History of English and British Monarchs

Monarchs of England and Britain refers to the reigning kings and queens who have ruled over the territories that now…

By Staff , in Monarchs , at August 28, 2024 Tags: monarchs

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Monarchs of England and Britain refers to the reigning kings and queens who have ruled over the territories that now constitute the United Kingdom, encompassing England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This includes the sovereigns from the early medieval period, when England was a separate kingdom, through the union of the English and Scottish crowns, to the present day.

Key Periods in the History of English and British Monarchs:

Anglo-Saxon Period (c. 9th century – 1066):
The early kings of England, such as Alfred the Great and Æthelstan, who were among the first to unite various Anglo-Saxon kingdoms into what became known as England.

Norman and Plantagenet Dynasties (1066 – 1485):
Beginning with William the Conqueror in 1066, who established Norman rule over England, this period includes the reigns of the Plantagenet kings, including notable monarchs like Henry II, Richard the Lionheart, and Edward I.

Tudor Dynasty (1485 – 1603):
The Tudors began with Henry VII, who established the dynasty after winning the Wars of the Roses. The Tudor era includes the reigns of Henry VIII, known for his six marriages and the English Reformation, and Elizabeth I, under whose rule England became a significant world power.

Stuart Dynasty (1603 – 1714):
The Stuarts, beginning with James I, who was also James VI of Scotland, saw the unification of the crowns of England and Scotland. This period includes the English Civil War, the execution of Charles I, the interregnum under Oliver Cromwell, and the eventual Restoration of the monarchy with Charles II.

Union of England and Scotland (1707):
In 1707, the Act of Union merged the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain, leading to the term “British Monarchs.” Queen Anne was the first monarch of the unified Great Britain.

Hanoverian Dynasty (1714 – 1901):
Starting with George I, the Hanoverian dynasty ruled over Great Britain and later the United Kingdom (after the union with Ireland in 1801). This period includes the long reign of Queen Victoria (1837–1901), under whom the British Empire expanded significantly.

Modern Era (1901 – Present):
The modern British monarchy began with the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, renamed the House of Windsor during World War I due to anti-German sentiment. Notable monarchs include George V, who changed the family name, George VI, who led the nation through World War II, and the current monarch, Charles III, who succeeded Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch.