Summary
The Pillars of the Earth is an 1898 epic work of historical fiction by Ken Follett. Set in 12th-century England against the backdrop of a tumultuous period known as The Anarchy, this sweeping tale of ambition, love, and the building of a cathedral spans several decades and follows an expansive cast of characters.
The novel centers on the fictional English town of Kingsbridge and the construction of its cathedral, weaving together storylines involving monks, masons, nobles, and peasants as they struggle amid political intrigue and violence. Follett meticulously researched medieval architecture and society to create a richly detailed world, bringing to life the sights, sounds, and hardships of the Middle Ages while exploring timeless issues of faith, power, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Selling millions of copies worldwide, The Pillars of the Earth stands as Follett’s most ambitious and acclaimed work.
Plot
Set in 12th-century England, The Pillars of the Earth follows the construction of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge, England. The story begins when a red-headed man is hanged for theft, and his pregnant lover curses those responsible. Years later, master builder Tom Builder and his children become destitute after the death of his wife. He eventually finds work in Kingsbridge, where Prior Philip has ambitious plans to build a grand new cathedral. Meanwhile, civil war erupts between King Stephen and his cousin Maud over the English throne.
The cathedral project faces many obstacles over the decades. William Hamleigh, the cruel new Earl of Shiring, repeatedly attacks Kingsbridge out of greed and spite. Aliena, daughter of the former earl, struggles to support her brother Richard and regain their lost lands. She enters a loveless marriage with Tom's son Alfred, while harboring feelings for Tom's stepson Jack Jackson, a talented stone carver. Jack eventually becomes master builder of the cathedral, incorporating innovative Gothic elements he learned abroad.
Political and religious intrigues threaten the project's completion. The ambitious and corrupt Bishop Waleran Bigod schemes against Prior Philip at every turn. Jack uncovers secrets about his father's death years ago aboard the White Ship. Aliena finally marries Jack after her marriage to Alfred is annulled. Richard fights to reclaim his earldom from William Hamleigh. Through determination and ingenuity, Philip and his allies overcome each new challenge to keep construction moving forward.
After many decades, the magnificent Kingsbridge Cathedral is finally completed. In the climactic scenes, the truth behind the conspiracy to sink the White Ship and frame Jack's father is revealed, bringing long-awaited justice. William Hamleigh faces execution for his role in Thomas Becket's murder. Prior Philip, now bishop, reflects on how the cathedral's construction transformed Kingsbridge from a struggling town into a prosperous city. The epic tale comes to a close as the majestic cathedral stands as a testament to the power of faith, ambition, and human perseverance.
Themes
Struggle between good and evil
Power of faith and determination
Corruption in the church and nobility
Importance of knowledge and education
Social change and class mobility
Love and loyalty overcoming adversity
Pursuit of art and beauty amid hardship
Setting
Ken Follett's historical epic The Pillars of the Earth is set primarily in 12th-century England during a tumultuous period known as the Anarchy. The story spans several decades, from the sinking of the White Ship in 1120 to the murder of Thomas Becket in 1170. This era was marked by civil war and political instability as rival claimants fought for the English throne following the death of King Henry I in 1135.
The fictional town of Kingsbridge serves as the main setting, standing in for Marlborough in Wiltshire. Follett chose this location because it allowed characters to realistically travel on horseback to the great cathedrals of Winchester, Gloucester, and Salisbury within a few days. The centerpiece of the novel is the construction of Kingsbridge Cathedral, which is based on elements of Wells Cathedral and Salisbury Cathedral. The story also unfolds across other locales in England and briefly in France and Spain.
Against this medieval backdrop, Follett vividly recreates the sights, sounds, and rhythms of 12th-century life. From walled towns and imposing castles to sprawling forests and humble villages, the novel immerses readers in a richly detailed world on the cusp of change. The story traces Kingsbridge's growth from an obscure hamlet to a prosperous market town, mirroring actual historical developments as merchants and artisans began to challenge the power of the feudal aristocracy in late medieval England.
