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Henry I (c. 1068/1069 – 1 December 1135) was the fourth son of William I the Conqueror, the first King of England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. He succeeded his elder brother William II as King of England in 1100 and defeated his eldest brother, Robert Curthose, to become Duke of Normandy in 1106. He was called Beauclerc for his scholarly interests and Lion of Justice for refinements which he brought about in the rudimentary administrative and legislative machinery of the time. Henry's reign is noted for its political opportunism. His succession was confirmed while his brother Robert was away on the First Crusade and the beginning of his reign was occupied by wars with Robert for control of England and Normandy. He successfully reunited the two realms again after their separation on his father's death in 1087. Upon his succession he granted the baronage a Charter of Liberties, which formed a basis for subsequent challenges to rights of kings and presaged Magna Carta, which subjected the King to law.

Henry I of England

Henry I (c. 1068/1069 – 1 December 1135) was the fourth son of William I the Conqueror, the first…

Saint Stephen I was Grand Prince of the Magyars (997-1001) and the first King of Hungary (1001-1038). He greatly expanded Hungarian control over the Carpathian Basin during his lifetime, broadly established Christianity in the region, and he is generally considered to be the founder of Hungary. Stephen I was canonized, together with his son and Bishop Gerard of Csanád, on August 20, 1083, becoming one of the most popular saints in Hungary.

Stephen I of Hungary

Saint Stephen I was Grand Prince of the Magyars (997-1001) and the first King of Hungary (1001-1038).…

Richard I (8 September 1157 – 6 April 1199) was King of England from 6 July 1189 until his death. He also ruled as Duke of Normandy, Duke of Aquitaine, Duke of Gascony, Lord of Ireland, Lord of Cyprus, Count of Anjou, Count of Nantes and Overlord of Brittany at various times during the same period. He was known as Richard the Lionheart, or Cœur de Lion, even before his accession, because of his reputation as a great military leader and warrior. At only 16, Richard was commanding his own army, putting down rebellions in Poitou against his father, King Henry II. Richard was a central Christian commander during the Third Crusade, effectively leading the campaign after the departure of Philip Augustus, and scoring considerable victories against his Muslim counterpart, Saladin. While he spoke very little English and spent very little time in his Kingdom, preferring to use it as a source of revenue to support his armies, he was seen as a pious hero by his subjects. He remains one of the very few Kings of England remembered by his epithet, not number, and is an enduring, iconic figure in England.

Richard I of England

Richard I (8 September 1157 – 6 April 1199) was King of England from 6 July 1189 until his death.…

Henry III (1 October 1207 – 16 November 1272) was the son and successor of John "Lackland" as King of England, reigning for fifty-six years from 1216 to his death. His contemporaries knew him as Henry of Winchester. He was the first child king in England since the reign of Ethelred the Unready. Despite his long reign, his personal accomplishments were slim and he was a political and military failure. England, however, prospered during his century and his greatest monument is Westminster, which he made the seat of his government and where he expanded the abbey as a shrine to Edward the Confessor. He assumed the crown under the regency of the popular William Marshal, but the England he inherited had undergone several drastic changes in the reign of his father. He spent much of his reign fighting the barons over the Magna Carta and the royal rights, and was eventually forced to call the first "parliament" in 1264. He was also unsuccessful on the Continent, where he endeavored to re-establish English control over Normandy, Anjou, and Aquitaine.

Henry III of England

Henry III (1 October 1207 – 16 November 1272) was the son and successor of John "Lackland" as…

Edward I (17 June 1239 – 7 July 1307), popularly known as Longshanks, achieved historical fame as the monarch who conquered large parts of Wales and almost succeeded in doing the same to Scotland. However, his death led to his son Edward II taking the throne and ultimately failing in his attempt to subjugate Scotland. Longshanks reigned from 1272 to 1307, ascending the throne of England on 20 November 1272 after the death of his father, King Henry III. His mother was queen consort Eleanor of Provence.

