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The Pillars of the Earth

The Pillars of the Earth is a 1989 historical novel by Ken Follett set in 12th-century England.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Pillars of the Earth is a 1989 historical novel by Ken Follett set in 12th-century England. It follows the construction of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge against a backdrop of civil war, political conflict, and religious strife.

Plot

The novel follows several characters whose lives become tied to the construction of a cathedral in Kingsbridge. Their struggles unfold amid famine, political instability, and shifting alliances during the reign of Stephen and the conflict involving Empress Maud.

Background and setting

The story is set in 12th-century England, during the civil conflict known as the Anarchy. The fictional town of Kingsbridge provides the main setting for the novel’s social, religious, and political conflicts.

Themes

The novel explores ambition, faith, power, betrayal, survival, and the tension between church and state. It also gives attention to medieval building methods and Gothic cathedral design.

Publication and reception

The book was published in 1989 and became one of Follett’s best-known novels. It has been widely read as an example of epic historical fiction and is associated with the larger Kingsbridge cycle.

Key facts

  • The novel centres on the building of Kingsbridge Cathedral.
  • Its story is set during the period of the Anarchy in medieval England.
  • Major themes include power, religion, ambition, conflict, and medieval architecture.
  • It is the first novel in Follett’s Kingsbridge series.
  • The story features monks, masons, nobles, and peasants whose lives intersect around the cathedral project.
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Canadian context

The novel has been widely read in Canada as part of mainstream historical-fiction publishing and appears in Canadian library and bookseller catalogues, though it is not specifically about Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote The Pillars of the Earth?
It was written by Welsh author Ken Follett.
When was The Pillars of the Earth published?
It was published in 1989.
What is The Pillars of the Earth about?
It follows the construction of a cathedral in Kingsbridge and the lives affected by the political and religious turmoil of 12th-century England.
Is Kingsbridge a real place?
No. Kingsbridge is a fictional town created for the novel.
What historical period does the novel cover?
It is set during the 12th-century English civil conflict known as the Anarchy.
Is The Pillars of the Earth part of a series?
Yes. It is the first novel in Ken Follett’s Kingsbridge series.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pillars_of_the_Earth
    Supports: Plot setting, historical background, structure, and themes.
  2. Google Books — https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Pillars_of_the_Earth.html?id=0IaNwel7nAIC
    Supports: Author, publication year, publisher, page count, and synopsis.
  3. Ken Follett official website — https://ken-follett.com/books/the-pillars-of-the-earth/
    Supports: Publication year, genre, setting, and storyline description.
  4. Audible — https://www.audible.com/blog/summary-the-pillars-of-the-earth-by-ken-follett
    Supports: Synopsis, setting, cathedral focus, and contextual details about Kingsbridge.