PREFACE. THE Author of the following outline of the History of England, having been for some years engaged in the tuition of young persons, has invariably observed that descriptions in verse, of past or present events, make an immediate and lasting impression on the memory, whereas, similar subjects in prose are frequently forgotten in the space of a few hours, even by pupils considerably advanced. With parents and teachers who wish to make the study of history easy and agreeable to youth, it must be an essential object to lay the foundation by such a concise general view, as will open the understanding and pave the way for works of a more elevated and lengthy character. To facilitate this object, the following little work has been prepared. The principal events in English History are related, it is hoped, with simplicity, and their connexion preserved with clearness and precision. The Author has added, by way of Appendix to the Rhymes, a sketch of the character of each monarch, and a brief summary, under separate heads, of the most striking events connected with each reign. Thus he has endeavoured to place the History of England before the youthful reader in such a form as will unite pleasure with instruction, and, at the same time, prove useful as a common-place work to readers of a higher class. In presenting this little work to the public, the Author, trusts it will be found deserving of their approval and patronage. LONDON, AUGUST 3, 1849. William the Conqueror. REIGNED FROM A.D. 1066 TO A.D. 1087. FROM ROM Normandy DUKE WILLIAM came, He was a natural son of Robert, Duke of Normandy, and succeeded to the dukedom at nine years of age. 2 A small bay near Hastings, in Sussex. 3 The last of the Saxon Kings. In the Isle of France, his horse started and gave him a bruise, of which he died aged sixty-three years. |