Edward I (Longshanks)

Edward I (17 June 1239 – 7 July 1307), popularly known as Longshanks, achieved historical fame…

Edward II, (April 25, 1284 – September 21, 1327) of Caernarfon, was King of England from 1307 until he was deposed in January 1327. His tendency to ignore his nobility in favour of low-born favourites led to constant political unrest and his eventual deposition. Edward is perhaps best remembered for his supposed murder and his alleged homosexuality as well as being the first monarch to establish colleges in the universities of Oxford and Cambridge; he founded Cambridge's King's Hall in 1317 and gave Oxford's Oriel College its royal charter in 1326. Both colleges received the favour of Edward's son, Edward III, who confirmed Oriel's charter in 1327 and refounded King's Hall in 1337

Edward II of England

Edward II, (April 25, 1284 – September 21, 1327) of Caernarfon, was King of England from 1307…

Richard II (6 January 1367 – ca. 14 February 1400) was King of England from 1377 until he was deposed in 1399. Richard, a son of Edward, the Black Prince, was born in 1367, during the reign of his grandfather, Edward III. Richard became second in line to the throne when his older brother Edward of Angoulême died, and heir apparent when his father died in 1376. With Edward III's death the following year, Richard succeeded to the throne at the age of ten.

Richard II of England

Richard II (6 January 1367 – ca. 14 February 1400) was King of England from 1377 until he was…

Henry V (16 September 1386 – 31 August 1422) was one of the most significant English warrior kings of the 15th century. He was born at Monmouth, Wales, in the tower above the gatehouse of Monmouth Castle, and reigned as King of England from 1413 to 1422. Henry was the son of Henry of Bolingbroke, later Henry IV, and sixteen-year-old Mary de Bohun, who was to die in childbirth at 26, before Bolingbroke became king. At the time of his birth during the reign of Richard II, Henry was fairly far removed from the throne, preceded by the king and another collateral line of heirs. The precise date and even year of his birth are therefore not definitely recorded; sources offer as the most likely either 9 August or 16 September, in 1386 or 1387. By the time Henry died, he had not only consolidated power as the King of England but had also effectively accomplished what generations of his ancestors had failed to achieve through decades of war: unification of the crowns of England and France in a single person. In 2002, he was ranked 72nd in the 100 Greatest Britons

Henry V of England

Henry V (16 September 1386 – 31 August 1422) was one of the most significant English warrior kings…

Henry was the only child and heir of King Henry V of England and therefore great things were expected of him from birth. He was born on 6 December 1421 at Windsor, and succeeded to the throne at the age of eight months on 31 August 1422, when his father died. His mother, Catherine of Valois, was then only 20 years old and as the daughter of King Charles VI of France was viewed with considerable suspicion and prevented from having a full role in her son's upbringing. Henry was eventually crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey on 6 November 1429 a month before his eighth birthday, and King of France at Notre Dame in Paris on 16 December 1431. However, he did not assume the reins of government until he was declared of age in 1437—the year in which his mother died.

Henry VI of England

Henry was the only child and heir of King Henry V of England and therefore great things were expected…

Edward of York was born on April 28, 1442, at Rouen, France (in the Chateau de Rouen), the second son of Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York (who had a strong genealogical claim to the throne of England) and Cecily Neville daughter of Ralph Neville and Joan Beaufort, a granddaughter of Edward III. Edward of York was the eldest of the four sons who survived to adulthood. The Duke of York's assertion of his claim to the crown in 1460 was the key escalation of the conflict known as the Wars of the Roses. When his father was killed at the Battle of Wakefield, Edward inherited his claim. However, it was rumoured that Edward was in fact the son of an archer named Blaybourne, with whom his mother Cecily Neville had had an affair in Rouen.

Richard IV of England

Edward of York was born on April 28, 1442, at Rouen, France (in the Chateau de Rouen), the second son…

Richard III (2 October 1452 - 22 August 1485) was King of England from 1483 until his death. He was the last king from the House of York, and his defeat at the Battle of Bosworth marked the culmination of the Wars of the Roses and the end of the Plantagenet dynasty. After the death of his brother King Edward IV, Richard briefly governed as regent for Edward's son King Edward V with the title of Lord Protector, but he placed Edward and his brother Richard in the Tower and seized the throne for himself, being crowned on 6 July 1483.

Richard III of England

Richard III (2 October 1452 - 22 August 1485) was King of England from 1483 until his death. He was…

Edward VI (12 October 1537 - 6 July 1553) became King of England and Ireland on 28 January 1547 and was crowned on 20 February at the age of nine. The son of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour, Edward was the third monarch of the Tudor dynasty and England's first Protestant ruler. During Edward’s reign, the realm was governed by a Regency Council, because he never reached maturity. The Council was led from 1547 to 1549 by his uncle Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset, and from 1550 to 1553 by John Dudley, 1st Earl of Warwick, who in 1551 became 1st Duke of Northumberland.

