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List of English chronicles facts for kids

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This is a list of important chronicles (think of them as very old history books!) that tell us about the Kingdom of England from the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066 up to the start of the Tudor dynasty in 1485.

These chronicles are listed by the name they are usually known by. Sometimes, they are named after the person who wrote them, called a chronicler. Some chroniclers even wrote more than one book! Even though a chronicle might cover many years, it's only listed once, with the dates it covers. We're only looking at dates after the Norman Conquest. While some of these old books claim to tell history from the very beginning of time, they are usually most helpful for understanding the time when they were actually written. Later works, like those by Polydore Vergil and Thomas More, are quite similar to how we write history today, unlike older medieval chronicles.

What are Chronicles?

Old History Books

Chronicles are like the history books of the past. They were written by people who wanted to record events as they happened or soon after. These writers, called chroniclers, were often monks or educated people. They wrote about kings, wars, important events, and sometimes even daily life.

Why are Chronicles Important?

These old writings are super important because they are some of the main ways we learn about what happened in England hundreds of years ago. They give us clues about how people lived, what they believed, and the big changes that shaped the country. Without them, much of this history would be lost!

Chronicles from Early Kings

William I (1066–1087) and William II (1087–1100)

These chronicles tell us about the first Norman kings of England. They cover the time right after the Norman Conquest.

Henry I (1100–1135)

These books cover the reign of Henry I, a son of William the Conqueror.

Stephen (1135–1154)

This period was known as 'The Anarchy' because there was a lot of fighting for the throne. These chronicles describe those difficult times.

Chronicles from the Plantagenet Kings

Henry II (1154–1189)

These chronicles cover the reign of Henry II, who founded the Plantagenet dynasty.

  • Chronicle of Melrose (up to 1270)
  • The Deeds of the Normans in Ireland (also called Song of Dermot and the Earl) (up to 1175)
  • Ralph de Diceto (several works)
  • Stephen of Rouen (up to 1169)
  • Jordan Fantosme (1173–1174)
  • Geoffroy of Vigeois (up to 1184)
  • Gesta Regis Henrici II (1169–1192)
  • Gerald of Wales (several works)
  • L'Histoire de Guillaume le Marechal (around 1140–1219)
  • Rigord (1179–1208)

Richard I, the Lionheart (1189–1199)

These writings focus on King Richard I, famous for his crusades.

John of England (1199–1216)

These chronicles tell us about King John, who signed the Magna Carta.

Henry III (1216–1272)

These books cover the long reign of Henry III.

Edward I (1272–1307)

These chronicles describe the time of King Edward I, known as 'Longshanks'.

  • Annales Londonienses (1194–1330, with a gap from 1293–1301)
  • The Brus (1286–1332)
  • Chronica Johannis de Oxenedes (around 1290)
  • John of Fordun (up to 1383)
  • Guisborough (1048–1346)
  • Pierre de Langtoft (up to 1307)
  • Nicholas Trevet (1135–1307)

Edward II (1307–1327)

These works cover the reign of Edward II.

  • Annales Paulini (up to 1307, with continuation to 1341)
  • Geoffrey the Baker (1303–1356)
  • Gesta Edwardi de Carnarvan (1307–1377)
  • Polychronicon (up to 1352)
  • Scalacronica (1066–1362)
  • John of Trokelowe (1307–1326)
  • Vita Edwardi Secundi (1307–1326)
  • Castleford's Chronicle (up to 1327)

Edward III (1327–1377)

These chronicles tell us about King Edward III and the start of the Hundred Years' War.

Richard II (1377–1399) and Henry IV (1399–1413)

These chronicles cover the end of the Plantagenet rule and the beginning of the House of Lancaster.

Henry V (1413–1422)

These books describe the reign of King Henry V, famous for the Battle of Agincourt.

Henry VI (1422–1461 and 1470–1471)

These chronicles cover the long and troubled reign of Henry VI, during the Wars of the Roses.

Edward IV (1461–1470 and 1471–1483)

These works tell us about King Edward IV, a key figure in the Wars of the Roses.

Richard III (1483–1485)

These chronicles cover the short but famous reign of King Richard III, the last Plantagenet king.

See also

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