DA P3U ^ " ' ' W ^ •TO \ ^ -'*, s \.\ A V\' . Oo \* ■ \° °x. , V tf ^> * 's 0^ £ •% \ ^. I A V % A*' V . & ■ V .** -5.. ^^ * v# .%*•%, -^ A HISTORY OF ENGLAN FROM THE Imxwion of Julius (Hcescu* to tl)e present <£\\m. WITH NUMEROUS QUESTIONS. _ DFMGNED FOK THE USE OF SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES. *— BY CALEB PEIRCE, w- PHILADELPHIA : THOMAS L. BONSAL, 33^ MARKET STREET. 1843. t-m t i tt nejm-grri 7 Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1843, by . Thomas L. Bonsal, in the Clerk's ^rnce of the District Court of the Eastern District of # Pennsylvania. m STEREOTYPED BY L. JOHNSON. PREFACE. The history of our own country, of Eng- land, Rome, and of Greece, should form an important part of the education of American youth. The present little work upon England has heen prepared with much care and la- bour, for the purpose of supplying a defi- ciency, relative to order and arrangement, in the larger histories of that country. Parti- cular attention has been paid to chronology, which forms a prominent feature in this volume. The Appendix will be found a valuable and convenient manual of reference. This book is intended, not only for the use of schools, but for the private family circle. The author submits it to the notice of parents, teachers, and others interested in the cause of intellectual improvement, and hopes it may be found worthy of their ap- probation. TABLE OF SOVEREIGNS. Beginning of reign. AD. 43 51 59 449 455 508 547 327 838 857 866 872 900 925 941 948 958 962 975 979 1016 1017 1036 1039 1041 1065 1065 1087 Chiefs or Frinces. 1. Cassivelaunus, 2. Caractacus, 3. Boadieea, ------- The next 390 years, Britain was governed by the Romans. 4. Vortigern, - - 5. Hengist. He was a Saxon. - - - - 6. Arthur, ------- The Saxon heptarchy was formed, and ended End of reign. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16, 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. Kings and Queens. Egbert, -----„- Ethelwolf, 4. Etherbald and Ethelbertjointly, } All sons Ethelred, i of Alfred the Great and Good, J Ethelwolf Edward the Elder, Athelstan, ------ Edmund, ------- Edred, ------ Edwy, - - Edgar, ------- Edward the Martyr, Ethelred, ------ Edmund, ------- Canute, ------- Harold Harefoot, - Hardicanute, ------ Edward the Confessor. - Harold. Here ends the Anglo-Saxon reign. William the Conqueror. First of the Normans. William II., (surnamed Rufus or Red,) Beginn of reig A. D. 1100 ing n. 23. 1135 24. 1154 25. 1189 26. 1199 27. 1216 28. 1272 29. 1307 30. 1327 31. 1377 32. 1399 33. 1413 34. 1422 35. 1461 36. 1483 37. 1483 38. 1485 39. 1509 40. 1547 41. 1553 42. 1558 43. 1603 44. 1625 45. 1648 1660 46. 1685 47. 1688 48. 1702 49. 1714 50. 1727 51. 1760 52. 1820 53. 1830 54. 1837 55. TABLE OF SOVEREIGNS. Henry I., Stephen. The house of Blois. Henry II. The first of the Plantagenets. - Richard I., - John, Henry III., - Edward I., Edward II., ------ Edward III., Richard II., Henry IV. The first of the houses of Lan- caster and York. - - - - - Henry V., ------- Henry VI., Edward IV., Edward V., Richard III., - - - - Henry VII. The first of the house of Tudor. Henry VIII., Edward VI., Mary, Elizabeth, ______ James I. The first of the house of Stuart. Charles Stuart I., - Commonwealth, ------ Charles II., ------ James II., ------- William and Mary, Anne, ------- George I. The first of the house of Brunswick George II., ------ George 111., _-_-._ George IV., ------ William IV., - Victoria., ------ HISTORY OF ENGLAND. CHAPTER I. All ancient writers agree in representing the first inhabitants of Britain as originally from Gaul. Their language, manners, su- perstitions, and modes of government were similar to those of the Gauls ; varied, however, by the progressive changes which the lapse of time may be expected to produce. The Britons were divided into many small nations, or tribes ; and being a military peo- ple, whose sole property was their arms and their cattle, it was impossible, after they had acquired a relish for liberty, for their princes or chieftains to establish despotic authority over them. Their governments, though monarchical, were free, as well as those of the Celtic na- tions ; and the common people seem to have enjoyed more liberty than even the ancient Gauls, from whom they were descended. Each state was divided into factions, and was agitated with jealousy or animosity agairist the neighbouring states ; and while the arts of peace were yet unknown, wars were the chief occupation, and formed the chief object of ambition among the people. The religion of the Britons was one of the 8 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. most considerable parts of their governments ; and the Druids, who were their priests, pos- sessed great authority among them. Besides ministering at the altar, and direct- ing all religious duties, the Druids presided over the education of youth ; they enjoyed an immunity from wars and taxes; they possess- ed both the civil and the criminal jurisdic- tion; and they decided all controversies, among states as well as among private persons. Whoever refused to submit to their decree was exposed to the most severe penalties. The sentence of excommunication was pro- nounced against him ; he was forbidden access to the sacrifices or public worship ; he was debarred all intercourse with his fellow-citi- zens, even in the common affairs of life. His company was universally shunned as pro- fane and dangerous. He was refused the protection of law ; and death itself became an acceptable relief from the misery and in- famy to which he was exposed. Besides the severe penalties which it was in the power of the Druids to inflict in this world, they inculcated the doctrine of the eternal transmigration of souls ; and thereby extended their authority as far as the fears of their timorous votaries. They practised their rites in dark groves, and they commu- nicated their doctrines only to the initiated. They forbade the committing of these to writing, lest at any time they should be ex- posed to the examination of the profane vulgar. HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 9 . No idolatrous worship ever attained such an ascendancy over its votaries as that of the ancient Gauls and Britons ; and after their subjugation by the Romans, it was found im- possible to reconcile them to the laws and institutions of their new masters, while their religious system maintained its authority; and the Romans were obliged to abolish it by penal statutes, a violence which had never before been perpetrated by those tolerant conquerors. Questions. 1. What do all ancient writers say about the first peo- pling of Britain ? 2. Wherein were they like the people of the neigh- bouring continent ? 3. How were the Britons divided ? 4. What kind of a people were they ? 5. AVhat did their property consist in ? 6. Why was it impossible for their princes to establish despotic authority over them? 7. What were their forms of government ? 8. What did the common people enjoy more than the Gauls, from whom they descended 1 9. How was each state divided ? 10. By what was each state agitated ? 1 1. Against whom was that animosity ? 12. What important thing was unknown by the Bri- tons? 13. What was their chief occupation ? 14. What formed the chief object of ambition among them ? 15. What was a considerable part of their govern- ment ? 10. Who possessed great authority among them? 17. What authority did the Druids possess? 10 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 18. What was done to those who refused to submit to their decrees ? 19. What was the nature of those penalties ? 20. Where did they practise their rites ? 21. To whom they communicate their doctrines ? 22. Why did they forbid the writing of their doctrines ? 23. What was it that had an ascendancy over the minds of the ancient Britons ? 24. Why did the Romans abolish, by penal statutes, the religion of the Druids ? 25. Had the Romans ever before committed such violence ? CHAPTER II. The Britons had long remained in a rude but independent state, when Caesar, having victoriously overrun all Gaul, invaded their island. He landed at Deal, and having ob- tained several victories over the natives, they submitted to him. The descendants of the early Britons are found, at this day, in Ire- land, Wales, and the highlands of Scotland ; some of whom still speak the Celtic lan- guage. The ancient Britons wore the skins of wild beasts, while others were entirely naked, and painted their persons like our In- dians. Their weapons were clubs, spears, and swords. A. D. 43. Cassivelaunus is the first British prince spoken of in history. A. D. 51. Caractacus, the second prince or king, was very brave. He fought the HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 11 Romans with much success, but finally he was taken prisoner in battle, and carried to Rome. A. D. 59. Boadicea, Queen of the Iceni, w r ho had been treated in the most ignomi- nious manner by the Roman tribunes, suc- cessfully attacked the settlements of her foes. Suetonius, the Roman general, hastened to the protection of London, which was already a flourishing Roman colony : but afterwards finding it necessary to abandon it, the city was reduced to ashes. The inhabitants who had remained in it, with the Romans and strangers, to the number of 70,000, were put to death. This cruelty was soon after re- venged by Suetonius, in a great and deci- sive battle ; w 7 here 80,000 "of the Britons were slain. The queen, rather than fall into the hands of the Romans, committed suicide. The general who finally established the dominion of the Romans on this island, was Julius Agricola. He introduced the arts of peace. He taught the natives to desire and to raise all the conveniences of life. He reconciled them to the Roman language and manners, and instructed them in letters and in science, and employed every expedient to render them satisfied with their new con- dition. This was the last conquest made by the Romans ; and Britain, once subdued, gave no farther inquietude to them. 12 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. The Romans built a wall from the river Tyne to the Frith of Solway. After many years, the Romans, owing to their weakness' at home, were obliged to withdraw their troops from Britain. Having assisted the inhabitants in erecting anew the wall from the Tyne to the Frith of Sol- way, which was built of stone, about the year 448 they bade a final adieu to them. They had been masters of most of the island during four centuries. Questions, 1. What was the condition of the Britons before they were conquered by the Romans? 2. Where did the Romans first land in Britain? 3. Where are the descendants of the early Britons now found ? 4. What language do some of these still speak? 5. How did the ancient Britons dress ? 6. What were their weapons ? 7. Who was the first prince of Britain ? 8. At what period did he reign ? 9. Who was the second prince of Britain ? 10. What was he noted for? 11. How was he taken by the Romans? 12. To what city was he carried ? 13. During what period did he reign? 14. Who was the first princess of Britain ? 15. How had she been treated by the Roman tribunes ? If). What place attacked by her, did the Roman gene- ral hasten to protect ? 17. What was London at that time ? 18. What did the Roman general find it necessary to do ? 19. What was the fate of London ? 20. What became of the inhabitants of London? 21. How did the Roman general retaliate ? HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 13 22. How did the queen evade capture ? 23. AVho finally established the Roman power in Britain ? 24. What was the conduct of Julius Agricola? 25. Had his kind offices the desired effect ? 26. Why did the Romans withdraw their troops from Britain ? 27. What was their last act of kindness to the Bri- tons ? 28. When did the Romans bid the Britons a final adieu ? 20. How long- were the Romans masters of most of Britain ? CHAPTER III. After the departure of the Roman sol- diers, the Britons, having become unwarlike, were unable to resist the Picts and Scots, who descended from the northern parts of the island and ravaged the country. By the advice of Vortigern, prince of Dumnonium, who possessed the chief authority among them, they sent into Germany a deputation to invite the Saxons to come over to assist them. Accordingly, in the year 450, Hengist and Horsa, two brothers of great bravery, em- barked from Germany with 1 600 men ; they landed 'on the isle of Thanet, and imme- diately marched against the Scots and Picts, and defeated them. From their easy victory over the Picts and Scots, the two brothers soon perceived 14 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. how easily they might subdue the feeble Britons, who had not been able to repel the incursions of such invaders. Hengist and Horsa were soon reinforced by 5000 more Saxons, who came over in seventeen vessels. They now formed an al- liance with the Picts and Scots against the Britons. Many battles were fought ; in one of them, Horsa was killed ; and Ilengist became sole commander. He spared neither age, sex, nor condition ; the private and public edi- fices of the Britons were reduced to ashes, and their priests were slaughtered before the altars. Hengist maintained his ground in Britain ; and in order to divide the forces and attention of the natives, he called over a new tribe of Saxons, under the command of his brother Octa, and Ebissa, Octa's son. He established them in Northumberland, while he remained in the more southerly parts of the island, and laid the foundation of the kingdom of Kent. He fixed his royal seat at Canterbury, where he reigned about 40 years, and died in the year 488, leaving his newly-acquired domi- nions to his posterity. The success of Hengist incited other Ger- mans, at different times, and under different leaders, to go over in large numbers to the invasion of Britain. They were chiefly Saxons, Angles, and Jutes; but commonly passed under the name of Saxons. The HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 15 Britons were driven into Wales and Corn- wall. The next Saxon state, founded after that of Kent, w r as South Saxony. The Saxons, having finally conquered all Britain, divided it into petty kingdoms. The last of the Saxon conquerors was Ida, who, in A. D. 547, entirely subdued the country now called Northumberland, and assumed the crown, under the title of the king of Bernicea. About the same time, Aella, another Saxon prince, having conquered Lancashire and the greater part of Yorkshire, received the name of king of Deira. These two kingdoms were united under the government of Ethel- In A. D. 547, the Saxon heptarchy was formed, comprising the seven petty king- doms of Kent, Northumberland, East Anglia, Mercia, Essex, Wessex, and Sussex, each of which was governed by its own prince or king. During the heptarchy, and while Gregory was pontiff of Rome, the Christian religion was again introduced into Britain by Augus- tine, a monk. The Britons had embraced Christianity, as early,' probably, as the time of the apos- tles ; but the race having been almost en- tirely extirpated, the Christian religion had shared the same fate. 16' HISTORY OF ENGLAND. Questions. 1. What was the character of the Britons at the time of the departure of the Romans ? 2. What did they find themselves unable to do ? 3. Whose advice did they follow ? 4. Where did they send a deputation, and for what purpose ? 5. What distinguished persons came from Germany to their assistance I 6. In what year did they embark from Germany, and how many men did they bring to assist the Britons? 7. Where did they land, and against whom did they march ? 8. What did they discover, from their easy victory over the Picts and Scots ? 9. By how many men were Hengist and Horsa rein- forced ? 10. How many vessels were employed in bringing them over ? 11. With whom did they form an alliance, and for what purpose ? 12. How did Horsa lose his life ? 13. Who became sole commander ? 14. What cruelties did Hengist commit after his bro- ther's death ? 15. Did he maintain his ground ? 1(3. What did he do to divide the forces and attention of the natives ? 17. Where did he establish his brother Octa, and his nephew Ebissa ? 18. Where did Hengist himself remain ? 19. What kingdom did he found there ? 20. Where did he fix his royal seat ? 21. How long did he reign, and when did he die ? 22. To whom did he leave his newly-acquired domi- nions ? 23. What did the success of Hengist cause ? 24. Who were those conquerors chiefly ? 25. What were they commonly called ? 26. Where did the Saxons drive the Britons ? 27. Which was the second Saxon state in Britain ? HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 17 28. When the Saxons had conquered all Britain, how did they divide it ? 29. Who was the last of the Saxon conquerors ? 30. At what time was Britain entirely subdued? 31. Under what title did Ida assume the crown ? 32. What other prince reigned at the same time ? 33. Under what title did Aella reign ? 34. Under whom were these two kingdoms united ? 35. In what year was the Saxon heptarchy formed ? 30. Name the seven kingdoms which formed the heptarchy. 37. When was Christianity re-introduced into Britain? 38. By whom was it re-introduced ? 39. What pope reigned at that time ? 40. When had the Britons embraced Christianity? 41. What had been its fate ? CHAPTER IV. In A. D. 827, Egbert, king of Wessex, having conquered the other kingdoms of the heptarchy, became sole monarch of England. He had subdued the Britons in Cornwall, and also those of Venedosia, which was one of the three kingdoms into which Wales was divided. After he was crowned king of England, (being the first,) he reigried in peace until A. D. 833, when his dominions were invaded by the Danes, who were de- feated and driven out by him. Egbert reigned 37 years as king of Wes- sex, 7 years as king or chief of the seven kingdoms, and 10 years as sole monarch or 18 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. king of England. He died in the year 838, and was buried at Winchester. In A. D. 838, Ethelwolf, Egbert's only surviving son, succeeded his father. In the year 840, a body of Danes landed on the coast of Wessex. Ethelwolf, although he was opposed to fighting, marched against them in person; but was unfortunately beaten. About this time the Ficts, hitherto so formidable to the southern Britons, were, after a long war, completely extirpated by the Scots. Ethelwolf, wearied by the repeated incur- sions of the Danes, delivered up Kent, Essex, and Sussex, to Athelstan, his natural son, with the title of king of Kent, reserving to himself the remaining states. In A. D. 852, the Danes came up the Thames with 300 ships, and pillaged London and other places ; but Ethelwolf and Athel- stan engaged them near Orkney, in Surrey, where the English gained the victory, and made such great slaughter of their enemies that few escaped. This victory delivered Ethelwolf from the fear of the Danes. He gave to the church tithes of all his posses- sions. In 855 he paid a visit in person to the pope, to receive his benediction ; and ex- tended the tax of Peter's pence all over his dominions. He died in the year 857, having reigned 20 years, and was buried at Winchester. He left his crown by will to his second HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 19 son, Ethelbert ; after him, to his third son, Ethelred ; and then to his youngest son, Al- fred the Great. A. D. 857. Etherbald, his first son, and Ethelbert, his second son, jointly succeeded their father. Nothing remarkable happened during the reign of Etherbald : he died in 860. The reign of Ethelbert was noted by the renewed incursions of the Danes; he died in 866. In A. D. 866, Ethelred succeeded his bro- ther Ethelbert. In his reign the Danes be- came masters of Northumberland and East Anglia, and resolved to push their conquest further, hoping finally to subdue all Eng- land. With this view, Ivar, king of Den- mark, turned his arms against Wessex ; he landed his troops in that county, and ad- vanced as far as Reading. In the course of one year, Ethelred fought nine pitched bat- tles with the Danes, in some of which he was victorious ; but in all of which he gave signal proofs of courage and conduct. In the last battle, he was mortally wounded. He died in 872, in the sixth year of his reign. He gained the character of a valiant and pious prince. * Questions. 1. Who was the first king of England? 2. At what time did his reign commence ? :$. By whom was England invaded ? 4. Were the Danes successful ? 5. What did kin^ Egbert do to them ? 20 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 6. How long- did Egbert reign as king of Wessex ? 7. How long did he reign as king of the heptarchy ? 8. And how long did he reign as king of England ? 9. At what time did he die ? 10. Where was he buried ? 1 1 . Who succeeded Egbert to the throne of England ? 12. When did Ethelwolf commence his reign ? 13. At what time did a body of Danes land on the coast of Wessex ? 14. Was Ethelwolf opposed to fighting ? 15. Did he fight the Danes ? 10. Was he successful against the Danes ? 17. Who extirpated the Picts, that had been so formi- dable to the Southern Britons ? 18. Why did Ethelwolf give part of his kingdom to his son Athelstan ? 19. What title did Athelstan assume ? 20. In what year did the Danes come up the Thames, and pillage London and other places ? 21. How many ships did they bring up the river Thames ? 22. At what place did Ethelwolf and Athelstan at- tack them ? 23. With what success did they meet ? 24. What effect had this victory upon Ethelwolf? 25. What did the king give to the church ? 2G. In what year did the king visit the pope ? 27. What tax did he extend over his dominions ? 28. In what year did Ethelwolf die ? 29. How long did he reign ? 30. Where was he buried ? 31. Who succeeded Ethelwolf? 32. When did Etherbald and Ethelbert begin reign- ing I 33. In what year did Etherbald die ? 34. How long did he reign jointly with his brotlier Ethelbert ? 35. What people made incursions on England during Ethelbert's reign ? 36. When did Ethelbert die ? 37. How lone- did he reign ? HISTORY OP ENGLAND. 21 38. Who succeeded Ethelbert to the throne of Eng- land ? 39. In what year did Ethelred commence his reign ? 40. Of what portion of England did the Danes be- come masters ? 41. What did they then resolve to do ? 42. With what view did the king of Denmark turn his arms against Wessex ? 43. In Avhat county did Ivar, king of Denmark, land his troops ? 44. How far did he advance with his troops ? 45. How many pitched battles with the Danes did Ethelred fight in one year ? 4(3. What did he prove himself to be ? 47. What befell him in the last battle he fought with the Danes ? 48. In what year did he die ? 40. How long did he reign ? 50. What character did he acquire during his reign ? CHAPTER V. Alfred the Great, brother of Ethelred, succeeded him to the throne. His virtues and distinguished bravery had been shown during his brother's lifetime, and now en- deared him to his subjects. He was crowned in 872, when the Danes were in the very heart of his dominions, and all the seaports were filled with their ships. He marched against them, and committed such havoc among them that they promised to depart ; but, instead of doing so, they re- commenced their depredations in another part of the kingdom. Alfred vigorously op- 22 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. posed them; but a strong reinforcement having come over to the Danes, the English were seized with despondency, and deserted their sovereign. Having placed his wife and children in the care of some trusty sub- jects, Alfred disguised himself and lived concealed in the house of a shepherd. Col- lecting a few of his followers, he afterwards retired to the little island of Athelney, in Somersetshire. The Danes, having no longer an enemy to oppose them, grew negligent. Alfred, in the disguise of a musician, boldly entered the Danes' camp, and stayed there several days ; after which, he returned to his friends, secretly assembled his troops, and attacked and routed the Danes with terrible slaughter. The prisoners were set at liberty, on condi- tion of embracing Christianity, which they and their leader Guthrum readily did. The Danes, under Hastings, made another descent upon the coast ; but Alfred, having formed a navy, vanquished them. In all his wars with the Danes, Alfred fought fifty-six battles; w r hen they were finally expelled from the kingdom. Alfred founded the university of Oxford. He was an excellent scholar ; and encouraged the fine arts and polite learning. He wrote several books for the instruction of his peo- ple. He instituted juries, and made many good laws. He is justly considered as the great founder of the English Constitution. HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 23 During his reign justice was strictly ob- served. He was one of the greatest, wisest, and most pious princes that have ever lived. After a glorious reign of 28 years, he died on the 28th of October, A. D.*900. In A. D. 900, Edward the Elder succeed- ed his father Alfred. Ethelward, his cousin, laid claim to the crown, and applied to the Danes for assistance, which was granted. Edward defeated them ; but the war con- tinued 12 years. After two important en- gagements, in which the Danes were over- thrown, they were expelled out of the kingdom. Edward also conquered the Welch. He reigned 25 years, and died A. D. 925. In 925, Athelstan, a natural son of Ed- ward, succeeded to the throne. He fought many battles with the Danes, and was gene- rally successful. He reigned 1 6 years, and died A. D. 941. In 941, Edmund, Edward's oldest legiti- mate son, succeeded his brother Athelstan. He met much opposition from the restless Northumbrians, who watched every oppor- tunity of rebelling ; but by force of arms he reduced them to humble submission. In order to give him a satisfactory pledge, they offered' to embrace Christianity; but Ed- mund was not willing to confide in their sincerity. He removed, the burgesses from the town of Mercia, because they had taken advantage of every commotion to introduce 24 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. the Danes into the kingdom. He also con- quered Cumberland from the Britons, and conferred the kingdom on Malcolm, king of Scotland, with a condition that he should do him homage, and protect the North from future incursions of the Danes. One day, as he was solemnizing a festival, Leolf, a notorious robber, whom he had sen- tenced to banishment, came into the hall. Edmund became enraged, and ordered him to leave the room. The robber refused. Edmund assailed him, and seized him by the hair. Leolf drew a dagger, and stabbed Edmund, who expired immediately. This event occurred in the 8th year of his reign, A. D. 94S. Questions. 1 . Who succeeded Ethelred to the throne of England ? 2. When did the reign of Alfred the Great commence ? 3. What did he oblige the Danes to promise ? 4. How did they keep their promise? 5. Who came over to assist the Danes ? 0. What effect was produced on the English I 7. What did Alfred do with his wife and children ? 8. Whore did he conceal himself in disguise ? 9. Whither did he afterwards retire ? 10. When the Danes had no enemy to oppose them, what was their conduct ? 11. How did Alfred enter the Danes' camp, and how long did he stay ? 12. What did Alfred do after his return to his friends ? 13. Was he successful in his attack on the Danes? 14. What did he do with the Danish prisoners ? 15. Were they willing to embrace Christianity, to obtain their freedom ? 16. What did he do by increasing his navy ? HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 25 17. What did king- Alfred encourage ? 18. What kind of laws did he make ? 19. What did he institute? 20. What did he establish ? 21. What was strictly observed during his reign? 22. How many battles did he fight with the Danes ? 23. What university did he found ? 24. What kind of a scholar was king Alfred ? 25. What was the character of his writings? 2(). What was his general character? 27. When did he die? 28. How long did he reign ? 29. Who succeeded Alfred to the throne of England ? 30. When did Edward the Elder commence his reign ? 31. Who contested his right to the throne? 32. To whom did Ethelward apply for assistance ? 33. Which party was victorious ? 34. How long did this war continue? 35. What became of the Danes after Edward defeated them? 36. What other people did he conquer ? 37. How long did he reign ? 38. In what year did he die ? 39. Who succeeded Edward to the throne of Eng- land ? 40. What happened during Athelstan's reign ? 41. When did his reign commence ? 42. How long did he reign? 43. In what year did he die ? 44. Who succeeded Athelstan to the throne of Eng- land ? 45. When did his reign commence? 46. What people disturbed the peace of his reign? 47. What did he effect by force of arms ? 48. What did they offer as a pledge of their fidelity? 49. Whjom did he remove from office ? 50. Why were they removed ? 51. What kingdom did he conquer? 52. On whom did he confer it? 53. On what condition did he confer it on the king of Scotland? 26 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 54. What happened while he was solemnizing a fes- tival ? 55. In what year was he killed ? 