^. HIBRilRY OF CONGRESS. J ^^efMi.. i UNITED STATES OF AMEx^ICA. t ENGLISH HISTORY CONDENSED AND SIMPLIFIED FOR THE USE OF SCHOOLS. BY ANNA M. HYDE. WITH QUESTIONS. Q-f?<^A PHILADELPHIA: CLAXTON, REMSEN & HAFFELFINGER, 819 & 821 Market Street. 1872. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, by ANNA M. HYDE, in the OflSce of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. }f CONGRESS iwASHlNQTOWJ PEEFACE. A BRIEF compendium of English History, fuller than a mere table of Chronology, and yet avoiding the te- dious detail of ordinary history, has long been needed. History in out- line, is the same as Geography taught from outline maps ; it teaches us how to locate the important events, and fix them firmly in our minds, to be after- ward filled up, and improved, by more extensive study. The artist sketches his picture be- fore he applies the shading or coloring, and in like manner, we would trace, (9) . 10 PREFACE. tirst upon the memory, those general outlines of events, which closer inves- tigation will only more perfectly de- velope. Priestly, in his excellent lectures on History, says: "One of the most use- ful directions that can be given for facilitating the study of History, is to begin with a compendium, or general view of the whole subject." In preparing this little work, great care has been taken that all state- ments, and data, should be strictly correct; while an impartial view has been aimed at, both in pohtics and religion. CONTENTS. Brief Compendium of English History 13 William the Conqueror...... 21 William II 23 Henry I 24 Stephen ^ 25 Henry II 26 Richard I 28 John 30 Henry III 32 Edward I 33 Edward II 34 Edward III 34 Richard II 36 Henry IV 37 Henry V 39 Henry VI 40 Edward IV 42 Edward V 43 Richard III .,...,.,..♦. 44 11 12 CONTENTS. Henry VII 45 Henry VIII 46 The Reformation 48 Edward VI 52 Mary 53 Elizabeth 55 James I .^ 57 Charles 1 58 Oliver Cromwell 60 Charles II 62 James II... 63 William and Mary 65 Anne , 67 George 1 68 George II 70 George III 72 George IV 74 William IV 76 Victoria 1 77 The Government 80 Chronological List of the Sovereigns of England. ..81 \ CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM OP ENGLISH HISTORY England, or Britain, as it was first called, was little known until the reign of the Koman Emperor, Julius Caesar, about fifty years before Christ. The inhabitants were called Britons, and they were a wild and barbarous people of Celtic origin. They were Pagans, and their priests were called Druids. These Druids were high in authori- ty, and held the people in slavish sub- jection, worshiping in groves of oak, which, with the mistletoe, they re- garded as sacred. Ruins of their tem- 2 (13) 14 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM pies still exist, and some of their maxims are also preserved; but these throw little light upon their customs or creed. The name, Britain^ is supposed to mean an island in the outer sea ; the Atlantic Ocean being thus distinguish- ed from the Mediterranean, which was known as the inner sea. The word is no doubt derived from a Phenician one, Brithan^ signifying outer. It had other names, however, given by different foreign nations; Albion^ from the white cliflfs on its coasts, was derived from the Latin word Alhus — white. Scotland was first called Cale- donia, and Wales Cambria, The name of England was derived from the Angles^ a Saxon tribe, who came from the north. The Romans, under Julius Csesar, invaded Britain about the year 54, OF ENGLISH HISTORY. 15 before Christ; but its conquest was not effected until A. D. 41, when the Roman Government was established there by the Emperor Claudius, and the British king, Caractacus, was car- ried, a prisoner to Rome. The natives being constantly an- noyed by the inroads of the Scots and Picts, two warlike nations in the north of Scotland, the Romans built walls across the island to protect them, the remains of which are still to be seen. "While the Romans held sway in Britain, these enemies did not cross the walls, but in the fifth century, the Romans, finding enough to do in still- ing the rebellions nearer home, aban- doned their British possessions, and the Britons were compelled to ask protection from their Saxon neighbors. This was the first entrance of the Saxons into Britain, and in the sixth <16 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM century, they conquered and took pos- session of the whole country, after which the ancient Britons existed no longer as a distinct people. Their descendants are the present inhabit- ants of Wales. The Saxons divided the island into seven kingdoms, called a Heptarchy, and they were governed by seven kings, an arrangement which con- tinued for about two hundred years, when, after much fighting among themselves, the whole were united under one of the kings — Egbert — and thus it became one kingdom. Egbert was, therefore, the first king of En- gland^ a name then given to it by himself. In his reign the Danes first began to trouble England, and continued to do so for more than two hundred years. OF ENGLISH HISTORY. 17 Egbert's successors were first, his son Ethelwolf, and then the sons of Ethelwolf— Ethelbald, Ethelbert, Eth- elred, and Alfred. During the reign of Ethelbert, Augustine was sent by Gregory, Bishop of Rome, to convert the Anglo-Saxons ; and the Church of Rome attempts from this fact to prove that England derived its knowledge of Christianity entirely from that source. But it is confidently asserted by Eusebius, TertuUian, and other early historians, that the Gospel was preached in Britain by some of the Apostles themselves ; while it is well known that St. Alban was martyred there for his religion, nearly three hundred years before St. Augustine landed. Alfred, (called " The Great,") who reigned in the latter part of the ninth century, was a good and pious prince, 2* 18 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM as well as an able statesman and scholar. He founded the University of Oxford, established trial by jury, divided England into counties, pre- pared laws, and introduced many im- provements in architecture and ship- building. During this reign the Danes overrun the kingdom, and Al- fred was obliged to abandon his throne, and live in retirement, dis- guising himself as a cowherd, and hiring himself to do the commonest labor. As soon as a favorable op- portunity arrived, however, he re- sumed command, and with a few firm adherents, routed the Danes, and once more seated himself on the throne, where he proved him- self the best king that ever reigned in a barbarous age. Died A. D. 900. He was succeeded by his son Ed- OF ENGLISH HISTORY. 19 ward, who, though a virtuous king, was inferior to his father. Next, Athelstan, who caused the Scriptures to be translated into the Saxon language. Next — Edmund, Edred, Edwy, Ed- gar, Edward, (called "The Martyr," because he was murdered by his mother-in-law to make way for her own son,) Ethelred II., and lastly, Edmund, surnamed "Ironsides," be- cause he was strong and powerful in body. At this time, (1017,) the Danes, under Sweyn, King of Denmark, sub- dued England, and he was proclaimed King. Dying soon after, Sweyn was succeeded by his son Canute, who held also the throne of Denmark and Nor- way. His successors were his two sons, Harold and Hardicanute ; at the death of the latter, the English threw 4 20 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM off the Danish yoke, and restored the Saxon line by giving the crown to Edward, son of Ethelred. Edward was surnamed " The Con- fessor," because he affected a monkish sanctity of hfe ; and as he was entirely * governed by the clergy, they honored him as a saint, pretending that his touch could cure the disease known as " king's evil." That superstitious cus- tom was continued until the reign of Queen Anne, and it is said that the learned Dr. Johnson was touched by her for the cure of the same. Edward the Confessor died in 1065, and was the last Saxon king. He was the founder of Westminster Abbey. Harold, brother-in-law of Edward, caused himself to be proclaimed king; but William, Duke of Normandy, re- solved to dispute his claim, and having OP ENGLISH HISTORY. 