Edward VI of England and Ireland

Edward VI (12 October 1537 - 6 July 1553) became King of England and Ireland on 28 January 1547 and…

Charles II (Charles Stuart; 29 May 1630 - 6 February 1685) was the King of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Charles II

Charles II (Charles Stuart; 29 May 1630 - 6 February 1685) was the King of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Richard III (2 October 1452 – 22 August 1485) was King of England from 1483 until his death. He was the last king from the House of York, and his defeat at the Battle of Bosworth marked the culmination of the Wars of the Roses. After the death of his brother King Edward IV, Richard briefly governed as regent for Edward's son King Edward V with the title of Lord Protector, but he placed Edward and his brother Richard in the Tower and seized the throne for himself, being crowned on 6 July 1483.

Richard III of England

Richard III (2 October 1452 – 22 August 1485) was King of England from 1483 until his death. He…

Henry VII (January 28, 1457 – April 21, 1509), King of England, Lord of Ireland (August 22, 1485 – April 21, 1509), born Henry Tudor (Welsh Harri Tudur), was the first monarch of the Tudor dynasty.

Henry VII of England

Henry VII (January 28, 1457 – April 21, 1509), King of England, Lord of Ireland (August 22, 1485…

Thomas Cardinal Wolsey (c.1470~1471 – November 28 or November 29, 1530), who was born in Ipswich, Suffolk, England, was an English statesman and a cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. Wolsey's affairs prospered and by 1514 he had become the controlling figure in all matters of state and extremely powerful within the Church. The highest political position he attained was Lord Chancellor, the King's chief advisor, enjoying great freedom and often depicted as an alter rex (other king). Within the Church he became archbishop of York, the second most important see in England, and then was made a cardinal in 1515, giving him precedence over even the Archbishop of Canterbury. His main legacy is from his interest in architecture, in particular his old home of Hampton Court Palace, which stands today.

Thomas Cardinal Wolsey

Thomas Cardinal Wolsey (c.1470~1471 – November 28 or November 29, 1530), who was born in Ipswich,…

John Cardinal Fisher (c.1469 – 22 June 1535), from 1935 Saint John Fisher, was an English Catholic bishop, cardinal and martyr. He shares his feast day with Saint Thomas More on June 22 in the Roman Catholic calendar of saints and 6 July on the Anglican calendar of saints. Fisher and More were executed by King Henry VIII during the English Reformation for refusing to accept him as Head of the Church of England. He is the only member of the College of Cardinals to have suffered martyrdom.

John Cardinal Fisher

John Cardinal Fisher (c.1469 – 22 June 1535), from 1935 Saint John Fisher, was an English Catholic…

Newstead Abbey, in Nottinghamshire, England, originally an Augustinian priory, is now best known as the ancestral home of Lord Byron. The priory of St. Mary of Newstead, a house of Augustinian Canons, was founded by King Henry II of England about the year 1170, as one of many penances he paid following the murder of Thomas Becket.

Newstead Abbey

Newstead Abbey, in Nottinghamshire, England, originally an Augustinian priory, is now best known as…

Wimborne Minster, known locally as the Minster, is the parish church of Wimborne, Dorset, England. The Minster has existed for over 1300 years and is recognized for its unusual chained library (one of only four surviving chained libraries in the world). The Minster, a former monastery and Benedictine nunnery, is the resting place of King Ethelred of Wessex.

Wimborne Minster

Wimborne Minster, known locally as the Minster, is the parish church of Wimborne, Dorset, England. The…

Frederick III (October 18, 1831 - June 15, 1888), was German Emperor and King of Prussia, ruling for 99 days until his death on June 15, 1888. Frederick III was a war hero during the Second Schleswig War, the Austro-Prussian War, and the Franco-Prussian War before his reign as German Emperor, yet his father's unusually long reign and longevity never let Frederick III capitalize on his military successes, popularity, and youth as emperor. He was more liberal than previous German leaders and represented a possibility for the earlier liberalization of German society and government. However, Frederick III developed larynx cancer shortly before he assumed the throne which severely limited his time and effectiveness as German Emperor. After his largely ineffectual reign and lost impact on German society, his successor, Wilhelm II, abandoned any path toward liberalization that Frederick III previously leaned towards.

