History of the Kings of Britain

Delve into the rich tapestry of British history with Geoffrey of Monmouth’s seminal work, “History of the Kings of Britain.” Written in the 12th century, this classic chronicle provides a fascinating blend of history and legend, weaving a narrative that traces the legendary origins of the British nation. Geoffrey’s account takes readers on a captivating journey through the reigns of Britain’s legendary kings, from Brutus to King Arthur. Through vivid storytelling, he explores the birth of nations, the exploits of heroic leaders, and the legendary battles that have become integral to the British identity. “History of the Kings of Britain” offers a compelling narrative that merges myth and history, providing a unique glimpse into the medieval perception of Britain’s past. Geoffrey’s work has had a profound impact on literature, inspiring countless adaptations and interpretations of the Arthurian legends. This book is a must-read for those with a passion for British history, mythology, and the enduring allure of legendary kings and their heroic quests. It continues to be a source of inspiration and fascination for generations of readers. ***** The History of the Kings of Britain is an incomplete Latin historical work written around 1136 by Geoffrey of Monmouth, who claimed it to have been based on earlier material from Welsh sources. It covers the history of England, Ireland and Scotland from their mythical pre-historical origins when Brutus is supposed to have landed at Totnes to when the Normans conquered England in 1066. The book contains a number of infamous legends, such as King Arthur’s 12 battles against the Anglo-Saxons. The History of the Kings of Britain is also a famous work of vernacular literature, which is notable for its literary style and invention and its contributions to Arthurian legend. The Middle Ages actually credits Geoffrey with creating the story we now call “King Arthur” as we know it, including characters such as Guinevere, Morgan le Fay, Mordred, Merlin, and Lancelot. The History of the Kings of Britain has been heavily criticized for its errors by both contemporary scholars, notably Gildas, who then cited these inaccuracies as well as his poor Latin to attack Geoffrey’s motives. The consensus is that the History lacks credibility as a source because it often reports events impossible to make sense of without assuming an improbably long reign for each king or over-specific regnal dates; therefore much of its material must be treated sceptically. Nevertheless, despite difficulties with details of various episodes in this work and others he drew on such as those recorded by Bede and Nennius’ Historia Brittonum, Geoffrey probably did more than he was given credit.