21 landed with an army in England, they met Harold and his followers at Hast- ings, where a great battle was fought. The result was that Harold was slain, and William, hence called " The Con- queror," became king. This is gen- erally called the "Norman Conquest." NOEMAN LINE. William the. Conqueror. Character. - — He possessed some good, but many bad qualities. He was very tyrannical, and introduced the Feudal system into England, by which the whole tenure of landed property was changed, and divided among his Norman favorites. He possessed supe- rior talents, and was the most powerful sovereign of his time; but his great love of power made him regardless of justice or humanity. 22 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM Possessions. — England and Nor- mandy. jRemarkahle Events of the Reign, — He planted a forest, in order to gratify his taste for hunting, which has always retained the name of New Forest, and established the most severe laws to protect the game for his own use. AVhoever dared to kill a stag, or even a hare, had his eyes put out! He also made a law requiring that, at eight o'clock in the evening, a bell should be rung as a signal for extin- guishing all lights and fires. This was called the " Curfew," or cover-fire bell. Bied.—lOm. Children, — Eobert, William Eufus, and Henry. OF ENGLISH HISTORY. 23 William II. {surnamed Rufus,) Character. — Cruel and tyrannical, with few redeeming virtues-, Possessions.-^'Euglau.d and Nor- mandy. Remarkable Events of the Reign. — The Crusades were commenced. These were called holy wars, and their object was to regain possession of the holy Sepulchre, which, with other places in Palestine, had fallen into the hands of the Turks and Sara- cens. A superstitious zeal animated all the kings and princes of Europe, and they left their kingdoms and pos- sessions to engage in the strange en- terprise. Died. — Accidentally shot while hunting in the New Forest, A. D. 1100. Children. — None. 24 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM Henry I. Character. — A wise and learned king; proficient in all the literature of the times. Possessions. — England and Nor- mandy. Remarkable Events of the Reign. — He aboHshed the "Curfew," and re- leased his subjects from many other exacting laws made by his father, William the Conqueror. His only male heir was drowned while crossing the channel from Normandy, and in sight of the English shore ; this event so sorely afiiicted the king that he was never afterward known to smile. He married Matilda, great-grand-daugh- ter of* Edmund Ironsides, and thus the Saxon and Norman lines became , united. Died,— nS5. OF ENGLISH HISTORY. Children, — William, who died be- fore his father, and Maud, or Matilda, who married Geoffry Plantagenet. From them sprang the house of Plan- tagenet. Stephen. Line of Blots. Character. — He was the nephew of Henry I., and grandson of William the Conqueror. His reign was a continual contest with his cousin Ma- tilda, Henry's daughter, to whom her father bequeathed the crown. The difficulties were at length settled by an agreement, whereby Stephen was to keep possession during his life, after which the crown was to revert to Henry II. son of Matilda. He was in some respects brave and generous, 26 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM but had the guilty conscience of the usurper. Possessions. — England. Remarkable Events of the Reign. — The insecurity felt by Stephen made him anxious to secure the good-will and favor of the nobles. With this view, he granted them liberty to for- tify their castles, besides other privi- leges, which made them all petty sovereigns in their own dominions, and weakened the king's own power. Disputes and wars grew out of this state of affairs, which continued dur- ing the whole reign. i)^>rf.— 1154, Children. — William, Earl of Bou- logne. Henry II. House of Plantagenet. Character. — A powerful prince, who OF ENOLISH HISTORY. 27 proved his wisdom by endeavoring to restrain the power of the Pope, the clergy, and the nobles. He granted many privileges to the middle class of the people, and although he was sensual and haughty, with many vices, he had also many virtues. Possessions. — ^England, Normandy, and Ireland. Remarkable Events of the Reign. — Thomas- a-Becket was one of the most noted personages of the reign. He had been raised from a humble station to be Archbishop of Canterbury, and lived in great magnificence ; but hav- ing displeased the king, the latter ex- pressed a hasty wish to be rid of him. Four of his knights hearing this, went and murdered Becket on the very steps of the altar. Miracles were said to be wrought at the martyr's tomb, and this unhappy transaction resulted ^ 28 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM in favor of the church, rendering en- tirely useless the king's former efforts to free himself j5:om the Pope's rule. In order to keep the peace of his kingdom, Henry was forced to make a pilgrimage to the tomb of Becket, there to be scourged by the monks of Canterbury. The latter part of his life was embittered by the undutiful conduct of his children. Died.— U89. Children. — Henry, Geoffry, Rich- ard, John, and three daughters; the two younger sons succeeded, Richard I. {surnamed Cceur de Lion^ or the Lion Hearted.^ from his valor.) Character. — He shared the general zeal which animated so many others of his day, and engaged in the Cru- OF ENGLISH HISTORY. 29 sades, thus neglecting his kingdom and home affairs, while he was fighting in the Holy Land. He was a man of considerable mental ability, though lacking discretion. Possessions.— England and Nor- mandy. Remarkable Events of the Reign. — At his coronation a disgraceful mas- sacre of the Jews took place. In order to raise money for his Crusade, he sold many high offices, titles, &c., and thus impoverished his kingdom, whilst insurrections were occurring continually during his absence. On his way home from Palestine, he was shipwrecked and taken pris- oner in Austria, and a ransom of one hundred thousand marks, or about two thousand two hundred and twen- ty-two dollars was paid by his poor subjects before he was released. 8* 30 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM Died, — He was shot at the siege of Chains, a castle in France, 1199. Children, — None John {surnamed Lackland^ because he inherited none from his father). Character. — ^Weak, unfortunate and wicked; continually at war with the Barons and the Popes. He is said to have murdered Arthur, the rightful heir to the crown, and as Arthur was claimed as a subject of the king of France, John was compelled to forfeit his possessions in Normandy as a pen- alty for the offense. Thus Normandy passed from the dominion of England, and was united to France. Possessions. —-^^xi^^xidi. Remarkable Events of the Reign.— John, having greatly displeased the Pope, the whole kingdom was placed OF ENGLISH HISTORY. 31 under an interdict, which prevented his subjects from obeying his laws, and then the Pope granted England to the king of France. This brought John to terms, and in order to appease the pontiff's anger, he went down on his knees to the Pope's legate, de- livering up his crown, and promis- ing submission. After three days suspense, it was restored to the king, who received it again on his knees. The greatest act of the reign was the signature of the Magna Charta, or great charter of rights, which has al- ways been considered the foundation of English liberty. This was done most reluctantly, but was forced from him by the Barons, who saw that ha was trying to make himself an abso- lute monarch. Died.