A Child's History of England
The narrative explores the early history of Britain, beginning with its geographical isolation and the primitive state of its inhabitants. Initially, the islands were inhabited by savage tribes, living in rudimentary conditions, reliant on hunting and rudimentary agriculture. The arrival of the Phoenicians introduced trade, leading to cultural exchanges that began to civilize the Britons. The text details the fierce resistance of the Britons against Roman invasions, highlighting key figures like Cassivellaunus and Caractacus, who led their people in battle against Julius Caesar's forces. Despite initial defeats, the Britons' spirit remained unbroken, as they continued to rise against Roman rule, exemplified by Boadicea's revolt. The Romans, while imposing their military might, also brought advancements in infrastructure and introduced Christianity, which conflicted with the existing Druidic beliefs. Over centuries, the Britons adapted and evolved, ultimately declaring independence as Roman power waned. The work concludes by reflecting on the remnants of Roman influence in Britain, such as roads and artifacts, while emphasizing the enduring legacy of the Britons' struggle for freedom and identity.
By Charles Dickens · First published 1850 · Genre: History, Children's Literature, Non-fiction · 37 chapters
Contents
- ANCIENT ENGLAND AND THE ROMANS
- ANCIENT ENGLAND UNDER THE EARLY SAXONS
- ENGLAND UNDER THE GOOD SAXON, ALFRED
- ENGLAND UNDER ATHELSTAN AND THE SIX BOY-KINGS
- ENGLAND UNDER CANUTE THE DANE
- ENGLAND UNDER HAROLD HAREFOOT, HARDICANUTE, AND EDWARD THE CONFESSOR
- ENGLAND UNDER HAROLD THE SECOND, AND CONQUERED BY THE NORMANS
- ENGLAND UNDER WILLIAM THE FIRST, THE NORMAN CONQUEROR
- ENGLAND UNDER WILLIAM THE SECOND, CALLED RUFUS
- ENGLAND UNDER HENRY THE FIRST, CALLED FINE-SCHOLAR
- ENGLAND UNDER MATILDA AND STEPHEN
- ENGLAND UNDER HENRY THE SECOND
- ENGLAND UNDER RICHARD THE FIRST, CALLED THE LION-HEART
- ENGLAND UNDER KING JOHN, CALLED LACKLAND
- ENGLAND UNDER HENRY THE THIRD, CALLED, OF WINCHESTER
- ENGLAND UNDER EDWARD THE FIRST, CALLED LONGSHANKS
- ENGLAND UNDER EDWARD THE SECOND
- ENGLAND UNDER EDWARD THE THIRD
- ENGLAND UNDER RICHARD THE SECOND
- ENGLAND UNDER HENRY THE FOURTH, CALLED BOLINGBROKE
- ENGLAND UNDER HENRY THE FIFTH
- ENGLAND UNDER HENRY THE SIXTH
- ENGLAND UNDER EDWARD THE FOURTH
- ENGLAND UNDER EDWARD THE FIFTH
- ENGLAND UNDER RICHARD THE THIRD
- ENGLAND UNDER HENRY THE SEVENTH
- ENGLAND UNDER HENRY THE EIGHTH, CALLED BLUFF KING HAL AND BURLY KING HARRY
- ENGLAND UNDER HENRY THE EIGHTH
- ENGLAND UNDER EDWARD THE SIXTH
- ENGLAND UNDER MARY
- ENGLAND UNDER ELIZABETH
- ENGLAND UNDER JAMES THE FIRST
- ENGLAND UNDER CHARLES THE FIRST
- ENGLAND UNDER OLIVER CROMWELL
- ENGLAND UNDER CHARLES THE SECOND, CALLED THE MERRY MONARCH
- ENGLAND UNDER JAMES THE SECOND
- CHAPTER XXXVII
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