The Pillars of the Earth

The year is 1170, 35 years after Jonathan was first left in Philip’s care in the opening section of the book. Henry II is ensconced as king and is in dispute with Thomas Beckett, the archbishop of Canterbury. Richard has stayed on the crusade, and Aliena has ruled the earldom for years. This feud throws the church’s power into political disarray. William, now 54 years old and suffering from gout, retains his position as sheriff. He still harbors a corrosive resentment.

The cathedral is finished, and within its walls Philip holds a ceremony to name Jonathan, now in his mid-thirties, as the new sub-prior. At the ceremony, William and Walerian scheme, as in years before. Walerian realizes that he may be able to use Jonathan against Philip and accuses him before the church authorities of “fornication and nepotism” (921). To Philip’s dismay, the archdeacon in charge of overseeing his case is Peter of Wareham, the angry young man Philip punished long ago. In the political confusion of Beckett’s absence, Philip has few avenues of redress; he must find Jonathan’s true father if he wants to retain his position. Tom told no one of the baby’s origin, and