56. How long did he reign ? CHAPTER VT In A. D. 948, Edred succeeded his bro- ther. The Danes, according to their custom on the accession of a new king, made incur- sions into the country, and gained over to their side Malcolm, king of Scotland. But Edred compelled them to sue for peace, and reduced them to absolute submission. He was now absolute sovereign of all England. He turned his thoughts wholly to religion, and rebuilt several churches and monasteries. Edred reigned 10 years, and died in the year 958. In 958, Edwy, son of Edmund, succeeded his uncle. He immediately commanded Dunstan, the treasurer to the late king, to give an account of the moneys intrusted to him. The monk refused to obey, alleging that the money had been spent for pious pur- poses. The monks were thereupon turned out of the benefices they had invaded, and the secular priests restored. The monks vented the most bitter invectives. Dunstan was banished. The monks now tried to put down the government of the young king, and represented him as the most impious of HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 27 men. They excited an insurrection ; and Edgar, the king's brother, headed the revolt- ers, and took a large proportion of his king- dom from him. Mortified at the result of the contest, Edwy fell into a deep melan- choly, which put an end to his life. He reigned 4 years, and died A. D. 962. In 962, Edgar succeeded his brother Ed- wy, at sixteen years of age. He recalled Duns tan, and made him Archbishop of Can- terbury. The secular priests were expelled from the monasteries. He restored and freely patronised the monks, and by this means pre- served the peace of the kingdom. His reign was one continued calm, without wars or com- motions. His preparations for war, both by sea and land, were so extensive that none dared attack him. It is said that he was rowed down the river Dee by eight kings who were his vassals, he himself sitting at the helm. He extended his liberality to men of learn- ing and genius. His court was hospitable and magnificent, and well attended by fo- reigners, who were charmed with his ele- gance and politeness. From the tranquillity of his reign, he acquired the name of Edgar the Pacific. He died in the 13th year of his reign, A. D. 975. Edward the Martyr succeeded his father Edgar, in 975. He was the son of Edgar's first wife, and the throne was willed to him by his father ; but Edgar's second wife was still living, and she wished her son placed 28 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. upon the throne; but the monks and the people declared in favour of Edward. After le had reigned little more than three years, le came to a tragical end. On returning from a hunt, he stopped to see his stepmo- ther, and was stabbed in the back while drinking, by a villain, at her direction. He died immediately. He reigned about 3 years, and died A. D. 979. Questions. 1 . Who succeeded Edmund to the throne of England ? 2. When did Edred commence his reign ? 3. Who made incursions into the country ? 4. What king did the Danes gain to their side ? 5. What did king Edred compel them to do ? (>. To what did he reduce them ? 7. To what did he wholly turn his thoughts ? 8. What did he rebuild ? 9. How long did he reign ? 10. When did he die ? 11. Who succeeded Edred to the throne of England? 12. When did Edwy commence his reign ? 13. What did he command the treasurer to do ? 11. Did the treasurer obey ? 15. What excuse did he give for not complying ? 16. What did the king do to the monks ? 17. Whom did the king restore ? 18. What was done with Dunstan the treasurer? 19. What did the monks try to do to the young king? 20. What did they excite, and what did they repre- sent him to be ? 21. What did they take from the king? 22. Into Avhat did the king fall ? 23. What put an end to his life ? 24. How long did he reign, and when did he die ? 25. Who succeeded Edwy to the throne of England ? 26. When did Edgar begin his reign ? 27. For what was his reign remarkable ? HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 29 28. To what was this general peace owing ? 29. Whom did he recall, and what did he make him? 30. Who were expelled from the monasteries ? 31. Who were restored? 32. To whom did the king extend his liberality? 33. What was the character of his court ? 34. By whom was it filled, and what pleased the visitors ? 35. What name did he acquire during his reign ? 30. How long did he reign ? 37. In what year did he die ? 38. Who succeeded Edgar ? 39. When did Edward the Martyr commence his reign ! 40. Was there any opposition to Edward's succeeding his father ? 41. By whom was the opposition raised ? 42. In whose favour did the people declare ? 43. To what tragical end did he come ? 44. How long did he reign ? 45. In what year was he killed ? CHAPTER VII. . Ethelred, half-brother to Edward, suc- ceeded him in the year 979, at the age of 1 2 years. In 98 1 , the Danes returned, and for 10 years there were continued plunderings, conflagrations, murders, and other crimes. During this time the credit of the monks declined ; the people began to wonder that those who pretended to work miracles, could not, by their prayers, prevent the calamities of the nation ; and the king himself showed them no manner of respect. ii i i m i . , i i ii . ii ,. ■ , !««■=—— i . i . i i h i ■ — ■ ii i i — ^— ■gawp— memmm 3* 30 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. Ethelred was mean-spirited. He pur- chased peace of the Danes five times. On one occasion, he paid them §£30,000, which was raised by means of a tax, and was called Danegelt, or Dane gold. This was the first tax levied in England. The Danes lived at their ease, and com- pelled the English to labour for them. The natives called them Lord Danes. They, however, became so enraged at the exactions of their oppressors, that, by Ethelred's orders, they fell suddenly upon them, and in one day massacred them all. In revenge, Sweyn, king of Denmark, equipped 300 ships and landed a powerful army in Cornwall: he inarched to Exeter, put the people to the sword, and burned the town. He entirely defeated Ethelred. In A. D. 1005, there was a famine in England. In 1013, the Danes having made them- selves masters of the whole kingdom, Ethel- red went to Normandy with his family : and Sweyn, being proclaimed king of England without any opposition, laid a very heavy tax on the nation to pay the Danish troops. He died suddenly in 1014. Upon the death of Sweyn, the Danes proclaimed his son Canute king of England. Canute went to Denmark, to assert his right to that crown ; and Ethelred returned to England, and raised a numerous army, and governed as badly as before. Canute, having settled HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 31 things in Denmark, returned to England in about a year, and landed a numerous army, when the people declared in his favour. Ethelred died in 1016, in the 50th year of his age, after a most inglorious reign of 37 years. In 1016. Edmund (surnamed Ironsides) succeeded his father. The lords proclaimed him king of England, while the Danes sup- orted the claims of Canute. Canute be- sieged London three times without success. A great battle was fought, in which both kings eminently displayed their courage and con- duct. The English were in danger of being defeated by a stratagem of Edric, who cut off the head of a soldier who resembled Ed- mund, held it upon the top of his lance in sight of the English, and cried, " Fly, fly, you scoundrels ! behold the head of your king, in whom you trust!" but just at this time Edmund showed himself among the sol- diers. One of Edmund's commanders went over to the Danes with ajl the forces he commanded, which put the English into such consternation that they laid down their arms and fled. A peace was soon after con- cluded at the request of the people, and the kingdom was divided into two parts, Nor- thern and Southern. Canute took the former and Edmund the latter : but Edmund was assassinated, by order of his brother-in-law Edric, in 1017. With Edmund, the Saxon monarchy in England ended, having lasted - J ' » — — ■ ■ ■ ■■» 32 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 1 90 years from Egbert's establishment, 432 from the founding of the heptarchy, and568 from the arrival of Hengist. Questions, 1. Who succeeded Edward the martyr ? 2. When did he commence his reign ? 3. In what year did the Danes return to England ? 4. How long did they continue their devastations ? 5. What happened to the monks ? 6. What was Ethelred's character ? 7. What did he do to procure peace I 8. What was the money called which he paid the Danes ? 9. How did the Danes live ? 10. What did they compel the English to do ? 11. What did the' English call them? 12. What effect did the oppression of the Danes have upon the people ? 13. What did they do by Ethelred's order ? 14. What did the king of Denmark do I 15. How many ships conveyed his army to England ? 1(5. Where did this powerful army land ? 17. Which party was victorious ? 18. In what year was the famine in England ? 19. In what year did the Danes become masters of England ? 20. What became of king Elhelred and his family ? 21. When Sweyn was proclaimed king of England, what did he impose upon the nation ? 22. What was the object of this tax ? 23. When and how did Sweyn die ? 24. After Sweyn's death, whom did the Danes pro- claim king ? 25. Where did Canute go after being proclaimed king ? 20. Did king Ethelred return to England during Ca- nute's absence ? 27. How did Ethelred govern after his return ? 28. When Canute returned, of whom were the peo- ple in favour ? HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 33 29. When did Ethelred die ? 30. How old was he at his death ? 31. How long did he reign? 32. Whom did the lords proclaim king ? 33. Whom did the Danes proclaim king ? 34. What did Canute and Edmund display ? 35. What stratagem did Edric practise upon the Eng- lish ? 36. What effect did it produce? 37. At whose request was a peace concluded ? 38. How was the kingdom divided ? 39. Which part fell to the lot of Edmund ? 40. How long did he afterward live ? 41. How did he die? 42. What ended with king Edmund ? 43. In what year was he assassinated ? 44. How many years since Egbert began to reign as king ? 45. How many since the founding of the heptarchy ? 4(5. How many since Hengist arrived in England ? CHAPTER VIII. In A. D. 1017, on the death of Edmund, Canute became sole master of the kingdom, and was proclaimed king ; and all the lords, both English and Danish, swore allegiance to him. He divided England into four parts, and appointed dukes or earls over three, and one he himself governed. To the end that justice might be equally administered, he declared that no distinction should be made between the English and the Danes. He built a splendid church over the grave of St. Edmund, who had been killed by the jga i un. i . i . 1 »iL i 34 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. Danes, and enlarged the town of St. Edmund- bury. In 1031, he took a journey to Rome, where he made large presents to the church- es, and confirmed all that his predecessors had done, botli for the church of Rome and the English college. One day as he was walking by the sea-side, his flatterers highly extolled him, and even compared him with God himself. To convince them of their folly and impiety, he caused a chair to be brought to him, and seating himself where the tide was about to flow, said to the ocean, " O sea, thou art under my jurisdiction, and the land where I sit is mine ; I command thee to come no farther, nor presume to wet thy sovereign's feet." But the tide came in, regardless of his commands, and he severe- ly rebuked his courtiers. Canute died in the 1 9th year of his reign, A. D. 1036. He left three sons, and one daughter ; Sweyn, king of Norway ; Harold, king of England ; Hardieanute, king of Den- mark ; and Gunilda, the wife of Henry IV. Harold Harefoot succeeded his father in 1036. His short reign .was distinguished by an act of cruelty towards prince Alfred, whom, in a friendly manner, he had invited to London. On the journey, the king caused the attendants of Alfred to be murdered, and his eyes to be put out. He also had a law passed, by which any Welchman who should cross a certain line was exposed to the penal- ty of having his right hand cut off. He died HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 35 April 14th, 1039, in the fourth year of his reign, little regretted by his subjects. A. D. 1039, Hardicanute succeeded his brother Harold. Immediately after he was crowned, he caused his brother's body to be dug up and thrown into the Thames. He laid a tax on the nation to defray the ex- penses of the fleet that brought him from Denmark to England. The people were much dissatisfied with the tax. At Worces- ter they refused to pay it, and murdered two collectors ; for which the king sent his forces against it, and plundered and burned it. Hardicanute was a great glutton and wine- bibber, and noted for cruelty. After carous- ing at the w r eclding of a Danish lord, he died very suddenly, unlamented by all, on the 8th of June, 1041, and the people kept it afterwards as a day of rejoicing ; they called it hog's-tide. He reigned 3 years. With him ended the reign of the Danes in Eng- land. It lasted 26 years, but they had ha- rassed the kingdom 240 years. Questions. 1. Who succeeded to the throne, and became sole master of the kingdom, after the death of Edmund ? 2. In what year did he commence his reign? 3. Who swore allegiance to him? 4. How did he divide his kingdom? 5. Who did he appoint over three of those four parts ? 6. Why was this arrangement made ? 7. What declaration did he make ? 8. What did he do in commemoration of king Ed- mund ? 36 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 9. In what year did he visit Rome ? 10. What did he do at Rome ? 11. What happened on the sea-shore between the king and his flatterers ? 12. How long- did he reign? 13. When did he die ? 14. How many children did he leave ? 15. Who succeeded Canute? 16. When did Harold commence his reign ? 17. For what was his reign distinguished ? • 18. When did he die ? 19. How long did'he "reign ? 20. Did his people respect him? 21. Who succeeded Harold Harefoot? 22. When did Hardicanute commence his reign ? 23. What was done with his brother's dead body ? 24. For what purpose did he impose a tax on the na- tion? 25. What did this tax cause ? 26. What was his character ? 27. When did he die ? 28. How long did he reign ? 29. How was the day of his death celebrated ? BO. What was it called ? 31. What ended with his reign? 32. How long had the Danish reign lasted ? 33. How long had they harassed the kingdom ? HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 37 CHAPTER IX. In 1041, Edward the Confessor succeeded his half-brother Hardieanute. He built the church and monastery of Westminster. He was a weak and imbecile monarch. The mental qualities of Edward did not at all comport with the dignity of his person. His love of ease conduced to the tranquillity of his reign. From his barbarous treatment of his mother, in stripping her of her pro- perty, and confining her, he seems to have been destitute of any thing like ^natural af- fection. He was extremely punctilious in the performance of every religious duty ; and by this means acquired, among the vul- gar, the title of Saint and Confessor, by which title he was canonized by Pope Alex- ander III. One day while the king was reposing him- self upon a couch, a page, who little dreamed that he was in the apartment, filled his pock- ets from an open treasure-chest; but not being satisfied with his booty, he returned, and was refilling them with silver, when the king said very deliberately, " Boy, you had better be satisfied with what you have got, for if my chamberlain should come in, you will lose the whole, and be severely whipped besides." He died in the 24th year of his reign, A. D. 1065, and was buried in the sepulchre which he had prepared for 38 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. himself, in Westminster Abbey. He was the last of the Saxon line that reigned in England. In 1065, Harold II. succeeded Edward the Confessor. His brother Toston (who having been stripped of his employments for his numerous crimes, had abandoned his country) applied to Harfager, the king of Norway, for assistance to dethrone him. ! Harfager and Toston, with 500 ships, invaded | England, but after several hard-fought bat- tles, they were both slain ; each army having lost 60,000 men. Harold kept for himself I all the spoils taken from the Normans : this occasioned much dissatisfaction among the j people. William, duke of Normandy, w T as legally entitled to the crown, which had been willed to him by Edward the Confessor ; and when Harold was his prisoner, he had sworn to do all in his power to favour the duke; but afterwards being released, he had sought the crown himself, and obtained it. The duke sent a messenger to Harold, to demand the crown, and in case of refusal, to charge him with a breach of his oath, and to declare war against him. Harold returned for an- swer, that the duke had no right to the crown, that the oath was extorted from him, and that he would defend his rights against all opposers. The duke landed in Sussex, Sept. 29th, 1066, and built a fort there; and then marched along the coast as far as HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 39 Hastings, where he built another strong fort, and waited for the coming of the enemy. Harold, having collected all his forces to- gether, encamped about seven miles from the Norman army, resolving to give them battle. The two armies engaged on the 1 7th of October. The battle was strongly con- tested ; but the duke, by pretending to re- treat and then immediately turning on him, threw Harold's army into confusion. A tremendous slaughter ensued, and Harold was killed. The duke obtained a complete victory. Harold's turbulent reign lasted 9 months and 9 days. With him totally ended the reign of the Anglo-Saxons in Eng- land, which began 600 years before. Questions. 1. Who succeeded Hardicanute? 2. What time did Edward the Confessor commence o. What church and monastery did he build? 4. What tended to preserve peace ? 5. How did he treat his mother? 0. Of what did he seem to be destitute ? 7. How did he perform his religious duties ? 8. What title did he acquire ? 0. By what title was he canonized .' 10. What took place while he was reposing upon hi, c couch? * 11. How long did he reign .' 12. When did he die, and where was he buried? 13. Who succeeded Edward the Confessor? 14. When did Harold 11. commence his reign ? 15. Who attempted to dethrone Harold ? 16. Who assisted Toston in his opposition ? 17. How many ships did the king of Norway send ? 40 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 18. What was the fate of Harfager and of Toston ? 19. How many men did each army lose ? 20. What caused much dissatisfaction among the people ? 21 . To whom did Edward the Confessor will the crown? 22. What was Harold's conduct towards William, duke of Normandy ? 23. Where did the duke land his troops in England ? 24. What did he build there ? 25. Where did he march his troops ? 2(5. What did he build there ? 27. For whom did he wait ? 28. When was the memorable battle of Hastings fought ? 29. Who was slain in this battle ? 30. Who was victorious ? 31. What stratagem was made use of? 32. How long did Harold reign ? 33. When was he killed ? 34. What totally ended with king Harold ? 35. How many years since the Anglo-Saxons began to reign in England? CHAPTER X. William the Conqueror succeeded Ha- rold, Dec. 25th, 1065. After his coronation, he solemnly swore " to protect the church and its ministers, to govern the nation with equity, to enact just laws, and to cause them to he duly observed, and to forbid all rapines and unjust judgments." As soon as it was known that he had been crowned in London, all opposition to him ceased, and he was ac- knowledged king throughout the whole country. He built a church on the spot HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 41 where the battle of Hastings was fought, and a monastery, which he called Battle Abbey. In the beginning of 1067, he visited Nor- mandy, and, to prevent any insurrection in his absence, he took with him some of the principal noblemen of England. On his return he revived the obnoxious tax former- ly called Danegold, and insurrections and revolts followed in abundance. Several of the earls, with the king of Wales, raised an army to oppose William ; but he soon dis- persed them, and the earls, submitting, were pardoned. The duke built castles in many cities, and garrisoned them with Norman troops, which measure created much ani- mosity. The English were oppressed, and the Normans favoured. This caused several of the lords to leave the realm and go to Scotland. He ordered that the inhabitants should have no light in their houses after eight o'clock at night. At that hour a bell Was rung, which was called the curfew, from couvrc feu. (viz. cover fire,) at the sound of which, they were obliged, under severe pe- nalties, to put out their fire and candles. In 1071, there was a great outbreak; the malecon tents betook themselves to the Isle of Ely, *and strongly fortified it. The king blockaded the rebels on the island, and forced them to submit. During this outbreak, the Scots invaded the northern counties, but to their sorrow. They offered to accommo- date matters by a treaty, which was grant- 4* 42 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. ed, and they willingly did homage to the king. In 1073, Philip, king of France, being jealous of the greatness of William, invaded Normandy without any declaration of war. Upon which William went over with a great army. Philip soon grew tired of the war, and made peace with William. A plot was formed by some Norman noblemen to de- throne the king ; but it was made known to him, and they were severely punished. In 1077, his son Robert, urged by the king of France, rebelled against his father in Normandy. William went over, and his son submitted to him ; he took him to Eng- land with him, and in 1080 sent him against the Scots, who were again making incursions. This war also ended in a treaty. Robert founded the tow T n of Newcastle. About this time, William built the famous Tower of London. The king introduced the Norman lan- guage, and caused all the Saxon laws to be translated into Norman, and published his laws in that tongue ; and commanded it to be taught in all schools. The consequence was a mongrel language, neither Saxon nor Norman, but a mixture of both. He erected new courts of justice, and ordered all the proceedings to be in the Norman tongue. He introduced the feudal law, and first ap- pointed justices of the peace. He had an immense revenue, and in order HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 43 that every one should pay in proportion to his means, he ordered a general survey to be made of all the land, and an estimate of the wealth of the kingdom, in money, cattle, &c. ; all which were set down in a book called Doomsday-Book, which was finished in the year 1086, and which is still preserved in the exchequer. He made war on Philip, king of France ; but a truce soon ensued, which, however, was broken by Philip's jests in relation to Wil- liam's large stomach. In this war he re- ceived a bruise from the pommel of his sad- dle, which proved fatal. From the acts of William's reign, he seems to have been a king of great courage, capa- city, and ambition. His appearance was noble and imperious ; his stature tall and portly ; his constitution robust, and the com- position of his bones and muscles so strong that there was hardly a man of that age who could bend his bow or handle his arms. He died September 9, 1087, in the 61st year of his age, after having reigned in Nor- mandy 22 years, and in England 2\ years. Questions. 1. Who succeeded Harold to the throne of England ? 2. Wh,en did William the Conqueror commence his reign ? 3. What did he swear to perform ? 4. When did all opposition to him cease ? 5. What did he build on the famous battle-ground at Hastings ? 6. What did he call the monastery ? 44 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 7. When did he visit Normandy ? 8. Who did he take with him, and for Avhat purpose ? 9. What tax did he levy after he returned to Eng- land ? 10. What did the revival of that obnoxious tax pro- duce ? 11. What did he build in many of the cities? 12. By whom were they garrisoned ? IS. YVhat did these acts create ? 14. What order for the extinction of fires did the king enforce ? 15. What is meant by the curfew I 10. What happened in 1071 ? 17. Who invaded England during this outbreak? 18. How Were matters settled ? 19. At what time did king Philip of France invade Normandy ? 20. How did William oppose Philip ? 21. Did the war continue long ? 22. Who formed a plot to dethrone William ? 23. What was done with the noblemen ? 24. Who urged Robert to rebel against his father William ? 25. What course did Robert take, after his father went over to Normandy ? 2(3. Where did he go with his father ? 27. Against whom was he sent by his father ? 28. Who founded the town of Newcastle ? 29. Who built the Tower of London ? 30. How was the Norman language introduced into England ? 31. What was the consequence of this measure? 32. What law did he introduce ? 33. What officers did he first appoint ? 34. What noted book was made by his direction ? 35. When was it completed ? 30. What was entered in Doomsday-Book ? 37. Where is it preserved at this time ? 38. On whom did he make war ? 39. What soon followed ? 40. How was that truce broken ? HISTORY Or ENGLAND. 45 41. What did king William receive in the war? 42. From the acts of his reign, what was his character ? 43. What was his appearance ? 44. When did he die ? 45. How long did he reign in Normandy, and how long in England ? 46. What Avas his age at the time of his death ? CHAPTER XI. William II., surnamed Rufus, or the Red, from the colour of his hair, succeeded his father. He was crowned September 27, 1 087. His reign is not marked by one act that can be called praiseworthy. He was engaged in two wars with his brother Robert, duke of Nor- mandy. A peace was concluded each time, without any decisive battle taking place. The Scotch and Welsh invaded his territory, and an insurrection broke out : these were all quelled. He had courage, but it was more like the fierceness of a wild beast than the bravery of a hero. He was ill-natured and brutal in his behaviour. He was wholly indifferent to religion ; and he had no regard for honour or lionesty. He was void of learning, prin- ciple, and humanity. He oppressed his peo- ple in every form of tyranny and insult. He was an inveterate enemy to the English, and took all opportunities to oppress and ensnare them . At one time, he imprisoned fifty of the 46 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. best families in England under pretence of their having killed his deer. All historians agree that he was the worst prince that ever sat upon the throne of England. He was accidentally killed by Walter Tyr- rel, August 3d, 1 100. He reigned nearly 13 years, and was 44 years of age. A. D. 1100, Henry I. succeeded his bro- ther, William II. A strong party of the no- bles was in favour of Robert, to whom, by virtue of a treaty with William, the crown rightfully belonged. A great concourse of people collected at Westminster from all parts, and Henry, well knowing how the peo- ple stood affected, drew his sword, and swore that no man but one whom the people ap- proved should take possession of the crown. The lords retired to consult about the matter ; but the people, with loud acclama- tions, made the name of Henry ring in their ears. Fearing the people, they resolved that Henry should succeed to the crown. On the next day, August 5th, 1 1 00, he was crowned. To secure himself on the throne, he wisely began his reign by reforming abuses, redress- ing grievances, and doing many popular acts in accordance with promises which he had made. He granted a charter of liberties, confining the royal prerogative within its an- cient bounds, and renouncing the unjust pre- rogative which the two late kings had usurp- ed, restoring the church to her lormer rights, and confirming the laws of king Edward. HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 47 He moreover remitted all arrears of debt due the crown, and appointed a standard of weights and measures throughout the king- dom. During the reign of Henry, a dispute arose about investiture of bishops and abbots, and their doing homage to the king. A council held at Rome decided that no bishop should receive investiture from laymen. r l he con- test ran high, and lasted for several years. It w T as at last compromised by the king re- nouncing the right of investiture, and the pope directing the bishops to do him homage. The pope's legate came to England, and held a synod in London ; at which severe canons were passed against such of the cler- gy as persisted in keeping their wives. King Henry, by all seeming zeal in the matter, cunningly got from the pope a power to put it into execution : which done, he gave the priests leave to keep their wives, upon their paying him large sums of money for a dis- pensation. A dispute arising in Normandy, Robert sent to his brother Henry for assistance, which was readily granted ; but instead of aiding his brother, he took the kingdom from both of, the contending parties, and ruled it himself. His daughter Maude married Geoffrey Plantagenet. Henry was of middle stature and robust make ; his capacity was naturally good, and 48 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. it was improved and cultivated in so excel- lent a manner that he acquired the name of Beauclerc. His courage was unquestioned, and his fortitude invincible. He was said to be the richest prince in Europe at the time of his death. He died Dec. 1st, 1133, in the 34th year of his reign, and in the 68th year of his age. He was buried in the abbey of Reading. During his reign learning flourished. The revival of letters at Cambridge was remark- ble. Questions. 1. Who succeeded William the Conqueror? 2. At what time did William Rufus commence his reign? 3. With whom was he engaged in tAVO wars ? 4. How were those Avars settled ? 5. By whom were the king's territories invaded ? 0. What else disturbed the peace of the kingdom? 7. What became of the invaders and insurrectionists? 8. What did the king's courage resemble? 9. What was the king in his behaviour? 10. How did he treat religion ? 11. For what had he no regard ? 12. Of what was he destitute ? 13. What was his conduct to the English people ? 14. In what do all historians agree ? 15. When was the king killed? 16. By whom was he killed ? 17. How old was William Rufus, and hoAv long did he reign ? 18. AVho succeeded William Rufus? 19. At what time did Henry I. commence his reign ? 20. To whom did the crown rightfully belong ? 