Frederick III, German Emperor

Frederick III (October 18, 1831 - June 15, 1888), was German Emperor and King of Prussia, ruling for…

Between AD 681 and 689, King æthelred of Mercia gave estates at Pershore to the Bishop of Worcester for the purposes of establishing a monastery. A monastic community was established at Pershore by 689. The main building was begun in about 1100. The abbey was dissolved in 1539.

Pershore Abbey

Between AD 681 and 689, King æthelred of Mercia gave estates at Pershore to the Bishop of Worcester…

The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the King of Spain, located in Madrid. King Juan Carlos and the royal family do not actually reside in this palace, instead choosing the smaller Palacio de la Zarzuela, on the outskirts of Madrid. However, the Palacio Real de Madrid is still used for state occasions. The palace is owned by the Spanish state and administered by the Patrimonio Nacional agency. The palace also has the distinction of being the largest royal palace in Western Europe in size, with over a combined area of over 135,000 m<sup>2</sup> and more than 2,800 rooms.

Royal Palace, Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the King of Spain, located in Madrid. King Juan…

Edward VI (12 October 1537 &ndash; 6 July 1553) became King of England and Ireland on 28 January 1547 and was crowned on 20 February at the age of nine. During Edward's reign, the realm was governed by a Regency Council, because he never reached maturity. Edward's reign was marked by economic problems, military withdrawal from Scotland and Boulogne, and social unrest that in 1549 erupted into riot and rebellion. It also saw the transformation of the Anglican Church into a recognizably Protestant body. On Edward's death at the age of 15, the succession was disputed. Jane survived as queen for only nine days, before the Privy Council proclaimed Mary, for whom the people had risen in support in the counties.

Edward VI of England

Edward VI (12 October 1537 – 6 July 1553) became King of England and Ireland on 28 January 1547…

King Edward's School is an independent secondary school in Birmingham, England, founded by King Edward VI in 1552. It is part of the Foundation of the Schools of King Edward VI in Birmingham and is widely regarded as one of the most academically successful schools in the country according to various league tables. It was ranked 10th for A-Level results and 40th for GCSE results out of all schools in England in 2004.

Edward VI's School at Birmingham

King Edward's School is an independent secondary school in Birmingham, England, founded by King Edward…

Thomas Cranmer (2 July 1489 &ndash; 21 March 1556) was a leader of the English Reformation and Archbishop of Canterbury during the reigns of Henry VIII and Edward VI. He helped build a favourable case for Henry's divorce from Catherine of Aragon which resulted in the separation of the English Church from union with the Holy See. Along with Thomas Cromwell, he supported the principle of royal supremacy in which the king was considered sovereign over the Church within his realm.

Archbishop Thomas Cranmer

Thomas Cranmer (2 July 1489 – 21 March 1556) was a leader of the English Reformation and Archbishop…

American writer who wrote classics such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, A Yankee in King Arthur's Court and The Prince and the Pauper under the pen name Mark Twain.

Samuel Langhorne Clemens

American writer who wrote classics such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of Tom…

An illustration of Frederick II of Prussia attempting to find lodging for the evening. Frederick II (January 24, 1712 &ndash; August 17, 1786) was a King of Prussia (1740&ndash;1786) from the Hohenzollern dynasty. In his role as a prince-elector of the Holy Roman Empire, he was Frederick IV of Brandenburg. He became known as Frederick the Great.

Frederick II of Prussia

An illustration of Frederick II of Prussia attempting to find lodging for the evening. Frederick II…

He ruled in Scotland as James VI from 24 July 1567, when he was only one year old, succeeding his mother Mary, Queen of Scots. Regents governed during his minority, which ended officially in 1578, though he did not gain full control of his government until 1581. On 24 March 1603, as James I, he succeeded the last Tudor monarch of England and Ireland, Elizabeth I, who died without issue. He then ruled England, Scotland and Ireland for 22 years, often using the title King of Great Britain, until his death at the age of 58.

James the First

He ruled in Scotland as James VI from 24 July 1567, when he was only one year old, succeeding his mother…

Hampton Court Palace is a former royal palace in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, south west London, England. Along with St. James's Palace, it is one of only two surviving palaces out of the many built by Henry VIII.Thomas Wolsey, then Archbishop of York and Chief Minister to the King, took over the lease in 1514 and rebuilt the 14th century manor house over the next seven years (1515&ndash;1521) to form the nucleus of the present palace. Wolsey spent lavishly to build the finest palace in England at Hampton Court, which he was later forced to give to Henry as he began to fall from favour.

