British History: From the Ice Age to the Internet

Join Chris Green (The History Chap) each week as he takes you on a journey through British History from the Ice Age to the Internet.

1. Island on the Edge of the World - summary
2. Boudica & The Romans - summary
3. The Dark Ages - summary
4. The Anglo Saxon Kingdoms - summary
5. Alfred The Great & The Vikings - summary
6. The Birth of England - summary
7. Birth of Scotland & Wales - summary
8. The Viking’s Return - summary
9. 1066 & The Norman Conquest - summary
10. Anarchy & Lionheart - summary
11. Mother of Parliaments - summary
12. Wales - Subjection & Resistance - summary

The Hundred Years War (14th May)

King Edward III claims the crown of France.

The ensuing war that was fought by 4 generations of his family, lasted over 100 years.

It led to some of the most famous English victories over France, culminating in Henry V’s at Agincourt.

Black Death & Peasants Revolt (21st May)

Bubonic plague sweeps through England, wiping out a third of the population.

It changes the English economy and society forever.

When the king then imposed a poll tax, the Peasants rise in revolt and take over London.

One of their firebrand leaders in a woman from Kent who leads the storming of the Tower of London.

Meanwhile, the seeds for the Wars of the Roses are being sown.

The Wars of The Roses (4th June)

England’s ruling house of Plantagenet divides into a bloody and vicious civil war.

For 30 years the two sides fight for the crown.

The events inspired “Game of Thrones”

Enter “Warwick the King Maker”, Margaret of Anjou, and the princes in the tower.

But how do Lancashire & Yorkshire fit into this story?

And, how come the Tudors end up on the throne?

Scotland & Her Auld Enemy (11th June)

Welcome to the bloody and tangled world of medieval Scotland.

Robert Bruce successfully leads the fight for independence from their auld enemy, England.

The Vikings are finally banished form the Western Isles and, finally, Orkney & Shetland join Scotland as part of a wedding present!

Dawn of the Tudors (18th June)

After his victory at the Battle of Bosworth, Henry Tudor is crowned King Henry VII.

But, his hold on power is far from secure.

He has to use all his intelligence and cunning to overcome his rivals.

Marrying his children off to powerful royal families, he is able to place England on the centre of the European stage.

And then, all his plans come crashing down as his eldest son dies and the “spare” suddenly become the heir.

Henry VIII and the Break From Rome (25th June)

Whilst Henry VIII tends to be known for having six wives, his real impact on the history of England was breaking the Church of England from Roman Catholicism.

So exactly why did he break from Rome & how did the English people react?

How did a prince with so much promise become an overweight tyrant?

A Very English Coup (2nd July)

Upon the death of Henry VIII’s son, King Edward VI, a very English coup was attempted.

The aim was to prevent Edward’s half-sister and committed Roman Catholic, Mary from ascending the throne by installing a far-off family member instead.

This is the sad story of Lady Jane Grey, and the often-overlooked reign of “Bloody Mary.”

Elizabeth & Mary Queen of Scots (9th July)

Queen Elizabeth I, is seen by many as one of England’s greatest monarchs.

But her early reign was far from secure.

Some, especially Catholics, believed that her claim to the throne was baseless and they put their faith in a rival.

Enter, Mary Queen of Scots.

Gloriana - Elizabeth I & the Spanish Armada (16th July)

The golden heyday of Elizabeth I’s reign, as she famously sees off a huge invasion fleet, the Spanish Armada.

It cements both her rule and her legacy.

The English launch their first colonies in North America, and at home, William Shakespeare is both re-writing history and the English language.

But, as the Queen enters her twilight years, who will succeed her?

The Lion & The Unicorn (23 July)

The peaceful ascension of King James VI of Scotland to the throne of England, as King James I, ushers in a new chapter in the story of Britain.

Described as the “greatest fool in Christendom”, his views on the divine rights of kings worry many English.

And then there was the Gunpowder plot.

Civil War & Cromwell (30 July)

The bloody conflict between the Royalists and Parliament that tears the nation apart.

Whilst often called the “English Civil War” it engulfs the British Isles and deserves the name, “The War of the Three Kingdoms”.

It results in King Charles loosing his head and the rise of Oliver Cromwell.