invades Scotland — He persecutes Archbishop Anselm — His Death and Character. A. D. 1087 to 1100.

William hastens to

Principal Events

England 86

Odo forms a party in favor of Robert 87

Robert solicits the aid of France 87

The Crusades— William's Wars in Scotland Anselm made Archbishop of Canterbury ...

William is Killed by an Arrow : his Character

CHAPTER XL— Henry the First.

Accession of Henry — England invaded by Robert — Henry invades Normandy —Takes Robert prisoner. A. D. 1100 to 1135.

Principal Events : Coronation of Henry 91

Henry marries Matilda, daughter of Malcolm 92

Robert invades England: Henry meets him

in conference 93

Robert made prisoner by his brother 93

Dispute concerning the Right of Investiture 94

The Dispute finally settled. 95

An end put to the hostilities 96

The Shipwreck and Loss of his Children.... 97

The news conveyed to Henry 98

The marriage between William and Sibilla

opposed bv Henry 98

The Earl of Flanders assassinated in Church 99

Henry marries Adelais 99

Battle of Alost, and Death of William of

Flanders 101

Death of Robert, Duke of Normandy 101

Henry's Death and Character 102

His cruelty towards Berre, the poet, and

others 103

The Earl of Mellent : the King's distrust

of the Natives 105

His Wealth — Literature — Lanfranc and

Anselm 106

The First Schools: Ancient Seminaries:

Professors 107

Joffrid establishes a School at Cambridge... 108 Origin of Romance - 109

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XII.— Stephen

Accession of Stephen — Invasion of the Scots — Battle of the Standard — Matilda lands in England — Stephen is taken prisoner, and released — Matilda leaves the kingdom — Henry asserts the claim of his Mother — Death of Stephen. A. D. 1135 to 1154.

Principal Events: Stephen seizes the

Crown page HO

He lands in England: is crowned Ill

King of Scotland invades England 112

Energy of Thurstan 112

Battle of the "Standard" 113

David concludes peace 114

Standard of Matilda unfurled : Stephen

taken prisoner 114

Arrogant conduct of Matilda 115

Stephen lays siege to Oxford : the flight of

Matilda 11(5

Henry, son of Matilda, lands in England... 117 Stephen appoints Henry his successor: he dies ip

CHAPTER XIIL— Henry the Second.

Accession of Henry II. — The rise of Thomas a Becket — War in Wales — Dispute between Henry and the Primate — The Assassination of the Archbishop — Conquest of Ireland — Rebellion of the King's Sons — His Death and Character. A. D. 1154 to 1189.

Principal Events : Henry lands in Eng- I Henry, on hearing of the Primate's death... 131

laud: is crowned at Westminster 119 Ireland: St. Patrick: Irish Literature 132

Nicholas Breakspeare 120 Manners and Customs of the Natives 133

Thomas a Becket: account of his earlylife 120 The Clergy of Ireland 134

He is appointed Archbishop of Canterbury 121 Reasons to justify the Invasions 135

Ecclesiastical Courts : Council at Clarendon 123 , Pontiff assents to" the King's request 135

The principal Articles of the Constitution Dermot: O'Ruarc 135

of Clarendon 123 Landing of Fitz-Stephen: Henry's conduct 138

Becket repents of his conduct 124 ! Conduct of the Irish Bishops 137

Henry determines on the ruin of the Bishop 125 | Henry has recourse to Pope Adrian's letter 138

The Archbishop retires to France : visits the Pope 125

Henry becomes reconciled to the Archbishop 127

Four Knights resolve to murder the Primate 127

The fortitude displayed by the Archbishop 128

His heroic conduct : his assassination 130

The quarrels in Henry's family 139

Henry makes a pilgrimage to the tomb of

Becket 140

Treaty between Henry and his Sons 141

The Throne of Jerusalem : the fall of the

city 142

Sickness and Death of Henry 143

His Character 144

CHAPTER XIV.— Richard the First

The succession of Richard — Massacre of the Jews — Crusade — Conquest of the Island of Cyprus — His Exploits in Palestine — His return and Captivity — Troubles in England — The King is ransomed — His Death. A. D. 1189 to 1199.