Hampton Court, 17th Century

Hampton Court Palace is a former royal palace in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, south west…

The Gunpowder Plot of 1605, or the Powder Treason, as it was known at the time, was a failed assassination attempt by a group of provincial English Catholics against King James I of England and VI of Scotland. The plot intended to kill the king, his family, and most of the Protestant aristocracy in a single attack by blowing up the Houses of Parliament during the State Opening on 5 November 1605. The conspirators had also planned to abduct the royal children, not present in Parliament, and incite a popular revolt in the Midlands.

Gunpowder Conspirators' House, Lambeth

The Gunpowder Plot of 1605, or the Powder Treason, as it was known at the time, was a failed assassination…

According to Holinshed, it was predicted that Henry IV would die in Jerusalem; Shakespeare's play repeats this. Henry took this to mean that he would die on crusade. In reality, he died at the house of the Abbot of Westminster, in the Jerusalem chamber.

The Jerusalem Chamber

According to Holinshed, it was predicted that Henry IV would die in Jerusalem; Shakespeare's play repeats…

Lancelot Andrewes (1555 – 25 September 1626) was an English clergyman and scholar, who held high positions in the Church of England during the reigns of Queen Elizabeth I and King James I. During the latter's reign, Andrewes served as successively as Bishop of Chichester, Ely and Winchester; and oversaw the translation of the Authorized Version (or King James Version) of the Bible. In the Church of England he is commemorated on 25 September with a Lesser Festival.

Bishop Lancelot Andrewes

Lancelot Andrewes (1555 – 25 September 1626) was an English clergyman and scholar, who held high positions…

George Herbert (April 3, 1593 &ndash; March 1, 1633) was a Welsh poet, orator and a priest. He went to college with the intention of becoming a priest, but his scholarship attracted the attention of King James I. Herbert served in parliament for two years. In 1630, in his late thirties he gave up his secular ambitions and took holy orders in the Church of England, spending the rest of his life as a rector of the little parish of St. Andrew Bemerton, near Salisbury.

George Herbert's Rector House, Bemerton

George Herbert (April 3, 1593 – March 1, 1633) was a Welsh poet, orator and a priest. He went…

In 1189, Colchester was granted its first Royal Charter by King Richard I (Richard the Lionheart.) In 1648, during the Second English Civil War, a Royalist army led by Sir Charles Lucas and Sir George Lisle entered the town. A pursuing Parliamentary army led by Sir Thomas Fairfax and Henry Ireton surrounded the town for eleven and a half weeks, a period known as the Siege of Colchester. The Royalists surrendered in the late summer and their leaders Lucas and Lisle were executed in the grounds of Colchester Castle. A small obelisk marks the spot where they fell.

Fairfax Taking Possession of Cochester

In 1189, Colchester was granted its first Royal Charter by King Richard I (Richard the Lionheart.) In…

Charles I, (19 November 1600 &ndash; 30 January 1649) was King of England, Scotland and Ireland from March 27, 1625 until his execution. Charles famously engaged in a struggle for power with the Parliament of England. He was an advocate of the Divine Right of Kings, and many subjects of England feared that he was attempting to gain absolute power. Many of his actions, particularly the levying of taxes without Parliament's consent, caused widespread opposition.

Charles I of England

Charles I, (19 November 1600 – 30 January 1649) was King of England, Scotland and Ireland from…

Oliver Cromwell (25 April 1599 Old Style&ndash; 3 September 1658 Old Style) was an English military and political leader best known for his involvement in making England into a republican Commonwealth and for his later role as Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland. He was one of the commanders of the New Model Army which defeated the royalists in the English Civil War. After the execution of King Charles I in 1649, Cromwell dominated the short-lived Commonwealth of England, conquered Ireland and Scotland, and ruled as Lord Protector from 1653 until his death in 1658.

