Holinsheds

Holinshed's Chronicles, commonly referred to as Holinshed's Chronicles, is a comprehensive history of the British Isles compiled in the 16th century by the English chronicler Raphael Holinshed and a team of collaborators. First published in 1577 in London, it covers the histories of England, Scotland, and Ireland from mythical origins through the late 16th century, drawing on earlier chronicles, court records, annals, and contemporary documents. The work is structured into sections for each kingdom and presents a narrative of kings, wars, and notable events, often blending legendary material with more recent history.

The Chronicles were produced at a time of rising national consciousness and served as a principal reference for writers and printers in the Tudor and early Stuart periods. A revised edition appeared in 1587, and subsequent printings kept the work in circulation for decades. Because it synthesized a wide range of sources, Holinshed's Chronicles became a major source for later Elizabethan drama, notably influencing Shakespeare's histories and plays that dramatize British rulers.

Scholarly reception has noted both its broad scope and its propensity for inaccuracies and political bias, reflecting the editorial aims and constraints of its era. Today, Holinshed's Chronicles is studied as a key witness to early modern historiography and to the material culture of Tudor England, illustrating how history was compiled, transmitted, and used to shape national identity.