The Founding

The Founding

by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles

Part of A Troubadour spectacular

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About
Set in the year 1434. This is the story of the Morland dynasty in the making. Edward Morland arranges an influential marriage for his eldest son Robert. Edward is a highly successful sheep farmer who has a vision and much ambition for his family. His wealth and scheming will see his son Robert, build and expand the farm into one of the most profitable and well respected wool trading merchant empires of the day. Robert's descendants will grow in wealth and position, but it is Robert's wife, the spirited Eleanor who outlives them all and survives to see so many changes over her long 70 years. It is Eleanor who truly oversees and moulds this growing family, increasing their wealth and position, and through her loyalty to Richard the Duke of York, and his son Richard who will eventually become King of England, that her family find themselves very much involved in the events of history.

Discussion questions for The Founding

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  1. 1

    How does Edward Morland’s ambition set the tone for the entire dynasty, and to what extent are parents responsible for shaping the destinies of their children?

  2. 2

    Eleanor emerges as the true backbone of the expanding Morland family; how do her strength and quiet influence compare to the more public, outward power wielded by the men in her life?

  3. 3

    Set against the backdrop of the booming wool trade, the novel shows how economic success can elevate a family's social standing—how do you see the relationship between wealth and status playing out in the modern world?

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