Timeline British history

By Itszara
  • 1215

    Magna Carta

    Charter of rights promising impartial justice for all, protection for church rights and illegal imprisonment
  • Period: 1455 to 1485

    War of the Roses

    Series of civil war in England between the rival houses of Lancaster (red rose) and York (white rose), both vying for the English throne. The conflict stemmed from dynastic disputes over succession after the weak rule of Henry VI. It ended with the victory of Henry Tudor (Lancastrian) at the Battle of Bosworth, establishing the Tudor Dynasty.
  • Period: Sep 22, 1485 to Apr 21, 1509

    Reign of Henry Vll (Tudor Dynasty begins)

  • Period: Apr 22, 1509 to Jan 28, 1547

    Reign of Henry Vlll

  • 1517

    95 Theses by Martin Luther

    List of arguments challenging the Catholic Church's practice, particularly the sale of indulgences (payments for the forgiveness of sins). Luther criticized these as corrupt and unbiblical, sparking the Protestant Reformation, which led to significant religious and political changes in Europe.
  • 1532

    Death of William Warham

  • 1533

    Act in Restrain of Appeals

    Law passed by the English Parliament under King Henry VIII, which declared that England was independant of foreign (Papal) authority in legal matters. It effectively ended the Pope’s power over English affairs, allowing Henry to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon and paving the way for the English Reformation.
  • 1533

    Henry marries Anne Boleyn

  • 1534

    Treason Act

    Made it a crime of treason to deny King Henry VIII’s supremacy over the Church of England or to question his marriage to Anne Boleyn. This act criminalized opposing the king’s authority as head of both the state and the church, with punishments including execution, marking a key moment in the consolidation of the English Reformation.
  • Nov 3, 1534

    Henry Vlll’s Act of Supremacy

    Declared the king as the Supreme Head of the Church of England
  • 1536

    1536 Act

    Act that incorporates Wales with England, and granted for the first time Welsh representation in Parliament
  • May 19, 1536

    Execution of Anne Boleyn

  • Period: 1544 to 1551

    Rough Wooing

    A series of military campaigns by England against Scotland, aimed at forcing a marriage between the young Mary, Queen of Scots, and Henry VIII’s son, Edward, to unite the two kingdoms. The conflict escalated after Scotland rejected the proposals, and England sought to impose the union through aggressive military actions, but the campaign ultimately failed.
  • Period: Jan 28, 1547 to Jul 6, 1553

    Reign of Edward Vl

  • Period: Jul 19, 1553 to Nov 17, 1558

    Reign of Mary l

  • Period: Nov 17, 1558 to

    Reign of Elizabeth l

  • 1559

    Oath of Supremacy

    Required English subjects to recognize the monarch as the supreme head of the Church of England, rather than the Pope. Taking the oath affirmed loyalty to the crown’s religious authority, and refusal to do so was considered treason. It was the key part of the English Reformation, solidifying the break from the Catholic Church.

  • Death of Mary, Queen of Scots

  • Spanish Armada defeated by England

    A fleet sent by Spain to invade England, aiming to overthrow Queen Elizabeth I and stop English support for Dutch rebels and piracy against Spanish ships. However, the Armada was defeated by the English navy, aided by poor weather, marking a turning point that solidified England’s naval dominance and weakened Spain’s power.
  • Period: to

    James I (King James VI of Scotland)

  • Death of Elizabeth l of England

  • Gunpowder Plot

    Failed attempt by a group of English Catholic conspirators, including Guy Fawkes, to blow up the Houses of Parliament and assassinate King James I. The plot aimed to restore Catholic rule in England by killing the Protestant king and his government, but it was uncovered, and the conspirators were executed.
  • Period: to

    Richard Cromwell

    Richard Cromwell was the son of Oliver Cromwell, the Lord Protector of England. Richard Cromwell served as Lord Protector after his father's death in 1658, from 1658 to 1659. However, he faced significant challenges and eventually resigned from his position in 1659. This led to the restoration of the monarchy in England in 1660 with the return of Charles II. Richard Cromwell then lived in relative obscurity until his death in 1712.

  • Signed the ‘Covenant’

    A significant event in Scotland where Scottish Presbyterians opposed King Charles I’s attempts to impose Anglican practices on the Scottish Church. The Covenant affirmed their commitment to Presbyterianism and rejected the king’s religious reforms.
  • Period: to

    War in Ireland, England and Scotland

  • Formation of the New Model Army

    Established during the English Civil War as a highly disciplined and professional military force created by Parliament to combat King Charles I’s Royalist forces. It was distinct from previous armies because it was organized based on merit and capability rather than regional affiliations. Commanded by Oliver Cromwell, it played a crucial role in the Parliament’s victory over the Royalists, contributing significantly to the eventual defeat of Charles I.

  • Charles I surrenders to the Scots

  • Riot against cancellation of Christmas

    Riots broke out in England in response to the Puritan-led Parliament’s decision to cancel Christmas celebrations. The Puritans, who saw Christmas as a pagan and overly indulgent festival, banned traditional festivities, including feasting and games, as part of their broader religious reforms. This sparked public outrage, leading to protests and riots in several cities, as many people saw the cancellation as an attack on their customs and way of life.