Characters
Prior Philip: A devout and resourceful monk who becomes prior of Kingsbridge and drives the building of the cathedral. He is intelligent, ambitious, and politically savvy, often outmaneuvering his rivals. Philip struggles to balance his religious ideals with the practical realities of running the priory and overseeing construction. He serves as a moral center for much of the story.
Jack Jackson: The talented and artistic son of Ellen, who becomes a master builder. Jack is creative, curious, and determined to learn. He travels widely to gain architectural knowledge and falls in love with Aliena. Jack's skills and vision are crucial to completing the cathedral.
Aliena: The beautiful daughter of the Earl of Shiring, who loses everything but rebuilds her life as a wool merchant. She is intelligent, resourceful, and fiercely independent. Aliena struggles with trauma from her past while working to restore her family's position. Her relationship with Jack is central to the story.
William Hamleigh: The brutish son of a minor lord who becomes Earl of Shiring. He is cruel, violent, and power-hungry, constantly scheming to increase his wealth and status. William serves as the primary antagonist, repeatedly attacking Kingsbridge and opposing Philip's efforts.
Tom Builder: A skilled stonemason who dreams of building a cathedral. He is hardworking and principled but struggles with poverty. Tom's expertise and vision help launch the cathedral project, though he dies part way through construction.
Ellen: A mysterious woman living in the forest who becomes Tom's lover. She is fiercely protective of her son Jack and distrustful of the church. Ellen possesses knowledge of herbal medicine and is seen as a witch by some.
Bishop Waleran Bigod: An ambitious and corrupt clergyman who constantly schemes for more power. He opposes Philip at every turn and is involved in various conspiracies. Waleran is cunning and ruthless in pursuit of his goals.
Alfred Builder: Tom's son who becomes a mason but is jealous of his stepbrother Jack. He marries Aliena out of spite but is unable to consummate the marriage. Alfred's resentment and poor decisions often create problems.
Richard: Aliena's younger brother who becomes a knight. He is brave but naive, relying on Aliena's support to pursue his military career and reclaim their family's earldom.
Remigius: A monk who opposes Philip becoming prior and continues to undermine him. He is motivated by envy and spite but eventually seeks redemption.
Jonathan: The abandoned son of Tom Builder who is raised by Philip in the monastery. He grows up to be a kind and capable monk, unaware of his true parentage.
Quick facts
The Pillars of the Earth took Ken Follett more than three years to research and write.
At more than 1,000 pages long, this historical epic marked a major departure from Follett's previous thrillers and became his most popular book.
The fictional town of Kingsbridge is based on the real town of Marlborough in Wiltshire, England.
Follett was inspired to write about cathedral building after reading a book about medieval architecture.
The Pillars of the Earth covers a 59-year period in 12th-century England, from 1135 to 1174.
The Pillars of the Earth was selected for Oprah's Book Club in 2007, 18 years after its original publication.
The book has been translated into over 30 languages, selling more than 26 million copies worldwide.
In 2010, The Pillars of the Earth was adapted into an eight-part television miniseries produced by Ridley Scott, starring Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell, and Eddie Redmayne.
A musical adaptation of The Pillars of the Earth premiered in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2016.
Follett has written two sequels set in Kingsbridge—World Without End and A Column of Fire.
About the Author
Ken Follett is one of the world's most successful authors, with more than 170 million copies of his novels sold worldwide. Follett's breakthrough came with his 1978 thriller Eye of the Needle, which earned him the Edgar Award for Best Novel. However, it was his historical novel The Pillars of the Earth, published in 1989, that solidified his place as a literary giant. Set in 12th-century England, this epic work became an international bestseller and inspired two sequels, forming the popular Kingsbridge series.
Born in 1949 in Cardiff, Wales, Follett worked as a reporter for local newspapers before transitioning to publishing, where he eventually became Deputy Managing Director at a small London publishing house. Throughout his career, Follett has demonstrated versatility in his writing, crafting spy thrillers, historical epics, and contemporary suspense novels. His works often feature meticulously researched historical settings and complex, intertwining plotlines. Notable series include the Century Trilogy, which spans the 20th century and follows five interconnected families through major historical events.
Beyond his writing, Follett is actively involved in various literacy charities and has served in leadership roles for organizations promoting reading and education. He has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to literature, including being appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2018.