Oliver Cromwell

Oliver Cromwell (25 April 1599 Old Style– 3 September 1658 Old Style) was an English military…

In the war between King and Parliament (the English Civil War) the city of Hereford fell into the hands first of one party, then of the other. Once it endured a siege, and when it was taken the conquerors ran riot in the cathedral and, in their fury, caused great damage which could never be repaired. In the early years of the 18th century, Bishop Bisse (1712-21), devised a scheme to support the central tower. He also had installed an enormous altar-piece and an oak screen, and instead of restoring the Chapter House he allowed its stones to be utilized for alterations to the Bishop's Palace.

Hereford Cathedral

In the war between King and Parliament (the English Civil War) the city of Hereford fell into the hands…

Charles II (Charles Stuart; 29 May 1630 &ndash; 6 February 1685) was the King of England, Scotland, and Ireland. According to royalists (and retrospective English law), Charles II became king when his father Charles I was executed at Whitehall on 30 January 1649, the climax of the English Civil War. The English Parliament did not proclaim Charles II king at this time, passing a statute making it unlawful, and England entered the period known to history as the English Interregnum. The Parliament of Scotland, on the other hand, proclaimed Charles II King of Scots on 5 February 1649 in Edinburgh. He was crowned King of Scots at Scone on 1 January 1651.

Charles II of England

Charles II (Charles Stuart; 29 May 1630 – 6 February 1685) was the King of England, Scotland,…

James Crofts, later James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth and 1st Duke of Buccleuch (April 9, 1649 &ndash; July 15, 1685), was an English nobleman. He was born in Rotterdam in the Netherlands, the illegitimate son of Charles II and his mistress, Lucy Walter, who had followed him into continental exile after the execution of Charles II's father, King Charles I. Monmouth was executed in 1685 after making an unsuccessful attempt to depose James II, commonly called the Monmouth Rebellion. Declaring himself the legitimate King, Monmouth attempted to capitalise on his position as the son (albeit illegitimate) of Charles II, and his Protestantism, in opposition to James, who was Catholic.

James, Duke of Monmouth

James Crofts, later James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth and 1st Duke of Buccleuch (April 9, 1649 –…

Jeremy Taylor (1613 &ndash; 13 August 1667) was a clergyman in the Church of England who achieved fame as an author during The Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell. He is sometimes known as the "Shakespeare of Divines" for his poetic style of expression and was often presented as a model of prose writing. He was under the patronage of William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury. He went on to become chaplain in ordinary to King Charles I as a result of Laud's sponsorship. This made him politically suspect when Laud was tried for treason and executed in 1645 by the Puritan Parliament during the English Civil War. After the Parliamentary victory over the King, he was briefly imprisoned several times.

Bishop Jeremy Taylor

Jeremy Taylor (1613 – 13 August 1667) was a clergyman in the Church of England who achieved fame…

Scene where Pedro Menendez de Aviles, an explorer and founder of St. Augustine, murdered the Huguenots who had settles in Florida.

Scene of the Murder of the Huguenots by Menendez

Scene where Pedro Menendez de Aviles, an explorer and founder of St. Augustine, murdered the Huguenots…

James II of England and Ireland, James VII of Scotland (14 October 1633 &ndash; 16 September 1701) was King of England, King of Scots, and King of Ireland from 6 February 1685. He was the last Catholic monarch to reign over the Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland. The Parliament of England deemed James to have abdicated on 11 December 1688. The Parliament of Scotland on 11 April 1689 declared him to have forfeited the throne. He was replaced not by his Catholic son, James Francis Edward, but by Mary II and William III. William and Mary became joint rulers in 1689. Mary was the eldest daughter of James and a Protestant. William was both his nephew and son-in-law. James II made one serious attempt to recover his crowns, when he landed in Ireland in 1689.

James II of England

James II of England and Ireland, James VII of Scotland (14 October 1633 – 16 September 1701) was…

In 1522, the priory was surrendered to Cardinal Wolsey, having selected it as a site for his proposed college. However, in 1529 the foundation was taken over by King Henry VIII. Work stopped, but in June 1532 the college was refounded by the King. In 1546, Henry VIII transferred to it from Oseney to the see of Oxford. The cathedral has the name of Ecclesia Christi Cathedralis Oxoniensis, given to it by King Henry VIII's foundation charter.

