The History of England Magazine
Every month we present new feature articles relating to the history of this green and pleasant land. From ancient battlefields to famous people, hangings to national celebrations, we’ve got something to interest everyone.
You may also be interested in our History of Britain section covering the period from the Act of Union during Queen Anne‘s reign to the modern day.
Queen Mary I: Journey to the Throne
Mary, first born child of King Henry VIII, endured a turbulent childhood and youth, often in genuine fear for her life…
The Mayflower
In the autumn of 1620 the Mayflower set sail from the port of Plymouth in Devon, England, and began an intrepid journey with around one hundred passengers eager to start a new life in a distant and unexplored land across the Atlantic…
Henry VIII’s Deteriorating Health 1509-1547
One of the most famous images of Henry VIII is the portrait by Holbein The Younger, painted around 1540, depicting a huge lion of man. And yet in his youth, Henry was a passionate sportsman…
Great Fire of London 1212
Mention ‘The Great Fire of London’ and most people think of the 1666 disaster. However more people were killed in the Great Fire of 1212…
Why has there only been one King John?
In the history of Britain, there has only been one King John. Why have no other monarchs taken the name John?
Boudica and The Slaughter at Camulodunum
Camulodunum (Colchester) was the capital of Roman Britain, and the site of the first battle of the Iceni rebellion, led by Boudica. What happened at Camulodunum deserves special mention as it was not simply a battle, but a systematic slaughter of every Roman who lived there…
The Mysticism and Madness of Margery Kempe
Margery Kempe must have cut quite a figure on the pilgrimage circuits of Medieval Europe: a married woman dressed in white, weeping incessantly, and holding court with some of the greatest religious figures of her time. She leaves her life story with us in “The Book”, often thought of as the oldest example of an autobiography in the English language.
The St Brice’s Day Massacre
The St Brice’s Day Massacre earned King Aethelred the nickname Aethelred the Unready (or ill advised), and took place on 13th November 1002. It resulted in widespread violence, upheaval and invasion…