— 1216. A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM Children. — Five. Henry, the eldest, succeeded. Henry IIL Character, — Weak, inefficient, and led by favorites, who governed him entirely. Possessions. — England. Remarkable Events of the Reign. — His reign lasted fifty-six years, during which civil wars and contentions were incessant; but the Barons being suc- cessful in their demands, obtained from the weak-minded monarch a further acknowledgment of their rights by his confirmation of the great charter. The shires or counties were first rep- resented in Parliament in this reign, two knights being sent from each shire. Died.— 1212. OF ENGLISH HISTORY. 33 Chiidren. — Several, Edward suc- ceeded him. Edward I. {surnamed Long Shanks.) Character. — Unlike his father, he was an able and excellent sovereign, extending the commerce of his coun- try and doing all in his power to increase its glory and importance. Possessions. — England and Wales. Remarkable Events of the Reign. — The conquest of Wales. After this occurred, his oldest son being born in Wales, the title of Prince of Wales was then, and ever since, given to the oldest son of the king or queen of England. In this reign the House of Commons was modeled in its present form. Died.— ISO! Children. — Several. Edwaid, Prince of Wales, was his successor. 34 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM Edward II. Character. — Totally different from his father, being neither a great man, nor a good king. Possessions. — England and Wales. Remarkable Events of the Reign. — In attempting to subdue Scotland, the English were defeated at Bannock- burn by the Scotch. Died. — He was murdered in Berk- ley Castle by order of his wife, Isa- bella, 1328. Children. — Edward, his successor, and two daughters. Edward III. Character. — A wise and glorious king, — one, of whom England may well be proud. In the relations of husbard and father he is to be ad- f * OF ENGLISH HISTORY. 35 mired, and his faithful wife, PhiHppa, with his son, the Black Prince, were illustrious characters. The latter part of his life, after their deaths, was marked by more indolence and weak- ness ; but he deserves a high place in history. Possessions. — England, Normandy, Wales and Ireland. Refuarkable Events of the Reign, — The English regained some of their possessions in France by the success- ful battles of Cressy and Poictiers, in which the Black Prince shone con- spicuously. In the battle of Cressy, cannon were first used by the EngHsh. Chivalry was now at its height in En- gland, and the Order of the Garter was instituted in this reign. In these days lived WicklifFe, the Reformer. Edward, the Black Prince (so called from the color of his armor), died 36 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM during the lifetime of his father, aged forty-five years, deeply regretted by the nation. He was brave and gener- ous, and was but sixteen years old when he took part in the battle of Cressy. He left one son, Richard. Died.— Edward HI. died 1377. Children. — Edward, the Black Prince, William, Lionel, John of Gaunt, and several others. Richard IL Character. — He was the son of the Black Prince, and succeeded at the age of eleven years. He was weak and perfidious, unfit to rule, and was therefore deposed by Parliament. Possessions. — England, Normandy, Wales and Ireland. Remarkable Events of the Reign. — After Richard was deposed, Henry, OF ENGLISH HISTORY. 37 Duke of Lancaster, usurped the throne, and that unfortunate king was murdered in Pomftet Castle. This usurpation gave rise to the contests between the two rival houses of York and Lancaster, commonly called the Wars of the Roses, because each party wore roses as badges. The first poll- tax was levied in England. Z)^^^.— Murdered in 1399. Children. — None. Henry IV. Souse of Lancaster. Character. — Being a usurper, he was therefore constantly uneasy and apprehensive of losing his crown. Cruel and oppressive, in this reign the first Protestant martyrs were burnt at the stake. 4 38 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM Possessions. — England, Normandy, Wales and Ireland Remarkable Events of the Reign. — As Richard II. left no children, the rightful heir was the son of his next brother, Lionel ; Henry, being the son of a still younger brother, had there- fore no claim to the kingdom, and al- though he succeeded in usurping the crown, there arose fierce contests be- tween the allies of the wronged house of York, and that of Lancaster, to which he belonged. These are known in history as the " Wars of the Roses," the house of York adopting a white rose as a badge, and that of Lancaster a red one. These wars lasted many years, and were finally closed by the marriage of Henry VII. of the house of Lancaster with the legal heiress of the house of York. Diedr-UlS OF ENGLISH HISTORY. 39 Children, — Henry, who succeeded him, Thomas, John and Humphrey. Henry V. Character, — Before his accession to the throne, he was said to be dissipa- ted and fond of low company; but this was put away as soon as he be- came a king. He was warhke and brave, and won victorious laurels by his successful invasion of France. P(?55^55zo??5.-^-England, Normandy, Wales, Ireland and France. Remarkable Events of the Reign, — The battle of Agincourt was one of the most celebrated in English his- tory; and the English, though fight- ing in an enemy's country, disabled in a measure by sickness, and inferior in numbers, gained a most decisive vic- tory over the French. A treaty was 40 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM then made between Henry V. of En- gland and Charles VI. of France, by which the latter country was to con- tinue in possession of the French king during his lifetime, and then to become the property of England. Charles also gave Henry his daughter in marriage. The principles of the Reformers be- • gan to gain ground, although persecu- tion and martyrdom still prevailed. Died. — 1422, aged thirty-four years. Children. — One. Henry VI. Henry VI. Character. — He inherited the throne Avhen only nine months old, and whether his mind was naturally weak, or his education at fault, he showed little capacity for government. He possessed many of the more quiet and OF ENGLISH HISTORY. 41 gentle virtues, but wanted those quali- ties especially needed in a king. His wife, Margaret of Anjou, was totally different from him, and fought battles throughout England, against the house of York, while he remained at home, inactive. At Tewkesbury she was defeated, and saw her only son, Edward, murdered. She was af- terward taken prisoner herself, but in the next reign was ransomed, and sent to France. Possessions, — England; Wales, and Ireland. Remarkable Events of the Reipi. — Before he was ten years old he was crowned king of France, according to the treaty made with his father ; but owing to his inactivity and imbecility, it gradually passed from his possession, together with all that his predecessors had gained there, except Calais. One 4* 42 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM of the most remarkable personages of the times was Joan of Arc, a beauti- ful maiden of eighteen, of humble parentage, who took command of the French troops at the siege of Orleans, and having defeated the English, con- ducted Charles the dauphin, to Rheims, where he was crowned king of France. Died. — Murdered in the Tower, 1471. Children. — Edward, murdered at Tewkesbury before his father's death. Edward IV. Character. — He obtained his crown by bloodshed and cruelty, and main- tained his right in the same way. Was handsome in person, but without virtue. Possessions. — England, Wales, and Ireland. OF ENGLISH HISTORY. 43 Remarkable Events of the Reign. — The wars of the Roses were still waged furiously, and dreadful battles were continually taking place. Ed- ward caused the murder of many noblemen, and ordered his own brother, the Duke of Clarence, to be drowned in a butt of Malmsley wine. i)^^e?.