The History of the Kings of Britain

Ignoge and Brutus have three sons: Locrinus, Kamber and Albanactus. After Brutus’ death, the brothers divide the kingdom and rule in peace until Humber, King of the Huns, lands in Albanactus’ region—called Albany—and kills him, causing his people “to flee to Locrinus” (61). Locrinus and Kamber create an alliance to chase off Humber, who drowns in the river that bears his name. In addition to treasure, Locrinus reserves “for himself three young women of striking beauty,” one of whom is called Estrildis (61). Locrinus wants to marry her but has already promised to marry Corineus’ daughter, Gwendolen, so he instead hides Estrildis in a cave. There, she bears Locrinus a daughter called Habren while Gwendolen bears his son called Madden. After Corineus’ death, Locrinus abandons Gwendolen and makes Estrildis his queen. Being “most indignant at this,” Gwendolyn assembles an army that battles Locrinus’ forces (62). He is killed in the battle “and so departed from the joys of this life” (62). Gwendolyn rules for 15 years then passes “the sceptre [sic] of the realm” to Maddan, who rules in peace for 40 years.

After Maddan’s death, his sons Malin and Mempricius, quarrel over the kingdom. Mempricius murders his brother and assumes tyrannical reign over the whole island until he is killed during a hunting expedition.