William of Malmesbury's Chronicle of the Kings of England From the earliest period to the reign of King Stephen

"William of Malmesbury's Chronicle of the Kings of England" by William of Malmesbury is an early historical record that presents a detailed story of England's rulers. Spanning from ancient times to King Stephen's rule, the book recounts the deeds of English kings and the important cultural changes that happened during their time. It starts with the Anglo-Saxon tribes coming to Britain in 449 A.D., invited to help defend against other groups, which then led to power struggles, providing a window into the lives and actions of kings. The narrative portrays the decline of Roman control, the arrival of Germanic tribes led by figures like Hengist and Horsa, and the political games played by leaders such as King Vortigern. This sets the stage for the battles and eventual reshaping of Britain by the Anglo-Saxons, giving readers a look at the foundations of English society and its monarchy.