England (UK) Travel Guide - History

Following the Roman Britain period, came the Anglo Saxon period which is said to have lasted from the 5th century with the establishment of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, up until the Norman Conquest in the 11th century. The Norman Conquest refers in fact to the conquest of what was then considered the Kingdom of England by William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

This event is considered one of the most significant in the country’s history because it decreased Scandinavian influence and brought it closer to the developing European region. Additionally it created one of Europe’s most powerful monarchies as well as establishing what was to become the main form of the English language and creating a sophisticated system of government, the like of which had not been seen on the continent.

From 1642 to 1651, the English Civil War took place, with various military conflicts between the Parliamentarians and Royalists which eventually resulted in a major shift or power from the English monarchy to the Commonwealth of England effectively spelling the end of royal rule and the beginning of parliamentary government.

In the 20th century, England took significant roles in both World Wars; in the latter joining the Allied Nations to fight against Hitler and Nazi Germany. Many English soldiers gave their lives in the conflict, with the Battle of Normandy in 1944 seeing some of the greatest losses. Following WWII, England recovered and entered into a new period of growth and prosperity, a trend which has largely continued until the present day, not withstanding certain problematic eras.