— 1483. Children. — Edward, Richard, and Elizabeth, with perhaps other daugh- ters. Edward V. He came to the throne at twelve years of age, and reigned but two months. He and his younger brother, Richard, Duke of York, were smoth- ered in the Tower, by their uncle and guardian, Richard, Duke of Glouces- ter, afterward Richard III., to whose 44 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM care they had been committed by their father. Richard III. Character. — No character in En- ghsh history is more odious than this. He was the murderer of his brother's children, and although the crown be- longed of right to his brother's daugh- ter, still he took possession. He was hump-backed, and ugly both in mind and body, and was deceitful and cruel. Possessions.— Ein^^xidi^ Wales, and Ireland. Remarkable Events of the Reign. — Although for some time the throne had been held by the house of York, the contests between the two rival houses still continued, and soon after Richard ascended the throne, Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond, and repre- OF ENGLISH HISTORY. 45 sentative of the house of Lancaster, came over from France, and landed in Wales with a small army. King Richard met them at Bos worth, with a large force, but was slain on the field, when Henry was proclaimed king, with the title of Henry VII. nied.—U85,. Qhildren, — One, who died before him. Henry VII. Line of Tudor. Character. — Peaceable, and fond of commerce, which he greatly promoted. He was, however, very avaricious, and loved to hoard money, using, in many cases, dishonorable means in order to increase his riches. Possessions. — England, Wales, and Ireland. 46 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM Remarkable Events of the Reign, — He married Elizabeth, daughter of Edward IV., and by this means united the houses of York and Lancaster, ending the long wars of the Eoses, which had devastated the kingdom for more than eighty years. During this reign, Christopher Co- lumbus, under the patronage of the King and Queen of Spain, discovered the new world. i>^Vd— 1509. Children. — Arthur, who died young ; Henry, who succeeded him ; Marga- ret, wife of James IV. of Scotland, and Mary, wife of Louis XII. of France. Henry VIII. Character. — Learned, ambitious, very tyrannical, and cruel. His treat- ment of his six wive s was a great blot OF ENGLISH HISTORY. 47 upon his character. His first wife was Catherine of Arragon, his brother's widow; he grew tired of her, and di- vorced her. The second was Anne Boleyn, who was beheaded. The third was Jane Seymour, who died. The fourth, Anne of Cleves, who was also divorced; fifth, Catherine How- ard, who was beheaded, * and sixth, Catherine Parr, who was fortunate enough to outHve him. Possessions, — England, "Wales, and Ireland. Remarkable Events of the Reign. — At this time Ireland was made a king- dom, although still united to England. This reign is chiefly remarkable, as being the era of the Reformation. Henry's divorce from Catherine of Arragon was opposed by the Pope, and on account of that opposition, he withdrew all allegiance to Rome. As 48 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM good is often permitted to grow out of evil, so from this unworthy begin- ning sprang the great and glorious Reformation from the arcumulated errors of Popery, and the establish- ment of the reformed religion in En- gland. Henry also caused the first English translation of the Bible to be made. Died— 154:1. Children. — Edward (son of Jane Seymour), who succeeded him; Mary (daughter of Catherine Arragon), who reigned ; Elizabeth (daughter of Anne Boleyn), who also reigned. The Reformatiojst. When we speak of the Reformation, we mean the reforming of the Chris- tian religion from the gross errors of Popery ; thus restoring it to the purity OF ENGLISH HISTORY. 49 of doctrine which marked it at the be- ginning. In a few centuries after our Sa- viour's death these errors began, and gradually increased and gained ground until, at this time, the Church of En- gland protested against the Pope's supremacy, and thereby took the first great step toward reformation in doc- trine. The Church of England is as old as Christianity itself, only her Protest- antism is new, and this, because the corruptions against which she pro- tested^ are of modern origin. In the same decided manner, the early Fath- ers of the Church protested against the other various heresies which, from time to time, crept in. From the first establishment of Christianity there was a bishop of Rome, but not until the middle of the 50 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM eighth century did he attempt to claim any supremacy over other bishops. At that time he obtained some tempo- ral dominions, and by degrees attained to great power, adding many new dogmas to the faith, and proclaiming himself supreme head of the Church, with the title of Christ's vicegerent on earth. He also declared himself in- fallible, and owing to the ignorance and superstition of the times, soon obtained an unlimited power over all the kings and princes of Europe, which continued from the seventh to the sixteenth centuries. Yet c:t different times individual reformers arose, and protested against these novelties and corruptions; but little advance was made toward curing the difficulties, and persecution await- ed every one who dared to speak or write any thing contrary to the pre- OF ENGLISH HISTORY. 51 vailing religion. But notwithstanding this, the writings of Luther, Calvin, WicklifFe, and other great men had gained some ground in the minds of the people, and the period of Henry VIII. and his quarrels with the Pope, was the one chosen by God for the light of the Gospel to break in upon the darkness. Henry being angry at the Pope's refusal to grant a divorce, at once threw off his allegiance, and proclaim- ed himself head of the English Church. This was a most important step, and under the protection of the king, the Church was purged of many of its grossest corruptions, the Bible translated into English, English pray- ers used in the churches, and all monasteries and convents closed. In the brief reign of Edward VI. which followed, these principles were more 52 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM firmly established, and many other States of Europe embraced the re- formed religiou. The sixteenth cen- tury is therefore known as the Era of the Reformation. Edward VI. Character, — He was only nine years old when his father died, and his reign lasted but seven years. He wafe reared in the Protestant religion, and was greatly instrumental in its promotion, being pious, and fond of godly learn- ing. Possessions. — England, "Wales, and Ireland. Remarkable Events of the Reign, — The wonderful spread of the Protest- ant religion. Edward, knowing how bigoted a papist his sister Mary was, made a will bequeathing the crown to OF ENGLISH HISTORY. 53 his cousin, Lady Jane Grey, a lovely, pious, and accomplished person, great- ly attached to the principles of the Eeformation. At his death, she was unwillingly seated on the throne by some of her ambitious relatives, but before she was proclaimed Queen, Mary's friends interposed, and poor Lady Jane was sent to the tower, and there beheaded, with her husband, Lord Guilford Dudley. She met her fate with calmness and resignation, at the early age of sixteen, a rare exam- ple of a truly Christian lady. Died, — Edward died 1553; of con- sumption. Children, — None. Mary. Line of Tudor. Character, — She was bigoted in her attachment to the Romish Church, in 5* 54 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM which she had been educated, and her inhuman persecutions of the Protest- ants gained for her the title of the " Bloody Mary." Possessions. — England, Wales, and Ireland. Remarkable Events of the Reign. — The dreadful persecutions, during which nine hundred persons suffered death by order of the queen. Among them were bishops Latimer, Cranmer, Ridley and Hooper. Mary was mar- ried to Philip of Spain, and through that alliance was drawn into a war with France, by which she lost Calais, the only remaining possession held there by the English. Died.