Kingdom of England

The Kingdom of England was a sovereign state on the island of Great Britain from 927 until 1 May 1707. On that day, it joined with Scotland to form the Kingdom of Great Britain.

During its time, England was one of the most powerful states in Europe, especially during the medieval and early modern periods.

The kingdom began in 927 when Æthelstan united all the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms under his rule. Over the centuries, England saw many changes in leadership and territory. Important moments include the Norman Conquest in 1066, which brought new rulers from Normandy, and the completion of the conquest of Wales in 1284.

English history includes many dynasties, such as the Norman, Plantagenet, Tudor, and Stuart families. Important events shaped the country, like the English Reformation led by Henry VIII and the growth of the English Parliament.

In 1603, the crowns of England and Scotland were united under one ruler, James VI and I. Finally, in 1707, the Kingdoms of England and Scotland combined to form the Kingdom of Great Britain, marking the end of the Kingdom of England as a separate state.

Name

Main article: Name of England

The Anglo-Saxons called themselves the Engle or the Angelcynn. They named their land Engla land, meaning "land of the English". Over time, this name changed to England.

From the time of Æthelstan to John, kings were called Rex Anglorum, meaning "King of the English". Later, during the time of James I, the title changed to King of Great Britain.

History

Anglo-Saxon England

Main article: History of Anglo-Saxon England

The Kingdom of England began when small groups called the Anglo-Saxons came together. They lived in areas called kingdoms, like East Anglia, Mercia, and Wessex. Over time, these areas joined together. By the year 927, one king, Æthelstan, ruled all these lands, and England was born.

During this time, leaders called kings were sometimes chosen as the most powerful ruler, known as a Bretwalda. One famous king, Alfred the Great, helped make London strong again after it had been left empty. He built walls, docks, and new streets.

Norman Conquest

Main article: Norman Conquest

In 1066, a new ruler named William the Bastard from Normandy came to England. He fought a big battle called the Battle of Hastings and became the new king. William ruled England and made many changes, building castles to keep control.

High Middle Ages

Main article: England in the High Middle Ages

In the years that followed, England grew and changed. Sometimes, England fought with other lands like Wales and Scotland. Kings like Henry II and Edward I helped shape the country’s borders and laws. Castles were built to protect the land, and new ideas about government began to form.

Late Middle Ages

Main article: England in the Late Middle Ages

Later, England was involved in a long war with France called the Hundred Years' War. Even though England won many battles, they could not keep all the land they wanted. After this, there were civil wars in England called the Wars of the Roses, where different families fought for the throne.

Tudor period

Main articles: Tudor period, Elizabethan era, Stuart period, and English Reformation

See also: Tudor conquest of Ireland

During the Tudor time, England became stronger. Kings like Henry VIII changed the religion of England, breaking away from the Catholic Church. Later, Queen Elizabeth I built up the navy and defended England against attacks from other countries.

Early modern history

Main articles: Early modern Britain and Stuart period

The Tudors ended when Queen Elizabeth I died in 1603. A new king, James I, took over and also ruled Scotland. However, problems arose when later kings tried to change how the government worked, leading to big arguments and wars.

Civil War and Interregnum

Main articles: English Civil War, English Interregnum, English Commonwealth, and English Protectorate

Tension grew between the king and the people over taxes and government rules. This led to a big fight called the English Civil War. After the war, King Charles I was removed, and for a time, England was ruled by a leader named Oliver Cromwell without a king.

Restoration and Glorious Revolution

Main articles: Restoration (England) and Glorious Revolution

Eventually, King Charles II returned to the throne in 1660. Later, King James II tried to change the religion back to Catholic, which caused problems. In 1688, another king, William of Orange, and his wife Mary took over in what was called the Glorious Revolution.

Union with Scotland

In 1707, England and Scotland joined together to form the Kingdom of Great Britain. The two countries’ parliaments combined, and England no longer existed as a separate nation. However, the laws of England stayed in place and continue to this day.

Government

Main articles: Government in medieval England and Elizabethan government

Further information: History of the English monarchy

The counties of England were set up by the Normans to help manage the land. They were based on older areas called shires, which the Anglo-Saxons had used. These counties helped the king control local areas through officials. They were used for collecting taxes, organizing the military, and making sure laws were followed.

After the Norman Conquest in 1066, new ways of collecting money were added. The king could ask for special payments for important events. People who inherited land also had to pay a fee to the king. The king's army included his own troops and men provided by landowners.