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43
The invasion of Britain by the Roman emperor Claudius
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Period: 43 to 410
Romans
In 55–54 BC, Julius Caesar arrived in Britain, but his conquest was not successful. Almost 100 years later, in AD 43 the emperor Claudius launched a full-scale invasion, and Britain’s Roman era began. The Romans stayed in Britain for almost four centuries. In some parts of the country they were met with rebellion and resistance. And in AD 122, the emperor Hadrian, visiting Britain, ordered the building of his famous wall. -
410
The end of Roman rule
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Period: 410 to 1066
Early Medieval
The centuries between the end of Roman rule and the Norman Conquest are among the most important in English history. This long period is also one of the most difficult to understand – that is why it has traditionally been named the ‘Dark Ages’. Yet a kingdom of England emerged in these centuries, and with it a new ‘English’ identity and language. -
1066
Duke William of Normandy’s triumph at the Battle of Hastings
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Period: 1066 to 1485
Medieval
Duke William of Normandy’s triumph over King Harold at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 marked the beginning of a new era. The overthrow of the Saxon kingdom of England was to transform the country the Normans conquered, from how it was organised and governed to its language, its customs and its architecture. This was also a period of change, a time of revolt, civil war, devastating plague and royal unrest. -
1485
Henry VII’s victory at the Battle of Bosworth
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Period: 1485 to
Tudors
Henry VII’s victory against Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth ended the turbulent Wars of the Roses and began the Tudor dynasty – possibly the most famous royal family in English history. The country knew huge changes during the reigns of three generations of Tudor monarchs. Henry VIII ushered in a new state religion, and the increasing confidence of the state coincided with the growth of a distinctively English culture. -
Death of Elizabeth the first
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Period: to
Stuarts
The Stuart era began when James I succeded Elizabeth I. James's ascention to the throne brought together the two long-warring nations of England and Scotland. The Stuart period witnessed intense religious and political conflicts, which shifted power from the monarchy to parliament. Also, discoveries and innovations transformed science, architecture and everyday life. -
Death of Queen Anne
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Period: to
Georgians
In 1714, when Queen Anne died without children, German Hanoverians were brought in to succeed her. Thus began the Georgian era, named after the first four Hanovarian kings, all called George. Britain established itself through this period as an international power at the center of an expanding empire, and the acceleration of change from the 1770s onwards made it the world's first industrialized nation. -
Beginning of Queen Victoria reign
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Period: to
Victorians
Queen Victoria ascended the throne when she was just 18 years old. She ruled Britain for over 60 years.The country acquired unprecedented power and wealth. Britain's reach extended across the world due to its empire, political stability, and revolutionary developments in transport and communications. This period is considered to be the high point of the British Revolution. Many of the intellectual and cultural achievements of this period are still with us today. -
The end of the Victorian era
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Period: to
20th Century
Britain in the year 2000 was unthinkable at the end of the Victorian era in 1901. In the 20th century, two world wars marked enormous social changes across the country, including dramatic improvements in health and education. The automobile left its mark on cities and countryside, transforming them both, and Britain no longer ruled a third of the planet.