Oxford Cathedral

In 1522, the priory was surrendered to Cardinal Wolsey, having selected it as a site for his proposed…

William Sancroft (30 January 1617 – 24 November 1693), was the 79th archbishop of Canterbury. He became Dean of St. Paul's in 1664, greatly assisting with the rebuilding after the Great Fire of London, towards which he contributed £1400. In 1677, being now prolocutor of the Convocation, he was unexpectedly advanced to the archbishopric of Canterbury. He attended Charles II upon his deathbed, and "made to him a very weighty exhortation, in which he used a good degree of freedom." He crowned King James II in 1685.

Archbishop William Sancroft

William Sancroft (30 January 1617 – 24 November 1693), was the 79th archbishop of Canterbury. He became…

Kelso Abbey is a Scottish abbey built in the 12th century by a community of Tironensian monks who had moved from the nearby Selkirk Abbey. The monks constructed the Abbey on land granted to them by King David I. The construction commenced in 1128, and when completed fifteen years later, in 1143, it was dedicated to The Blessed Virgin and Saint John. The importance of the Abbey at that time was shown when King James III of Scotland was crowned at the Abbey in 1460. However, the Abbey's proximity to the border with England led to it suffering damage from cross-border raids. It was first damaged in the Anglo-Scottish wars at the start of the 1300s, but was later repaired by the monks.

Ruins of Kelso Abbey

Kelso Abbey is a Scottish abbey built in the 12th century by a community of Tironensian monks who had…

George I (28 May 1660 &ndash; 11 June 1727) was King of Great Britain and Ireland from 1 August 1714 until his death, and ruler of Hanover in the Holy Roman Empire from 1698. George was born in Lower Saxony in what is now Germany, and eventually inherited the title and lands of the Duke of Brunswick-L&uuml;neburg. A succession of European wars expanded his German domains during his lifetime, and in 1708 he was ratified as Prince-elector of Hanover. During George's reign the powers of the monarchy diminished and Britain began a transition to the modern system of Cabinet government led by a Prime Minister. Towards the end of his reign, actual power was held by Sir Robert Walpole, Great Britain's first de facto Prime Minister. George died on a trip to his native Hanover, where he was buried.

King George I of Great Britain

George I (28 May 1660 – 11 June 1727) was King of Great Britain and Ireland from 1 August 1714…

A portrait of Frederick II of Prussia in his military uniform. Frederick II (January 24, 1712 &ndash; August 17, 1786) was a King of Prussia (1740&ndash;1786) from the Hohenzollern dynasty. He became known as Frederick the Great and was nicknamed "Old Fritz".

Frederick II of Prussia

A portrait of Frederick II of Prussia in his military uniform. Frederick II (January 24, 1712 –…

An illustration of Frederick II of Prussia on horseback. Frederick II (January 24, 1712 – August 17, 1786) was a King of Prussia (1740–1786) from the Hohenzollern dynasty. In his role as a prince-elector of the Holy Roman Empire, he was Frederick IV of Brandenburg. He became known as Frederick the Great and was nicknamed "Old Fritz".

Frederick II of Prussia on Horseback

An illustration of Frederick II of Prussia on horseback. Frederick II (January 24, 1712 – August 17,…

An illustration of Frederick II of Prussia and the unjust judges. Frederick II (January 24, 1712 – August 17, 1786) was a King of Prussia (1740–1786) from the Hohenzollern dynasty. In his role as a prince-elector of the Holy Roman Empire, he was Frederick IV of Brandenburg. He became known as Frederick the Great and was nicknamed "Old Fritz".

Frederick II of Prussia and Judges

An illustration of Frederick II of Prussia and the unjust judges. Frederick II (January 24, 1712 –…

George III (George William Frederick; 4 June 1738 - 29 January 1820) was King of Great Britain and King of Ireland from 25 October 1760 until his death. This is the usual appearance of George III.

Usual Appearance of George III. About 1776 (From a sketch by Gear.)

George III (George William Frederick; 4 June 1738 - 29 January 1820) was King of Great Britain and King…

George IV (George Augustus Frederick; 12 August 1762 - 26 June 1830) was king of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and Hanover from 29 January 1820 until his death.

George IV

George IV (George Augustus Frederick; 12 August 1762 - 26 June 1830) was king of the United Kingdom…

Trinity Church, at 79 Broadway in New York City, is a historic full service parish church in the Episcopal Diocese of New York. Trinity Church is located at the intersection of Broadway and Wall Street in downtown Manhattan. n 1696, Governor Benjamin Fletcher approved the purchase of land in Lower Manhattan by the Church of England community for construction of a new church. The parish received its charter from King William III of England on May 6, 1697. Its land grant specified an annual rent of one peppercorn due to the English crown. The present day Trinity Church, designed by architect Richard Upjohn, is considered a classic example of Gothic Revival architecture and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976 for its architectural significance and place within the history of New York City.

