The English Church in the Middle Ages

"The English Church in the Middle Ages" by William Hunt is a late 1800s historical exploration of the English Church's interactions with both the papacy and the English government, up to the time of Wyclif's rebellion and the Great Schism. This account uses storytelling to shed light on the Church's highs and lows, as well as its importance as a national entity. The story starts with early Christian missions to England, focusing on St. Augustine's arrival in 597 and how the Church began in different areas. It points out early wins, like King Æthelberht of Kent becoming Christian and starting the See of York, but it also shows problems, like the Welsh clergy fighting back and the Church struggling to become one unified body. It becomes obvious that the early Church in England had to carefully balance being independent and depending on Rome, which caused complicated interactions that grew over time.