— 1558. Children. — None. of english history. 55 Elizabeth. Line of Tudor. Character. — She was universally re- spected for her sound judgment ; was dignified and courteous, and well versed in all the learning and accom- plishments of her day. During her reign, the nation enjoyed greater prosperity than it had ever before known. Po55^55zo?i5.— England, Wales, Ire- land, and Colonies in America. Remarkable Events of the Reign, — Elizabeth, being a Protestant, restored all the laws made by her brother, Ed- ward VI. 5 which had been repealed by Mary, and the Church of England was placed on a more permanent foot- ing. Virginia was discovered by Sir 66 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM Walter Raleigh, and named after her, as the Virgin Queen. The Spanish Armada was a formid- able fleet, sent out by Philip II. of Spain, to conquer England. The Pope also assisted in the undertaking, and it was styled the " Invincible Ar- mada;" but owing to the skill and daring of Admiral Drake and others, it was destroyed. The death of Mary, Queen of Scots, next heir to the throne, was a great stigma upon Elizabeth's fair name. Partly from jealousy, and partly from the persuasions of her friends, Eliza- beth ordered her execution, and she was accordingly beheaded. Died.— 1603. Children. — None, being never mar- ried. OF ENGLISH HISTORY. 57 James I. Line of Stuart. Character, — He was the son of the beheaded Mary, Queen of Scots, but unHke his mother, was a Protestant. Being arbitrary and vain, without judgment or proper tact, he was much dishked, and gained the title of "the wisest fool in Europe." Possessions, — England, Wales, Ire- land, Scotland, and a part of Amer- ica. JRemarkahle Events of the Reign,- — By the accession of James, Scotland was united to England, and has ever since formed one monarchy, called Great Britain. The Gunpowder Plot was discovered. This was a plot by which the Parliament house was to be destroyed, and was planned by Roman Catholics, in order to annihilate the 58 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM king and all the most prominent men m the government. Died.— 1622. Children. — Henry, who died before his father ; Charles, who succeeded ; and Elizabeth, who married the king of Bohemia, from whom the present royal family is descended. Charles I. Line of Stuart. Character. — His character has been diiferently set down. Some consider him a martyr, and others think that he deserved his dreadful fate. With- out doubt, he possessed many virtues ; but his wife's influence, combined with that of his court favorites, drew him uito most of his difficulties. Possessions. — England, Wales, Ire- OF ENGLISH HISTORY. land, Scotland, and Colonies in Amer- ica. Remarkable Events of the Reign, — Charles soon showed his love of power, and disregard of Parliament, which gave rise to many a sharp dis- cussion, and finall)^ ended in open war. The king placed himself at the head of one army, and the government formed another ; several dreadful bat- tles were fought, and after four years of civil war, the king himself was taken prisoner, tried by his own sub- jects, and condemned to be beheaded for making war against his Parlia- ment. He was executed at White- hall, in the prime of life, suffering with calmness and fortitude. DzV^.— Beheaded, 1649. Children. — Charles II.; a son who died young; James, afterward king; and several daughters, one of whom 60 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM married the Prince of Orange, father of William III. INTEEREGNUM, OR COMMON- "WEALTH. Oliver Cromwell. From the death of Charles I. in 1649, until 1653, the government was administered by the ''Long Parlia- ment," so called from the length of its continuance ; it was composed gener- ally of able men, who displayed great ability to govern. In 1653, Oliver Cromwell, one of its members, was chosen Protector, and invested with power nearly equal to that of a king. He was a shrewd and able governor, an enthusiast, if not a bigot, and wielded the sceptre with a severity almost amounting to tyranny. He was one of the most OF ENGLISH HISTORY. 5J rigid of the Puritan sect, then jusl risen in England and Scotland, and a leader among them in their severe quarrels with the government, con- triving so to raise the storm of politi- cal and religious fanaticism, as to dis- turb entirely the old order of the Church. He was certainly a most remarkable man, but partial historians give very different views of his character. Died.— 1658, Children. — Richard Cromwell, who succeeded him as Protector, and seve- ral others. Kichard Cromwell possessed neither the energy nor the ambition of his father, and after retaining the dignity of the Protectorate for a few months, resigned his office. 62 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM EBSTOEATION OF THE KING. Charles II. Line of Stuart. Character, — He has been called the "Merry Monarch," because he loved pleasure better than business. He was witty, but licentious, and his court was noted for the loose state of its morals. Possessions, — England, Wales, Ire- land, Scotland, and Colonies in Amer- ica, Asia, and Africa. Remarkable Events of the Reign. — During Cromwell's administration, Charles II. was obliged to wander in disguise, and made many narrow escapes from his pursuers, who were seeking him everywhere without suc- cess. The violence of party spirit was quelled by the successful management OF ENGLISH HISTORY. 63 of Gen. Monk, a military commander in Scotland, who prepared the way for the king's restoration, an event very welcome to the people, tired of the republican experiment. In 1664, Charles made \^ar with Holland, by which the State of New York, then a Dutch colony, was transferred to the English. In 1665, the plague ravaged London, carrying off one hundred thousand of its inhabitants; in the following year, a great fire destroyed fourteen thousand of its houses, be- sides eighty-nine churches. Died.— 1685. Children. — None legitimate. James II. Line of Stuart. Character. — A bigot to the Roman Catholic religion, weak minded and 64 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM cruel. His blind zeal cost him his kingdom. Possessions, — England, Wales, Ire- land, Scotland, and Colonies in Amer- ica, Asia, and Africa. Remarkable Events of the Reign. — The king's great desire was to restore Popery to England, but this could not be done; and the people, disgusted with his principles and practice, invit- ed William, Prince of Orange, who was married to Mary, daughter of James IT., to be their king. James finding himself totally abandoned by his subjects, and William and Mary having been proclaimed sovereigns, he left England, and thus abdicated his throne, taking refuge in France. Af- terward, assisted by France, James made an effort to recover his kingdom, and landed his army in Ireland. The Irish Roman Catholics rose in his OF ENGLISH HISTORY. 65 favor ; William hastened to meet him ; and the two armies met on the banks of the Boyne, when "William gained a complete victory. James made other ineffectual attempts to regain his lost crown, but finally retired to France, where he died. Died.— 1101. Children.