21. Who opposed the nobles who favoured Robert's claim ? HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 49 22. When was Henry crowned ? 23. What did he do to secure himself on th^ throne ? 24. What did he grant ? 25. What did he remit, and what did he appoint ? 26. During his reign what dispute arose ? 27. How long did the dispute last? 28. How was it at last settled ? 29. What was passed at a synod held in London ? 30. Who had the power to put it into execution ? 31. What privilege had the clergy, by paying large sums of money ? 32. How did king Henry settle a dispute that arose in Normandy ? 33. Whom did his daughter Maude marry ? 34. What is said of his person ? 35. What is said of his capacity ? 36. What name did he acquire by his learning ? 37. What is said of his courage, fortitude, and riches ? 38. When did he die? 39. How lonof did he reign ? 40. How old was he at his death? 41. Where was he buried ? 42. What nourished during his reign ? CHAPTER XII. Stephen, son of Adda, and grandson of William the Conqueror, succeeded Henry I. He was crowned Dec. 25th, 1135. Soon after his coronation, he convened a general assembly at Oxford, in which he signed a charter, acknowledging his being elected king- by the clergy and people ; confirming all the liberties and immunities of the church, and consenting that all ecclesiastical cases and per- 50 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. sons should be tried by the clergy ; abolishing all the game laws enacted since the Conquest, and the forest laws, and reviving the ancient Saxon laws. He moreover abolished Dane- gold, which had been taken away by Edward the Confessor, but restored by the Norman kings. He permitted the barons to fortify their estates, so that in a little time there were above 1000 fortified castles in the kingdom. Maude, king Henry's daughter, the rightful heir to the crown, and to whom Stephen had sworn fealty, made an effort to obtain her right. There was civil war for some time, and Stephen was taken prisoner and imprisoned. In turn, the earl of Glou- cester, Maude's brother, was taken prisoner and imprisoned. An exchange of prisoners was made, and king Stephen finally triumph- ed. The Scotch and Welsh took advantage of the internal wars, and on several occasions invaded the king's territories, but had al- ways to sue for peace. He died Oct. 25th, 1154, in the 19th year of his reign, and the 50th year of his age. He was buried in the abbey of Fever- sham, which he had built. Henry II., son of Maude, and grandson of Henry I., succeeded Stephen. He was the first king of the race of the Plantagenets. He was crowned Dec. 19th, 1154. His first measure was to demolish the great number of castles which had been for- tified by the bishops and barons in Stephen's «J*ML'i T» ■ Trrr- HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 51 reign. He sent away the foreign troops that had been employed by his predecessor ; he revoked all the grants made by Stephen, re- sumed all the lands that had been alienated from the crown, and deprived the barons created by Stephen of their honourable titles, as having been conferred by a usurper. He went over to France in 1 158, and con- cluded a marriage between his eldest son Henry and Margaret, daughter of the French king. Henry was 5 years old, and Margaret, 5 months. The two kings declared war against each other, but the pope interfered, and a peace was concluded. For the purpose of reforming the abuses of the clergy, Henry promoted a nobleman, named Thomas a Becket, to the second office in the kingdom, namely, the Archbishopric of Canterbury : but, to the astonishment of the king, Becket vehemently opposed his project. The king convened the chief lords of the kingdom, spiritual and temporal, and proposed to them regulations tending to make them subject to the civil power. The tem- poral lords agreed to these articles without any hesitation ; but the bishops and abbots refused their assent, without a saving clause reserving the rights of the clergy and church. Influenced by the king's menaces, they finally complied, and even Becket consented . Soon after, the articles were confirmed by a gene- ral assembly, or Parliament, convened at Clarendon. When the articles were sent to 52 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. the pope for his sanction, he condemned them as prejudicial to the church. Becket now took sides with the pope, and an open rup- ture took place between him and the king. His archbishopric was taken from him, and church censures were thundered out against the king. A reconciliation was at length efFect- ed between the king and Becket, and he was restored to his former state ; but Becket soon became so insolent that the king said, " It is my great unhappiness, that among all my subjects, there is not one who dares to re- venge the affronts which I receive from a wretched priest." From this time, four gentlemen of the king's household entered into a plot against Becket's life. Accord- ingly, they went to Canterbury, and followed him into the Cathedral, where they killed him before the altar, which was besmeared with his blood and brains. This happened in 1171. The next year Henry conquered Ireland. He left Hugh Lacy there, to govern in his name, with the title of Grand Justiciary of Ireland. In 1176, he divided England into circuits, appointing judges to go at certain times of the year and hold the assizes, or ad- minister justice to the people, which plan is practised at this day. About this time the building of London bridge was begun by Peter Coleman. Henry's talents were naturally good, and | they were highly cultivated. He delighted baaa— — i c— m i ■ ■ ii i nipiiwi i in ■ m — —— — Wm—mtmmmm — — ■ HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 53 in the conversation of learned men, to whom he was a benefactor. His memory was so tenacious, that he never forgot a fact nor a circumstance that was worth remembering. He was superior to all his contemporaries in strength, riches, true courage, and military skill, though he never went into war without reluctance. He w^as the king, the priest, the father of his country, and one of the most powerful and illustrious monarchs that ever flourished on the English throne. King Henry died July 6, 1189, in the 57th year of his age, and 35th of his reign. Questions. 1. Who succeeded Henry I. to the throne of Eng- land ? 2. When was Stephen crowned ? 3. What did he convene at Oxford ? 4. What did he sign in that assembly ? 5. What did this charter acknowledge, abolish, and permit ? 6. How many castles were erected about this time in England ? 7. Who was the rightful heir to the crown ? 8. What effort did she make ? 9. What continued for some time? 10. Who were made prisoners in this civil war? 11. What became of those distinguished prisoners? 12. Who finally succeeded ? 13. Who took advantage of the civil war to invade the king's* territories ? 14. For what were they obliged to sue ? 15. When did king Stephen die ? 16. How old was he at the time of his death ? 17. How long did he reign ? 18. Who succeeded Stephen to the throne of Eng- land ? 5* 54 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 19. Of what race was he the first that reigned ? 20. When was he crowned ? 21. What did he demolish soon after the beginning of his reign ? 22. Whom did he send away ? 23. What did he revoke ? 24. What did he resume ? 25. Of what did he deprive the barons who had been created by Stephen ? 26. When did he visit France, and what did he con- clude ? 27. What did the king of England and the king of France declare ? 28. By whose interference was a peace concluded ? 29. Whom did the king raise to the second office in the kingdom ? 30. For Avhat purpose did he promote Thomas a Becket? 31. Did he aid the king in his project? 32. For what were the chief lords convened? 33. What did he propose to them ? 34. Who objected to what he proposed ? 35. What induced them finally to comply ? 30. By whom were the articles confirmed ? 37. How did the pope treat them ? 38. What* effect had the pope's course upon Becket? 39. What followed between the king and Becket ? 40. What did the king take from Becket? 41. And what was thundered out against the king? 42. What at length took place between the king and Becket? 43. What did the reconciliation produce ? 44. What was a great unhappiness to the king ? 45. What horrid act was perpetrated by four gentle- men of the king's household ? 40. In what year did this bloody tragedy happen ? 47. When did Henry conquer Ireland ? 48. Whom did he leave in Ireland to govern in his name ? 49. What title was given to Hugh Lacy ? 50. How did the king divide England in 1176? HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 55 51. Whom did he appoint, and for what purpose ? 52. Who built London bridge ? 53. What is said of the king's talents ? 51. In what did the king delight ? 53. What is said of his memory ? 56. In what was he superior to his contemporaries ? 57. What is said of him generally 1 58. When did he die, and in what year of his age 1 59. How long did he reign ? CHAPTER XIII. Richard I. succeeded his father Henry II. He was crowned Sept. 3d, 1189. At the coronation, the people fell upon some Jews who were pressing forward to witness the ceremony, and killed a number of them. The king caused several of the ringleaders to be put to death. During this reign the third crusade against the Saracens was in progress. Richard took an active part in it. In his journey to the Holy Land, he made himself master of Cy- prus. In Palestine, he had a great battle with Saladin, who commanded 300,000 Turks ; but Richard, with a much smaller army, gained a complete victory, and slew 40,000 of the enemy. Richard took a great Babylon caravan, consisting of 3,000 camels laden, and 4,000 horses or mules, guarded by 10,000 horsemen. By this capture, he became possessed of an inestimable treasure. When he had arrived in sight of the holy 56 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. city, many of his foreign troops had deserted him ; and having lost many of his own men from war and sickness, and the want of fo- rage, he was compelled to defer the siege. In the meanwhile, troubles at home induced him to return to England ; but before he left Palestine, he concluded a truce with Saladin for three years, and placed Henry, earl of Champagne, at the head of all the troops he left in Palestine. On his return home, he was cast away on the coast of Istria, and, in- tending to travel in disguise through Ger- many, he was seized by the duke of Austria, and imprisoned fifteen months. He was at length released for the round sum of 100,000 marks of pure silver. In besieging a castle, an archer struck him with an arrow on the shoulder, near the neck, which wound, under the hands of an unskilful surgeon, caused his death. He was a prince of great courage and valour, whence he was called the Lion's Heart. He died April 6th, 1199, in the 10th year of his reign, and 43.d of his age. He reigned 24 years. In the whole of his reign, he was in England not more than eight months. During his reign the first mayor was created. John succeeded his brother Richard I. He was crowned May 28, 1199. He had great disputes with the pope and clergy ; the result of which was deeply humbling to him. Enraged at John's tyranny, the barons assembled an army, and after reducing him HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 57 to great extremities, they extorted from him the famous Magna Charta, the chief founda- tion of the English Constitution. During this reign, London was incorporated, and provision made for the electing of the lord mayor and the other magistrates. John was the first who coined sterling money. John died Oct. 18, 1216 in the 18th year of his reign, and the 51st year of his age. He was a weak, haughty, and tyrannical prince. Henry III. succeeded his father John. He was crowned Oct. 28, 1216, when he was only 1 years of age. The earl of Pem- broke was chosen guardian to him, and re- gent of the kingdom. In 1219, the earl of Pembroke died, and during the king's minor- ity, the government was then committed to the bishop of Winchester. In 1221, the new building of Westminster Abbey was begun : king Henry laid the first stone. The king had several wars with France, but gained nothing by them. He and the barons had continued disputes, which at last ended in a civil war. On May 14, 1264, was fought the famous battle of Lewis, in which the royal army was routed, and the king, his brother, and son were taken prisoners. The prince escaped from his con- finement, and raised another army, and in turn routed the baron's army, killing the general and his son, and released his father from confinement. M 58 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. Henry was a prince of very mean talents, irresolute, inconstant, and capricious ; proud, insolent, and arbitrary ; arrogant in prosper- ity, and abject in adversity. He died Nov. 16th, 1272, aged 66 years. He reigned 56 years and 20 days. Questions. 1. Who succeeded Henry II. to the throne? 2. AVhen was Richard I. crowned ? 3. What disturbance took place during the ceremony ? 4. How were the ringleaders punished ? 5. Which of the Crusades was carried on during this re i en 6. Did Richard take part in this Crusade ? 7. What island did he take in his journey to the Holy Land ? 8. Where and with whom did he fight a great battle ? 9. Who gained the victory ? 10. How many Turks composed Saladin's army ? 11. How many of them were killed in this battle ? 12. What great treasure did Richard take ? 13. On arriving in sight of the holy city, what hap- pened 1 14. What induced him to return to England? 15. What did he conclude before he left Palestine ? 10. Whom did he place at the head of the troops he left in Palestine ? 17. What happened to him on his return home ? 18. How long was he imprisoned by the duke of Austria? 19. What was paid for his release ? 20. What caused his death? 21. What gave him the title of Lion's Heart? 22. When did he die, and at what age, and how long had he reigned ? 23. How long was he in England during his reign ? 24. When was the first mayor created ? 25. Who succeeded Richard I. to the throne ? 26. When was he crowned ? HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 59 27. With whom had he a great dispute ? 28. Who assembled an army ? 29. What did they extort from King John ? 30. What city was incorporated ? 31. For what was provision made? 32. When did he die, at what age, and how long had he reigned ? 33. What was his general character ? 34. Who succeeded king John to the throne ? 35. When was he crowned ? 36. Who was chosen his guardian during his minority ? 37. When did the earl of Pembroke die? 38. To whom was the government then committed ? 39. When was the new building of Westminster Abbey commenced ? 40. Who laid the corner-stone? 41. What did the king gain by his wars with France ? 42. With whom had the king continual disputes ? 43. In what did they end ? 44. What battle was fought May 14th, 1264? 45. Which army was routed ? 48. Who were taken prisoners ? 47. Which of them escaped from confinement ? 48. What did the prince raise ? 49. Which army was routed at this time ? 50. Who were killed in this battle ? 51. Who was released from confinement ? 52. What was the character of king Henry? 53. When did he die, and at what age ? 54. How long had he reigned ? 60 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. CHAPTER XIV. A. D. 1272, Edward I. succeeded his father Henry III. At the time of his father's death, he was on his return from the Holy Land. He was crowned August 19, 1274. All the lords of the kingdom were present at the coronation, on which occasion 500 horses were let loose over the country, which became the property of any one who could catch them. Edward rectified the abuses in the administration of justice, and parlia- ment enacted some good laws, called the statutes of Westminster. In the year 12S0, the statute of quo warranto was passed. Wales was united to the crown of England in 1283. Soon after, the queen gave birth to a son named Edward ; at 17 years of age, he was invested with the principality of Wales ; and since then, the king's eldest son has been styled Prince of Wales. About this time the statute of mortmain was passed, to put a stop to the prevailing practice of persons alienating their lands to the church. In 1289, the king set about reforming the abuses in the administration of justice. He punished several judges who were found guilty of taking bribes, and obliged them to swear to refrain from such practices. Taking advantage of the divisions in Scot- land, Edward, by a wily course of policy, as well as by force of arms, subjected it ; but HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 61 the Scots under Sir William Wallace soon terribly routed the English, and almost clear- ed their country of the enemy. Wallace, being ill-used by his countrymen and be- trayed into the hands of Edward, was cruelly put to death ; but Robert Bruce, soon after assuming the crown of Scotland, defeated the English under the earl of Pembroke, and recovered several towns which they had j taken. Edward was highly enraged against the Scots, and began his march northward ; ! but on his journey was seized with a disease which put an end to his life; Edward, in the qualities of his mind, equalled the greatest monarchs that have sat upon the English throne. He died July 7th, 1307, in his 68th year; having reigned 34 years, 7 months, and 20 days. Edward II. succeeded his father Edward I. He was crowned Feb. 24th, 1308. He per- formed no good or praiseworthy act during his reign. He was totally unfit to rule, and was governed by favourites, the first of whom (Gaveston) was beheaded by the angry barons ; the next was Spencer, who exercised uncontrolled power over Edward and in- sulted the queen. She went over to the continent under the pretence of reconciling her husband and her brother, king of France, but returned to England with a large army. She was met by a number of lords, and joined by a large force. The king was en- tirely deserted. He concealed himself in an 62 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. abbey; Spencer was seized and hanged, the kins; was imprisoned, and his son crowned on the 20th Jan., 1327. Edward II. was a very weak and bad man. He reigned about 1 9 years. During his reign the battle of Bannockburn was fought, in which Robert Bruce, with thirty thousand Scots, totally defeated the English army, which consisted of 100,000 men. Edward III. succeeded his father Edward II. The Scots, headed by king Robert Bruce, made incursions into his territory and committed many depredations. Edward marched against them with an army of 60,000 men, including the Hainaulters, late- ly brought from France. At York, a quar- rel arose between them, which delayed their march, and gave the Scots an opportunity of ravaging the country, and securing great booty. About this time, the late king came to a most horrid death at the hands of two ruffians, one of whom was afterwards exe- cuted. In 1333, king Edward had a great battle with the Scots, whom he entirely defeated. He sent duke Brabant to France to demand the crown from Philip de Valois, whom he conceived had usurped it after the death of his uncle Charles, and in case of refusal to declare war against him. Philip refused; and in 1338, "Edward set sail for France with a large fleet. The campaign ended without bloodshed. HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 63 In 1340, Edward took the title of king of France, using it in all public acts, and quar- tered the arms of France with his own, add- ing this motto, Dieu et mon droit, God and my right. He soon after obtained a great victory over the French at sea; and a truce was agreed upon through the mediation of the pope. In 1346, king Edward, in company with his son Edward, prince of Wales, landed in Normandy, and on the 26th of August, 1346, an obstinate and bloody battle was fought, which proved fatal to the French. The prince, only 1 6 years of age, performed won- ders in this battle. The victory was chiefly owing to him, and the king his father gave him the honour of it. King Philip was wounded, several earls and dukes w r ere killed, and 1500 eminent noblemen, 120 knights, and above 80 French stands of arms were taken. In this battle the English made use of cannon, then unknown to the French. After besieging Calais, Edward consented to a truce for one year. During this time the queen marched against David king of the Scots, and defeated him and took him prisoner. King David remain- ed a prisoner eleven years, and was then released by paying 100,000 marks. A ten years truce was then agreed upon between the two kingdoms. David died A. D. 1368, and left the crown to Robert Stuart, his ne- phew. In 1 3 6 6, Edward instituted the most 64 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. famous order of knighthood in the world, viz. that of the garter. In 1356, another great battle was fought between the English and French. The English were commanded by prince Edward, and notwithstanding the great superiority of the French, Edward gained a complete vic- tory. The French king was taken prisoner and carried to England : he paid 3,000,000 crowns for his ransom. On June 8th, 1376, Edward, prince of Wales, the delight of the nation, died, in the 46th year of his age. He was called the Black Prince, from wearing black armour. King Edward died June 21st, 1377, in the 65th year of his age, and the 51st of his reign. Edward III. was undoubtedly one of the greatest princes that ever swayed the sceptre of England, whether we view him as a warrior or a lawgiver, a monarch or a man. He possessed the courage and romantic spirit of Alexander ; the penetration, the fortitude, the polished manners of Caesar ; and. the magnificence, the liberality, and wisdom of Augustus. He was constitutionally a knight- errant. During his reign weaving woollen was in- troduced into England, which Edward fore- saw might prove* of great benefit to the peo- ple. Wickliif lived in his reign. HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 65 Questions. 1. Who succeeded Henry III. to the throne? 2. Where was he at the time of his father's death? 3. When was Edward I. crowned ? 4. Who was present at the coronation ? 5. What were let loose ? 6. What was the first act of his reign ? 7. What laws* were enacted by parliament ? 8. When was the statute of quo warranto passed? 9. When was Wales united to the croAvn of England ? 10. What was the name of the king's eldest son ? 11. With what was he invested? 12. What title did he assume ? 13. For what purpose was the statute of mortmain passed? 14. How did the king reform abuses in the adminis- tration of justice ? 15. Of what did he take advantage ? 1(5. Under what leader did the Scots rout the English ? 17. What was his fate ? 18. Who assumed the crown of Scotland? 19. Whom did he defeat ? 20. What effect was produced on the mind of Edward ? 21. With what was he seized ? 22. In what did Edward equal the greatest English monarchs ? 23. When did he die, and at what age ? 24. How long had he reigned ? 25. Who succeeded Edward I. ? 26. When was Edward II. crowned ? 27. What did he not perform ? 28. For what was he totally unfit? 29. By whom was he governed ? » 39. H#w was the queen treated ? 31. For what purpose did she go to the continent? 32. What became of Spencer, the king's second fa- vourite ? 33. What became of the king ? 34. What great battle was gained by the Scots under Robert Bruce ? 66 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 35. Who succeeded Edward II. ? 36. When was Edward III. crowned ? 37. What was done by the Scots ? 38. By whom were they headed ? 39. How many men did Edward command ? 40. What arose in his army ? 41. How did this quarrel favour the designs of the Scots ? 42. What -was the fate of the late king- ? 43. In what year had the king a great battle with the Scots? 44. Which party was defeated ? 45. For what purpose did the king send duke Bra- bant to France ? 46. For what did he declare war against Philip de Valois ? 47. When did the king set sail with a large fleet for France ? 48. How did this campaign end ? 49. When did Edward take the title of king of France ? 50. How was it used ? 51. What was added to the arms of England ? 52. What was the motto ? 53. Over whom did Edward gain a victory ? 54. Who acted as mediator? 55. When did Edward and his son land in Normandy ? 50. When was an obstinate and bloody battle fought ? 57. To whom did it prove fatal ? 58. To whose bravery was the victory chiefly owing ? 59. Who was wounded in this battle ? GO. Who was killed, and what taken ? 61. When did the English first use cannon ? 02. How was king David taken prisoner ? 63. How long did he remain a prisoner, and what was paid for his ransom ? 64. When did lie die ? 65. What famous order was instituted by Edward ? 66. When was another great battle fought ? 67. Describe the battle ? 68. What was paid for the ransom of the French kinsr ? HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 67 09. When did Edward prince of Wales die, and at what age ? 70. When did king Edward die, at what age, and how long had he reigned ? 71. What is said of his general character? 72. What distinguished reformer flourished during this reisrn ? CHAPTER XV. Richard II., son of the Black Prince, succeeded his grandfather Edward III., and was crowned without* opposition, on July 1 6, 1377. France at this time was disposed to be unfriendly towards England, and commit- ted many depredations on the English coast. The first parliament convened after the coro- nation of Richard, passed a law laying a head or poll-tax of 1 2s. on all persons over 1 5 years of age. The collection of this tax was diffi- cult, and it was therefore farmed out. One^of the tax collectors and Wat Tyler had a dis- pute about the age of one of Wat's children. The collector being insolent and immodest iii ascertaining the age of the young lady, Wat killed him with a hammer. The peo- ple applauded Tyler and ilew to arms. Tyler was mm placed at the head of 100,000 men. They marched to London, and on their way they committed many shocking acts. When they entered London, they committed the most horrid ravages, burning and plundering the houses of the judges, lords, and principal 68 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. citizens. They seized the archbishop of Can- terbury and the high treasurer, and beheaded them. The king and council were dismay- ed, but at last they resolved to offer the rebels a general pardon, and a charter confirming the people's liberty. This was accepted by many of the rebels, and they marched home. Others refused, and continued in insurrection for some time. At a conference with the king in Smithfield, the lord mayor of Lon- don struck Wat Tyler a furious blow over the head, and killed him. His companion, Jack Straw, was soon after seized and exe- cuted ; and the rebels, being thus deprived of their leaders, were obliged to submit to the government. This memorable insurrection took place in 1 3 8 1 ; at the close of which, the king was married to Anne of Luxemburg. In the same year the king granted power to the bishops to imprison heretics ; but the House of Commons soon got it revoked. In 1385, the Scots and French were making great preparations for invading England. This alarmed the king and his court; and in a very short time the king stood at the head of 300,000 soldiers. But he did little with his army, except march with it into Scotland and retreat ingloriously. The archbishop of York, with two others, gained a complete control over the king, and much jealousy existed between his three uncles and his three favourites. Parliament HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 69 refused to grant supplies until the favourites were dismissed. Parliament then appointed fourteen commissioners to manage affairs jointly with the king. But no sooner had parliament adjourned, than he recalled his obnoxious ministers, and turned out the four- teen commissioners. He then tried to raise an army, but was so unpopular that he could not accomplish it. The earl of Darby was forced to leave his country ; and at his death some papers were found disclosing the king's plan of subverting the liberties of the people. The duke of Gloucester marched an army of 40,000 men to London. He upbraided the king for wishing to make himself abso- lute, and compelled him to call a new par- liament, and again banish his favourites. In this parliament several persons were im- peached of high-treason; some were banished, and the estates of some were confiscated. About this time he contracted a second marriage with Isabella, daughter of Charles VI. of France, and made a dishonourable truce of 28 years with France. He soon after turned out of office all the sheriffs and judges who were not his tools, and by this means got a packed parliament, which gave him absolute authority. He now knew no re- straint, and confiscated the property of those who had been pardoned. A rebellion now broke out in Ireland, and the king went over with his troops to quell it. During~his absence, a conspiracy was formed 70 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. in England to deprive him of his crown. The duke of Lancaster was fixed on to suc- ceed his nephew Richard. The duke re- turned from France to England, and the people mostly declared for him. In a few days he was joined by an army of 60,000 men. All persons in authority, ministers, &c, now left their stations in fear, shutting themselves up in castles. London and the cities generally received the duke with the greatest demonstrations of joy. When the king returned from Ireland, and found that the nobility and people had de- clared in favour of the duke, he was in the utmost consternation, and shut himself in Conway castle, in Wales. The duke march- ed to the castle. Richard, in his extremity, thought it best to throw himself upon his uncle's generosity, and even offered to resign his crown, if he would spare his life, and allow him an honourable pension. The king was taken to London, and put into the Tower. The duke compelled him to call a parliament. The day before it met, the duke, with a great many lords, went to the Tower, and Richard delivered up the crown and sceptre, and signed a writing, confessing himself unworthy and unfit to govern the kingdom any longer. This writing was the next day approved of in parliament; and Richard was solemnly deposed. The throne being vacant, the duke of Lancaster laid claim to it ; and it was unanimously resolved, HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 71 Sept. 30, 1399, that he should be proclaimed king of England and France, and lord of Ireland, which was done accordingly the same day. Thus ended the unhappy reign of Richard II. He was a weak, vain, and contemptible prince, with scarcely one re- deeming quality. He died without issue. Questions. 