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1066
WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR DEFEATS HAROLD AT THE BATTLE OF HASTINGS
Arguably the most famous date in English history, most people can link the year 1066 with the Battle of Hastings. Whether or not King Harold really was killed by an arrow in the eye, England was transformed by the events on the battlefield in East Sussex that day. William's victory at Hastings earned him the nickname 'the Conqueror' - he was crowned by Christmas and Norman influence swept across the country. -
1215
THE SEALING OF MAGNA CARTA
The fame of the Magna Carta, or 'Great Charter', lies not in its impact, which was actually relatively small, but its legacy. Forced on King John by his barons in an attempt to limit his power, the initial charter was swiftly annulled. Reissued by his son after his death, its idea lived on and today it is seen as an example of the principles of law, human rights, and justice. -
1346
THE PLAGUE (BLACK DEATH) ARRIVES IN ENGLAND
It is difficult to imagine the terror that must have struck the people in England as the Black Death swept across the country. Well over a quarter of the population is believed to have died, devastating villages and towns. The plague had a profound impact on society - leading to relative peace for a time and providing wage rises to surviving peasants - paving the way to the Peasants Revolt and helping to end serfdom. -
1455
WARS OF THE ROSES
Less than one hundred years after the Black Death, England was again uprooted by dramatic upheaval - this time man-made. The Wars of the Roses, fought between the two powerful houses of York and Lancaster, pitted families against each other. After the removal of King Henry VI, the country faced three decades of rebellion and plotting. This was only ended when Henry Tudor defeated Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, which marked the beginning of the age of the Tudors. -
1564
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE IS BORN
Over 1,000 words in the English language are used today because of William Shakespeare, and phrases from his plays are still commonly used in daily conversation. It's not just his language that was important - he was the great entertainer of his day, writing for everyday people in a time when the theatre was the popular entertainment for all. Elizabeth I may have been queen for much of his life, but it was Shakespeare who wrote much of the history. -
THE GUNPOWDER PLOT
An attempt by Catholic plotters to assassinate King James I, the Gunpowder Plot may have succeeded if it were not for a late warning by an anonymous letter. -
THE BATTLE OF WATERLOO
The Battle of Waterloo was the final clash after years of war between European nations and French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. The allied forces led by the Duke of Wellington defeated Napoleon's imperial ambitions. This led to peace in Europe for years to come and helped to end centuries of conflict between England and France. -
QUEEN VICTORIA BECOMES QUEEN
Relatively few English kings or queens define their age, but Victorian times are known to all of us. Queen for over 60 years, Victoria's reign saw huge changes transforming Britain. The industrial revolution, cultural and scientific discoveries all helped to change the way of life for people across the world, many through direct links with the growth of the British Empire. -
THE END OF SECOND WORLD WAR
The two World Wars shattered peace in Europe, and for the first time, everyday people were affected by aerial warfare. Britain faced heavy losses, air raids, rationing, and other hardships during the long years of war. When the Allies accepted Germany's unconditional surrender in May 1945 it was marked by cheering crowds and street celebrations across the country.