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1485
The Tudor monarchy
The Tudor monarchy (1485-1603) began with Henry VIl's victory in the Wars of the Roses, establishing stability and strengthening royal power. His son, Henry VIII, famously broke with the Catholic Church, creating the Church of England to secure a divorce. His reign was marked by significant religious and political change. -
Jul 18, 1485
Tudors to the Restoration
The Tudor dynasty (1485-1603) was a royal family that ruled England, marking a significant era in English history. It began with Henry Vil's victory at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, which ended the Wars of the Roses between the houses of Lancaster and York. Henry VIl, from the House of Lancaster, defeated Richard IIl of York, establishing the Tudor line. -
1558
The Golden Age
The Elizabethan Age refers to the period in English history during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603). It was a time of great cultural growth, political stability, and exploration, often considered a "golden age" for England. -
From the Restoration to the Augustan Age
The Restoration of 1660 marks the return of Charles II to the English throne, ending the Commonwealth period. It restored the monarchy after the English Civil War and Cromwell’s rule, reviving arts, theaters, and cultural life. This era also saw efforts to stabilise the monarchy’s power and its relationship with Parliament. -
The Great Plague
The Great Plague of 1665 was the last major outbreak of bubonic plague in England, killing around 100,000 people in London. Spread by fleas on rats, the disease thrived in the city’s overcrowded, unsanitary conditions. Quarantine measures were introduced, but the epidemic only ended after the arrival of colder weather and the Great Fire of London in 1666, which helped eradicate the rat population. -
The Bank of England
The Bank of England was established in 1694 to serve as the government’s banker and to manage national debt. It initially financed military conflicts by issuing loans and bonds. Over the years, it evolved into the UK’s central bank, responsible for issuing banknotes, regulating the money supply, and overseeing monetary policy to maintain economic stability. -
Queen Anne
Queen Anne ascended to the throne in 1702 after the death of King William III and reigned until 1714. Her reign saw significant events, including the War of the Spanish Succession and the unification of England and Scotland into Great Britain in 1707. Anne was the last Stuart monarch, and her rule fostered the growth of political parties and cultural advancements. She died in 1714, and the throne passed to the House of Hanover. -
The Elector of Hanover
The Elector of Hanover was the ruler of Hanover in Germany. This title became significant when George I became king of Britain in 1714, marking the start of the House of Hanover. His reign shifted power towards the Prime Minister as he focused more on his German territories. -
Restoration and Augustan Literature
Augustan literature refers to the literary works produced in England from 1700 to 1750, during a time of political stability after the Restoration. This period saw the rise of the middle class and increased literacy, leading to greater demand for novels and periodicals. -
The Novel
In the 18th century, the novel emerged as a significant literary form in England, driven by rising literacy rates and a growing middle class. Early works like Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe (1719) and Samuel Richardson’s Pamela (1740) focused on individual experiences and moral. -
Poetry
The 18th century was a dynamic time for poetry in England, transitioning from the structured, satirical verse of the Augustan poets to the more personal and emotional expressions that would characterize Romantic poetry. This evolution in style and theme not only reflected the changing societal landscape but also set the stage for future literary movements, influencing generations of poets in the 19th century and beyond. -
Journalism
The 18th century marked a transformative period for journalism, characterized by the growth of newspapers and periodicals, a focus on political and social issues, and the rise of a public sphere for discourse. This foundation laid the groundwork for modern journalism, influencing how news and information were disseminated in society.