Runnymede and Lincoln Fair: A Story of the Great Charter

"Runnymede and Lincoln Fair: A Story of the Great Charter" by John G. Edgar is a historical fiction novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set during the tumultuous period following the Battle of Bouvines in 1214, a time when England was on the verge of civil war, centered around the power struggles between King John and the barons. The main character, Oliver Icingla, a young squire of Saxon heritage, must navigate the complex loyalties and threats posed by the feudal system after being named as a hostage to King John under the machinations of his Norman kinsman, Hugh de Moreville. The opening of the story sets the stage for Oliver's character, revealing his noble lineage, adventurous spirit, and complicated feelings about loyalty to both his race and the crown. As he meets his childhood friend Constantine Fitzarnulph, they engage in a spirited conversation about political tensions and Oliver’s impending fate as a hostage. Their dialogue highlights the deep division between the Saxon and Norman lineages, foreshadowing Oliver's struggle between his heritage and the harsh realities of the political landscape. The narrative provides a glimpse into the societal views of the time and the motivations behind the characters' actions, particularly Oliver's fierce commitment to his identity as an Icingla, even in the face of danger.