* Bede Venerabilis (c. 673-735): Often considered the "Father of English History" due to his book "Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum" (Ecclesiastical History of the English People). It provides a detailed account of the early Anglo-Saxon period, including the arrival of Christianity in England.
* Geoffrey of Monmouth (c. 1100-1155): Known for his "Historia Regum Britanniae" (History of the Kings of Britain), a work that shaped popular understandings of early British history, even though much of it is considered fictional.
* Raphael Holinshed (c. 1525-1580): A chronicler who compiled the "Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland". This work became a major source for Shakespeare's plays and is considered a pivotal text in English historiography.
* Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626): A philosopher and statesman who advocated for a scientific approach to history, emphasizing the need for empirical evidence and logical reasoning. He is considered a key figure in the development of modern historical methodology.
Ultimately, understanding English history requires considering a range of sources and perspectives, not just a single figure. Many individuals have contributed to the development of the field over centuries.