1. Who succeeded Edward III. ? 2. When was Richard II. crowned? 3. State the conduct of France towards England at this time. 4. What obnoxious law was passed by the first par- liament after the coronation of Richard it. ? 5. What was produced by the collecting- of the tax ? 6. What was the fate of Wat Tyler ? — of Jack Straw? 7. At what time did this memorable insurrection take place ? 8. Whom did the king- marry ? 0. What power did the king grant to the bishops? 10. Who got it revoked ? 11. Who made great preparations for invading Eng- land ? 12. What effect had this upon the king ? 13. How many men composed the king's army ? 14. What did this large army perform? 15. What kind of feeling existed between the king's uncles and the king's favourites ? 1(>. On what condition did parliament offer supplies? 17. Who was appointed to assist the king ? 18. What did the king do as soon as parliament ad- journed?* 19. What did the king attempt ? 20. What was discovered after the death of the earl of Darby ? 21. What was done by the duke of Gloucester? 22. What was done by this new parliament ? 23. Who was Richard's second wife ? 72 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 24. What kind of a truce did he make with France ? 25. How did he obtain absolute authority ? 26. What did he do with the property of those who had been pardoned ? 27. Where did he go to quell a rebellion ? 28. What was formed in England during his absence ? 29. Who was fixed on to succeed Richard ? 30. When the duke of Lancaster returned from France, how many people joined him? 31. Who left their stations, and shut themselves up in castles ? 32. How did London and other cities receive the duke ? 33. What did the king find on his return from Ireland ? 34. Where did he secrete himself? 35. What did the king offer if the duke would spare his life ? 30. Where was he taken, and where imprisoned ? 37. What did the duke compel him to do ? 38. What was done by the king when the duke and others visited him? 39. Who solemnly deposed the king? 40. Who laid claim to the throne ? 41. When was the duke proclaimed king? 42. What was Richard's o-eneral character? HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 73 CHAPTER XVI. Henry IV. succeeded his nephew, Richard II. He was crowned the 1 3th of Oct., 1399. The parliament, meeting the day following the coronation, first passed an act of indem- nity to those who had taken up arms in fa- vour of the king while duke of Lancaster. The king also published a general pardon to those who opposed him, excepting the mur- derers of the duke of Gloucester. The par- liament also passed an act, settling the suc- cession of the crown in the house of Lancas- ter. This produced a bloody contest between the houses of Lancaster and York. Henry, of the house of York, in order to gain tfo people to his side, made many promises of what he would do for them. In 1400, a conspiracy broke out against the king, which was suppressed, and the chief con- spirators were executed ; and soon after the late king was assassinated. About this time, the Welsh renounced their allegiance to the king of England. In 1401, parliament enlarged the statute of premunire, which gave a great blow to the pope's power in England ; yet, through the intrigues of the clergy, an act was ob- tained for the burning of heretics, or Lol- lards, as the followers of Wickliff were called. William Sawtree was immediately after burnt alive, by virtue of the king's writ. 74 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. In 1 402, the king married Joan of Na- varre. This year the Scots invaded England twice, and were defeated at both times by the earl of Northumberland, and Henry Hotspur, his son. Soon after, a conspiracy broke out, headed by the earl of Northum- berland ; but the king gained a complete victory over them. Another conspiracy broke out, headed by the archbishop of York, named Richard Scroop, which was also de- feated by the king. Thomas Badby was the second person burnt alive as a heretic. There was in this reign a dreadful plague in London, which swept away above 30,000 persons. Henry IV. died March 20th, 1413, in the 14th year of his reign and in the 46th of his age. An indelible stain is fixed upon his name, as being the first burner of heretics. Henry V. succeeded his father, Henry IV. He w r as crowned April 9th, 1413. He chose a council of the greatest and ablest men in the kingdom, turned out all judges and in- ferior magistrates who had abused their au- thority, and patronised the deserving. Henry began to think of recovering the dominions w r hich the English had lost in France, and the great dissensions in France favoured his views. He demanded Normandy, &c. ; the negotiations were entered into without any hope of accommodation. When Henry was about sailing for that country, a plot formed against his person was discovered. Thomas HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 75 Grey, the earl of Cambridge, and the late trea- surer were executed for participating m it. Henry now sailed for Normandy, and landed his troops. On Oct. 25, 1415, a noted battle was fought between the two armies. The French army was four times as large as the English, consisting of 60,000 men ; but through the surprising bravery of the king and the courage of his troops, a signal victory was gained over the French, who lost many persons of rank, and upwards of 1 0,000 privates. The English lost the duke of York and the earl of Suffolk, with about 400 men. The king immediately returned thanks to God for so glorious a victory. This was called the battle of Agincourt, from a castle of that name near the field of battle. After many other battles, a treaty was at length concluded, May 21, 1420, wherein it was agreed that Henry should marry the Princess Catharine ; that he should be regent during the life of king Charles, (who was afflicted with lunacy,) and that after his death, the crown of France should descend to the king of England, and his heirs forever. The king married the princess on May 30, 1420. The parliament, on Henry's return to England with his queen, told him that the conquest of France was the ruin of Eng- land. Henry excelled in all warlike and manly exercises. He was hardy, patient, and la- borious. Religious without superstition, just 76 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. without rigour, and complaisant with a be- coming dignity ; he was alike qualified to engage the affections and command the es- teem of all around him. During his whole reign, he enjoyed uninterrupted popularity. His abilities appeared equally in the cabinet and in the field. He died August 3 1 st, 1 422, in the 10th year of his reign and the 34th of his age. Questions. 1. Who succeeded Richard II. ? 2. When was Henry IV. croAvned ? 3. What was the first act passed after the coronation ? 4. What did the king publish ? 5. What other act was passed at this time ? 6. What did it produce ? 7. What did Henry of the house of York promise ? 8. What broke out in the year 1400? 9. What became of the chief conspirators ? 10. What soon after happened to Richard II., the late king ? 11. What was done by the Welsh about this time ? 12. When was the statute of premunirc enlarged ? 13. What act was obtained through the intrigues of the clergy ? 14. Who was the first martyr in England ? 15. When did the king marry Joan of Navarre ? 16. Who invaded England twice in 1402? 17. By whom were they defeated? 18. What soon after broke out in England ? 19. By whom was it headed ? 20. By whom was the second conspiracy headed ? 21. Who Avas the second person burnt as a heretic ? 22. Hoav many people in London did the plague de- stroy ? 23. When did Henry die, at Avhat age, and how long had he reigned ? 24. What fixed a stain upon his name ? HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 77 25. Who succeeded Henry IV. ? 2o\ When was Henry V. crowned ? 27. Of whom were his council composed ? 28. What was his conduct towards unjust judges? 29. What did the king think of recovering from France ? 30. What favoured his views ? 31. What was discovered when the king was about to sail ? 32. Who were executed as conspirators ? 33. To Avhat country did the king sail? 31. Describe the battle which soon followed. • 35. What was done by the king immediately after the battle ? 30. What was the battle called ? 37. Recite the conditions of the treaty concluded May 21st, 1420. 38. When did he marry Princess Catharine ? 39. What did parliament tell the king on his return to England ? 40. What is said of his general character ? 41. When did he die, at what age, and how long had he reigned? 78 HISTORY OF ENGLAND, CHAPTER XVII, Henry VI. was only 9 months old when he succeeded his father Henry V. He was crowned Dec. 6, 1422, as king of England and heir of France. In about two months afterwards, his grandfather Charles V., king of France, died, and Henry was proclaimed king of France at Paris. His pretensions to the French crown were, however, disputed by his uncle, the dauphin. During the minority of the young king, the duke of Bedford was appointed guardian of the realm. The French were so often defeated by the English, that they were brought to the brink of ruin ; from which they were rescued by the heroic exploits of Joan of Jlrc, the famous Maid of Orleans, who, believing herself to be sent of Heaven, offered her services to the dauphin. He gave her a strong body of forces, with which she drove the English from Orleans, where they lost about 6000 men. She pursued them with expedition ; dispossessed them of many towns which they had taken, and made prisoners of several of their generals ; and having conducted Charles to Rheims, she caused him to be crowned in that city. The Maid of Orleans was afterwards taken prisoner in a sally made upon the English, and was burned as a witch in the market-place of Rouen, the 14th of June, 1431. This act of cruelty is HISTORY OP ENGLAND. 79 almost the only stain in the character of the duke of Bedford. In 1444, a truce was concluded between France and England, which was prolonged to 1 449. In 1 445, Henry married Margaret of Anjou. Having obtained an entire ascend- ancy over the weak mind of her husband, she took upon herself the administration of affairs, which caused much dissatisfaction among the people. A civil war broke out between the houses of York and Lancaster, the former having for their device a white rose, and the latter a red rose. A battle was fought near St. Albans, May 31st, 1455, when the royal army were entirely defeated. The duke of Somerset and a number of the nobility of the royal army were killed, and the kins him- self taken prisoner. He was treated with great respect, and allowed his liberty ; the duke of York was appointed protector. In 1459, the quarrel broke out afresh. On July 6th, 1460, the carl of March gained a complete victory over the royal troops, killing 10,000 men, and again taking the king pri- soner. A parliament was now called, and the duke expected that they would offer him the CFQwn. Being disappointed, he sent them a memorial asserting his claim ; but the parliament resolved that Henry should enjoy the crown during his life, after which it should devolve on the duke of York and his heirs. In the meantime, the duke of 80 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. York was absolute master of the government and the king's person. The queen collected an army; and the duke of York marched against her with 5000 men, expecting to be joined by his son; but before he came up with him, the queen with 18,000 troops at- tacked the duke, and defeated his army, and killed him. Margaret now found means of liberating the king ; but the earl of March | approaching with a great army, the royal | troops fled. The earl entered London in ! triumph, and was proclaimed king, by the | title of Edward IV. Henry VI., without possessing any princely virtue or qualification, w r as entirely free from cruelty and revenge ; he w r as chaste, pious, compassionate, anil charitable ; he might have made a good divine, but he disgraced the crown. lie reigned 38 years. Edward IV., earl of March, son of Richard duke of York, was proclaimed king, March 5th, 1461, by an extraordinary election of the people. On June 29th, 1461, he was crowned in London. He soon after called a parliament, which approved of the coro- nation, and confirmed his title. Queen Margaret, having received help from France, I entered Northumberland in 1463; but her \ army was defeated. Henry came privately I into England, but he was apprehended and taken to London, and confined in the Tow r er. King Edward granted pardons to all Henry's adherents, except two. HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 81 In 1464, the king married Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Richard Woodville. This match displeased the nobility, particularly the earl of Warwick, who resolved to use his utmost efforts to depose him. The earl raised an army, and attacked the king's forces at night, and took king Edward pri- soner ; who, however, by bribing his guard, found means to escape, and went to London. Now both parties made great preparations. Warwick received help from France in money and troops; his army amounted to 60,000 men. He proclaimed Henry king, and marched in pursuit of Edward, who fled to Holland. In October, 1470, the earl of Warwick released Henry from the Tower, where he had been confined six years, and made him again king. The parliament soon met, and confirmed his coronation, and an- nulled the acts of Edward, and declared him a traitor and usurper, and confiscated all his estates. In 1471, king Edward returned with an army, landed in Yorkshire, and marched to London, where he was received amidst the shouts of the people. Henry was again sent to the Tower. On the 14th April, 1471, a fierce battle was fought between the king and the earl of Warwick, which continued from early in the morning till noon. The king was victorious. Another army was raised, and the young prince of Wales put at the head of it, which met with no better 82 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. success than the former. The queen and prince of Wales were taken. The queen was sent to the Tower, but was ransomed by Lewis XI. for 50,000 crowns. Henry was murdered in the Tower, and the prince was stabbed. Edward possessed great fortitude and in- trepidity, united with uncommon sagacity and penetration, but he was brutally cruel and severe. He died April 9th, 14S3, in the 42d year of his age and in the 23d of his reign. Questions. 1. Who succeeded Henry V.? 2. When was Henry VI. crowned ? 3. What king died soon after? 4. Where was he proclaimed king of France? 5. By whom were his pretensions to the French crown disputed ? 6. Who was appointed guardian of the realm ? 7. Who Avere often defeated ? 8. To what were the French brought ? 9. By whom were they rescued ? 10. What did she believe herself to be ? 11. What did Charles give her? 12. Whom did she drive from Orleans ? 13. How many men did the English lose ? 14. What other exploits did she perforin? 15. In what city was Charles crowned ? 1(>. What happened to the Maid of Orleans? 17. Where was she burned ? 18. On whose character is this act of cruelty a stain ? 19. When was a truce concluded between England and France ? 20. How long did it continue ? 21. When did Henry marry Margaret of Anjou ? 22. What did she take upon herself? HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 83 23. What did this cause? 24. What broke out between the houses of York and Lancaster ? 25. What were their devices ? 26. Describe the battle near St. Albans. 27. Who was taken prisoner ? 28. How was the king treated? 29. Who was appointed protector ? 30. When did the quarrel break out afresh? 31. Who gained a complete victory over the royal troops ? 32. How many of the royal troops were killed? 33. Who was again taken prisoner ? 34. What did the duke expect the parliament to offer hi in ? 35. Being disappointed, what did he send the par- liament ? 36. What was the resolution of parliament upon this memorial ? 37. AVho was absolute master of the government and of the king's person ? 38. What did the queen do to release the king ? 39. Who afterwards entered London in triumph, and was proclaimed king ? 40. What was king Henry's general character? 41. How long did he reign? 42. Who succeeded Henry VI. to the throne of Eng- land ? 43. When was Edward IV. crowned ? 44. What was done by the parliament? 45. From whom did Margaret, the late queen, receive help ? 46. Where did she land her troops ? 47. Which army was victorious ? 48. How did Henry come into England ? 49. What was done with him ? 50. To whom did king Edward grant pardons? 51. When did the king marry Elizabeth Woodville ? 52. How did the nobility like this match ? 53. Who was particularly displeased at this marriage ? 54. What did he resolve to do ? 84 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 55. How did he attack the king's forces ? 56. What became of the king? 57. What was now done by both parties ? 58. From whence did Warwick receive help? 59. How large was his army? 60. Whom did he proclaim king ? 61. Did Edward leave his kingdom? 62. When did the earl of Warwick release Henry from the Tower ? 63. How long had he been confined in prison ? 64. Did parliament confirm Henry's coronation? 65. What did the parliament declare Edward to be ? 66. When did Edward return from Holland ? 67. Where did he land with his army ? 68. Where did he march ? 60. How was he received in London? 70. Where was Henry again sent? 71. At what time was a fierce battle fought between the parties? 72. Which party was successful ? 73. What was the success of another battle fought soon after? 74. Who were taken prisoners ? 75. What was paid by Lewis XL for the queen's I ransom ? 76. How did king Henry and the prince of Wales come to their death ? 77. What was the character of Edward IV. ? 78. When did he die, at what age, and how long had he reigned ? HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 85 CHAPTER XVIII. Edward V., then about 12 years old, was proclaimed king immediately on the death of his father Edward IV., April 9, 1483. He was never crowned, but was deposed by his uncle Richard, duke of Gloucester, who got himself proclaimed king, June 20, 1483, and afterwards procured the murder of his nephews, Edward V., and Richard, duke of York, in the Tower, by two ruffians who bu- ried them under the staircase. Edward V. reigned 2 months and 1 2 days. Richard III., (surnamed Crooked-hack,) duke of Gloucester, was proclaimed king on the 20th of June, 1483, and was crowned July 6th, 1483. He released from confine- ment a number of persons of high rank, who tad been imprisoned during the whole of the late king's short reign. Richard could not think himself safe while his two nephews, the young king, and his brother duke of York were living. He therefore directed one of his creatures to procure their death. Two ruffians, named Miles Forrest and John Dighton, were hired to perform the horrid act, which they accomplished by smothering the two young princes while asleep. After several fruitless attempts to over- throw the tvrant, the earl of Richmond came over from France with 2000 men, and on his arrival was joined by a body of the 86 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. Welsh. The king's troops were commanded hy Richard himself. The two armies met near Bosworth in Leicestershire, on the 22d of August, 1485. After a dreadful battle, which lasted two hours, the king's troops were entirely defeated, and the king slain. Thus fell Richard, after reigning 2 years and 2 months, aged about 34 years. He was a cruel, treacherous, and blood-thirsty tyrant. It must be owned, however, that he had great personal courage ; possessed an uncommon degree of sagacity and penetra- tion ; and caused justice to be exactly ad- ministered, except where his own interest was concerned. He was the last king of the pace of the Plantagenets. Henry VII., earl of Richmond, succeeded Richard III., and was crowned Oct. 30, 1 485. At his coronation, he appointed fifty archers to attend him, who were called yeo- men of the guard. The parliament convened Nov. 7th, and passed an act that the inherit- ance of the crown should remain in the king and his heirs ; and they reversed the attain- ders of those who had taken part with the king when he was only earl of Richmond. On 'Jan. 18th, 1486, to*the great joy of the people, he married the princess Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Edward IV.; and thus the two rival houses of York and Lancaster were united. On Sept. 20, their first son, Arthur, was born. The king was jealous of the house of York, and in consequence he HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 87 treated his queen with much coldness. This conduct was the source of most of the trou- bles which afflicted his reign. A person named Lambert Simnel, who resembled one of king Edward's sons, and who had been cunningly tutored for the oc- casion, made his appearance in Ireland, where he was received as the earl of Warwick. The people at Dublin proclaimed him king of England and lord of Ireland. On Ma v. 1 487, the duchess-dowager of Burgundy sent over to him 2000 German veterans. Finding himself at the head of a considerable army, Simnel now passed over to England; but being encountered by the king's forces, his troops were entirely routed, and himself and ! his tutor taken prisoners. Simnel was par- i doned, and made a scullion in the king's kitchen. In June, 1492, prince Henry was born. In 1494, all the public laws were declared to be of force in Ireland. In 1495, another impostor, named Perkin Warbeck, made a descent upon the coast of Kent ; but not succeeding in his enterprises, he retired into Scotland, where he married a near kinswoman of the Scotish king. After various attempts against the peace of Eng- land, he was taken prisoner, and some time afterwards was hanged. In 1500, the plague raged in England, particularly in London, where 30,000 died of it. In 1501, Catharine of Spain was 88 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. married to Arthur, prince of Wales. In a short time the prince died, about 1 7 years j of age ; and Henry, the second son, was ; afterwards created prince of Wales. The king excluded the nobility entirely | from the administration of public affairs, and employed clergymen and lawyers. He was a wise legislator, chaste, temperate, and exact in the administration of justice, when he was not personally interested. He died at Richmond, April 22, 1509, in the 5 2d year of his age and 24th of his reign. Questions. 1. Who succeeded Edward IV. ? 2. When did he commence his reign, and at what age ? 3. Was he ever crowned? 4. By whom was he deposed ? 5. How long did Edward V. reign? 6. Who succeeded Edward V. ? 7. What was Richard III. surnamed ? 8. When was he crowned ? 9. Whom did he release from confinement ? 10. Why could not the king think himself safe ? 1 1 . WriEtt direction did he give to one of his creatures ? 12. Who were employed to commit the horrid act ? 13. Who came over from France ? 14. Who joined the earl of Richmond ? 15. Who commanded the king's troops ? 16. When was the battle of Bosworth fought ? 17. Which army was defeated ? 18. Who was slain in this battle ? 19. At what age was the king slainj and how Jong had he reigned? 20. What was his general character? 21. Of what race was he the last that reigned ? 22. Who succeeded Richard III. ? HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 89 23. When was Henry VII. crowned? 24. How many archers did he appoint to guard his person ? 25. What were they called ? 20. What act did parliament pass in relation to the king \nd the crown ? 27. And what did they reverse ? 28. When did he marry princess Elizabeth ? 29. When was their first son born ? 30. Why did Henry treat the queen coolly ? ai. Of Avhat was this conduct the cause ? 32. Who appeared in Ireland ? 33. Who proclaimed him king? 34. Who sent over a number of Germans to aid h im? 35. Where did Simnel go with his forces ? 3(5. Which army proved victorious ? 37. What became of Simnel ? 38. When was prince Henry born ? 39. When were all the public laws of England en- force c [ in Ireland ? 40. What impostor now appeared ? 41. Whither did he retire ? 42. Whom did he marry ? 43. What was his fate ? 44. When did the plague rage in England ? 45. How many died of it in London ? 40. Whom did Arthur, prince of Wales, marry 47. When did he die ? 48. Who was then created prince of Wales ? 49. Whom did the king exclude from the administra- tion o f public affairs ? 50. Whom did he employ ? 51. What was his general character ? 52. When did he die, at what age, and how long had he re gne»d ? 90 HISTORY OF ENGLAND, CHAPTER XIX. Henry VIII. succeeded his father Henry VII., at the age of 1 9 years, on April 22, 1509; and in his person were united the rival houses of Lancaster and York. He married his brother Arthur's widow ; and they were crowned on June 24, 1509. He was en- ticed several times into wars designed merely to promote the interests of others, particu- larly of the pope. During his absence in France, his kingdom was invaded by an army of 60,000 Scots, who took several places. The earl of Surry engaged the Scotish army at Flodden, Sept. 9th, and after a bloody and obstinate battle, obtained a complete victory. In August, 1514, a treaty of peace was con- cluded between Lewis XII., king of France, and king Henry. On Feb. 12, 1516, queen Catharine was delivered of a princess, named Mary. In 1517, the sweating sickness raged in England more violently than before. At this time, Luther began to write against in- dulgences. In 1521 ,TEdward Strafford , duke of Buckingham, was beheaded; he was the last high constable of England. In the same year, Henry wrote a book against Luther, concerning the seven sacraments, &c. ; it was presented to the pope in full consistory, who bestowed on Henry and his successors, the title of Defenders of the Faith. This HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 91 title having been afterwards confirmed by parliament, the kings of England have borne it ever since. In 1521, muskets were in- vented. In 1532, the king divorced queen Catha- rine, and married Anne Boleyn. The pope annulled his second marriage, and command- ed him to take Catharine for his wife again, and denouncing him in case of refusal. In return, the parliament, in 1534, passed an act abrogating the pope's authority in Eng- land ; and, declaring the king's union with Catharine null and void, and his marriage with Anne Boleyn valid, they settled the succession of the crown upon their issue. In the next parliament, the king's title of supreme head of the church was confirmed, and several other acts were passed against the pope, and a proclamation was issued, for- bidding the title of pope to be given to the bishop of Rome, and ordering it to be erased from all books, so that, if possible, no remem- brance of it might remain. In 1535, the king ordered a general visita- tion of the religious houses. Thomas Crom- well was appointed visitor-general. Shock- ing scenes of debauchery, lewdness, and impiety were discovered, and the impious frauds made use of by the clergy, in respect to relics and images, were exposed and sup- pressed. Great quantities of images and of pretended relics of saints were publicly burnt by the king's order. The number of monas 92 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. teries suppressed was 643, together with 90 colleges, 2374 chantries, 3 chapels, and 110 hospitals. Their yearly value Was estimated at £152,517. The king had been married to Anne Bo- leyn hut about three years when he became jealous of her. She was accused of criminal conduct; and was beheaded on May 19th, 1 536. All impartial persons have agreed in believing her innocent. The next day he married Jane Seymour, with whom he had fallen in love before the execution of Anne. She bore him one son, Edward, and died. Catharine's daughter Mary, and Elizabeth, daughter of Anne, were illegitimated by an act of parliament. In January, 1540, the king married Anne, sister to the duke of Cleves, whom he di- vorced in about six months. He next mar- ried Catharine Howard, niece to the duke of Norfolk. She was soon accused of crimi- nal behaviour, and was beheaded on Tower- hill, Feb. 12, 1542. In this year Ireland was erected into a kingdom, and u king of Ireland" was added to the king's title. In July, 1543, the king took his sixth wife, the lady Catharine Parr, who survived him. A war broke out between England and France, and Henry went to France, Sept. 1 544. This war continued, without import- ant results on either side, till 1546, when a treaty was concluded. Henry was fond of pomp and show, and HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 93 was an utter stranger to all the finer feelings of the soul. He possessed natural abilities, but they were little improved by education. He died Jan. 29, 1547, in the 38th year of his reign, and the 56th of his age. Questions. 1. Who succeeded Henry VII. ? 2. What were united in the person of Henry VIII. ? 3. Who was his first queen ? 4. When were the king - and queen crowned ? 5. For what purpose was he enticed into wars ? 0. By whom was his kingdom invaded during his ab- sence in France ? 7. How large was the Scolish army ? 8. Where, when, and by whom was the Scotish army defeated ? 0. When was a treaty of peace concluded between England and France ? 10. When was the princess Mary born ? 