#1 – The Evening and the Morning
In 997, a Viking raid destroys the coastal home of Edgar, a gifted young boatbuilder, forcing his family to begin again at the impoverished settlement of Dreng’s Ferry. Edgar’s practical intelligence brings him into conflict with the bishop Wynstan, whose family controls local justice and wealth.…
#2 – The Pillars of the Earth
After the loss of his work and home, master mason Tom Builder joins Prior Philip’s attempt to rebuild the ruined church at Kingsbridge as a great cathedral. Their project draws in the dispossessed noblewoman Aliena, the inventive stonemason Jack and the violent Hamleigh family, whose ambitions…
#3 – World without End
In 1327, four children witness a violent encounter in the woods outside Kingsbridge and become bound to a secret whose political significance is not immediately clear. Merthin grows into an innovative builder, Caris challenges the limits placed on women and medical practice, Gwenda fights for security…
#4 – A Column of Fire
In 1558, Ned Willard returns to Kingsbridge hoping to marry Margery Fitzgerald, but their families stand on opposing sides of England’s religious division. Ned enters the service of Elizabeth Tudor and becomes part of the intelligence network protecting her government, while Margery’s Catholic household is drawn…
#5 – The Armour of Light
Beginning in 1792, the novel follows textile workers and manufacturers as mechanised production changes the economy of Kingsbridge. Spinner Sal Clitheroe, weaver David Shoveller and Sal’s inventive son Kit experience falling wages, industrial accidents and employers determined to prevent workers from organising, while education and religious…