— Mar J and Anne by his first wife. Lady Anne Hyde, who both succeeded ; by his second wife he had one son, Edward, who being a Roman Catholic, could not reign, though he attempted it. He is called in history " the Pretender." William and Mary. Line of Nassau. Characters. — William was a great warrior, and strongly attached to the Protestant religion. In his private 6^ QQ A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM character he was gloomy and re- served. Mary being the eldest daughter of James II., was the rightful heir to the throne, her husband reigning with her by invitation of the nation. She was a firm Protestant, and an able woman, yet she seldom meddled in the afiairs of governuaent. She was an excellent wife, and truly pious. Possessions. — England, "Wales, Ire- land, Scotland, Orange, and Colonies in America, Asia, and Africa. Remarkable Events of the Reign. — The act of placing William and Mary on the throne is known as the "glori- ous revolution of 1688." At this time many important additions were made to the English Constitution, one of the most important of which was, that "the monarch must be of the Protestant faith." OF ENGLISH HISTORY. 67 The Bank of- England was estab^ lished. Died. — William in 1702. Mary in 1694. Children. — None. Anne. Married to Prince George of Den- marh. Line of Stuart. Character. — Queen Mary naving no children, her sister Anne inherited the crown. Her private character was ex- cellent, but she had little ability for government, being chiefly led by her ministers. Her reign was, however, prosperous and happy, and from her many virtues she is called " the good Queen Anne." Possessions. — Great Britain and 68 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM Ireland, with Colonies in America, Asia, and Africa. JRemarkable Events of the Reign. — The constitutional union with Scot- land ; it being now settled that sixteen Scotch Peers should sit in the House of Lords, with forty-five Commoners in the House of Commons. This period is known as the Augustan age of English literature, and at this time lived some of the most brilliant authors in the language, among whom were Pope, Addison, Doctor Johnson, and Sir Isaac Newton. D^W.— 1714. Children. — Several, but none sur- vived her. George I. Line of Brunsmck. Character. — He was descended from the daughter of James I., and was the OF ENGLISH HISTORY. 69 next Protestant heir. He was Duke of Brunswick and Elector of Hanover, and was fifty-four years of age when he began to reign. He was a good king, and free from the tyrannical disposition of his predecessors, the Stuarts. Possessions. — Great Britain and Ireland, Hanover, Brunswick, and Colonies in America, Asia, and Af- rica. Remarkable Events of the Reign. — In 1715, Prince Edward, son of James II. (known as the Pretender), headed a rebellion composed of To- ries, w^ho were anxious to restore the Stuarts to the throne; but this was soon ended, and the Pretender was compelled to take refuge in France. The system of inoculation for the small-pox was introduced in England, being tried upon several condemned 70 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM criminals, who were pardoned on their recovery, 1721. Died. — 1787, very suddenly, while in Germany. Children.— George II., and a daugh- ter, married to the king of Prussia. George II. Line of Brunswick. Character. — He pursued the same policy that gained his father so much respect, and ever considered the rights of his subjects. He is to be blamed, however, for his oppressive and unjust treatment of the American Colonies, a course which soon led to the war of independence. Possessions. — Great Britain and Ireland, Hanover, Brunswick, and Colonies in America, Asia, and Af- rica. OF ENGLISH HISTORY. 71 Remarkable Eoents of the Reign. — Another rebellion, headed by the Pre- tender, which was quelled, but cost many lives. A war with France and Spain, which was closed by the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle. Another war with France, in which the English were victorious, and the French possessions in America became those of England. An earthquake occurred in London ; ' and the city of Lisbon was destroyed by a severe one during this reign. Died, — 1760, very suddenly, aged seventy-seven. Children. — Frederick, Prince of AVales, who died before his father ; William, Duke of Cumberland ; Loui- sa, wife of the king of Denmark ; Car- oline, died unmarried; and Amelia, who died in 1785. 72 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM George III. Son of Frederick^ Prince of Wales. Line of Brunswick. Character. — He was an estimable king, faithful in his domestic relations, and throughout his long reign was a bright example of propriety and virtue. Possessions. — Great Britain and Ireland, Hanover, Brunswick;- and Colonies in America, Asia, and Af- rica. Remarkable Events of the Reign. — The war with America, known as the American Revolution, in which the Colonies fought bravely to free them- selves from the English yoke, now grown intolerable from the taxation and oppressive measures forced upon them by their rulers. After a seven OF ENGLISH HISTORY. Y3 years' war, the American arms, under Gen. AVashington, were victorious, and England acknowledged the inde- pendence of "The United States of America." War with France com- menced in 1778, and with Spain and Holland in 1780. Peace was con- cluded in 1783. In 1789 the French Revolution be- gan, and all Europe was engaged in war. Napoleon Buonaparte, a Gen- eral in the revolutionary army, rose rapidly into notice, and soon assumed the government of France, erecting a military despotism, which extended itself over Europe. At length, by the united exertions of Great Britain, Russia, Austria, and Prussia, Buona- parte was dethroned, and driven from France to the island of Elba, in the Mediterranean Sea, but was there less than a year when he escaped, and re- 74 A CHILD'S BRIEF CCMPENDIUM turned to Paris. After a brief reign of one hundred days, he was finally overthrown at the great battle of Waterloo, and surrendered himself to the Duke of Wellington, leader of the British army. He was now sent to the island of St. Helena, where he died in 1821, aged fifty-one. Died. — 1820, aged eighty- two, hav- ing reigned more than fifty-nine years The last ten years of his life he was insane. Children, — Fifteen, two of whom died in infancy. George IV. Line of Brunswick. Character, — During the last ten years of his father's life, he acted as regent, and he was fifty-eight years old when he became king. He was OF ENGLISH HISTORY. 75 not a spotless character, being too fond of indulging his appetites; sensual, selfish, and extravagant. Possessions. — Great Britain and Ireland, Hanover, Brunswick, and Colonies in America, Asia, and Af- rica. JRemarkable Events of the JReign, — Most of the important events last mentioned, as belonging to the reign of George III., took place while George IV. was regent. He was crowned in 1821. The trial of Queen Caroline, his wife, for political causes, was a gross outrage upon decency. The Catholic Relief Bill was passed, by which members of that Church are allowed to sit in bath houses of Par- liament. Died.—im^. CMldren, — OnOy the Princess Char- lotte, wife of Leopold, Prince of Saxe- 76 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM Cobiirg. She died soon after her marriage. William IV. Brother of George IV. Line of Brunswick. Character, — He was a good king, who loved his country, and desired the welfare of his people. Possessions, — Great Britain and Ireland, Hanover, Brunswick, and Colonies in America, Asia, and Af- rica. Remarkable Events of the Reign, — The most important were the passage of an Act for Parliamentary Reform, and the abolition of Slavery in the British West Indies. Died, — 1837, in the seventy-second year t)f his age, and seventh of his reign. OF ENGLISH HISTORY. 