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W1 World

A Millennium of Monarchs: The 1,000-Year Legacy of England’s Kings and Queens in History

Introduction From the Norman Conquest in 1066 to the present day, England’s monarchy has seen 41 kings and queens reign over nearly a millennium. Each monarch, with their unique personality, ambitions, and challenges, has left an indelible mark on the history of the United Kingdom. From great victories to civil wars, religious upheavals to imperial […]

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W5 World

The Power Struggle Between Church and State: Why Henry II Murdered Archbishop Thomas Becket

Introduction The murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170 is one of the most dramatic events in English history. Becket was a close friend of King Henry II, but they fell out over the question of the power of the Church. This dispute ultimately led to Becket’s murder in Canterbury Cathedral. The tragic murder of […]

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W5 World

How Henry III and Simon de Montfort’s Struggle for Power Led to Civil War and Political Change in England

Introduction In the 13th century, England was rocked by a civil war known as the Second Barons’ War. This conflict, which lasted from 1264 to 1267, was fought between the forces of King Henry III and those of Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester. The roots of the war lay in a power struggle between […]

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W5 World

The Tyrannical Reign of Richard II: The Downfall of the Plantagenet Dynasty

Introduction Richard II was the King of England from 1377 to 1399, ascending to the throne at the age of just ten years old. His reign was marked by his tyrannical and oppressive rule, which saw him make many enemies among his nobles and courtiers. Despite his efforts to maintain his grip on power, he […]