“A truly splendid idea came into his mind, / Which would tell of the outstanding men of England […],” writes Layamon in the prologue of his story concerning the isle of Great Britain, Brut (6-7). Using sources such as Wace's Roman de Brut and Bede's The Ecclesiastical History of the English People, Layamon manages to create a new version of Britain's past. His work, written at the end of the 12th century, is the first historiography written in English since the Anglo-Saxon chronicles and describes the arrival of Brutus of Troy on the island, the exploits of King Arthur and the end of British power with the overthrow of King Cadwalader. But who were these men of "England" that Layamon tries to talk about in his work? Scholars disagree about what race of people Layamon seeks to glorify in his story. One can make a strong case for the Saxons, yet Roger Loomis speculates why Layamon would use a source like Bede who “execrates” the people for whom he is writing (105). Others argue for the British and even the influence of the Anglo-Normans. Why then did Layamon leave the identity of his intended audience so open to interpretation by scholars? Daniel Donoghue argues that the goal of the Brut is to serve as an example of providential history and not as an appeal to a common nationalism. However, this response fails to compensate for all the textual signs of the fusion of Britain's cultures within Layamon's Brut; yes, Layamon mentions God, but Layamon fails to even emphasize His role in the story's outcomes enough to validate Donoghue's argument. Instead, all indications of Layamon weaving features of Saxon, British, and Anglo-Norman influence throughout his work demonstrate that he attempts to… middle of paper… help the English people” (Arthur 255 of Layamon ). Consequently, at least for Layamon, the “people of England” are now the people of one land, united by a common history and a common hero. Works Cited Allen, R. et al., Reading 'Brut': Approaches and Explorations by Layamon (Amsterdam, 2013).Harford, T.J., A Comprehensive Study of Layamon's Brut (Lewiston, 2002).Layamon. Arthur of Layamon: The Arthurian section of the Brut of Layamon (lines 9229-14297). Ed. William RJ Barron. Exeter: Univ. of Exeter, 2001. Print.---. Bad. Trans. Rosamund Allen. London: J.M. Dent, 1993. Print.Le Saux, FHM, Layamon's Brut: The Poem and its Sources (Cambridge, 1989).Loomis, Roger Sherman, ed. Arthurian literature in the Middle Ages: a collaborative history. Oxford: Clarendon, 1959. Print.Tiller, K.J., Layamon's Brut and the Anglo-Norman View of History (Cardiff, 2007).