Holinshed's Chronicles, vol. 2 of 6, slice 11 of 12: England, 1327-1377, Edward III

In this vivid medieval chronicle, listeners are taken to the tumultuous dawn of a young king’s rule. Edward III ascends the throne at just fourteen, while powerful nobles and his mother’s lover, Roger Mortimer, wrest control of the kingdom. The narrative opens with a detailed account of the regency council, the shifting balance of power, and the early proclamations that would shape England’s governance.

The work weaves together royal decrees, city charters, and colorful local episodes, such as the violent uprising at St. Edmund’s Abbey in Suffolk. Through letters, legal documents, and eyewitness reports, the text paints a picture of a realm wrestling with authority, loyalty, and the everyday concerns of townsfolk. Listeners hear the clang of swords and the murmur of council chambers alike.

Richly annotated and carefully transcribed, the chronicle offers a window into 14th‑century politics, law, and society. It captures the tension between youthful sovereignty and seasoned power‑brokers, setting the stage for the dramatic events that will follow in Edward’s reign.