The Last Abbot of Glastonbury: A Tale of the Dissolution of the Monasteries

Name: The Last Abbot of Glastonbury: A Tale of the Dissolution of the Monasteries
Author: A. D. Crake

By A. D. Crake

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British Literature

About This Book

The narrative dramatizes the dissolution of a great abbey and the fate of its leaders and dependents, focusing on the spiritual and material consequences of state suppression. It follows the monastery's head and a young foundling who becomes embroiled in accusations, the concealment of treasure, official visitations and a public trial that ends in execution. Drawing on contemporary reports and some fictionalized speeches, it criticizes the venality of investigators, interrogates claims used to justify dissolution, and reflects on institutional decay, conscience, and the human cost of political reform.

About the Author

A. D. Crake

A. D. Crake was a historical novelist known for his engaging narratives set in medieval England. His works often explore themes of loyalty, conflict, and the complexities of historical events through richly drawn characters. Notable titles include "Alfgar the Dane," which delves into the era of Edmund Ironside, and "The Last Abbot of Glastonbury," which addresses the tumultuous period of the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Crake's storytelling is characterized by a blend of historical detail and imaginative fiction, contributing to the literary heritage of 19th-century historical novels.