A Long and Illustrious History
Explore British history from the Stone Age to the modern era, including key events, monarchs, and turning points.
What You'll Learn
- 1Know key dates and events in British history
- 2Understand how historical events shaped modern Britain
- 3Recognise important historical figures
Britain's history stretches back thousands of years, from prehistoric settlements to one of the world's most influential modern nations. Understanding this history helps explain the values, institutions, and traditions that define Britain today.
Prehistoric Britain was home to early settlers who built monuments like Stonehenge around 3000 BC. The Romans invaded in AD 43, bringing roads, towns, and Christianity. After the Romans left around AD 410, Anglo-Saxon kingdoms emerged.
Medieval Britain saw the Norman Conquest of 1066, when William the Conqueror defeated King Harold at the Battle of Hastings. This period gave us Magna Carta (1215), which established that even kings must obey the law.
The Tudor period (1485-1603) brought religious upheaval when Henry VIII broke from Rome, the flourishing of arts under Elizabeth I, and the defeat of the Spanish Armada (1588).
The 17th century saw civil war between Parliamentarians and Royalists, the execution of Charles I (1649), and the Glorious Revolution (1688) that established Parliament's supremacy.
The 18th and 19th centuries witnessed the Acts of Union (1707 with Scotland, 1800 with Ireland), the Industrial Revolution, the growth of the British Empire, and social reforms including the abolition of slavery (1833).
The 20th century brought two world wars, the decline of empire, the creation of the welfare state, and membership of the European Union (1973-2020).
This rich history has shaped modern Britain—its parliamentary democracy, its legal traditions, its cultural diversity, and its place in the world.
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Key Topics in This Chapter
Battle of Hastings 1066
The decisive battle on 14 October 1066 where William, Duke of Normandy, defeated King Harold II, leading to the Norman Conquest of England.
The Industrial Revolution
The rapid development of industry in Britain from the mid-18th to mid-19th century, transforming the country from an agricultural to an industrial economy.
The English Civil War
A series of civil wars fought between 1642 and 1651, primarily between Parliamentarians (Roundheads) and Royalists (Cavaliers), over governance of England.
The Glorious Revolution 1688
The overthrow of King James II in 1688, when Parliament invited William of Orange and Mary to take the throne, establishing constitutional monarchy in Britain.
World War One (1914-1918)
A global conflict from 1914 to 1918, in which Britain and its allies fought against Germany and its allies. Known as "The Great War," it caused unprecedented casualties.
World War Two (1939-1945)
The global conflict from 1939 to 1945, in which Britain and the Allies fought Nazi Germany, Italy, and Japan. Britain stood alone against Hitler for over a year.
Winston Churchill
British Prime Minister during World War Two (1940-1945), famous for his inspiring leadership and speeches that helped Britain resist Nazi Germany.
Magna Carta
A historic charter signed in 1215 that established the principle that everyone, including the King, was subject to the law.