11. What disease prevailed in England in 1517? 12. At what time did Luther begin to write against indulgences ? 13. When was Stafford, duke of Buckingham, be- headed ? 14. Of what was he the last ? 15. When did the king write his book against Luther ? 16. To whom was it presented ? 17. What title did the pope bestow on Henry and his successors ? 18. How was this title confirmed ? 19. When were muskets invented ? 20. Who was the king's second queen ? 21. When did he divorce queen Catharine and marry Anne Boleyn ? 22. What was done by the pope in relation to this marriage ? 23. What effect did this conduct of the pope produce in parliament in relation to his power in England ? 94 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 24. What did parliament declare in relation to the di- vorce and marriage ? 25. What title was given to the king by parliament ? 26. What proclamation was issued against the pope ? 27. What was ordered by the king in 1535 ? 28. Who was appointed visitor-general ? 29. What were discovered and exposed? 30. What were publicly burned by direction of the king ? 31. Tell the number of monasteries and other houses which were suppressed. 32. What was their yearly value ? 33. Of whom did the king become jealous ? 34. When was queen Anne beheaded ? 35. What do impartial persons believe regarding her ? 36. Whom did Henry next marry ? 37. What act affecting Mary and Elizabeth was pass- ed by parliament ? 38. Who was the mother of Elizabeth ? 39. Who was the king's fourth Avife ? 40. How soon did he divorce her ? 41. Who was his fifth wife ? 42. When was she beheaded? 43. When was Ireland erected into a kingdom, and what was added to the king's title ? 44. Who was the sixth queen? 45. When did the king marry her? 46. What war occurred about this time ? 47. When did the king go to France ? 48. When was this war concluded ? 49. What was the king's general character ? 50. When did he die, at what age, and how long had he reigned ? HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 95 CHAPTER XX. Edward VI., the only son of Henry VIII. by his queen Jane Seymour, succeeded his father, at the age of 9 years and 3 months. He was crowned Feb. 20, 1547. The ma- nagement of the affairs of the nation was committed, in pursuance of king Henry's will, to sixteen executors, or regents, and twelve counsellors: who elected Edward Seymour, earl of Hertford, the protector of the realm and governor of the king. Seymour was un- cle to the king; and was soon after created duke of Somerset. He instilled the prin- ciples of Luther info the mind of the king- and applied himself with great diligence to complete the work of the reformation in England. In Edward's reign, many learned reformers took refuge in England, on whom the king bestowed pensions. In 1553, the young king fell into a consumption, and died. July G, in the 16th year of his age, after having reigned 6 years, 5 months, and 9 days. He was a prince of excellent qualities and fine accomplishments. He kept a journal, which is preserved in the British Museum, in which he regularly entered all the import- ant transactions of his reign. He was re- markably pious, and continued attached to the principles of the reformation, which he had imbibed from his uncle, and which made 96 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. great progress during his reign. Edward is celebrated by historians for the beauty of his person, the sweetness of his disposition, and the extent of his knowledge. Before he had attained his 16th year, he understood the Greek, Latin, French, Italian, and Spanish languages ; he was versed in the sciences of logic, music, and natural philosophy, and was master of all the disputed theological ques- tions, He has been styled a prodigy of learn- ing. Mary, daughter of Henry VIII., succeeded to the throne of England on the death of Edward VI., which happened July 6, 1553. A great effort was made by the duke of Nor- thumberland, Suffolk, and others, in favour of lady Jane Grey, but their designs were frustrated . Mary was crowned Oct. 1 , 1 5 5 3 . A parliament was called, which legitimated Mary, by rescinding the divorce of her mother. On Feb. 12, 1554, Lady Jane Grey and her husband were beheaded. On July 19, 1554, Mary married Philip of Spain ; he was 29 years old and she was 38. Through Spanish influence, she was drawn into a war with France, and lost all the pos- sessions in that country which had belonged to England since the reign of Edward III. During her reign, the papal religion was re- established in England, and its supremacy was signalized by sanguinary cruelties against the Protestants. In the space of three years, during which the persecutions lasted, 277 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 97 persons were burned to death for heresy; and many were punished by imprisonments, fines, and confiscations. In consequence of these horrid transactions, she acquired the title of the bloody Mary. She was wholly desti- tute of every agreeable qualification. She died Nov. 17, 1558, in the 43d year of her age, and 6th of her reign. Elizabeth, daughter of Henry VIII. and Anne Boleyn, ascended the throne Nov. 17, 1558, (being then 25 years of age,) pursuant to the order of succession settled by the king's will and authorized by act of parlia- ment, and was crowned Jan. 1 5, 1 559. She repealed the laws enacted by her sister Mary in favour of popery, and re-established the Protestant religion. She assisted the Protes- tants in France, Scotland, and the Low Countries, and enabled them to triumph against their cruel and relentless persecutors. Mary queen of Scots and her husband had, by instigation of Henry II. of France, assumed the title and arms of England. This assump- tion caused Elizabeth to look on Mary as a dangerous rival. In 1568, the queen of Scots, being defeated by the malecontents of her own nation, fled into England, where she was Jtept a prisoner for many years. Plots having been laid by the priests and Jesuits against the life of Elizabeth, an association was formed in England to prosecute to death such as should make any attempt against her person or government. Parliament approved 98 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. and confirmed this association, and passed a severe act against the popish priests and Jesuits, whereby they were required to leave the kingdom : those who returned were to be adjudged guilty of high-treason. A short time after, Elizabeth made an alliance with James VI. of Scotland, for their mutual de- fence and the security of the Protestant reli- gion. In 1585, she sent Sir Francis Drake to America. In Feb. 1587, Mary queen of Scots was beheaded, for being concerned, by letter, in a secret plot for taking the life of Elizabeth. In 1588, Philip II. of Spain, encouraged by pope Sixtus V., sent a great fleet (called the invincible armada) to invade England. It consisted of 130 large ships, 20 caravals, and 1 salves, having more than 20,000 soldiers on board. The English showed the utmost readiness to defend their queen and country. Elizabeth fitted out a large fleet, and sent it under the command of Lord Howard to the coast of Flanders, to prevent the prince of Parma from joining the invaders. On the 27th of July, 1588^ the Spanish fleet came to an anchor off Calais, to await the arrival of the prince of Parma. The English fleet, now consisting of 1 40 ships, followed them, and at night the English admiral sent eight fireships among the Spanish vessels, which so frightened the Spaniards, that they cut their cables and put to sea in the utmost confusion. The English took or sunk fourteen of the HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 99 Spanish ships, two of them containing a large sum of money. The Spaniards made the best of their way home, but on their passage they lost many of their ships, and others were much injured. Of the whole number, only 53 returned to Spain. On re- ceiving the news, Elizabeth went in state to St. Paul's, to thank Almighty God for this great victory. In 1594, the Spanish govern- ment secretly offered 40,000 crowns to pro- cure the death of Elizabeth by poison or any other means. The queen's physician was bribed to become the instrument. Elizabeth was the great bulwark of the Protestant religion. She was highly com- mendable for her general regard to the im- partial administration of justice, and even for her rigid economy. She was wise and stead- fast in her principles of government, and was sustained by an able and sagacious mi- nistry. Commerce and trade were protected by her, and they greatly flourished. She built the Royal Exchange. She died March 24th, 1603, in the 70th year of her age, after a glorious reign of 44 years, 4 months, and 8 days. Her death is supposed to have been hastened by the cir- cumstances attending the execution of the earl of 'Essex. He was a young nobleman of generous sentiments and distinguished abilities; but rash, headstrong, and violent in his temper. Being once engaged in a dis- pute with the queen, he so provoked her by 100 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. his disrespectful behaviour, that she gave him a box on the ear; upon which Essex clapped his hand on his sword, and swore he would not bear such treatment even were it from Henry VIII. himself. He was, how- ever, soon restored to favour, and was sent on an expedition to Ireland ; on his return, he was again disgraced, and subjected to so many indignities that he endeavoured to raise an insurrection ; but failing in his at- tempt, he was seized, tried, condemned, and executed, Feb. 25,1601. Elizabeth showed extreme reluctance to sign the warrant for his death ; but believing his obstinacy to be so great that he scorned to apply to her for a ardon, she was prevailed on to consent to is execution. When she afterwards dis- covered that Essex had actually solicited a pardon, but that the person employed by him for that purpose had designedly neglected to execute the commission, the queen was seized with so profound a melancholy that she rejected all consolation ; and, after lan- guishing thus for ten days, she expired. She was buried in Westminster Abbey. Questions. 1. AVho succeeded Henry VIII. ? 2. How old was Edward VI. ? 3. When was he crowned ? 4. To whom was the management of the affairs of the nation committed ? 5. Who was appointed protector of the realm and governor of the king 1 6. What was Seymour's relation to the king ? v HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 101 7. What was he afterwards created ? 8. What did he instil into the mind of the king ? 9. To what did he apply himself? 10. Who took refuge in England during Edward's reign ? 11. What was bestowed on them by the king? 12. When was the young king taken sick? 13. When did he die, at what age, and in what year of his reign ? 14. What did the king enter in his journal ? 15. Where is this journal now preserved ? 16. What is said of his general character? 17. Who succeeded Edward VI. ? 18. Who was queen Mary's rival ? 19. Who supported lady Jane Grey ? 20. When was Mary crowned ? 21. What Avas soon after done by parliament? 22. When were lady Jane Grey and her husband beheaded ? 23. Whom did Mary marry ? 24. When did Mary marry Philip of Spain ? 25. What were their ages at the time of marriage ? 2(5. With whom was she engaged in war ? 27. Through whose influence ? 28. What did she lose by this war ? 29. How long had these possessions belonged to England ? 30. What was re-established in England during her reign ? 31. By what was its supremacy signalized? 32. How long were the Protestants persecuted ? 33. How many of them were burned to death ? 34. What other modes of punishment were adopted ? 35. What name did she acquire by these horrid trans- actions ? « 30. Of what was she destitute ? 37. When did she die, at what age, and how long had she reigned ? 38. Who succeeded Mary to the throne of England? 39. What was Elizabeth's age when she ascended the throne ? 102 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 40. When was she crowned ? 41. What did she repeal? 42. What did she re-establish ? 43. Whom did she assist ? 44. Who had taken the title and arms of England ? 45. What did this cause ? 46. When was Mary, queen of Scots, defeated by the malecontents of Scotland ? 47. Where did she fly ? 48. In what condition was she kept? 49. By whom, and for what purpose, were several plots formed ? 50. For what purpose was an association formed in England ? 51. What was done by parliament respecting this as- sociation ? 52. What cruel act was passed against the Papists ? 53. For what purpose did the queen form an alliance with Scotland ? 54. When did she send Sir Francis Drake to Ame- rica ? 55. When was Mary, queen of Scots, beheaded ? 5(5. For what was she beheaded ? 57. When did the king of Spain send a fleet to invade England ? 58. What title was given to this fleet ? 59. Of what did it consist ? 60. Who was sent with a large fleet to the coast of Flanders? 61. For what purpose was it sent? 62. How large was the English fleet ? 63. Describe the scene which followed. 64. Where did the queen go to thank God for this victory ? 65. What reward did Spain offer to procure the death of Elizabeth? 66. Who was bribed to perform this horrid act ? 67. Who was the great bulwark of the Protestant re- ligion? 68. What did she establish in her dominions ? 69. What was done by her for trade and commerce ? HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 103 70. Who built the Royal Exchange ? 71. What was her general character? 72. When did she die, at what age, and how long- had she reigned ? 73. What is supposed to have hastened her death? 74. Who was the earl of Essex ? 75. What was his behaviour during a dispute with the queen ? 76. Why and when was he executed ? 77. Why did Elizabeth consent to his execution ? 78. What did she afterwards discover ? 79. What was the effect of the discovery ? 80. Where was she buried? CHAPTER XXL On the death of queen Elizabeth, March 24, 1603, James VI. of Scotland succeeded to the English throne by the name of, James I., being then in the 37th year of his age. He had been king of Scotland ever since he was a year old, on the deposition of queen Mary his mother, who was the daughter of James V., son to James IV., by Margaret, eldest daughter of the English king lienry VII. He set out from Edinburgh, April 5, 1603, and was received in England with such extravagant expressions of joy, that an honest Scotchman said bluntly, " This people will spoil a good king." On the 7th of May he arrived in London. On the 19th of May the parliament met, and the king proposed the union of the two 104 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. kingdoms, England and Scotland, into one ; but parliament opposed it. During his reign no important act was passed by parliament. A continual misunderstanding prevailed be- tween the king and the parliaments, a num- ber of which were convened, but on dis- agreeing with the king were soon prorogued. The people thought that the king wished to infringe on their rights and privileges. At one time, on the prorogation of the parlia- ment, James imprisoned several of its mem- bers. This open opposition between the king and parliament produced the two par- ties, which, in after time, were distinguished by the name of Whig and Tory. A scheme was entered into by the Papists for blowing up the parliament-house with gunpowder on the 5th of November, 1605, when the king should be haranguing the two houses; but the plot was happily dis- covered by means of a letter sent to lord Monteagle, who was therein advised to absent himself from parliament. Several persons were executed, and among the rest Guy Fawkes, who was to set fire to the train. King James's usual occupation was the study of divinity, to which he was so attach- ed that he seems to have preferred it to the cares of government. He avoided every thing that might involve him in quarrels with his neighbours, which course of conduct was in the highest degree advantageous to his people. The country became enriched HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 105 by commerce ; and the people made consi- derable progress in ascertaining their liber- ties. During his reign, Spenser, Sidney, Shakspeare, Ben Jonson, and Bacon flou- rished. James was possessed of considerable vir- tues ; but his generosity bordered on pro- fusion, his learning on pedantry, his pacific disposition on pusillanimity, and his wisdom on cunning. He died March 27, 1 625, in the 59th year of his age, and the 2 2d of his reign over England. He was the first of the Stuart family who reigned in England. Charles Stuart I. succeeded his father, James L, March 27, 1625; and in May fol- lowing he married Henrietta Maria of France. The new queen arrived in Eng- land, and the marriage was consummated at Canterbury, June 10, 1625. The king granted a pardon to a number of Romish priests who had been condemned to die. On Feb. 2, 1626, Charles was crowned. The parliament met on the 6th. To prevent their being chosen for this parliament, the leading members against the court were made sheriffs. This parliament, however, proved no more favourable to the king than former ones. Great complaints were made by its members respecting the public griev- ances. The king sent for both houses to Whitehall, and severely reprimanded them, rebuking their animosity towards the duke of Buckingham, and upbraiding them for not 106 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. granting him supplies ; and in the end he j said, "Remember that parliaments are al- j together in my power, for their calling, sit- ting, and dissolution ; therefore as I find the | fruits of them good or evil, they are to con- tinue or not to be." This did not intimidate the commons, who returned to their house, and drew up and presented to the king a remon- strance against the duke, representing him as the cause of all the grievances of the king- dom. They further remonstrated against the levying of tonnage and poundage, which had been exacted by the king ever since his accession. On June 15, he dissolved the parliament, and ordered all who had copies of this remonstrance to burn them. The duke remained in the king's favour, until, on the 23d of August, 1628, he was stabbed by a lieutenant in the army. Early in 1 628 the parliament met. During its first session, the commons prevailed on the king to give, in return for five subsidies, his full and solemn assent to that celebrated instrument, the second great charter of the liberties of England, known by the name of the Petition of Right. In the summer, par- liament was prorogued. It met again in January, 1629. In the mean time, the king had continued, in direct violation of the Pe- tition of Right, to raise tonnage and pound- age without the consent of parliament. Sir John Eliot proposed a resolution condemn- ing the unconstitutional imposition. After HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 107 passing several strong resolutions, the house adjourned ; but on the day appointed for its meeting, it was dissolved by the king ; and several of its most eminent members were committed to prison. For eleven years, Charles governed with- out a parliament. All the promises of the king were violated without scruple or shame. The Petition of Right was set at naught; taxes were raised by the royal authority; patents of monopoly were granted. The Puritans were persecuted with cruelty wor- thy of the Inquisition. They were impri- soned ; they were whipped ; their ears were cut off; their noses were slit; their cheeks were branded with red-hot iron. But the hardy sect grew up and flourished, in spite of every thing that seemed likely to stunt it. John Hampden, the great leader of the op- position party, refused to pa}^ an illegal tax which had been laid ; and he resolved to bring to a solemn hearing the great contro- versy between the people and the crown. In the year 1 636, this great cause came on in the Exchequer Chamber before all the judges of England. The opinion of the bench was divided. Though the judges held their situ- ation only during the royal pleasure, the majority against IJampden'was the least pos- sible ; seven out of the twelve judges deciding against him. At this time the estate and the person of every man who had opposed the court were at its mercy. 108 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. In April, 1640, another parliament met; but in a few days it was angrily dissolved by the king, who immediately began anew his system of oppression and extortion. At this time Charles marched northward against the Scots, who advanced into England to meet him. His campaign was short and ignomi- nious; the English soldiers ran away; the four northern counties of England were oc- cupied by the Scotch army, and the king retired to York. The game of tyranny was now up. Charles made a truce with the Scots, and summoned a parliament. This great and memorable parliament met on the 3d of November, 1640. On Jan. 3, 1641, Charles sent his attorney-general to the house of peers, to impeach Lord Kim- bolton, Hampden, Pym, and Hollis, and two other members of the house of commons, of high-treason. An officer was sent to seal up their papers, &c, and the king having sent a sergeant-at-arms to the house of com- mons to demand them, the commons refused to surrender them. Attended by a number of armed men, the king went the next day in person to seize them. Leaving his guard at the door, he entered the speaker's chair, and made a speech, the members crying out at the same time, ib Privilege ! privilege !" Parliament impeached the attorney-general, and set a guard about the Tower. On May 20, the commons voted, " 1st. That it ap- pears that the king, seduced by wicked coun- HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 109 sels. intends to make war against the parlia- ment ; 2d, That whensoever the king makes war upon the parliament, it is a breach of the trust reposed in him by his people, con- trary to his oath, and tending to the dissolu- tion of the government ; 3d, That whosoever shall serve or assist him in such war are trai- tors by the fundamental laws of the king- dom." On the 1 5th of June, 1 641, the king grant- ed a number of commissions of array for levying troops, and the parliament drew up a paper against them. On July 12, the commons voted, with the concurrence of the lords, that an army should be raised, the command of which was given to the earl of Essex. On Aug. 22, the king in a solemn manner set up his standard at Nottingham, having by proclamation previously command- ed all men who could bear arms to repair to it. On Oct. 23, a great battle was fought at Ecjgehill. Both sides claimed the victory. Many battles were fought between the two armies, but none proved decisive until June 14, 1645, when the famous battle of Naseby was fought, which ended the contest be- tween the king and parliament. The royal troops were completely routed, most of the infantry were made prisoners, and a great number of officers and gentlemen of distinc- tion were killed. All the cannon and bag- gage were taken, with 8,000 arms and other rich booty, among which was the king's 10 110 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. cabinet, containing his secret papers. On June 22, 1645, Oxford surrendered, and the king fled to the Scotch army for protection. Thus the whole kingdom was subjected to the obedience of the two houses. Some ar- rears being due the Scots, the parliament agreed to pay them s£ 400,000 to give up the king and go home. On Jan. 30, 1646, the king was delivered to the parliament at Newcastle. The army and parliament soon after quarrelled. The parliament was dis- posed to accommodate matters with the king ; but the army would not trust him, nor listen to any proposals of reconciliation, and were determined to bring him to a trial. On Dec. 4, 1647, the parliament ad- journed, after voting that the concessions which the king had made were sufficient grounds for settling the peace of the king- doms. When they were about meeting again, they found the avenues blocked up by sol- diers, w r ho seized 41 of the members as they attempted to go into the house ; and the next day they denied admittance to about 100 more. The commons then created, by ordi- nance, a high court in order to try the king. The trial commenced Dec. 20, 1647, the court sitting in Westminster hall. Bradshaw, a lawyer, was chosen president. The sub- stance of the charge was, " That the king had endeavoured to set up a tyrannical power, and to that end had raised and maintained a cruel war against the parliament." The king de« HISTORY OF ENGLAND. Ill niecl the authority of the court, and refused to answer the charge. Sentence of death was passed upon him ; pursuant to which, he was beheaded Jan. 30, 1 648, on a scaffold, erected in the street near the windows of the ban- queting-house at Whitehall. His body was buried in St. George's chapel. He was beheaded in the 48th year of his age, and ( 23d of his reign. Questions. 1. Who succeeded queen Elizabeth? 2. When did his reign begin ? 3. When did he set out from Scotland ? 4. How was he received by the people when he ar- rived id England? 5. When did he arrive in London ? 6. What did king James propose to parliament ? 7. How did parliament treat his proposition? 8. Was any important act passed during his reign ? 9. What prevailed between the king and parliament? 10. What did the people think ? 11. What two great parties did this open opposition produce ? 12. What scheme was entered into by the Papists ? 13. How was it discovered ? 14. What was the fate of the conspirators ? 15. What was king James's usual occupation ? 16. What did he avoid ? 17. What was the effect of this course of conduct ? 18. In what did the people make considerable pro- gress ? , 19. Name some of the distinguished persons of his reign. 20. What was James's general character? 21. When did James die, at what age, and how long had he reigned ? 22. Of what race was he the first who reigned in England ? 112 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 23. Who succeeded James I. to the throne of Eng- land ? 24. When did king Charles commence his reign ? 25. Whom did he marry? 26. Whom did he pardon ? 27. What steps were taken to prevent leading men who were opposed to the king from being chosen mem- bers of parliament ? 28. Was this parliament more favourable than former ones ? 29. What complaints were made by it ? 30. What did the king do ? 31. What did he rebuke? 32. What did he say ? 33. Against what did the commons remonstrate ? 34. When did the king dissolve his parliament ? 35. What did he order to be done with the remon- strance ? 36. When did parliament again meet ? 37. What did the king give in return for five sub- sidies ? 38. When was parliament prorogued, and when did it meet ? 39. What had the king continued to do, in violation of the Petition of Right ? 40. What did Sir John Eliot propose ? 41. What did the house pass before they adjourned ? 42. When was it dissolved I 43. How were some of its members punished ? 44. How long did Charles govern without a parlia- ment ? 45. What did he violate ? 46. Who were persecuted ? 47. Describe their sufferings. 48. What became of the hardy sect ? 49. Who was John Hampden ? 50. What did he refuse to pay ? 51. What did he resolve to bring to a solemn hearing? 52. When and before whom did the cause come on ? 53. By what tenure did the judges hold their situa- tions ? HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 113 54. How many decided against Hampden ? 55. What were now at the mercy of the court ? 5(5. When did another parliament meet ? 57. How soon was it dissolved ? 58. What did the king continue to do ? 59. Against whom did Charles march? 60. Describe the campaign. 61. After making a truce with the Scots, what did Charles summon ? 62. When did a great and memorable parliament meet ? 63. For what was the attorney-general sent to the house of peers, Jan. 8, 1611 ? 64. For what was the serge an t-at-arms sent to the house of commons ? (55. Did the commons surrender the accused members ? 66. Describe the king's visit to the house the next day. 67. What did parliament do ? 68. What resolutions were passed bv parliament on May 20, 1641 I 69. What did the king grant, June 15, 1641 ? 70. What was done by parliament against these commissions 71. What was done by parliament, July 12, 1611 ? 72. What was set up by the king, Aug. 22, 1641 ? 73. When was the battle of Edgehill fought? 74. Describe the battle of Naseby, and tell when it happened. 75. When did Oxford surrender, and where did the king seek protection? 76. To what was the whole kingdom now subject? 77. What arrangement was made between parliament and the Scots ? 78. Wtyere and when was the king delivered to par- liament ? 79. What was the difference between the army and parliament ? 'SO. What was passed in parliament, Dec. 4, 1647? 81. What was done by the soldiers the two following days ? i> ""^ ^ 10*" 114 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 82. What did parliament create by ordinance? 83. When did the king's trial commence ? 84. What was the substance of the charge ? 85. What was the sentence of court ? 86. When was king Charles I. beheaded? 87. Where was he beheaded ? 