Kingsbridge Series of Historical novels by Ken Follet set in The English town of the same, and more specifically the Cathedral there.
With the first published novel Pillars of the Earth, published in 1989, is about the original building of the Cathedral in the 12th Century 3 subsequent books have take the story up to the Napoleonic wars.
In addition a Prequal was written set in 997AD, and shows events around the forming of the monestry.
| Series | Kingsbridge |
| Writer | Ken Follet |
| Number of Books | 5 |
| Genre | Historical Fiction |
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Books in Kingsbridge Series by Ken Follet
Kingsbridge Prequal
by Ken Follett
Book cover
The Evening and the Morning
Time Period :997 Ad
Synapsis
In The Evening and the Morning by Ken Follett, set in the turbulent world of 997 AD England, we witness a landscape rife with power struggles and peril. Against the backdrop of Viking invasions and corruption among the ruling class, three protagonists pursue dreams that place them in the path of a powerful, ruthless bishop.
The young boatbuilder, Edgar, sees his world shattered by Viking raids, forcing him to seek a new beginning in a hamlet where he’s viewed as an outsider. Meanwhile, Lady Ragna, a Norman noblewoman, arrives with her husband in England, only to find herself navigating the unfamiliar and often hostile customs of her adopted land, where one wrong step could have deadly consequences. Lastly, Brother Aldred, a visionary monk, dreams of transforming his abbey into a center of knowledge, yet his ambitions draw him into a dangerous conflict with the bishop.
As these characters struggle for survival and legacy, their lives become irrevocably entwined in a tale of resilience and ambition, set in an era where justice bends to those in power, and survival is as much a matter of wit as it is of strength.
Kingsbridge 1
by Ken Follett
Book cover
The Pillars of the Earth
Time Period: 12th Century
Synapsis
the twelfth-century England setting becomes as much a character as the people who inhabit it. Against this meticulously crafted world of dense forests, walled towns, and looming castles, Follett unfolds an epic story centered on the ambitious construction of a grand cathedral—a symbol of hope, devotion, and human ingenuity.
At the heart of this sweeping tale are vividly drawn characters whose lives intertwine around the cathedral project: Tom, a master builder with dreams of constructing a lasting monument; Aliena, a resilient noblewoman who fights for her family’s honor; Philip, a determined monk with a vision for Kingsbridge; Jack, an innovative stonemason; and Ellen, a mysterious woman from the forest whose curse sets the story into motion.
Through wars, betrayals, and passionate romances, each character’s story contributes to the cathedral’s slow rise, reflecting their struggles and aspirations. The suspenseful, fast-paced narrative captures not only the artistry of medieval builders but also the feudal tensions, raw ambition, and personal vendettas of the era, leading to a climactic conclusion that combines human triumph with the harsh realities of medieval power.
Kingsbridge 2
by Ken Follett
Book cover
World Without End
Time Period: Black Death
Synapsis
World Without End by Ken Follett returns readers to Kingsbridge, two hundred years after the events of The Pillars of the Earth. Though the cathedral now stands complete, it remains the focal point of the town’s ongoing struggles. As the medieval world transitions towards a new era, Kingsbridge is once again embroiled in conflicts of love, ambition, power, and moral battles, with both tradition and change at the heart of its turmoil.
The story introduces a new generation of townsfolk at a pivotal moment in history. Characters like Caris, a forward-thinking woman with a passion for medicine, and Merthin, a talented builder with innovative ideas, challenge the medieval norms in medicine, commerce, and architecture. Their visions for progress face strong opposition from conservative forces who cling to the ways of the past, setting up a powerful clash between the old and new.
As Kingsbridge’s inhabitants confront these philosophical and societal shifts, their resilience is pushed to the limit by the arrival of the Black Death, a plague that devastates Europe and forces everyone to reckon with survival and change. Through Follett’s richly detailed storytelling, World Without End captures the pain, courage, and ingenuity of a society on the cusp of transformation, making it a compelling standalone story that deepens the legacy of Kingsbridge.
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Kingsbridge 3
by Ken Follett
Book cover
A Column of Fire
Time Period: 1558
Synapsis
In A Column of Fire, Ken Follett revisits the city of Kingsbridge in 1558, a time when England is rife with religious and political upheaval. The ancient cathedral now overlooks a nation bitterly divided by the clash between Catholics and Protestants. Against this backdrop, Follett weaves an intricate tale of love, espionage, and loyalty, where personal and political stakes intersect in a deadly game.
At the story’s heart is Ned Willard, whose plans to marry Margery Fitzgerald are derailed by the religious conflict tearing England apart. When Margery’s family aligns with the Catholic cause, the two lovers find themselves on opposing sides, forced to sacrifice their future together for loyalty to their beliefs. Determined to protect his country, Ned joins the service of Princess Elizabeth, who will soon become Queen. As Elizabeth takes the throne, she faces opposition from all of Europe, and her survival hinges on a network of spies and agents who shield her from threats both foreign and domestic.
The novel explores the true nature of power and division, highlighting the devastating impact of intolerance. While religious identity fuels much of the violence, Follett reveals the deeper battle between those who champion tolerance and those who seek to impose their ideology at any cost. Set against a backdrop that spans Edinburgh, Geneva, and the English court, A Column of Fire brings history to life with its vivid portrayal of Elizabethan intrigue and the era’s shifting political landscape. This sweeping narrative serves as both a thrilling historical novel and a reminder of the endurance of love and loyalty in the face of relentless adversity.
Kingsbridge 4
by Ken Follett
Book cover
The Armor of Light
Time Period: Napoleonic Wars
Synapsis
The much-anticipated sequel to A Column of Fire, returns readers to Kingsbridge, now navigating the sweeping changes of the Industrial Revolution. Set in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the novel explores the transformative impact of inventions like the Spinning Jenny, which revolutionizes manufacturing but also deepens social divides as factories alter traditional ways of life. Follett weaves a complex narrative where progress and resistance clash, class tensions surface, and global conflict reshapes societies.
Central to the story are diverse characters whose lives are upended by industrial and social upheaval. A grieving mother faces tragedy after her husband’s death in a factory accident due to negligence. A young woman works tirelessly to fund a school for poor children, aiming to lift them out of poverty despite immense obstacles. Meanwhile, a well-meaning heir inherits a failing business, and a ruthless industrialist will stop at nothing to protect his growing fortune.
Beyond the struggles in Kingsbridge, the threat of war looms large. France, under the ambitious Napoleon, seeks dominance across Europe, pushing England and its people into turmoil and conflict. As the continent reels under the strain of war, old institutions falter, leaving society to contend with a world transformed by industry and ideology. Follett masterfully captures the spirit of resilience, as his characters must rebuild their world amid the challenges and promises of a new era. The Armor of Light is a powerful tale of change, adaptation, and the indomitable spirit of Kingsbridge and its people.
Further reading connected The Winter Fall universe
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