Trinity Church

Trinity Church, at 79 Broadway in New York City, is a historic full service parish church in the Episcopal…

Parktown prawn is the familiar term South Africans use for Libanasidus vittatus, a monotypic king cricket species found in South Africa, belonging to the Anostostomatidae family. It is not considered a true cricket. Adults are usually around 4 to 5 centimeters in length, with an antennae of 2 cm. Parktown is an affluent suburb in Johannesburg, where these crickets are commonly found, hence the name.

Partown Prawn

Parktown prawn is the familiar term South Africans use for Libanasidus vittatus, a monotypic king cricket…

Harlech Castle, located in Harlech, Gwynedd, Wales, is a concentric castle, constructed atop a cliff close to the Irish Sea. Architecturally, it is particularly notable for its massive gatehouse. Built by King Edward I during his conquest of Wales, the castle was subject to several assaults and sieges during its period of active use as a fortification. The seven-year siege of the castle, during the War of the Roses, has been memorialised in the famous song, "Men of Harlech".

Harlech Castle

Harlech Castle, located in Harlech, Gwynedd, Wales, is a concentric castle, constructed atop a cliff…

Hanover County Courthouse is the place where Patrick Henry practiced law and argued the case accusing King George III of tyranny in overturning colonial law without regard to the wishes of his subjects.

Hanover Courthouse

Hanover County Courthouse is the place where Patrick Henry practiced law and argued the case accusing…

Oliver Cromwell (25 April 1599 Old Style&ndash; 3 September 1658 Old Style) was an English military and political leader best known for his involvement in making England into a republican Commonwealth and for his later role as Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland. He was one of the commanders of the New Model Army which defeated the royalists in the English Civil War. After the execution of King Charles I in 1649, Cromwell dominated the short-lived Commonwealth of England, conquered Ireland and Scotland, and ruled as Lord Protector from 1653 until his death in 1658.

Oliver Cromwell

Oliver Cromwell (25 April 1599 Old Style– 3 September 1658 Old Style) was an English military…

Armand Jean du Plessis de Richelieu, Cardinal-Duc de Richelieu (September 9, 1585 – December 4, 1642), was a French clergyman, noble, and statesman. Consecrated as a bishop in 1607, he later entered politics, becoming a Secretary of State in 1616. Richelieu soon rose in both the Church and the state, becoming a cardinal in 1622, and King Louis XIII's chief minister in 1624. He remained in office until his death in 1642; he was succeeded by Jules Cardinal Mazarin.

Richelieu

Armand Jean du Plessis de Richelieu, Cardinal-Duc de Richelieu (September 9, 1585 – December 4, 1642),…

Frederick II (January 24, 1712 &ndash; August 17, 1786) was a King of Prussia (1740&ndash;1786) from the Hohenzollern dynasty. In his role as a prince-elector of the Holy Roman Empire, he was Frederick IV of Brandenburg. He became known as Frederick the Great and was nicknamed "Old Fritz".

Frederick II of Prussia

Frederick II (January 24, 1712 – August 17, 1786) was a King of Prussia (1740–1786) from…

Peter I the Great or Pyotr Alexeyevich Romanov (June 1672–8 February 1725) ruled Russia and later the Russian Empire from 7 May 1682 until his death, jointly ruling before 1696 with his weak and sickly half-brother, Ivan V. Peter carried out a policy of Westernization and expansion that transformed the Tsardom of Russia into the 3-billion acre Russian Empire, a major European power.

Peter I of Russia

Peter I the Great or Pyotr Alexeyevich Romanov (June 1672–8 February 1725) ruled Russia and later…

An illustration of a young Hamlet. Hamlet is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1599 and 1601. The play, set in Denmark, recounts how Prince Hamlet exacts revenge on his uncle Claudius, who has murdered Hamlet's father, the King, and then taken the throne and married Hamlet's mother. The play vividly charts the course of real and feigned madness&mdash;from overwhelming grief to seething rage&mdash;and explores themes of treachery, revenge, incest, and moral corruption.

Hamlet

An illustration of a young Hamlet. Hamlet is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been…