From the city of Calais, on the northern coast of France, one may look over the water on a clear day and see the white cliffs of Dover, in England. At this point the English Channel is only twenty-one miles wide. But this narrow water has dangerous currents, and often fierce winds sweep over it, so that small ships find it hard to cross. This rough Channel has more than once spoiled the plans of England's enemies, and the English people have many times thanked God for their protecting seas.

A tale of the Wars of the Roses follows Elizabeth Woodville, who ascends to royalty and fights for the well-being of her family, including two sons whose imprisonment in the Tower of London precedes a devastating unsolved mystery.

""A small book, written in simple language, sufficiently full to serve for reference, and at the same time sufficiently interesting to be read as well as to be consulted, and a book within the reach of all in matter of price, is what very many men and women, both young and old, undoubtedly require. To supply such a book has been the sole aim of the author."" -H. O. Arnold-Forster This volume, which is the first half of a book that was used in Charlotte Mason's schools for English History, contains the history of Britain from the landing of Julius Caesar to the death of Richard III. Originally published in 1907, it tells of characters and events which are worthy of study today. ""It is a great thing to possess a pageant of history in the background of one's thoughts...the present becomes enriched with the wealth of all that has gone before."" (Charlotte Mason)