88. At Avhat age was he beheaded, and how long had he reig-ned ? CHAPTER XXII. COMMONWEALTH. The confusion which overspread England after the execution of Charles L, proceeded as well from the rising spirit of liberty as from the dissolution of the civil and ecclesi- astical authority which the nation had been accustomed to obey. The royalist nobles and gentry, being degraded from their au- thority and plundered of their property, were enraged at the republicans, and they warmly attached themselves to the cause of the son of Charles. The republicans depended prin- cipally upon the support of the army; of which Oliver Cromwell was the head. Cromwell, who was equally qualified to gain the affections and the confidence of the peo- ple, possessed vast influence, both civil and military. The council of state appointed Cromwell lord-lieutenant of Ireland. He immediately went to that country with a large army, of HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 115 which one portion was defeated at Dublin. He hastened to Tredah,a town well fortified, near Dublin, and besieged it. He soon made a breach, and all opposition being overborne by the furious valour of his troops, the town was taken sword in hand, and no quarter given. A tremendous slaughter en- sued, scarcely one being left. The inhabit- ants of every town before which Cromwell presented himself, now opened its gates without opposition, and surrendered. While Cromwell proceeded with such uninterrupted success in Ireland, (which in the short space of nine months was completely subdued,) a new scene of victory and triumph was preparing for him in Scotland. Fairfax resigned his commission, and Cromwell was declared captain-general of all the forces in England. He then marched into Scotland with 16,000 men. Lesley, an experienced general, had command of the Scotish army ; but on Sept. 3d, 1651, Cromwell totally de- feated the Scots at Worcester. He after- wards went to London, and was congratu- lated by the house of commons, the council of state, and the lord mayor. *On the 19th of April, 1653, Cromwell called a council of officers to debate about the government. While they were sitting, a messenger informed them that the parlia- ment had framed a bill to continue its exist- ence till November of the next year ; where- upon Cromwell went immediately to West- 116 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. minster, and told the members of parliament to disperse. He then ordered his men to clear the house of all the members, and caused the doors to be locked. * On Dec. 16, 1653, in the Court of Chan- cery, in Westminster, Cromwell was solemn- ly invested with the title of protector of the commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland. He was then 54 years of age. He immediately applied himself to settling public affairs. He filled the courts of West- minster with able judges, and manifested an unalterable resolution to maintain liberty of I conscience. He gave the command of the J forces in Scotland to general Monk, and sent I his son Henry to govern Ireland. By an ordinance, dated April 12, 1654, he united England and Scotland, fixing the number of representatives for the latter at thirty; and soon after he also annexed Ireland. The protector called a parliament, Sept. 3. He attended in great state, and made a long speech. The parliament debated whether | the supreme power should be invested in j one man or in parliament. This so alarmed ; the protector that he gave them a sharp re- ! proof, and no member was afterwards per- \ mitted to go into the house until he had taken an oath to be faithful to the protector and his government. He, however, soon dissolved the parliament. Cromwell sent fleets to the West Indies and the Mediterranean, under admirals Penn HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 117 and Blake, and the achievements they per- formed greatly elevated the reputation of the protector. Sept. 17, 1656, another par- liament was called ; from which about 200 of the members were excluded, in conse- quence of refusing to take the oath prescribed. In the spring of 1657, a legislative govern- ment was proposed, and the crown was offered to the protector. But he replied that he could not with a good conscience accept it. On the 20th of Jan., 1648, the parlia- ment convened again, but the two houses disagreeing, the protector again dissolved them. Aug. 6, 1658, Mrs. Cleypole, his favourite daughter, died. This event pro- duced a marked effect upon him. Cromwell died Sept. 3, 1658, in the 60th year of his age. The character of Cromwell is beginning to be justly appreciated. He was emphatically a man. He possessed in an eminent degree that masculine and full- grown robustness of mind, that equally dif- fused intellectual health, which has pecu- liarly characterized the great men of England. He exhibited in his demeanour the simple and natural nobleness of a man neither ashamed of his origin nor vain of his eleva- tion. «He placed England in the first rank of Christian powers ; and taught every nation to value her friendship and dread her enmity. He went down to his grave in the fulness of power and fame. Richard Cromwell succeeded his father as 118 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. lord protector. He summoned a parlia- ment, which met at Westminster, Jan. 27, 1659; and which, after confirming his au- thority, were proceeding to other matters, when their deliberations were suddenly in- terrupted by the cabals of the army. Rich- ard had unwarily given his consent to the calling a council of officers. The parliament voted that there should be no council of offi- cers during its sitting. This vote brought matters to a rupture. The officers hastened to Richard, and compelled him to dissolve the parliament ; and by this act the protector was by every one considered as effectually deposed. Soon after, he signed his deposition in form. The council of officers, in connec- tion with the Rump parliament, which they had restored, now possessed the supreme au- thority. A general discontent prevailed among the people. An insurrection broke out, which was suppressed ; and the parliament were ex- pelled. The officers then elected twenty- three persons as a committee of safety, and invested them with supreme power. Under pretence of restoring the parliament, general Monk left Scotland, (where he had governed since the commencement of the commonwealth, with honour to himself and happiness to the people,) and marched his troops to London. A new parliament was called. The royalist members entered with- out opposition, and constituted a majority. They repealed the proceedings of the Kump HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 119 parliament. General Monk declared in fa- vour of the king. An insurrection was at- tempted. The republican members of the Rump parliament, finding themselves in the minority, were seized with despair, and en- deavoured to infuse the same feeling into the army, saying that they and the army might expect the severest vengeance at the hands of the royalists. Lambert, one of the officers, suddenly made his escape from the Tower, and the troops flocked to his banner ; so that it w 7 as with the greatest difficulty that Monk restrained him, and quenched the rising flame. Soon after the parliament met, a letter was received from the king by the hands of Sir John Granville. It was re- ceived by acclamation, and, by a vote of par- liament, the letter, with the declaration ac- companying it, was published. The king offered a general amnesty to all persons whatsoever and without any exception. He also promised liberty of conscience to the nation, sfi 5 0,0 00 were conferred upon the king ; and a committee of lords and com- mons was despatched to invite him to return and take possession of the government. When the king arrived at Dover from Hol- land, he was met by general Monk, whom he cordially embraced. The king entered London on the 29th of May, 1660, which was his birthday. Here closes the Common- wealth. 120 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. Questions. 1. What overspread England ? 2. From what did it proceed ? 3. Who attached themselves to the cause of the son of their late monarch ? 4. On what did the republicans principally depend ? 5. What is said of Oliver Cromwell? 6. To what office was Cromwell appointed by the council of state ? 7. How did he fulfil this appointment ? 8. What town was taken sword in hand ? 9. How long was Cromwell in subduing Ireland ? 10. What was Cromwell appointed ? 11. When did he defeat the Scots at Worcester? 12. Who congratulated Cromwell when he went to London ? 13. When did he call a council of officers, and for what purpose ? 14. What message did they receive while sitting? 15. What did this cause Cromwell to do ? 16. When was Cromwell invested with the title of protector of England ? 17. What was his age at that time? 18. To what did he immediately apply himself? 10. With what did he fill the courts of Westminster ? 20. AVhat did he manifest ? 21. To whom did he give the command in Scotland ? 22. Whom did he send to govern Ireland ? 23. What union did he effect ? 24. What number of representatives had Scotland ? 25. What other country was soon after annexed ? 26. When did the protector call a parliament ? 27. In what manner did he attend its opening? 28. What question did parliament debate ? 29. What measures were then taken by the protector? 30. Where did he send fleets ? 31. What elevated his reputation abroad? 32. When was another parliament called ? 33. How many members were excluded for not takino- the oath ? HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 121 34. What form of government was proposed in 1657? 35. What was offered to the protector? 36. What was his objection to accepting the crown? 37. When did parliament again convene ? 3S. What caused the protector to dissolve them ? 39. How did the death of his daughter affect him? 40. When did Cromwell die, and at what age ? 41. What is said of his character? 42. Who succeeded Oliver Cromwell as protector? 48. When did Richard summon parliament to meet? 41. By what were their deliberations interrupted? 45. Describe the contentions between the parliament and the council of officers. 46. How was the protector deposed ? 47. Who now possessed the supreme authority ? 48. What broke out at this time ? 49. How many persons were elected a committee of safety ? 51). What is said of general Monk? 51. What was called? Ft'2. Whn rnncitil litprl n mninrilv in nnvl imnpnt 1 ;j^. Who constituted a majority in parliament 53. What did they repeal ? 51. In whose favour did general Monk declare ? 55. Who attempted to excite an insurrection ? 56. With what were they seized ? 57. What did they try to infuse into the army ? 58. Who escaped from the Tower? 59. Who restrained Lambert, and quenched the rising flame ? 60. What did parliament receive from the king? 6.L How was it received ? 62. What disposition was made of the letter and de- claration ? 63. What did the king offer to all persons ? 64. Wlr*at was conferred upon the king? 65. Who were appointed to invite the king to return to England ? GG. Who met the king when he arrived from Holland ? 07. How did the king meet general Monk? 68. When did the king enter London ? u I 122 HISTORY OF ENGLAND, CHAPTER XXIII. Charles II. succeeded to the throne of England on the dissolution of the common- wealth, May 29, 1660. The parliament (called by the king the healing parliament) was dissolved Dec. 29, 1660, after passing several acts, one of which was for erecting a post-office. The Royal Society was founded this .year, by the king s letters patent. Charles II. was crowned April 23, 1661. A new parliament met in May, which continued 1 8 years, and was called the pensionary parlia- ment. May, 1 662, the king married Catha- rine, princess of Portugal. March 2, 1664, war was declared against the States-general. On June 3, 1665, the duke of York beat Opdam, the Dutch admiral. In May, the plague broke out in London, and swept off 68,596 of the people. In Jan., 1666, the French declared war against England. The English fleet put to sea, and, meeting the French fleet, was beaten. In September, about one o'clock in the morning, a fire broke out in London, which continued burn- ing for three days, and laid the greater part of the city in ashes, consuming 89 churches, the city gates, Guildhall, with many other public structures, and 13,200 dwelling- houses. The ruins comprehended 436 acres. In Oct., 1667, the king laid the first stone HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 123 of the Royal Exchange, which was built on the site of the former one. In Jan., 1668, was concluded the famous triple alliance between England, Holland, and Sweden, which was designed to check the projects of Louis XIV. of France, who had invaded the Netherlands. In April, 1670, a severe act was passed against the noncon- formists. The king formed a secret council, wliich was nicknamed the Cabal. They promoted all the king's measures, no matter how contrary to the interest of England and the welfare of Europe. On April 16, 1677, the king, among other acts, gave his assent to one for taking away the writ de hxretica combnrendo. In 1679, the act of habeas corpus, by which the subject is secured against arbitrary imprisonment, was passed. This is one of the most important laws that was ever made since the commencement of the English monarchy. On March 21, 1680, the parliament met. They ordered their votes to be printed, which practice has since been continued. The year 1684 was remarkable for the number of prosecutions of persons for speaking ill of the king, the duke of York, and the government. Some were fined in large sums, and others pilloried. Sir George Jefferies, a man without honour or conscience, was made lord justice of the King's Bench. Feb. 6, 1685, the king died, in his 55th year, and in the 25th year of his reign. He was a slave to pleasure, and a 124 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. devotee to vice and licentiousness. His reign was an outrage on virtue and humanity. Questions. 1. Who succeeded to the throne of England, upon the dissolution of the commonwealth ? 2. When did Charles II. commence his reign? 3. What title was given to this parliament by the king ? 4. W r hen was this parliament dissolved? 5. What acts were passed by this parliament ? 0. When was king Charles II. crowned ? 7. When did parliament meet? 8. How long did it continue ? 9. What was this new parliament called ? 10. When did the king marry Catharine, princess of Portugal ? 11. When was war declared against the States- general ? 12. When did the duke of York defeat the Dutch admiral ? 13. When did the plague break out in London ? 14. How many people were destroyed by it ? 15. When did France declare war against England ? 16. Whose fleet was defeated ? 17. When did the great fire break out in London ? 18. How long did it continue ? 19. How many houses were destroyed? 20. What was the extent of the ruins ? 21. When did the king lay the corner-stone of the Royal Exchange ? 22. Where was it built? 23. When was the alliance between England, Hol- land, and Sweden concluded? 24. What was the design of this alliance ? 25. What severe act was passed, April, 1670 ? 2(3. What was formed by the king ? 27. What was it nicknamed ? 28. To what act did the king give his assent, April 16, 1677 ? 29. When was the act of habeas corpus passed ? HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 125 30. What did parliament order when they met, March 21, wm! 31. For what was the year 1681 remarkable? 32. What punishments were inflicted ? 33. Who was made lord justice of the King's Bench ? 31. What is said of Sir George -JHieries ? 35. When did the king die, at what age, and in Avhat year of his reign ? 30. What is said of him ? CHAPTER XXIV. James II. succeeded his brother Charles, Feb. 6, 1685. An attempt had been made in parliament to exclude him from the crown, in consequence of his attachment to the Roman Catholic religion, but Charles had thwarted it by dissolving the parliament. On April 523, 1685, the king and queen were crowned. The king would not receive the sacrament, but the rest of the ceremony was in the Protestant form. The beginning of his reign was disturbed by two insurrec- tions ; one in Scotland, headed by the duke of Argyle ; the other in England, in favour of the duke of Monmouth. They were both suppressed, and their leaders beheaded. The cruel judge Jefferies tried the prisoners ; after which he boasted that he had hanged more men than all the judges since king William the Conqueror. Every method was taken to establish 126 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. popery. In Ireland the privy council was dissolved and a new one called, composed partly of Papists, who soon became the ma- jority. Protestant officers of the army were turned out, and Papists appointed in their place, contrary to law. The parliament re- monstrated against it ; the king declared his determination to employ the Papists, and was so much offended that he dissolved that body. The remainder of James II. 's reign was em- ployed in measures to make himself absolute, and to establish popery. In April, 1686, he wrote to Scotland, desiring that the Papists might be released from the restraints under which they were placed. The lords Arundel and Bellasyse, although they had been im- peached for the popish plot, and father Peter his confessor, were admitted as members of his council. Every thing was tending to establish the Roman Catholic religion. The king's army consisted of 15,000 men, in which mass was said daily. This caused the Rev. Mr. Johnson to send an address to the Protestant officers and soldiers in the army, exhorting them not to be tools of the court, in subverting their religion and liberty. For this offence, he was degraded, whipped from Tyburn to Newgate, compelled to stand three times in the pillory, and fined 500 marks. The king began to increase his army and fleet ; the new commissions were generally given to popish officers. The king then HISTOR¥> OF ENGLAND. 127 made an experiment, to see how far he might depend upon his army. He directed them to take their arms, and then commanded such officers and soldiers as would not con- tribute to the repeal of the penal laws and test, to lay down their arms ; which every officer and soldier did, with the exception of the Papists. At this the kins; was so as- tonished, that he stood speechless for some time, and then ordered them to take up their arms again, adding, with a sullen air, that he would not do them the honour again of askin their advice. The fleet was no better dispose towards the king; for when vice-admiral Strickland attempted to have mass on board his ship, it caused such excitement among the sailors, that it was with difficulty they could be restrained from throwing the priest overboard. The nation now began in earnest to think of means for preserving their religion and liberties. Several of the nobility waited on the prince of Orange at the Hague, inviting him to come over. James was now in the utmost consternation ; he appeared willing to do any thing to reconcile the people : but it was evident that this willingness proceeded from necessity, not from choice. When the prince of Orange landed in England, the I king ordered his army to rendezvous at Salis- bury plain ; but finding he could not rely on it, he returned to London ; and on Dec. 1 0, he left Whitehall at night in disguise, to 128 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. go to France. At his departure, he sent a letter to his general to disband his forces. The reign of James II. ended on Dec. 1 0. 1688. Questions. 1. Who succeeded Charles II. to the throne of Eng- land? 2. Why did parliament attempt to exclude James from the crown ? 3. How was that attempt thwarted ? 4. When were king James II. and his queen crowned ? 5. By what was the beginning of his reign disturbed ? 0. By whom was the insurrection in Scotland headed I ?. Of whom was the one in England in favour ? 8. What was done with the leaders of these insur- rections 9. By whom were the prisoners tried ? 10. Of what did judge JefTeries boast ? 11. What means were used to establish popery in England? 12. For what purpose did the king write to Scotland ? 13. Who were admitted as members of his council? 14. What was tending to establish the Roman Catholic religion? 15. What was in the king's army ? 1(5. What was said daily in his army ? 17. Who sent an address to the Protestants in the arinv 18. What was his punishment for this act ? 19. By what means did the king attempt to force the Roman Catholic religion upon the nation ? 20. What experiment did the king employ ? 21. How did his experiment succeed I 22. How was the king affected? 23. How was the fleet disposed towards the king ? 24. What did vice-admiral Strickland attempt ? 25. What did this attempt cause among the sailors ? 20. What did the commander with difficulty restrain them from doing ? 27. What did the nation now begin to think of ? HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 129 28. On whom did several of the nobility wait? 29. Where did they wait on him ? 30. What did they invite him to do? 31. How did this invitation affect king James? 32. What was he now willing to do ? 3-3. From what did this willingness proceed? 34. What did the king order upon the arrival of the prince of Orange in England ? 35. What induced the king to return to London ? 36. When and how did he leave London ? 37. What did he send to his general at his departure ? 38. When did James II. 's reisni close? CHAPTER XXV. William and Mary succeeded to the throne of England, on the flight of James II. William landed in England at Tarbay, on the 5th of Nov., 1688, with an army of 14,000 troops. William, soon after his ar- rival, was invited to London. In the mean time, the lords took upon themselves the government of the kingdom, and agreed to address the prince of Orange, requesting him to take upon himself the administration of the public affairs till a convention should meet. The convention of lords and com- mons met Jan. 22, 1689, and voted that the | prince and princess of Orange should be king | and queen. The princess arrived Feb. 12, 1689. The next day both houses waited on them, and offered them the crown ; and the same day they were proclaimed king and 130 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. queen, by the names of William and Mary. Soon after, William, with the advice and consent of the commons, declared war against France. The king and queen were crowned by the bishop of London on April 11, 16S9. * Agreeably to the Declaration of Right, the king signed the Bill of Rights and Accession on Dec. 1 6, with the addition of a remark- able clause, excluding forever Papists, and persons marrying Papists, from inheriting the crown of England. An act was passed in Scotland for settling the crown on the king and queen of England ; pursuant to which, they were proclaimed sovereigns of Scotland, April 1 1, the day of their coronation in Eng- land. In Ireland, king James's party, the Papists, held the government. Tyrconnel had secured all the most important places of the kingdom, and used such violence against the Protestants, that they were forced to leave the kingdom. James went over from France to Ireland, where he arrived March 12, 1689. He called a parliament at Dublin, when an act was passed to attaint some 3,000 Protestant lords, ladies, gentle- men, and clergymen, of high-treason. In June, 1690, king William landed in Ireland with a gallant army: and on July 1, 1690, was fought the ever-memorable battle of the Boy ne. He gained a complete victory over the French and Irish, and obliged James to retire to Dublin, and finally to France. On HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 131 the following Sunday, William entered Dub- lin in triumph, and went to St. Patrick's church to offer thanksgiving for his victory. He then returned to England, and sent over the earl of Marlborough to complete the reduction of Ireland, which, after several battles, he accomplished by August 1 4, 1 691 . In order to animate the confederate princes and states, William attended the famous con- gress of the Hague in 1691. He returned to England Nov. 9, 1 694 ; and on Dec. 28, 1694, Mary, his queen, died of the small-pox, which caused inexpressible grief to the na- tion. She was the eldest daughter of James II., and died in the 33d year of her age, having reigned nearly six years jointly with her husband. The parliament made a strict inquiry into several abuses and corruptions. The condi- tion of the silver coin was first taken into consideration, which, by clipping and adul- terating, had been reduced nearly one half in value. All the silver money was ordered to be called in and recoined, the loss to be borne by the kingdom. This gave rise to the Ex- chequer bills, or paper money. In 1695, the English fleet, under Lord Berkeley, spread terror along the coast of France. On the 1 2th of Jan., a double plot was discovered to assassinate the king and invade the kingdom. Emissaries of the late king came over, and held consultation with the Papists how to murder the king. 132 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. They at length agreed to assassinate him in his coach in a lane, as he returned from hunt- ing. But happily the whole plot was dis- covered the night before it was to take place. Immediately on the death of William, James was to invade England with a large army from France; but the plot having failed, their plans were entirely frustrated. On June 12, 1701, was passed the famous act for the further limitation of the crown, and better securing the rights and liberties of the subjects, whereby the succession of the crown was settled on the princess Sophia, electress-dowager of Hanover, and her Pro- testant heirs. She was granddaughter to James I., by his daughter Elizabeth, queen of Bohemia, and mother to king George I. of England. In 1701, William went to Holland, where he made a speech in the assembly of the states, on the posture of the affairs in Europe, which had a good effect. The English were now divided into parties, on the propriety of a war with France; but on Sept. 5, 1701, the late king James died. This produced a union of the people in favour of William, who returned to England about the last of October. The parliament resolved that no peace should be made with France until re- paration had been made by the French king for the indignity offered in declaring the pretended prince of Wales king of England. They then voted 40,000 land forces, and as HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 133 many for the sea service. In the midst of these vigorous preparations, the king fell from his horse and broke his collar-bone, on Feb. 21, 1702, and died March 8, 1702. Thus died the heroic William III., in the 5 2d year of his age, having reigned 13 years, 3 weeks, and 2 days. In courage, conduct, and magnanimity, he rivalled the most emi- nent warriors of antiquity. He was religious, temperate, just, and merciful. But what seems chiefly to have distinguished his character was a sincere regard to the natural rights and liberties of mankind. Questions. 1. Who succeeded James II.? 2. When did William land in England ? tt. Where was he invited soon after his arrival ? 4. Who took upon themselves the government of the kingdom ? 5. For what purpose did they address the prince of Orange ? 0. When did the convention of lords and commons meet 1 1 7. What was voted by them ? 8. W T hen did the princess arrive in England? 9. What was done by both houses the following day? 10. When were the prince and princess proclaimed king and queen ? 1 1. What was done by the king, with the advice and consent of the commons? 12. When were the king and queen crowned ? 13. When was the Bill of Rights and Accession passed ? 14. What remarkable clause did this bill contain? 15. What act was passed in Scotland in relation to the crown ? 12 134 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 16. When were William and Mary proclaimed king and queen in Scotland ? 17. In whose hands was the government of Ireland ? 18. What had Tyrconnel secured in Ireland ? 19. Why were the Protestants obliged to leave Ire- | land I 20. When did James arrive in Ireland from France? 31. What did he call in Dublin? 22. What was the purport of an act passed there ? 23. When did king William land in Ireland with a ; gallant army ? 24. When was the ever memorable battle of the ! Boyne fought ? 25. Who gained a complete victory ? 20. What became of James after the battle? 27. What was done by William when he entered Dublin? 28. Who was sent to complete the reduction of Ire- land ? 29. When was this accomplished ? 80. When did king William attend the congress of the Hague ? ' 81. What was his object in attending this congress? 82. When did he return to England ? 88. When did queen Mary die, and of what disease ? 34. What effect did her death produce ? 85. How old was she, anil how long had she jointly reigned ? 36,. Into what did parliament make inquiry? 87. What was done concerning the silver coin? 88. To what did this give rise? 89. What was done by the English fleet under Lord Berkeley? 40. What double plot Avas discovered, Jan. 12, 1695? 41. Who were engaged in this plot? 42. Where was it determined to assassinate the king ? 48. When was the plot discovered ? 44. What was James to do, upon hearing of the as- sassination ? 45. What entirely frustrated his plans? 46. What act was passed June 12, 1701 ? HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 135 47. On whom was the succession of the crown settled ? 48. When did king- William go to Holland, and for what purpose ? 49. Into w r hat were the English people divided ? 50. When did the late king lames die, and what union did it cause ? 51. What did parliament resolve ? 5~. For what forces did they vote ? 53. When did king William die? 51. What was the cause of his death? 55. How old was William, and how long had he reigned ? 56. What was his character? 