  • Putney Debates

    Series of discussions among the leaders of the New Model Army, particularly the Levellers and Army officers, about the future of England and the extent of democracy and rights for common people.

  • Pride’s Purge

    Pride’s Purge (1648) was a decisive event during the English Civil War in which Colonel Thomas Pride led soldiers to forcibly remove MPs from the Long Parliament who opposed putting King Charles I on trial. This left a “Rump Parliament” that supported the trial and ultimately led to the king’s execution.
  • Period: to

    Second English Civil War

  • Parliament decides to settle with Charles

  • Col.Thomas Pride arrests/excludes MPs who voted to settle

    Colonel Thomas Pride was a key figure in the English Civil War, known for leading “Pride’s Purge”. He was responsible for the arrest and exclusion of numerous MPs who were opposed to the Rump Parliament, a reduced version of Parliament that had been loyal to the New Model Army. This action effectively allowed the remaining MPs to proceed with the trial of King Charles I, consolidating power in the hands of those who supported the army and the radical changes in governance during that period.

  • Charles I on trial

    King Charles I was put on trial by the Rump Parliament for treason against England, following his defeat in the English Civil War. He was accused of attempting to undermine parliamentary authority and waging war against his own subjects. After a contentious trial, he was found guilty and executed by beheading in 1649, marking a significant moment in English history and the establishment of a republican government.
  • Period: to

    The Conquest of Ireland

    The conquest of Ireland from 1649 to 1652 was led by Oliver Cromwell, who aimed to suppress royalist and Catholic resistance following the English Civil War. After arriving in Ireland, Cromwell's forces engaged in brutal campaigns, capturing key cities resulting in significant loss of life. The conquest aimed to establish Protestant rule and secure land for English settlers, ultimately leading to the widespread displacement of the Irish population and a profound impact on Ireland's future.
  • Period: to

    The Occupation of Scotland

    Scotland was occupied by English forces under Oliver Cromwell as part of the Commonwealth's efforts to consolidate power after the English Civil War. The occupation faced strong resistance from Scots, who largely supported the exiled Stuart monarchy. The Scottish Covenanters opposed the imposition of English rule and sought to restore Charles II. Cromwell's military presence aimed to suppress this resistance, leading to conflicts and unrest as he attempted to establish control over Scotland.

  • Execution of Charles I

  • Abolition of the monarchy and the House of Lords

    The English Parliament abolished the monarchy and the House of Lords, declaring England a republic. This decision was part of a broader effort to establish a new political order based on republican principles, leading to the creation of the Commonwealth under the leadership of Oliver Cromwell. The abolition marked a significant shift in governance, rejecting hereditary rule and the traditional power structures of the monarchy and the aristocracy.

  • Dissolvation of Parliament

    In 1653, Oliver Cromwell dissolved the Rump Parliament due to its ineffectiveness and became Lord Protector, establishing the Protectorate. This shift aimed to bring stability to England under military and Puritan leadership.

  • Cromwell was offered kingship

    Oliver Cromwell was offered the crown of England, but he refused it, believing that monarchy contradicted his republican ideals and the principles of the Commonwealth he had established.

  • The Humble Petition and Advice

    The Humble Petition and Advice of 1657 was a constitutional proposal presented to Oliver Cromwell by the Parliament, suggesting the establishment of a monarchy with Cromwell as king. It aimed to create a more stable government by granting greater powers to Cromwell while preserving some parliamentary authority. Ultimately, Cromwell declined the kingship but accepted some aspects of the Petition, leading to a modified government structure that enhanced his role as Lord Protector.

  • George Monk’s March to England

    In 1660, George Monk, a former Royalist military commander, led his troops on a march to London in support of the restoration of the monarchy. This march played a crucial role in bringing about the restoration of King Charles II to the throne of England after the English Civil War and the subsequent period of republican rule under Oliver Cromwell. Monck's actions were instrumental in establishing stability and ending the turbulent period of political turmoil in England.

  • Declaration of Breda

    The Declaration of Breda, issued by Charles II in 1660, promised general pardon, restoration of property, and religious toleration to help reconcile England after years of civil war and republican rule, paving the way for his return to the throne.

  • Corporation Act

    This act required all municipal officers and members of corporations to take Anglican communion and reject any non-conformist beliefs, effectively limiting political power to Anglicans and reinforcing the Church of England's authority.

  • Treaty of Dover

    An agreement between Louis XIV of France and Charles II in England, committed England to provide France with general diplomatic assistance.

  • Declaration of Indulgence

    Issued by King Charles II, this declaration aimed to grant religious tolerance to Catholics and Protestant dissenters, suspending the penal laws against them, though it faced significant opposition and was ultimately revoked.

  • Test Act

    This legislation mandated that all military and civil officials must declare their loyalty to the Anglican Church and receive communion according to its rites, excluding Catholics and non-Anglicans from holding office.

  • Test Act

    An extension of the 1673 Act, it further reinforced the requirement for officials to take an oath denying the authority of any foreign power (specifically the Pope), tightening restrictions on Catholics and dissenters.

  • Glorious Revolution

  • Reform Act

  • Period: to

    Reign of Queen Victoria

  • Ireland's Independence