New History of the British Monarchy: An Epic Journey from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth II

Crown & Sceptre: A New History of the British Monarchy, from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth II

by Tracy Borman

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	56613 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	556 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The British monarchy is one of the oldest and most enduring institutions in the world. Its history is a rich and complex tapestry, woven together from the threads of conquest, intrigue, love, and loss.

In this new history of the British monarchy, we will trace the journey of this extraordinary institution from its humble beginnings with William the Conqueror to the present day reign of Elizabeth II. Along the way, we will encounter some of the most fascinating characters in history, including Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Victoria.

William the Conqueror and the Norman Conquest

The British monarchy traces its origins back to the Norman Conquest of 1066. When Edward the Confessor, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, died without an heir, William, Duke of Normandy, claimed the English throne. He invaded England with a large army and defeated the English at the Battle of Hastings.

William the Conqueror was a ruthless and determined ruler. He imposed a new system of government on England, and he confiscated the lands of many English nobles. He also introduced the Norman language and culture to England, which had a profound impact on the country's development.

The Plantagenets and the Angevin Empire

The Norman Conquest marked the beginning of a new era in English history. The Plantagenet dynasty, which ruled England from 1154 to 1485, presided over a period of great expansion and prosperity.

The Plantagenets were a powerful and ambitious dynasty. They expanded the English empire to include Wales, Ireland, and large parts of France. They also played a major role in the Crusades, and they helped to establish the English common law.

The Tudors and the English Reformation

The Tudor dynasty, which ruled England from 1485 to 1603, was one of the most important periods in English history. The Tudors oversaw the English Reformation, which broke England away from the Catholic Church and established the Church of England.

Henry VIII, the second Tudor king, was a key figure in the Reformation. He divorced his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, and married Anne Boleyn. This led to a break with the Catholic Church and the establishment of the Church of England.

The Stuarts and the English Civil War

The Stuart dynasty, which ruled England from 1603 to 1714, was a period of great turmoil and upheaval. The Stuarts were a Catholic dynasty, and their attempts to impose Catholicism on England led to the English Civil War.

The English Civil War was a bloody and protracted conflict that pitted the Royalists, led by King Charles I, against the Parliamentarians. In the end, the Parliamentarians emerged victorious, and Charles I was executed.

The Hanoverians and the Georgian Era

The Hanoverian dynasty, which ruled England from 1714 to 1901, was a period of relative stability and prosperity. The Hanoverians were a Protestant dynasty, and they helped to secure the Protestant succession in England.

The Georgian Era, which lasted from 1714 to 1837, was a time of great cultural and scientific achievement. It was also during this period that England began to emerge as a global power.

The Victorians and the British Empire

The Victorian Era, which lasted from 1837 to 1901, was a time of unprecedented growth and prosperity for the British Empire. Queen Victoria, who reigned for 63 years, was a symbol of the Victorian Age. She was a popular and respected monarch, and she oversaw a period of great social and economic change.

The Victorian Era was also a time of great technological innovation. The Industrial Revolution transformed the British economy, and the British Empire expanded to its greatest extent.

The Windsors and the Modern Monarchy

The Windsor dynasty, which has ruled England since 1910, has presided over a period of great change and upheaval. The Windsors have witnessed the decline of the British Empire, the rise of democracy, and the two World Wars.

Queen Elizabeth II, the current Windsor monarch, has reigned since 1952. She is the longest-reigning monarch in British history, and she has witnessed some of the most significant events of the 20th and 21st centuries.

The British monarchy is a complex and fascinating institution. It has survived for over a thousand years, and it has played a vital role in the shaping of British history.

This new history of the British monarchy provides a comprehensive and engaging account of this extraordinary institution. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in British history, or in the history of monarchy in general.

Crown & Sceptre: A New History of the British Monarchy, from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth II

by Tracy Borman

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	56613 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	556 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE