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Early 1238. Henry III breaks a promise to his brother. Richard, Earl of Cornwall. Heir presumptive to his throne.

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In twenty years as King of England, Henry Plantagenet has often broken his word. He has vowed to rule by the Great Charter of 1215 – and has shamelessly failed to do so. Now, the powerful Earl of Pembroke resolves to keep him honest. By force. When the  embittered Earl of Cornwall joins him in armed rebellion, the rule of the publicly pious King is threatened like never before.

 

But Richard Plantagenet is no man of faith. In public, or in private. Almost at once, he is bought off with other people's money. The dismal reign of his brother continues. And a middle-aged monk writes scathing Latin words about the whole sorry business…

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Brother Matthew is a most singular Benedictine. At the ancient abbey of St Albans, he has charge of the finest chronicle in England. Matthew's work keeps him busy. So much so that he engages a younger man of his order to assist.

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Brother Thomas comes from a house where the Rule of Benedict is strictly enforced. The casual regime at St Albans surprises him. As does the fame of its chronicler. Matthew knows all the great men of England. And also its women. Indeed, he enjoys chirpy relations with women of all classes, with no apparent threat to the celibacy of his vows.

 

But Thomas needs the whip to keep his natural urges in check...

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In truth, brother Thomas has little mind for the feminine. Soon, he is fully engaged by a rewarding 13th century life. He writes the text for a world-renowned record of contemporary events. Matthew pictures the scenes with an skilful artist's eye.

 

There is always news to report. In 1242, King Henry leads an ill-conceived military expedition to France. The feudal honours of his brother and stepfather are at stake, but the old Count de la Marche is a fantasist and a fool. His wife the Queen Mother cuts a better figure in the saddle. The French campaign is a farce.

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At least Richard of Cornwall has some dignity. Away on crusade in the Holy Land, he was an effective negotiator with the Saracens. In France, his diplomacy saves his brother from disaster. The lordship of English Gascony is his reward. And one of his comrades is seriously impressed. For now.

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Simon de Montfort is a knight of high faith and ambition. Already, he has gained the Earldom of Leicester and marriage to Eleanor Plantagenet. Indeed, it was the King’s secret approval of his sister's wedding which provoked Richard’s short-lived rebellion. 

 

Simon now wants the finest castle in England and he will put up with King Henry until Kenilworth is his. This means tedious days in Gascony with only the Earl of Cornwall for company. Now, the Earl of Leicester discovers the shortcomings of his peer. 

 

When the King breaks his word again and gives Gascony to his infant son Edward, his brother departs for England in a huff. But whilst at sea, not far from Cornwall, feeble-faithed Richard faces actual peril for the first time. Now, his failings are revealed to God.   

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Back at St Albans, brother Thomas faces a different kind of peril – when taken by surprise - one rainy afternoon – by a comely teenage widow. His sinful flesh needs more than just the lash. A demanding penance means a distant exile for the fallen monk.

 

Matthew is not so chirpy now. He had established a fond and effective partnership with his younger brother. Now, he must work alone again. To make matters worse, his Abbot grows concerned with his own worldly ways. And not without cause. 

 

Robert Greathead is the new Bishop of Lincoln. And the greatest scholar in England. And the strongest voice of opposition to the King. A man of phenomenal energy and ability. Now, he leads a crackdown on lax behaviour in monasteries, helped by a posse of stony-faced friars.

 

When Greathead visits St Albans, he finds a lack of adherence to the Benedictine Rule. But Matthew is happy to trade drunken words with the mighty scholar-priest. By ancient custom, the Bishop of Lincoln has no power over St Albans. And Matthew knows it.

 

Still, the Pope has such power, and Greathead is en route to a papal audience. The Holy Father will hear of goings-on at St Albans. And its chronicler will face his own moment of peril, when yet another young lady enters his private scriptorium...

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Isobel Arundel wears a wimple, but is no nun. She condemns the King in public and Matthew records her words for posterity with glee. But she is an enchanting beauty who delights in her power over men, while Matthew is an artist with a potent visual sense. What he sees - alone with Isobel - one warm summer’s evening - must be sinned to be believed...

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In the end, Matthew gains from the experience. As brother Thomas returns to St Albans a better-rounded monk. When Matthew is then sent into an exile of his own, he accepts the papal command with humble good grace. And when Thomas decides to go with him, they set sail from England as contented brothers - and wiser men.

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But Henry III learns nothing. At a great closing banquet - at Kenilworth Castle - he breaks yet another vow. In full view of the elite of England, the King lets down his host. The new master of the fortress. Simon de Montfort. 

 

Earl Simon resolves to act. But only when he has learned more. Under the guidance of Robert Greathead. 

 

And that will be another story...

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For the moment, Richard of Cornwall looks on from the sidelines as his piety-signalling brother gets a deserved humiliation of his own – and this story ends on a richly comic note…