57. What chiefly distinguished him ? CHAPTER XXVI. Anne, daughter of James II., succeeded William. She was proclaimed queen, March 8, 1702, War was declared against France and Spain, May 4, 170 c 2; prince George of Denmark, husband to the queen, being made lord high admiral, and the duke of Marlbo- rough, captain-general. After numerous encounters, the great battle of Hochstet was fought, wherein the French lost 30,000 men and 10,000 prisoners. Peace was at length signed, March 30, 1713. Anne had six children, hut all died young. Her character, viewed in a private light, is one of the most amiable to be found in his- tory. She was remarkable for her piety and unbounded chanty. She died August 1, 136 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 1714, in the 50th year of her age and 13th of her reign. George I. succeeded to the crown of Great Britain, August 1, 1714. He was the eldest son of Ernestus Augustus, by princess Sophia, daughter of Elizabeth, eldest daughter of king James I. Consequently George I. was great-grandson to king James I. He was crowned Oct. 20, 1714. A new parliament met March 17, 1715. In July the king gave his assent to an act for prevent- ing tumults and riotous assemblies, common- ly called the riot act, which is still in force. This year an act was passed for enlarging the time of continuance of parliaments. July 7,1715, the king set out for his German dominions. The year 1720 was remarkable for the South Sea scheme. South Sea stock rose from 100 to 1200, and then fell to nothing, by which means many families w r ere ruined, and a few made rich. The directors' estates were sold for the benefit of the sufferers, and they were incapacitated from sitting in either house of parliament, and from holding any office of trust or honour forever. A new parliament met Oct. 9, 1 722, when the king informed them of a conspiracy for overturning the established government, and setting up the pretender. On Sept. 3, 1725, a peace was concluded between England, France, and Prussia, and afterwards by the States-general. This treaty was intended as HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 137 a counterbalance to one which had been concluded between Spain and Austria. These counter alliances put all Europe in a flame ; and three British squadrons were fitted out, one being sent to the Baltic, one to the coast of Spain, and the other to the West Indies. King George died June 11, 1727. in the 6Sth year of his age and 23d of his reign. From the death of Charles II. down to this period. England made considerable pro- gress in every" branch of literature. Drs. Atterbury and Clarke wrote on divinity; Winston, in defence of Arianism ; John Locke, on the human understanding; Cud- worth, on metaphysics ; Shaftsbury, on moral philosophy ; Bolingbroke. Waliis, Halley, and Flamstead, on mathematics; and Per Freind and Mead, on medicine. Steele, Addison, Pope, and other eminent poets also flourished during the above period. Questions. 1. Who succeeded William? 2. When was Anne crowned ? 3. When was war declared against France? 4. Who was made lord high admiral I 5. Who was made captain-general ? 0. What great battle was fought between the English and the French ? 7. Which party gained the victory ? 8. What number did the French lose in this battle ? 9. How many Frenchmen were taken prisoners ? 10. When was peace concluded ? 11. What is said of queen Anne ? 12* ws 138 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 12. When did she die, at what age, and how long had she reigned ? 13. What is said of her character? 14. Who succeeded queen Anne ? 15. When was George I. crowned ? Hi. When did the parliament meet? 17. To what law did the king give his assent ? 18. What other act was passed ? 19. When did the king set out for his German do- minions ? 20. For what was the year 1720 remarkable ? 21. How did this stock rate ? 22. What effect had this rising and falling of the stock ? 23. What was done with the estates of the directors ? 24. How were the directors punished ? 25. When did a new parliament convene ? 26. What information did the king give to parlia- ment? 27. By what nations was a peace concluded, Sept. 3, 1725 I 28. What was intended by this treaty ? 29. What did these counter alliances produce in Europe ? 30. How many squadrons were sent to the Baltic sea? 31. How many to the coast of Spain ? 32. And how many to the West Indies ? 33. When did George I. die ? 34. At what age, and how long had he reigned? 35. In what did England make considerable progress from the death of Charles II. to the death of George I. ? 3(3. Mention some of the distinguished persons who flourished during this period. HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 139 CHAPTER XXVII. George II. succeeded his father George L, June 15, 1727. All the great officers of government were continued in their places ; the system of politics established by the late king underwent no change. The parliament met June 27, 1727. On the 29th, the com- mons granted the king the entire revenues of the civil list, amounting to about §6700,000 per annum. On Oct. 11, 1727, the king and queen were crowned. Jan. 23, 1728, a new parliament met, when warm disputes arose on the subject of the national debt. On the 27th of May, the king dissolved the parliament. A congress convened at Soissons, for determining all disputes among the powers of Europe; but, after long de- bates, the conferences broke up without pro- ducing any effect. The Spaniards commit- ted cruel depredations on the commerce of Great Britain with impunity. The parlia- ment convened again on Jan. 13, 1730, and an act passed forbidding the subjects of Eng- land loaning money to foreign powers with- out the consent of the king. On April 9, petitions were presented to the commons, to lay open the East India trade, but without effect ; and the exclusive privileges vested in the East India Company were extended to the year 1766. An excellent act was passed 140 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. for the better regulating of juries, and to prevent their being packed. During this year, every part of the kingdom was in- fested with robbers, assassins, and incendia- ries. A famous periodical, called the Crafts- man, now made its appearance. All law proceedings were ordered to be in English, instead of Latin. In the parliament of 1 734, a bill was passed to prevent stockjobbing for three years. The parliament of 1736 passed a bill repealing the statute against conjuration and witchcraft, and dealing with evil spirits ; and also an act restraining the retail of spirituous liquors. Nov. 20, 1737. queen Caroline died, in the 55th year of her age. On the 24th of May, 1738, George III. was born. In 1744, commodore Anson returned from an expedition round the world. At this period, the grandson of James II. resolved to make an effort to gain the British crown. Being supplied with men and money by France, he landed on the coast of Scotland with an army; and being joined by many of the Highlanders, he marched through Scotland. When he arrived at Perth, he had his father proclaimed king of Great Britain. He entered Edinburgh without opposition., where the pageantry of procla- mation was likewise performed. August 1 7, he marched into England and Wales with much success. The people were thunder- struck. Had he pushed on immediately to HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 141 London, he would have taken it without much opposition. But he delayed and gave them time to make preparation. He return- ed with his army into Scotland. The duke of Cumberland pursued the rebels ; and on April 6, 1746, he came up with them on the plains of Culloden, where a tremendous light ensued. The royal army proving vic- torious, a general slaughter followed. The pretender narrowly escaped being taken. He fled to the mountains, where he some- times found refuge in caves. A price of ;£ 30,000 was set upon his head. During his sojourn in the mountains, he was often hardly pushed. One day, after having walk- ed from morning till night, and being pressed by hunger and worn out by fatigue, he ven- tured into a house which he knew was inhabited by a royalist. " The son of your king," said lie, " comes to beg a bit of bread and some clothes. I know your present at- tachment to my adversary, but 1 believe you have sufficient honour not to abuse my con- fidence, or to take the advantage of my mis- fortunes. Take these rags, that have for some time been my only covering, and keep them. You may, perhaps, restore them to me one day, when seated on the throne of the kings of Great Britain." His host was touched with his distressed situation, and as- sisted him, and never divulged his secret. Feb. 1750, was remarkable for two earth- quakes in the cities of London and West- 1 142 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. minster. On March 20, 1751, Frederic, prince of Wales, died. He was a very amiable gentleman. In May an act passed, abolishing the old style and establishing the new : this was done by dropping eleven days from the month of September, 1752, and thereafter j beginning the year on the 1st of January. In 1 753, two famous bills for naturalizing the j Jews were passed. The national debt at this j time amounted to more than ^74,000,000. In 1754, the Society for the Encouragement j of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce was founded. In 1755, another war began between France and England, and several battles were fought in America. The city of Quebec and the Canadas were taken during this war. In 1759 was fought the battle of Minden, said to be the most glorious in the English annals. During the reign of George 11., the powers of the mmd were fully and freely exercised, and many great men flourished. On Oct. 23, 1760, king George died suddenly, in the 77th year of his age and 33d of his reign. Questions. 1. Who succeeded George I. ? 2. When did George II. commence his reign ? 8. Who were continued in their places ? 4. What underwent no change? 5. When did parliament meet? 0. What did the commons grant to the king ? 7. When were the king and queen crowned ? 8. When did a new parliament meet? HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 143 9. About what did this parliament dispute ? 10. When was parliament dissolved ? 11. Where was a congress convened? 12. What was the object of this congress? 13. How did they succeed ? 14. On what did the Spaniards commit depredations ? 15. When did the parliament convene again? 16. What act was passed ? 17. For what was parliament petitioned ? 18. To what year were the exclusive privileges of the East India Company extended ? 10. What excellent act was passed ? 29. When was the kingdom infested with robbers and assassins ? 21. What famous periodical was now published? 22. What was ordered in relation to law proceedings ? 23. When was the bill to prevent stockjobbing passed ? 24. What laws were passed in 1730 ? 25. When did the. queen die, and at what age ? 26. When was George III. born ? 27. From whence did commodore Anson return? 28. Who made an effort to gain the crown? 20. Who supplied him with men and money? 30. Where did he land his troops ? 31. Where was his father proclaimed king? 32. Where did he enter without opposition? 33. Did he meet with success when he marched into England ? 34. What probably would have been his success if he had marched immediately to London ? 35. What did his delay produce? 36. When was the celebrated brittle fought on the plains of Culloden? 37. Which party was successful? 38. Where did the young pretender sometimes find refuge ? 30. What price was set upon his head ? 40. Describe his situation in the mountains, and his visit to the house of a royalist. 41. For what was the year 1750 remarkable ? 42. When did Frederic, prince of Wales, die ? 144 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 43. When was the act establishing the new style passed ? 44. When were the two famous bills for naturalising Jews passed ? 45. What was the amount of the national debt at this time ? 40. What society was founded in 1754 ? 47. When did war break out between England and France ? 48. What is said of the battle of Minden ? 49. What were freely exercised during this reign? 50. When did king George II. die, at what age, and how long- had he reig-ned? CHAPTER XXVIII. George III., eldest son of Frederic, prince of Wales, and grandson of George II., was proclaimed king of Great Britain, Oct. 26, 1760, when he was about 21 years of age. On the 10th of Feb., 1763, a treaty of peace between England, France, and Spain, was concluded at Paris, and acceded to by Portu- gal. Never was the fortune of any nation higher than that of England at this time. Besides her rich possessions in the East and West Indies, and those on the coast of Africa, all enlarged by a series of the most extraor- dinary success, and confined by a perpetual treaty ; and without including Hudson s bay, Newfoundland, or the other islands of the new world ; she was mistress of almost all the vast continent of North America. Her em- HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 145 pire was the most extensive that was ever formed on the face of the earth. During the administration of Mr. Gren- ville in 1765, bills were passed for laying a stamp duty on the British colonies in North America. The Americans denied the right of the British parliament to tax them ; and, therefore, when the passage of the stamp act was made known in America, it caused in- tense excitement and disturbances. Great opposition was also made in England to the measure. The ministry consequently re- tired, and the act was repealed ; but at the same time a bill was passed for securing the dependence of the colonies upon the mother- country. In 1765, the first continental congress met at New York. On March 5, 1770, the Boston massacre took place, in which three men were killed, and two men wounded. These were the first martyrs in the Revolu- tionary war. In 1773, the tea act was pass- ed by parliament; on which, the East India Company sent large quantities of tea to Charleston, Philadelphia, New York, and Boston. The tea sent to Charleston was landed and stored, but not permitted to be sold. That sent to Philadelphia and New York was sent back, without even an entry being made at the custom-house. The cargo sent to Boston was taken from the ship by a number of persons disguised as Mohawk Indians, and was thrown into the river. 1 la 146 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. In 1774, the Boston port bill was passed by parliament ; and in the same year the continental congress assembled at Philadel- phia. The earl of Chatham, in one of his brilliant speeches, thus speaks of that con- gress: " History, my lords, has been my iavourite study ; and in the celebrated writ- ings of antiquity, I have often admired the patriotism of Greece and Rome. But, my lords, I must declare and avow, that in the master tales of the world, I know not the people or the senate who, in such a compli- cation of difficult circumstances, can stand in preference to the delegates of America, assembled in general congress at Philadel- phia." 1775, April 19, hostilities commenced between the two countries, by the battles of Lexington and Concord. June 1 7, gene- ral Washington was appointed generalissimo, or commander-in-chief of the American forces. June 17, battle of Bunker Hill took place. 1776, July 4, the Declaration of Indepen- dence, adopted by the American colonies met in general congress, was signed by the president and secretary of that body, and proclaimed at the head of the army. July 19, the declaration was engrossed on parchment, with the title and style of 66 The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America." August 2, the declaration being engrossed and com- HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 147 pared at the table, was signed by the mem- bers. Dec. 25, the battle of Trenton was fought, in which the Americans killed 20 and captured 1000 of the enemy, with the loss of 2 killed and 2 frozen to death. In October, 1777, the British army, under general Burgoyne, to the number of 5750, surrendered to general Gates at Saratoga. The final battle of the Revolution between the British and the Americans was that of Yorktown, where Lord Cornwallis surren- dered to general Washington, Oct. 19, 1781. 1782, Nov. 30, a treaty of peace was con- cluded, at Paris, between England and the United States, by commissioners deputed for that purpose. The commissioners on behalf of the United States were, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and Henry Laurens. By this treaty the independence of the thirteen United States of America was acknowledged by Great Britain. In November, 1788, the king was seized with a serious attack of illness, which was admitted to be delirium, and from which he did not recover till the following March. A bill conferring the regency upon the prince of Wales, with certain restrictions, had nearly passed both houses, when the king recovered. His recovery produced the great- est joy throughout the kingdom. On account of certain hostilities committed on the north-western coast of America by the Spaniards, an armament was prepared in 148 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 1790, to act against Spain. But a negotiation took place: the Spanish court agreed to an indemnification, and peace was established. In 1801, and 1804, the king had renewed attacks of his mental malady ; and another in 1810, when the prince of Wales was created regent by parliament. George III. conti- nued insane until his death, which happened in 1820, in the 82d year of his age, and the Gist of his reign. The national debt, which at the commencement of the reign was about sfi 108,000,000, on which was paid an annual interest of not quite s64,000,000, had in- creased by the end of the reign to above sfi800,000 5 000 of principal, bearing an inte- rest of more than a£30,000,000 ! Questions. 1. Who succeeded George II. to the throne of Great Britain ? 2. When was George III. proclaimed king- ? 3. When was a treaty of peace concluded between England, France, and Spain? 4. Describe the prosperous condition of England at this time. 5. When were the bills laying a stamp duty on the British colonies in North America passed ? 6. What did the Americans deny ? 7. What did the stamp act cause in America ? 8. W 7 as the measure opposed in England ? 9. What was done when the ministry retired, ? 10. What bill was passed ? 11. When and where was the first continental con- gress convened ? 12. When was the- Boston massacre ? 13. When was the tea act passed by parliament ? 14. What did the East India Company do ? HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 149 15. What was done with the tea sent to America? 16. Wlxm was the Boston port bill passed? 17. When did the continental congress convene at Philadelphia? 18. What did the earl of Chatham say in relation to this congress ? 19. When were the battles of Lexington and Con- cord fought? 20. When was general Washington appointed com- mander-in-chief of the American forces? 21. When was the battle of Bunker Hill? 22. When was the Declaration of Independence adopted by the congress ? 23. By whom was 'it signed on July 4 ? 21. Where was it proclaimed? 25. When was it engrossed, and by what title ? 20. When was it signed by all the members ? 27. When was the battle of Trenton fought? 28. How many of the enemy did the Americans cap- ture and kill ? 29. When and to whom did general Burgoyne sur- render ? 30. Which was the final battle of the Revolution? 31 . When did Cornwallis surrender to general Wash- ington ? 32. When and where was a treaty of peace con- cluded between England and the United States of America? 33. What was acknowledged by this treaty ? 34. With what was the king seized? 35. When did he recover ? 36. What bill had nearly passed before, the king's recovery I 37. What did the king's recovery produce? 38. When was an armament prepared to act against Spain ? 39. What caused this armament ? 40. How were matters settled ? 41. When had the king renewed attacks of his men- tal malady? 42. When was the final attack ? 150 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 43. How long did it continue ? 44. Who was created regent by parliament ? 45. When did George III. die, at what age, and how long had he reigned? 46. What was the amount of the national debt at the commencement of his reign? 47. What was its amount at the close of his reign? CHAPTER XXIX. George IV. succeeded his father, George III. His course of life had heen so profligate and extravagant, that he became involved in debt. The king, his father, steadily re- fused to relieve his difficulties unless he would marry. The prince finally acceded to his father's terms, and was united to his cousin Caroline of Brunswick, April 8, 1795. Disgust and alienation soon followed between the newly-married parties. After the birth of a daughter, they continued to live for some months longer under the same roof, but without speaking to each other. A complete separation afterwards ensued. Charges were brought against the princess, which were completely disproved. But, until her death, which happened August 7, 1821, he treated her with unmerited bar- barity and contempt: his conduct towards her produced an extraordinary feeling of in- dignation throughout the kingdom. HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 151 111 1810, in consequence of the indisposi- tion of George III., the prince of Wales was appointed regent. In June, 1 81 5, was fought the battle of Waterloo, which put an end to the gigantic power of Napoleon Bonaparte. Bonaparte soon after surrendered himself to the English, who banished him to the island of St. Helena, where he died May 5, 1821. On Jan. 5, 1817, the regent was shot at on his return through the Park ; two balls per- forated the carriage. The prince-regent ascended the throne as George IV., on the death of his father, Jan. 29, 1820. The first great public event of the new reign was the detection, on Feb. 23, of the Cato street plot to assassinate the min- isters. In Dec, 1826, a body of troops was sent to Portugal to support the princess-re- gent and the constitution established by Don Pedro, against the hostile attempts of the Spanish government and of the absolutist faction organized by that power ; the British force speedily put down the rebellion, and restored tranquillity. In 1827, the Turkish fleet was destroyed in the bay of Navarino in Greece, by the attack of the combined forces of England, France, and Russia. In 1829, the great measure of Catholic eman- cipation was conceded. George IV. died June 26, 1830, in the 68th year of his age and the 1 lth of his reign. Many important alterations of the laws were made in the reign of George IV. One 152 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. was the abolishing the ancient custom of burying persons who had committed suicide in cross roads, with a stake driven through their bodies ; and another was the substituting the punishment of transportation, instead of that of death, for forgery. William IV., duke of Clarence, succeeded his brother, George IV. The parliament was dissolved July 24, 1830, and another assembled Oct. 26, 1830. Early in the ses- sion, a motion for parliamentary reform was introduced ; and being carried against the ministers, the duke of Wellington, who was then premier, tendered his resignation. The construction of a new ministry was confided to earl Grey, who called to his assistance the most distinguished of the Whig party, among whom were Henry Brougham, lord Althorp, lord John Russell, viscount Melbourne, and lord Palmerston. Parliament was dissolved April 23, 1831, and a new one called, which assembled June 14, 1831. By the reform bill, which was now introduced into parlia- ment, 86 English boroughs, which had be- come almost depopulated, were totally dis- franchised, and 30 of those which had senl two members were allowed to send but one ; and 13 new boroughs were created. The right of voting was besides widely extended. After a severe struggle, the bill passed, and became a law. The apportionment of the members of the house may be seen from the following table : — HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 153 Deforc 1832. By the act of 1832. 500 England and Wales : Counties, - - - 941 1591 Universities, - - - 4 1 5 13 4 1 5 Cities and boroughs, 4 15 J 3527 J Scotland : Counties, - - - - 30 > ,- 30 > -„ Cities and boroughs, 15 5 23 5 Ireland : Counties, - - - - 04") Oil Universities, - - - it 101 2 1 105 Cities and boroughs, 04 1 04 1 1 [ 101 2 I 39 J 39 J (502 058 A parliament on the new basis was called, and met on Jan. 29, 1833. The principal measures brought before it were, a bill to re- form and regulate the affairs of the burghs — another to emancipate the slaves in the West Indies, — and a new poor law bill. William died at Windsor castle, June 20, 1S37, in the 72d year of his age and 7th of his reign. He was frank and affable in his manners, and averse to pomp and parade. In early life he had been a midshipman on board a man of war, and had always accus- tomed himself to mix with the people ; and after coming to the throne, he not unfre- quently broke through the trammels with which etiquette had enclosed royalty. Victoria, only child of Edward, duke of Kent, succeeded William IV. She was born May 21, 1819, and was proclaimed queen June 21, 1837. The first prominent event of her reign was an insurrection in Canada, which was subdued : the chiefs of the con- 154 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. spiracy, however, made their escape into the United States. In 1 840, she married Albert, prince of Saxe-Cobourg. An unjustifiable war against China was commenced in 1 840. The Chinese emperor had forbidden the importation of opium into his dominions. The English merchants nevertheless continued the illicit traffic, and the Chinese seized a large quantity of the arti- cle, and destroyed it. The British govern- ment sent an armament against them, and many of the Chinese were butchered. Nego- tiations were entered into ; and the war was ended by the cession of several important posts to the British. In 1842, the British army in Afghanistan was nearly annihilated. The chartist meetings, and the agitation for a repeal of the corn-laws, and for the repeal of the legislative union between Great Britain and Ireland, have for some time principally engrossed the public attention. The year 1843 will be held memorable for the secession of the leading ministers from the established Kirk of Scotland, on account of the interference of the secular power with the spiritual government of the church. Rather than submit to the encroach- ments of temporal rulers, learned and pious men — the glory and the ornament of Scot- land — resigned their comfortable livings, and betook themselves to attics and humble dwellings. In Wales, at the present time, bands of men, HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 155 under the title of Rebecca and her daughters, are leagued together for the purpose of de- stroying the toll-gates. They have hitherto baflied all the efforts of government to arrest their proceedings. The union of Victoria and Albert has proved to be felicitous. Victoria displays the fidelity of a wife, and the carefulness and solicitude of a mother. Questions. J. Who succeeded George III.? 2. What is said of his course of life ? 3. What did his father refuse to do ? 4. To whom was he united in marriage ? 5. What soon followed the marriage? 0. How did the parties continue to live after the birth of a daughter ? 7. What ensued ? 8. Were the charges brought against the princess disproved? 9. How did the prince treat her till her death ? 10. When did she die? 11. What did his conduct towards her produce ? 12. When was the prince of Wales appointed regent? 13. When was the battle of Waterloo fought? 14. To what did it put an end ? 15. What is further said of Bonaparte ? 10. When did George IV. die? 17. What alterations of the laws were made during his reign ? 18. Who succeeded George IV. ? 19. When was parliament dissolved and a new one assembled ? 20. What motion was introduced ? 21. Was it carried ? 22. Who resigned in consequence of it ? 23. To whom was the construction of a new ministry confided ? 156 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 24. Whom did he call to his assistance ? 25. When was parliament dissolved and another called ? 26. What bill was now introduced ? 27. How many boroughs were disfranchised? 28. How many were allowed to send but one member ? 29. How many new boroughs were erected ? 80. What was widely extended? 31. Did the bill pass? 32. How were the members apportioned before and after the year 1832 ? 33. When was a parliament on the new basis called to meet? 34. What were the principal measures brought be- fore it ? 35. When did William IV. die ? 30. What was his character? 37. What had he been in early life ? 38. What had he accustomed himself to do \ 39. What further is said of him ? 40. Who succeeded William IV. ? 41. When was Victoria born ? 42. When was she proclaimed queen? 43. What was the first prominent event of her reign ? 44. Who made their escape ? 45. When was she married, and to whom ? 46. What war was commenced ? 47. Relate the occasion of this war. 48. How was it terminated ? 49. What was nearly annihilated? 50. What matters have principally engrossed the public attention ? 51. For what will the year 1813 be held memorable ? 52. Why did the secession from the Kirk of Scotland take place ? 53. What did learned and pious men do ? 54. For what purpose are bands of men leagued to- gether in Wales ? 55. What is their title ? 56. What is said of the union of Victoria and Albert ? 57. What does Victoria display ? APPENDIX. A. I). 43. Cassivelaunus was prince of the Britons at the time of the Roman invasion. 51. The second prince was Caractacus, who was taken bound to Rome. 59. Boadicea, queen of the Iceni, was the first princess. 449. Vortigern, the third prince, invited the Saxons over, to assist the Britons against the Picts and Scots. 455. The fourth prince was Hengist, a Saxon, who laid the foundation of the kingdom of Kent, and fixed his royal seat at Canterbury, where he reigned till 488, when he died. 508. Arthur was the fifth prince. His reign lasted 40 years. 547. The Saxon heptarchy was formed of the seven petty kingdoms of Britain, each of which was governed by its own prince or king. During the heptarchy, the Roman Catholic religion was introduced into Britain. The heptarchy con- tinued 280 years. 827. The heptarchy was dissolved. This event may properly be styled the foundation of the kingdom of England. 14 157 158 APPENDIX. A. D. • 827. Egbert, king of Wessex, became king of Eng- land. He reigned 37 years as king of Wessex, 7 years as king of the seven kingdoms of the heptarchy, and 10 years as king of England. His whole reign was 54 years. He died in 838, and was interred at Winchester. 838. Ethelwolf succeeded his father Egbert. During his reign, the Danes came up the Thames with 300 ships, and pillaged London and other places. The king paid tithes of all his dominions. He visited the pope at Rome to receive his benedic- tions, and extended the tax of Peter's pence over the kingdom. He died in 857, in the 20th year of his reign. 