Description
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From William the Conqueror’s victory at Hastings to the modern House of Windsor, the British monarchy has shaped the destiny of a nation and its people for nearly a millennium. This comprehensive guide takes readers on a fascinating journey through British history, as seen through the lens of its monarchs.
Meet the warriors, the reformers, the tyrants, and the modernizers who wore the crown. Discover how Henry II created the foundations of English law, how Elizabeth I steered England through religious turmoil to become a global power, and how Victoria presided over an empire that spanned the globe. Along the way, uncover lesser-known stories of usurpers, pretenders, and those who briefly grasped the crown, from the tragic nine-day reign of Lady Jane Grey to the tumultuous period of Oliver Cromwell’s Protectorate.
More than just a chronological account of rulers, this book reveals how the monarchy evolved from medieval absolutism to modern constitutional democracy. Through carefully researched profiles, readers will understand how each monarch’s story contributes to the larger tapestry of British history, culture, and tradition.
Complete with detailed appendices covering royal residences, burial places, film and television portrayals, and royal protocol, this guide serves as both an engaging introduction for newcomers and a valuable reference for royal enthusiasts. Whether you’re planning a visit to Britain’s historic sites or simply fascinated by one of the world’s oldest monarchies, this book provides an accessible yet authoritative look at the institution that has shaped British history for a thousand years.
From battlefield victories to political intrigue, from love stories to constitutional crises, discover how the British monarchy has not just survived but adapted and thrived through centuries of change, emerging as one of the world’s most enduring and fascinating institutions.
Table of Contents
- Introduction 1
- Methodology 3
- What is the UK? 5
- William the Conqueror 9
- William II 17
- Henry I 23
- Stephen 29
- Empress Matilda 35
- Henry II 39
- Richard I, the Lionheart 45
- John 53
- Henry III 59
- Edward I 65
- Edward II 73
- Edward III 79
- Richard II 85
- Henry IV 91
- Henry V 97
- Henry VI 103
- Edward IV 109
- Edward V 115
- Richard III 119
- Henry VII 127
- Henry VIII 133
- Edward VI 141
- Jane 147
- Mary I 153
- Elizabeth I 159
- James I 165
- Charles I 173
- Oliver Cromwell 181
- Charles II 189
- James II 197
- William & Mary 203
- Anne 209
- George I 215
- George II 221
- George III 227
- George IV 235
- William IV 241
- Victoria 249
- Edward VII 257
- George V 263
- Edward VIII 271
- George VI 275
- Elizabeth II 283
- Charles III 289
- Appendix 1: Current Line of Succession 295
- Appendix 2: Burial Places of the Monarchs 300
- Appendix 3:Ten Events That Shaped the Crown 302
- Appendix 4: A Guide to Britain’s Royal Palaces 306
- Appendix 5: Royal Films: A Guide to the Best Movies About the British Monarchy 311
- Appendix 6: Royal Television: The Best Shows About the British Monarchy 314
- Appendix 7:Royal Protocol: A Guide to Titles, Styles, and Etiquette
- Appendix 8: The Uncrowned 319
- Appendix 9: The Interregnum 322
- Appendix 10: The Acts of Union 329
- Appendix 11: Royal Eras: A Journey Through British History 331
- Appendix 12: The House of Windsor: A Very British Rebranding 336
- Appendix 13: Where Every Monarch Was Born 338
- Appendix 14: Abdication Crisis 340
- Appendix 15: The Regency Era 347
- Appendix 16: What is the Crown? 354
- Appendix 17: The Crown Jewels 356
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