77 Children, — Two, who died in in- fancy. Victoria I. Line of Brunswick. Character. — As William IV. left no children, the crown descended to the only child of his brother, the Dnke of Kent. She still fills the throne. She is a virtuous and admirable queen, a faithful wife, and judicious mother. Possessions. — Great Britain and Ireland, Brunswick, and Colonies in America, Asia, and Africa. Remarkable Events of the Reign. — On the death of William IV., the kingdom of Hanover was inherited by his brother, Ernest, Duke of Cumber- land, because, according to the Salic law, which is in force there, no female can rule. 7* 78 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM The coronation of Victoria took place in 1838, when she was aibout nineteen years old; and in 1840 she was married to her cousin, Prince Albert, of Saxe-Coburg. During this reign several important reforms have been enacted by Parliament, and sev- eral wars have taken place ; that of the Crimea, in which England joined the French and Turks, in protecting Turkey from the encroachments of Russia, and a war in India, caused by a revolt among the Sepoys, or natives, A dreadful massacre occurred there at that time, in which many of the white residents and missionaries, with their wives and children, were butchered by the Sepoys. China, which has always refused admission to her ports for foreign trade, is now open, and was, until the year 1859^ on peaceable terms with OF ENGLISH HISTORY. 79 England; during that year a slight fnisunderstanding arose which at one time threatened serious results. Trea- ties of commerce have since been made, and their relations are now more sat- isfactory. Among many other important im- provements and discoveries of the present reign, may be mentioned, the introduction of the Magnetic Tele- graph; extension of the Railway sys- tem ; the building of the new Houses of Parliament, and the invention of the processes for taking Daguerreotype likenesses, and photographs. Children. — Nine; the eldest, Prin- cess Royal, is married to Prince Fred- erick William, of Prussia. The second is the Prince of Wales, heir-apparent to the throne ; married to Princess Alexandra, daughter of the King of Denmark. 80 COMPENDIUM OF ENGLISH HISTORY. The Government of Great Britain is a limited monarchy^ being composed of the King, Lords, and Commons. No laws can be made without the con- sent of these three powers. The House of Lords is composed of all the nobility in England, and six- teen Peers from Scotland, who are elected out of the other Scottish no- bility. Ireland also sends twenty- eight Peers, with four Bishops. All other Bishops have seats in this House, except the four who are last conse- crated, and the Bishop of Sodor and Man. The House of Commons is the rep- resentative of the whole nation, being composed of Commoners, chosen by Commoners, every seven years. The whole House, including the Scottish, Welch, and Irish representatives, con- sists of six hundred and fifty-eight members. OF ENGLISH HISTORY. 81 CHRONOLOGICAL LIST OF THE SOVEREIGNS OF ENGLAND, BEFORE THE CONQUEST, Vb Nameg Began to Meigned ^*'' Mames. Meign. Tears. 1 Egbert 827 10 2 Ethelwolf. 838 20 3 Ethelbald 857 3 4 Ethelbert T. 860 6 5 Ethelred I.. ., 866 5 6 Alfred the GrW 872 20 7 Edward the Elder 901 24 8 Athelstan... 925 ,15 9 Edmund 1 940 6 10 Edred 946 9 11 Edwy 955 , 4 12 Edgar .......959 16 13 Edward II 975 3 14 Ethelred II 978.... 37 15 Edmund Ironsides II 1016.., 1 16 Sweyn 1017 17 Canute... 1017 ...19 18 Harold 1 1036 4 19 Hardicanute 1039 2 20 Edward III., the Confessor...l041 25 21 Harold II 1066 1 SINCE THE CONQUEST. ^«-- Xr ToWkon^MarHea. ^^f^^^ William 1 1066 ♦Matilda of Flanders 21 g \ 2... William II 10S7 (Never married) 13 I I 3...HenryI 1100 Matilda of Scotland 35 b3 |fi... i ?■•■ ..Stephen ..1135 ....Matilda of Boulogne 19 7 82 A CHILD'S BRIEF COMPENDIUM, ETC. Ao. Names. ^Jf-f^ To Wkom Married. ^^^^ 5... Henry II 1154...E]eanora of Aqnitaine ...34 6...Ricliard 1 1189...Berengaria of Navarre 10 7. ..John 1199. ..Earl Montague's daughter 17 Avisa of Gloucester, Isabella of AagoulJeme. 8. ..Henry III 1216. ..Eleanor of Provence .,,56 9. ..Edward 1 1272...Eleanora of Castile. 35 Mary of France. 10...Edward II... 1307. ..Isabella of France 21 11. ..Edward III 1328...Pliilippa of Hainanlt 50 12. ..Richard II ^.1377. ..Anne of Bohemia 22 Isabella of France. LANCASTER. 13...Henry IV 1399. .. Mary Bohnn U Joanna of Navarre. 14... Henry V 1413. ..Catherine of France .,.10 15...Henry VI... 1422... Margaret of Anjon 38 YORK. 16...Edward IV 1461... Elizabeth Woodrille 22 17. ..Edward V 1483. ..(Never married) 18. ..Richard III 1483... Ann Nevil 2 19...Henry VII..„ 14^...Elizabeth of York 23 20. ..Henry VIII 1509...Catherine of Arragoa 38 Anne Boleyn. Jane Sej'mour. Anne of Cleves. Catherine Howar€^. Catherine Parr. 21... Edward VI 1547. ..(Never married) 6 22...Mary r 1553... Philip II. of Spain 5 23... Elizabeth 1558. ..(Never married) 4'4 '24. ..James 1 1603... Anne of Denmark 22 25. ..Charles I 1625.. Henrietta of France 24 26... Charles II 1649. ..Catherine of Portugal 24 27. ..James II — >, lS85...Anibe Hyde 4 Maria of Modenai. 28. ..William III 1689. ..Mary, daughter of James II... 13 29. ..Anne 1702. ..George, Prince of Denmark 12 ^30...George 1 1714...Sophie of Zell 13 31... George II... 1727...Wilhelmina of Anspach 33 32...George III 1760...Charlotte of Mecklenburg- Strelitz 60 33,..George IV 1820. ..Caroline of Brunswick 10 34. ..William IV 1830. ..Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen... 7 35. ..Victoria I.... ..1837. ..Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. QUESTIONS. What was known of the early history of Britain? What of its inhabitants, and their religion ? Who were the Druids ? and what is known of them ? What is the meaning of the word Britain f What other names were given to England, Scotland, and Wales ? When did the Roman invasion of Britain take place ? When was its conquest effected ? Under what emperor, and what befell the Britisk king ? What is said of the Roman walls ? When did the Romans abandon Britain? Why did the Saxons come to Britain ? What happened in consequence ? Who are the present representatives of the ancient Britons ? How did the Saxons divide the island ? How long did that government continue ? Who was the first king of England ? What nation then began to trouble England ? How long did this continue ? Who were Egbert's successors? 83 84 QUESTIONS. What occurred during the reign of Ethelbert ? What does the Church of Rome attempt to prove from this fact ? What do other writers say on the subject ? Who was St. Alban ? What is said of Alfred ? What important acts did he perform ? What nation invaded the kingdom ? And what fol- lowed ? When did Alfred the Great die ? Who was his successor, and what is said of him ? Who was the next king, and what important work did he accomplish ? Name the kings who succeeded ? Why was Edward styled '« The Martyr " ? In what year did the Danes conquer England ? What king then took possession, and who succeeded him? What other countries did he also govern ? Which two sons succeeded him ? When did the English throw off the Danish yoke ? Why was Edward styled " The Confessor " ? What is told of a certain superstitious custom then begun ? When did Edward the Confessor die, and what great building did he found ? Who then attempted to reign, and what is said of William, Duke of Normandy ? Relate what followed. QUESTIONS. 85 NORMAN LINE. What was the character of William the Conqueror ? i What were his possessions ? ] What were the remarkable events of his reign ? 1 When did his death occur ? • j Give the names of his children. > Who was his successor ? « 1 WILLIAM II. {Surnamed Rufm,) What was his character ? What were his possessions ? ^ What were the remarkable events of his reign ? When, and how did he meet his death ? i Who was his successor ? '' HENRY I. What was his character ? 1 What were his possessions? '\ What were the most remarkable events of the reign t When did he die ? Who were his children? \ Who was the next king ? ^ STEPHEN. {Line of Blois.) What was his character ? What were his possessions? \ What were the remarkable events of the reign ? j In what year did he die ? \ 7* ' * QUESTIONS. Name his children. Who succeeded him ? HENRY II. {Home of Plantagenet) What was his character ? What were his possessions? What were the remarkable events of the reign ? When did he die ? Who were his children ? Who succeeded him ? RICHARD L What was his surname, and why was it given ? What was his character ? What were his possessions ? What were the most remarkable events of his reign ? What mishap occurred to the king on his way home from Palestine ? How, where, and when did he die ? Did he leave children ? Who succeeded him ? JOHN. What was his surname, and why was it given ? What was his character ? What were his possessions? Relate the remarkable events of the reign. What was the greatest act of this king ? When did he die ? How many children had he ? Who was his successor ? QUESTIONS. 87 HENRY III. "What was hi& character? What were his possessions ? What were the remarkable events of the reign t In what year did he die ? Had he any children ? Who was his successor? EDWARD I. What was his surname ? What was his character ? What were his possessions ? What remarkable events occurred during the reign f In what year did he die ? Did he leave any children ? Who succeeded him ? EDWARD II. What was his character ? What were his possessions ? State the remarkable events of the reign. How, where, and when did he die? How many children had he? Who was his successor? EDWARD III. What is said of his character ? What were his possessions ? What happened during this reign ? What is said of Edward the Black Prince ? QUESTIONS. When did Edward III. die ? Who were his children ? Who was the next king ? RICHARD IL Whose son was he, and what was his character ? What were his possessions ? What took place during his reign? How, and when did he die ? Did he leave any children ? Who was his successor ? HENRY IV. {House of Lancaster.) What was his character ? What were his possessions ? What were the remarkable events of the reign ? When did he die ? Give the names of his children. Who was the next king ? HENRY V. What is said of his character ? What were his possessions? What were the leading events of the reign ? What is said of the state of religion ? When did he die ? How many children had he? Who was his successor? HENRY VI. Describe his character. QUESTIONS. 89 What is said of his wife? What were his possessions ? What were the principal events of the reign ? When, and in what manner did he die ? What is told of his son? Who was his successor ? EDWARD IV. {House of York.) What was his character ? What were his possessions ? What were the striking events of the reign ? In what year did he die ? Who were his children ? Who succeeded him ? EDWARD V. What is said of this short reign ? RICHARD III. What is said of his character ? What were his possessions ? What were the events of the reign ? When, and where did he die ? Had he any children? Who was his successor ? HENRY VII. {Line of Tudor.) What was his character ? What were his possessions ? Who did he marry, and what was the happy result ? 90 QUESTIONS. What most important event occurred during this reign? When did he die ? Who were his children ? Who was his successor? HENRY VIII. What was this king's character? Who were his wives, and what is told of them ? What were his possessions ? What great events occurred during his reign ? When did he die ? Who were his children ? Who was the next king ? What is meant by <* The Reformation " ? When, and how did these errors begin ? What is here said of the Church of England, and her Protestantism ? When did the Bishop of Rome first claim supremacy over other Bishops, and what is said of it ? W^hat is said of individual reformers, and what were the names of some of them ? State the circumstances which led to the English Re- formation. What important steps were taken during the reign of Henry VIII. and his successor ? By what glorious name, therefore, is the sixteenth century known ? EDWARD VI. What was the character of this king ? QUESTIONS. 91 What were his possessions ? What were the most remarkable events of the reign ? When did he die ? Did he leave any children? Who was his successor ? MARY. What was the character of Queen Mary ? What were her possessions? What were the events of the reign? In what year did she die ? Did she leave any children ? Who was her successor? ELIZABETH. What was her character? What were her possessions ? What good deeds did this queen do ? What discoveries were made, and by whom? What is told of the Spanish Armada ? What cruel deed did she authorize? When did she die ? Who was her successor ? JAMES I. {Line of Stuart.) Whose son was he, and what was his character ? What were his possessions ? Mention the remarkable events of the reign. In what year did he die ? Who were his children ? Who succeeded him ? 92 QUESTIONS. CHARLES I. What was his character ? What were his possessions? What were the events leading to the civil war ? When and how did he die ? Who were his children? What was the *'Long Parliament" ? Who was Oliver Cromwell? What is said of his character ? When did he die ? Who was Richard Cromwell ? What is said of him ? RESTORATION. CHARLES II. What was Ms character? What were his possessions ? What were the chief events of his reign ? When did he die? Did he leave any heirs ? JAMES II. What was his character ? What were his possessions ? What was his religion ? State the events of his reign. QUESTIONS. 93 When did he die, and where ? Who were his children ? Who succeeded him ? WILLIAM AND MARY. {Line of Nassau.) What was the character of King William III. ? Who was Queen Mary ? Name their possessions. How is the act of placing them on the throne known in history ? What prominent acts marked this reign ? In what years did they die ? Did they leave any children ? Who was their successor ? ANNE. . To whom was Queen Anne married? What was her character ? What were her possessions? What were the remarkable events of her reign ? In what year did she die ? Had she any children ? Who was her successor ? GEORGE I. {Line of Brunswick.) Who was this king, and what was his character ? What were his possessions ? What happened in the year 1715? What system was introduced during his reign? When, how, and where did he die ? 8 94 QUESTIONS. Who were his children ? Who succeeded to the throne ? t GEORGE II. What is said of this king ? What were his possessions ? What were the remarkable events of the reign ? When and how did he die ? Who were his children ? Who was his successor ? GEORGE III. Whose son was he ? What was his character? What were his possessions ? What were the greatest events of the reign ? When did the French Revolution begin ? Who was Napoleon Buonaparte ? What of his career, and when did he die ? When did George III. die, and how long did he reign ? How many children had he ? Who succeeded him? GEORGE IV. What was his character? What were his possessions ? What is said of the remarkable events of the reign ? When did he die ? Had he any children ? Who succeeded him ? QUESTIONS. 95 WILLIAM IV. Who was this king ? What was his character ? What were his possessions ? What were the remarkable events of the reign ? When did he die ? Had he any children ? Who was his successor ? VICTORIA L Whose daughter was Queen Victoria? What is said of her character? What are the possessions of England at the present time? What occurred on the death of William IV. ? When did the coronation of Queen Victoria take place ? To whom was she married ? What is said of the important events of her reign ? What of China? Mention some of the greatest improvements and dis- coveries of the present reign. How many children has she ? Who will probably be her successor ? What is the Government of England ? Of what is the House of Lords composed? Of what is the House of Commons the representa- tive ? Of how many members is it composed ?