857. Etherbald and Ethelbert jointly succeeded their father Ethelwolf. Nothing of importance took place during their joint reign. Etherbald died in 860. During the reign of Ethelbert, the Danes again invaded England. He died in 866. 866. Ethelred succeeded his brother Ethelbert. During his reign, the Danes subdued a considerable por- tion of England. Ethelred fought nine pitched battles with them, in the last of which he was mortally wounded. He died in 872, in the 6th year of his reign. 872. Alfred succeeded his brother Ethelred. During his reign, the Danes subjugated England, and the king went into exile. He afterwards re- conquered his country from the Danes. He fought 56 pitched battles against them. He was a wise and good king. He made many excellent laws ; he instituted juries, and founded APPENDIX. 159 A. D. the university of Oxford. He is considered the founder of the British constitution. During his reign justice was strictly administered. He died Oct. 28, 900, after a glorious reign of 28 years. 900. Edward the Elder succeeded his father Alfred. He drove the Danes out of his kingdom. He also conquered the Welsh. He died in 925, after reigning 25 years. 925. Athelstan, a natural son of Edward, succeeded his father. During his reign, the Danes invaded England again. He vanquished them in many battles. He died in 941, after reigning 16 years. 941. Edmund, a legitimate son, succeeded his half- brother Athelstan. During his reign, an insur- rection broke out in Northumberland, where the Danes were received and encouraged. He triumphed over all opposition. In 948, he was murdered at a feast by one Leolf, a robber, whom he had banished. He expired immedi- ately, in the 8th year of his reign. 948. Edred succeeded his brother Edmund. The Danes again invaded England, and gained over to their side the king of Scotland ; but Edred entirely subdued them, and made himself abso- lute sovereign of England. He died in 958, after reigning 10 years. 958. Edvvy, son of Edmund, succeeded his uncle Ed- red. He quarrelled with the monks, who, in consequence, declared in favour of his brother Edgar. They deprived him of nearly the whole of the kingdom; and he died of grief in 962, after reigning 4 years. 160 APPENDIX. A. D. 962. Edgar succeeded his brother Edwy, at the age of 16. His reign was one continued calm, owing to his patronage of the monks and his great preparations for war. He reinstated the monks, whom his brother had expelled. He liberally encouraged learning. From the tran- quillity of his reign he acquired the name of Edgar the Pacific. He died in 975, after having reigned 13 years. 975. Edward the Martyr succeeded his father. His step-mother wished to place her son on the throne, although it had been willed to Edward by his father. One day, while hunting, he stopped at her house, where he was stabbed in the back, at her instigation. He died immedi- ately, in 979, in the 4th year of his reign. 979. Ethelred, half-brother of Edward, succeeded him, at the age of 12 years. The Danes again invaded England, and for 10 years they inflicted great misery on England, by their depredations on life and property. The king at length bought them off by gold, which was called Dane gold. He afterwards suddenly extermi- nated them. To revenge this act, the king of Denmark determined to conquer England, which he finally succeeded in doing. Ethelred died in 1016, in the 50th year of his age, after a most inglorious reign of 37 years. 1016. Edmund (surnamed Ironsides) succeeded his father. The lords proclaimed him king, while the Danes asserted the claims of Canute. After much strife, one portion of the kingdom was APPENDIX. 161 A. D. assigned to Edmund, the other to Canute ; but Edmund was assassinated in 1017. With Ed- mund ended the Saxon rule in England, which had lasted 56S years from the Saxons' arrival under Hengist ; 432 years from the founding of the heptarchy; and 190 years from the reign of Egbert. 1017. Canute became master of all England, and was proclaimed king by the English and Danes. During his reign, the kingdom was divided into four parts. He died in 1036, in the 19th year of his riegn. 1036. Harold Harefoot succeeded his father. During his reign a cruel act was passed, by which it was decreed that if a Welshman should cross a certain line, his right hand should be cut off. He died April 14th, 1039, in the 4th year of his reign. 1039. Hardicanute succeeded his brother. He caused his brother's body to be disinterred and thrown into the Thames. A tax was levied, which the people refused to pay ; and in some places they killed the collectors. He was a great glutton and wine-bibber. He died. June 8tb, 1041. The people afterwards kept that day as a time of rejoicing, and styled it hog's tide, to commemorate his passion for pork. With him ended the reign of the Danes in England, which had lasted only 26 years ; though they had harassed the kingdom for 240 years. 1041. Edward the Confessor succeeded his half- 14 1 62 APPENDIX. A. D. brother Hardicanute. He cruelly deprived his mother of all her property, and imprisoned her. He pretended to be very pious, and the vulgar called him saint and confessor, by which title the pope canonized him. He died in 1065, in the 24th year of his reign. 1065. Harold II., son of the earl of Goodwin, suc- ceeded Edward the Confessor. The duke of Normandy, considering himself the rightful heir to the throne, gave him battle for the crown. The rivalry was decided in a battle at Hastings, where the duke gained a complete victory, and Harold was slain. Harold reigned 9 months and 9 days. With him ended the Anglo-Saxon reign in England. He was killed Oct. 17th, 1065. 1065. William the Conqueror succeeded Harold, Dec. 25th. He revived the obnoxious tax of Dane gold. He ordered that all fires in houses should be extinguished at eight o'clock at night : a bell was rung at that hour, called the curfew, (from couvre feu, cover fire,) at the sound of which the people were obliged, under severe penalties, to put out their fires and lights. A survey was made of all the lands in England, and a catalogue of all the property of every kind in the kingdom. Commissioners were appointed for the purpose ; and after six years' labour they brought him an' exact account. This was called Doomsday book, and is still preserved. He laid waste the county of Hamp- shire, to the extent of thirty miles, for a habita- APPENDIX. 163 A. D. tion for wild beasts, which he called the New Forest. He first appointed j ustices of the peace, and introduced the feudal law. He died Sept. 9th, 1087, in the 61st year of his age, and in the 21st year of his reign in England. 1087. William II. (surnamed Ruins, or the Red) suc- ceeded his father, Sept. 27th, 1087. All histo- rians agree in opinion that he was the worst king that ever sat upon the throne of England. He was killed by Walter Tyrrell, August 3d, 1100, in the 44th year of his age, and in the 13th year of his reign, 1100. Henry I. succeeded his brother, William II., August 5th, 1100. During his reign, a charter of liberties was granted, and a standard of weights and measures fixed. Celibacy was established among the clergy. The king sold, at a high price, dispensations to the clergy to keep their wives. He was said to be the rich- est king in Europe at the time of his death. He died Dec. 1st, 1133, in the 6Sth year of his age, and 34th year of his reign. 1135. Stephen, son of count Blois, by Adela IV., daughter of William the Conqueror, succeeded Henry I., in opposition to the rightful heir of the crown, Matilda, daughter of Henry I., who married G. Piantagenet. Stephen abolished the forest laws and the game laws, and revived the ancient Saxon laws. A civil war broke out, headed by Stephen, on the one side, and Henry, son of Matilda, (or Maude,) on the other. At length a treaty was concluded, 164 APPENDIX. A. D. giving the crown to Stephen during his life, after which it was to descend to Henry. Ste- phen died Oct. 25th, 1154, in the 50th year of his age, and the 1 9th year of his reign. 1 154. Henry II., son of Matilda, daughter of William the Conqueror, succeeded Stephen. He was the first of the Plantagenets. He was crowned Dec. 19. Many of the acts passed by Stephen were repealed. In 1172 he conquered Ireland. He was said to be the king, the priest, and the father of his country, and was one of the most illustrious monarchs that ever reigned over England. He died July 6, 1189, in the 57th year of his age, and 35th of his reign. 1189. Richard I. succeeded his father, Henry II., and was crowned Sept. 3. He was engaged in the Crusade, or holy war. He fought a battle near Ascalon, in Palestine, against Saladin, the most renowned of Saracen kings, who commanded 300,000 men. Richard's army was much less ; yet he gained a complete victory, and slew 40,000 Turks. He was absent from England nearly the whole of his reign. He was a prince of great courage and valour, whence he was called the Lion Heart. He died April 6, 1199, in the 43d year of age, and the 10th of his reign. 1199. John succeeded his brother Richard, and was crowned May 28. He was engaged in con- tinual disputes with the barons, who extorted from him that immortal instrument, Magna Charta, which is to this day the foundation and bulwark of English liberty. At the same time APPENDIX. 165 A. D. lie gave another called Charta de Foresta. Sterling money was first coined in his reign. He died Oct. 18, 1216, in the 51st year of his age, and the 18th of his reign. 1216. Henry III. succeeded his father John, and was crowned Oct. 28. During his reign, Westmin- ster Abbey was built, the king laying the corner-stone. In 1253, astronomical tables were first made. In 1264, the commons of England were first summoned to parliament. Henry died Nov. 16, 1272, in the 66th year of his age, and the 56th of his reign. 1272. Edward I. succeeded his father, Henry III. Being in the Holy Land at the time of his father's death, he was not crowned till August 19, 1274. During his reign, the quo warranto law was passed, and also the mortmain statute. By his cunning and valour, he reduced Scot- land to the form of an English province ; but the Scots soon regained their liberties. He died July 7, 1307, in the 68th year of his age, and 35th of his reign. Edward was not less remarkable for his great civil than his military abilities. 1307. Edward II. succeeded his father, Edward I. He was crowned Feb. 24, 1308. He was en- tirely unfit to govern, and was swayed by fa- vourites, who were very obnoxious to the peo- ple. He was dethroned Jan. 20, 1327, in the 20th year of his reign. 1327. Edward III. succeeded his father, Edward II. He was crowned Jan. 20, 1327. His reign 166 APPENDIX. A. D. was one of the most glorious in the annals of England. While he gained splendid victories abroad, England enjoyed domestic tranquillity. He took the French king in battle, and received for his ransom 3,000,000 crowns. During his reign, the knights of the garter were instituted. June 8, 1376, his son Edward, prince of Wales, died, in the 46th year of his age : he was called the Black Prince, from the colour of his ar- mour. King Edward III. died June 21, 1377, in the 65th year of his age, and the 51st of his reign. 1377. Richard II. succeeded his grandfather, Edward III., and was crowned July 16, 1377. He was son of the Black Prince. His reign was signal- ized by insurrection upon insurrection. His army consisted of 300,000 men ; but his uncle, the duke of Lancaster, at length entirely defeat- ed him, and took him prisoner to London, where he signed a paper, by which he ac- knowledged himself totally unfit and unworthy to govern the kingdom, and delivered to the duke of Lancaster the crown and sceptre. He was deposed Sept. 30, 1399, in the 22d year of his reign. 1399. Henry IV., the duke of Lancaster, succeeded his nephew, Richard II. He was crowned Oct. 13, 1399. Parliament passed an act set- tling the succession of the crown in the house of Lancaster. This produced a great contest between the houses of Lancaster and York. During his reign, two persons were burnt alive APPENDIX. 167 A. D. as heretics, and a great plague happened in London, which swept off 30,000 persons. The king died March 20, 1413, in the 46th year of his age, and 14th of his reign. 1413. Henry V. succeeded his father, Henry IV., and was crowned April 9, 1413. He chose for his council the greatest and wisest men of the na- tion. He fought a great battle in Normandy with the French, and gained a signal victory. He then married the daughter of the French king, and formed a treaty with him, which confirmed the crown of France, after king Charles's death, to king Henry and his heirs forever. He was pious, temperate, and chaste. He died August 31, 1422, in the 31st year of his age, and the 10th of his reign. 1422. Henry VI. succeeded his father, Henry V. He was an unfortunate prince, and was twice taken prisoner, and at length dethroned. He and his queen Margaret reigned 29 years. The kingdom was then seized by the earl of March/March 5, 1461. 1461. Edward IV., earl of March, son of Richard, duke of York, was proclaimed king March 5, 1461. His marriage with a daughter of Sir Richard Woodville gave great offence to the people, and particularly to the earl of Warwick, who had negotiated a marriage for him with the sister of the queen of the French. War- wick determined to depose the king, and raised an army of 60,000 men. Edward fled to Hol- land. Warwick released Henry from prison, 168 APPENDIX. A. D. and proclaimed him king. Edward soon re- turned with a large army, and regained the crown. He died April 9, 1483, in the 42d year of his age, and the 23d of his reign. 1483. Edward V. succeeded his father, Edward IV., and was proclaimed king, April 9, 1483. His uncle, Richard, duke of Gloucester, deposed him, and got himself proclaimed king Jane 20, 1483. Edward reigned 2 months and 12 days. 1483. Richard III., (surnamed Crooked-back,) duke of Gloucester, succeeded his nephew, Edward V., and was crowned July 6, 1483. He caused his nephews to be put to death. Soon after an insurrection broke out, and a great battle was fought at Bosworth, in Leicestershire, on the 22d of April, 1485. The king's troops were defeated, and he was slain. He was found on the field of battle, naked and bloody ; his body was thrown across a horse, with his head on one side and his feet on the other, and in that condition it was carried into Leicester. He was the last of the Plantagenet race, which had filled the throne since Henry II. He was slain April 22, 1485, after reigning 2 years and 2 months. 1485. Henry VII., earl of Richmond, succeeded Richard III., and was crowned Oct. 30, 14S5. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Edward IV., whom he treated coldly. During his reign, the laws were faithfully administered He was temperate, chaste, and moral. He APPENDIX. 169 A. D. died April 22, 1509, in the 52d year of his age, and 24th of his reign. 1509. Henry VIII. succeeded his father, Henry VII., and was crowned June 24, 1509. In him were united the two houses of Lancaster and York. He married six wives, some of whom were beheaded, and others divorced. He quarrelled with the pope, and seized upon the church property. Parliament declared him to be the supreme head of the church. During his reign, Ireland was erected into a kingdom. Pie died Jan. 29, 1547, in the 56th year of his age, and the 38th of his reign. 1547. Edward VI., son of Henry VIII. and Jane Seymour, succeeded his father. He was crowned Feb. 20, 1547, when about nine years of age. He was a Protestant, and during his reign the Protestants were protected. He kept a journal of all the transactions of his reign, which is preserved in the British Museum. He is said to have been a prodigy of learning. He died of consumption, July 6, 1553, in the lGth year of his age, and the 7th of his reign. 1553. Mary, daughter of Henry VIII. and Catharine of Arragon, succeeded her half-brother, Ed- ward VI. The pope's authority was again established in England. From the number of persons burnt alive for heresy during her reign, she acquired the name of bloody Mary. She was destitute of every agreeable qualification. She died Nov. 17, 1588, in the 43d year of her age, and the 6th of her reign. ■ wi i ii ■■i n— a— r m i iii» i —— mb— — — — aa 15 170 APPENDIX. A. D. 1558. Elizabeth, daughter of Henry VIII. and Anne Boleyn, succeeded Mary, her half-sister. She was crowned Jan. 15, 1559. Several plots against the queen's life were hatched, in con- sequence of which, a general association was formed to protect her, and prosecute to death any engaged in those plots. She was the great bulwark of the Protestant religion, not only in England, but elsewhere. During her reign, justice was impartially administered, and eco- nomy observed. She was extremely fortunate in the selection of her ministry. She built the Royal Exchange. She protected trade and commerce. She was one of the best English sovereigns. She died March 24, 1603, in the 70th year of her age, and the 45th of her reign. 1603. James VI. of Scotland, son of Mary, queen of Scots, succeeded to the English throne, under the name of James I. During his reign, the opposition between the king and parliament gave rise to the Whig and Tory parties. His reign was tranquil ; commerce was prosperous, and the people made much progress in ascer- taining their rights. Lord Bacon and other great literary men flourished at this time. James died March 7, 1625, in the 59th year of his age, and the 22d of his reign. He was the first of the Stuart family that reigned in England. 1625. Charles Stuart I. succeeded his father, James I., and was proclaimed king March 27, 1625. He was crowned Feb. 9, 1626. During his reign, the opposition between the king and APPENDIX. 171 A. D. parliament continued. The king seemed dis- posed to assume absolute power; the parlia- ment contended for the liberties of the people. Charles accused some of the members of parlia- ment of high-treason. He went to the house of commons with a guard, and entering the speaker's chair, made a speech, the members crying out, "Privilege, privilege!" Things rose to such a height, that both parties resorted to arms. The parliament voted to raise an army. The king's troops were defeated. Charles fled to the Scotch army for protection ; but on the 30th of Jan., 1646, he was delivered up to the parliament. He was tried by a court created for that purpose, and was condemned to die. He was beheaded Jan. 30, 1648, in the 48th year of his age, and the 23d of his reign. 164S. Commonwealth. The Rump parliament, the council of state, and the army now possessed the supreme power. On Dec. 16, 1653, Oliver Cromwell was made Protector of the Common- wealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland. During his protectorship, the law was wisely administered, liberty of conscience was main- tained, and the honour of the nation was greatly promoted. In 1657, the crown was offered him, but he refused it. He died Sept. 3, 1658, in the fulness of glory and power. 165S. Richard Cromwell succeeded his father as pro- tector. Richard was a weak man. A general discontent arose among the people, who seemed 172 APPENDIX. A. D. determined to overthrow the Rump parliament. Richard was deposed, and the supreme au- thority vested in a committee of safety. At length, through the influence of general Monk, Charles II. was placed on the throne. The commonwealth ceased May 29, 1660. 1660. Charles II. succeeded the commonwealth, May 29. During his reign, the great act of habeas cor- pus was passed, and the writ de haeretico combu- rendo was taken away. Sir George Jefferies, an inhuman wretch, was made lord chief jus- tice of the King's Bench. Charles II. was a mere royal debauchee. He died Feb., 1685, in the 55th year of his age, and the 25th of his reign. 1685; James II. succeeded his brother Charles, Feb. 6, 1685. An attempt had been made to ex- clude him from the throne, in consequence of his being a Roman Catholic. Several insur- rections broke out. JefTeries tried the insurgents ; after which he boasted that he had hanged more men than all the other judges since the time of William the Conqueror. Means were taken to re-establish popery, and to make the king absolute. The people began seriously to think of means for preserving their religion and liberties. They invited the prince of Orange to the throne of England, who accepted the in- vitation. James now professed himself willing to do any thing to reconcile the people, but it was too late. He left Whitehall in disguise, and went to France on the 10th of Dec, 1688, APPENDIX. 173 A. D. in the 4th year of his reign. This is called the Revolution. 16SS. William and Mary succeeded James II., who was Mary's father. They were crowned April 1, 16S9. During their reign, the Bill of Rights and Accession was passed, with a clause forever excluding Papists and persons marry- ing Papists from inheriting the crown of Eng- land. July 1, 1690, the memorable battle of the Boyne was fought, when William gained a complete victory. Dec. 28, 1694, queen Mary died, in the 33d year of her age. Wil- liam died March 8, 1702, in the 52d year of his age, and the 14th of his reign. 1702. Anne, sister to Mary, the wife of William, was declared queen March 8, 1702. She was the glory and happiness of her people, and was remarkable for her piety and charity. She died August 1, 1714, in the 50th year of her age, and the 13th of her reign. 1714. George I., great-grandson to James I., suc- ceeded Anne. He was crowned Oct. 20, 1714. It is said that when George I. came to the throne, he could not speak one word of English. With him began the reign of the house of Hanover. In this reign, the South Sea scheme was pro- jected, and the nation turned stockjobbers. The stock rose as high as 1200, and then fell to nothing. Many families were ruined, and a few were enriched. The directors were pu- nished, and their estates were sold for the benefit of the sufferers. A great effort was made to 174 APPENDIX. D. place the pretender, son of James II., upon the throne ; but the attempt was signally defeated. George I. died June 11, 1727, in the 68th year of his age, and the 23d of his reign. During his reign, many distinguished literary persons flourished. 1727. George II. succeeded his father, George I. He was proclaimed king June 15, 1727, and crowned Oct. 11, 1727. No changes were made in the great offices of state. A statute was passed, forbidding the subjects of England to lend money to any foreign power without the consent of the king ; and all law proceed- ings were ordered to be in English instead of Latin. The son of the pretender now resolved to place his father upon the throne, and being supplied with men and money by France, he landed in England, and met with some success. But he was at length entirely defeated. He narrowly escaped being taken. He fled to the woods, and lived in solitude for some time, when he escaped to France. In May, 1751, the old style was abolished, and the new style established. During the reign of George II., the powers of the mind were freely exercised, and many great men flourished. He died sud- denly, Oct. 23, 1760, in the 77th year of his age, and the 33d of his reign. 17G0. George III., son to Frederick, prince of Wales, succeeded his grandfather, George II. He was proclaimed king Oct. 26, 1760. During his reign, a war broke out between England and APPENDIX. 175 A. D. her colonies in America. The first battles were those of Lexington and Concord. The last battle was that of Yorktown, fought Oct. 19,1781. This war was called the seven years' war. A treaty of peace between the two countries was concluded at Paris, Nov. 30, 1782, and Great Britain acknowledged the colonies to be free and independent states. King George III. had several attacks of mental derangement, one of which occurred in 1810, when the prince of Wales was created regent. George continued insane until his death, which took place in 1820, in the 82d year of his age, and the 61st of his reign. 1820. George IV. succeeded his father as king, in 1820. His inhuman conduct towards his queen produced throughout the kingdom a feel- ing of indignation, which subsided only with her death. His course of life was profligate. During his regency, Great Britain combated the power of Bonaparte, and, aided by the other kingdoms of Europe, finally succeeded in overthrowing that famous conqueror. George IV. died in 1830, in the 6Sth year of his age, and the 10th of his reign. 1830. William IV. succeeded his brother, George IV., aud was crowned in 1830. The principal event in his reign was the passage of the Re- form Bill. He died in 1837, in the 72d year of his age, and the 7th of his reign. 1837. Victoria succeeded her uncle, William IV. She was crowned in IS 37, at the age of 18 176 APPENDIX. A. years. In 1840, she married Albert, prince of Saxe-Cobourg. In the same year, an unjus- tifiable war was commenced against China, which was finally concluded by the cession of several important posts to the English. In 1842, the British army in Afghanistan was almost annihilated. In 1843, the leading minis- ters of the Kirk of Scotland seceded from it, on account of the interference of the secular power with the spiritual government of the church. A TABLE OF DISTINGUISHED PERSONS. Born. Died. John Wickliffe, 1324 1384 Christopher Columbus, - 1442 1506 Martin Luther, 1483 1546 Dudley, 1502 1553 John Calvin, - July 10, 1509 May 27, 1564 Sir Francis Drake, - 1545 1595 Sidney, earl of Godolphin, - - -1554 1586 Francis Bacon, - Jan. 22, 1561 April 9, 1626 Villiers, first duke of Buckingham, - 1592 1628 Shakspeare, ------ 1564 1616 Ben Jonson, ----- 1574 1637 Monk, duke of Albemarle, - - -1608 1670 John Milton, - - - - Dec. 9, 1608 Nov. 10, 1674 C. Stanley, earl of Derby, - - -1644 1678 Roger Boyle, earl of Orrery, - - 1621 1679 Cooper, earl of Shaftsbury, - # July 22, 1621 Jan. 1682 Lord North, - - - ' - - 1640 1685 Butler, duke of Ormond, - - -1610 1688 John Bunyan, 1628 1688 George Fox, founder of the Quakers, - 1624 1690 1690 Tillotson, Oct. 1630 1694 Dr. J. Spencer, 1630 1695 Sir William Temple, - 1628 1700 John Locke, - 1632 1704 Hyde, eaVl of Clarendon, - 1638 1709 Harley, earl of Oxford, - 1661 May 8, 1711 Joseph Addison, - - - May 1, 1672 Jan. 17, 1719 Matthew Prior, 1664 1721 Churchill, duke of Marlborough, - -1650 June 16, 1722 Sir Isaac Newton, - - - - 1642 1727 Steele, ------- 1729 177 178 APPENDIX. Born. Francis Atterbury, bishop of Rochester, 1 662 Sir William Windham, - - - 1713 Alexander Pope, ----- 1688 Sir Robert Walpole, - - - - 1676 Dean Swift, 1667 Dr. Isaac Watts, - - July 17, 1674 Lord Bolingbroke, ----- 1672 Horatio Lord Walpole, - - 1678 Edward Young, - - - - - 1681 George Whitefield, - - Dec. 16, 1714 John Lord Hervey, - - - - Captain James Cook,- - Oct. 27, 1728 David Hume, 1711 Sir William Blackstone, - - - 1723 William Pitt, earl of Chatham, - - 1708 John Howard, 1726 Dr. Samuel Johnson, - 1709 Sir William Jones, - 1746 John Wesley, - - - - - 1703 Charles Pratt, earl of Camden, - - 1713 Edmund Burke, 1730 Earl Richard Howe, admiral, - - 1725 Dr. Hugh Blair, - - April 7, 1718 William Pitt, son of the earl of Chatham, 1759 Dr. Thomas Percival, - - - 1740 Herschell, 1738 Died. 1731 1740 1744 1745 1745 1748 1751 1757 1765 Sept. 30, 1770 1779 Feb. 14, 1779 1776 Feb. 14, 1780 1778 Jan. 20, 1790 Dec. 13, 1784 1794 1791 1794 July 8, 1797 1799 Dec. 27, 1800 1806 1804 1822 COMLYS SPELLING BOOK, BONSAL'S EDITION. CERTIFICATE. The School Book entitled " Comly's Spelling and Reading Book," " Bonsai's edition," is published by Thomas L. Bonsai, with my consent, and it is the only work of the kind now published under my name, with my approbation, or for which I receive any compensation. JOHN COMLY. By berry, 1st mo. 23d, 1842. This is the title of a greatly improved edition of this old and sterling Spelling Book, published by Thomas L. Bonsai, No. 33 \ Market street. We have looked over this work with some care, and compared it with other editions of the same work, as well as with similar works of other authors, and think we are fully justified in saying it is superior to them all. In its arrangement, great care has been observed to render the lessons simple, plain, and gradual, so that the learner moves along almost imperceptibly from words of one syllable to those of a higher num- ber, in both Spelling and Reading. Iti addition to this, there are appended many use- ful notes for the guidance of parents and teachers ; the reading matter, too, is admirably selected and carefully adapted. It also embraces five pages of manuscript, together with a regular set of tables, and other information which must prove very useful to beginners. This Spelling Book withal is very handsomely printed and neatly bound, and has been introduced into the Public Schools of the city and county of Philadelphia. 179 ( 180 ) This book is calculated for any religious denomi- nation, being entirely clear of sectarianism. — Ger- mantown Telegraph. N. B. Ask for Bonsai's edition of Comly's Spell- ing Book. THOMAS L. BONSAL Publishes Cobb's JUVENILE READER, No. 1 ; contain- ing interesting, moral, and instructive Reading Les- sons, composed of easy words of one and two sylla- bles; designed for the use of small children in families and schools. Cobb's JUVENILE READER, No. 2 ; contain- ing interesting, moral, and instructive Reading Les- sons, composed of words of one, two, and three syllables. Cobb's JUVENILE READER, No. 3; contain- ing interesting, historical, moral, and instructive Reading Lessons, composed of words of a greater number of syllables than the lessons in Nos. 1 and 2; and a greater variety of composition, both in prose and poetry, selected from the writings of the best American and English authors; with Observations on the Principles of good Reading. Cobb's SEQUEL to the JUVENILE READ- ERS ; comprising a selection of Lessons in prose and poetry, from highly esteemed American and English writers. Designed for the use of higher classes in Schools and Academies ; and to impress the minds of youth with sentiments of virtue and religion. a\ „ V I B A > LIBRARY OF CONGRESS IIDIUI>llllllllllllUillllllUllllllDIII>Hllllllllll»l 021 933 887 9 ■ m m ■ m m i iBnttioia m Kf^Kircj ^^H jWE ^M — I Wit ■ yrm