Principal Events: Richard prepares for

the Crusades 146

Richard and Philip: the siege of Acre 147

Acre surrenders : the massacre of the hostages 148

The object of the Crusaders 149

Richard falls into the hands of the Emperor

of Germany 150

Richard is wounded : his Death and Character 151

CHAPTER XV.— John

The Accession of John — Captivity and Death of his Nephew — Dispute with Pope Innocent — Interdict — The King's submission — Magna Charta — Civil War— The offer of the Crown to Louis— The Death of John. A. D. 1199 to 1216.

Principal Events: Hostilities between The interdict revoked : the battle at Bon- France and England 154 vines 158

Arthur taken prisoner, and supposed to Magna Charta obtained: the articles of

have been assassinated 155 this Charter 160

The Kingdom placed under an interdict..., 156 The Charter annulled by the Pontiff. 161

The French King invades Flandors 157 War between John and his Barons 161

The Death of John: his Character 164

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XVI.— Henry the Third

Coronation of Henry — Departure of Louis — War with France — Controversy between Henry and his Barons — Battle of Lewis — Victory at Eros ham — Death of the King. A. D. 1216 to 1272.

Principal Events: Henry is crowned, .page 166 I Prince Edward escapes: Battle of Eve- He assembles a great Council 168 sham: Death of Leicester 175

Henry invades France: Christian hierarchy 169 Infirmities and Death of Henry 176

He marries Eleanor: the "mad Parliament" 170 His Character 177

Civil War: Battle of Lewis: the King '

taken prisoner 173

CHAPTER XVII.— Edward the First

Edward returns from Palestine — Conquers Wales — Hostilities with Scotland — ■ William Wallace — Conquers Scotland — Royal Exactions — Opposition of the Clergy and Barons — Bruce claims the Crown of Scotland — Edward prepares to invade Scotland— His Death. A. D. 1271 to 1307.

Principal Events: Edward is wounded in his tent 178

Edward returns to England: War with Wales 179

Wales finally subdued 180

Edward is arbitrator between the Kings of France, Arragon, and Sicily 181

Baliol and Macduff. 182

Engagement between the Norman and English fleets 183

The Scottish Barons assert their independence 184

Baliol deprived of his crown: William Wallace «. 185

Success of Wallace 186

Wallace is defeated 187

Wallace taken prisoner and executed : his

Character 188

Oppressive Taxation 189

National Remonstrances : Edward compelled to yield 190

Edward meets his Parliament: grants every

demand 191

Scotland again free 192

Comyn killed by Bruce 193

Death of Edward : his Character 194

CHAPTER XVIIL— Edward the Second.

Coronation of Edward — War in Scotland — Battle at Bannockburn — Bruce invades Ireland — Truce with Scotland — War with his Barons — The Queen makes war on the King — The King is deposed and murdered. A. D. 1307 to 1327.

The Spencers banished 203

Leicester put to death : Edward again invades Scotland 204

The Queen visits France: her intrigues

with Mortimer 205

Isabella lands: Edward retires 207

Edward taken prisoner 207

Edward is murdered in Berkeley Castle.... 208 The Order of the Knights Templars 210

Principal Events: Gaveston 195

Coronation of Edward : Gaveston in Ireland 196

Edward invades Scotland 197

Death of Gaveston 198

Battle of Bannockburn 199

The Scots invade Ireland 200

Truce between Edward and Bruce: the King's letter to the Pope 202

CHAPTER XIX.— Edward the Third

Campaign against the Scots — Death of the Earl of Kent — Fall and Execution of Mortimer — Edward claims the Crown of France — Expedition to Flanders — Truce — Renewal of the War ; Victory at Creci — Renewal of the War with France — Victory of Poitiers — Death of the Black Prince — Death of Edward. A. D. 1327 to 1377.

Principal Events : The Truce with Scotland broken 211

Edward prepares for War: peace concluded 212

Edward resumes the reins of Government 213 Execution of Mortimer: Edward and Baliol 214 Battle of Hallidon Hill : Baliol restored to

the throne 215

Edward invades France 217

The eve of the Battle of Creci 218

Battle of Creci 219

Edward meets his Son after the battle 221

Siege of Calais 221

Surrender of the City: the conduct of St. Pierre 222

Influence of the Roman Pontiff. 223

War with France renewed : the Scots invade England 224

The armies meet near Poitiers 225

Battle of Poitiers 227

Valor of the French king; he is taken prisoner 228

The Conduct of the Conqueror 229

Edward again invades France : peace concluded 230

Charles recovers his possessions : Death of

the Black Prince 231

Death of Edward: his Character 233

Wychffe 231

CONTENTS.