The two books which throw most light on the history of the times are the “Sir John Paston Letters” (1424-1506), and a work by Chief Justice Fortescue on government, intended for the use of Prince Edward (slain at Tewkesbury).  The latter work is remarkable for its bold declaration that the King “has the delegation of power from the people, and he has no just claims to any other power than this.”  The chief justice also praises the courage of his countrymen, and declares with honest pride that “more Englishmen are hanged in England in one year for robbery and manslaughter than are hanged in France in seven years.”

323.  Education.

Henry VI took a deep interest in education, and founded the great public school of Eton, which ranks next in age to that of Winchester.  The money for its endowment was obtained by the appropriation of the revenues of alien or foreign monasteries which had been erected in England, and which were confiscated by Henry V. The King watched the progress of the building from the windows of Windsor Castle, and to supplement the course of education to be given there, he furthermore erected and endowed the magnificent King’s College, Cambridge.

324.  Architecture.

There was a new development of Gothic architecture in this period, the Decorated giving place to the Perpendicular.  The latter derives its name from the perpendicular divisions of the lights in the arches of the windows.  It marks the final period of the Gothic or Pointed style, and is noted for the exquisite carved work of its ceilings.  King’s College Chapel, Cambridge, St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, and Henry VII’s Chapel (built in the next reign), connected with Westminster Abbey, are among the most celebrated examples of this style of architecture, whic his peculiar to England.

The mansions of the nobility at this period exhibited great elegance.  Crosby Hall, London, at one time the residence of Richard III, was one of the best examples of the “Inns” of the great families and wealthy knights.  The Hall was pulled down in 1903, but it has been reerected on the Chelsea Embankment, on the Thames.

V. General Industry and Commerce

325.  Agriculture and Trade.

Notwithstanding the Civil Wars of the Roses, agriculture was prosperous and foreign trade largely increased.  The latter was well represented by Sir Richard Whittington, thrice mayor of London, who, according to tradition, lent Henry V large sums of money, and then at an entertainment which he gave to the King and Queen in his city mansion, generously canceled the debt by throwing the bonds into the open sandalwood fire.  There is a fine fresco, representing this scene, in the Royal Exchange, London.

Goldsmiths from Lombardy had now settled in London in such numbers as to give the name of Lobard Street to the quarter they occupied.  They succeeded the Jews in the business of money lending and banking, and Lombard Street still remains famous for its bankers and brokers.