History of the UK important terms

Journey along the Thames / Isles of wonder — Danny Boyle

• opening of the 2012 Olympics in London

• film traced the river Thames from its source to the heart of London

• monty python hand, intercity train, flying pink floyd pig

• historic footage of Isambard Kingdom Brunel Thames Tunnel

Isambard King Brunel

• renowned engineer

• represented in Olympics ceremony during London General Omnibus Stagecoaches

• delivery of speech ‘be not afeard’ < Shakespeare’s The Tempest referring to colonisation & its impact on identity

informal anthems representing the four nations of the UK

=> opening ceremony Olympics 2012, youth choirs across the country

1. “Jerusalem” → Englend

2. “Danny Boy” → Northern Ireland

3. “Flower of Scotland” → Scotland

4. “Bread of Heaven” → Wales

Lambrini Girls — God’s country

• February 2024

• a critical and satirical on contemporary British society

• “Great Britain, are you sure?” → reflection on the state of the nation

• addressing

  • national identity and patriotism

  • social issues and inequality

  • critical of politics

  • austerity

  • cultural references

  • questions of sovereignty and borders

James Bryce — Bryce Report

= a British government report during WOI that documented Germon war atrocities in Belgium, like killing civilians and destroying towns. It was used to gain support for the war by portraying the Germans to be brutal.

= sold massively in the world & ultimately became great reason why England went to war with Germany

→ after war: no atrocities found → fabricated!

= equivalent of Tony Blair 2003

Union Jack

= the flag of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

• representation of England, Scotland & Ireland

• Wales = not represented: region considered part of UK

weapons of mass destruction

• 2003 Tony Blair

first inhabitants of Britain

Amesbury

place in Wiltshire where the Stonehenge is located and which is confirmed to be the oldest UK settlement.

Stonehenge

Skara Brae

A stone-built Neolithic settlement, located on the West coast of the mainland and the largest island in the Orkney Archipelago of Scotland. Even though Amesbury is confirmed to be the UK oldest settlement, this village is Europe’s most complete Neolithic village. It is older than the Stonehenge and is often called the ‘Scottish Pompeii’ because of its outstanding preservation, and primitive form of a sewer system.

tribal britain & civilization

Britons

the Belgae tribe

Roman conquest

Boudicca

Queen of the Iceni tribe who led a major uprising against the Roman occupiers in Britain in 60 AD.

cities that the Romans founded

moots

local assemblies or gatherings for decision-making and law-making in early English history.

Beowulf

Old English epic poem that tells the story of a hero who fights Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a dragon.

The Ruin

An Old English poem describing the ruin of a once-great city, reflecting on the passage of time and the impermanence of life.

The Battle of Maldon

an Old English poem describing a battle fought in 991 AD between Anglo-Saxons and Viking invaders, highlighting themes of heroism and loyalty.

the Danelaw

= the part of England under Viking control during the late 9^th to 11^th centuries, where Danish laws and customs were followed instead of Anglo-Saxon ones.

St. Augustine

a Christian missionary who played a key role in converting the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity, becoming the first Archbishop of Canterbury.

Alfred The Great of Wessex

Strong king who worked on unifying England under a single rule. He also resisted Vikings advances and eventually unified much of England. Which is why despite the Vikings interfering, all of this is still often seen as the Anglo-Saxon period. And despite interferences from the Vikings, under King Alfred (king of West Saxons), the south is still seen as part of the Anglo-Saxon period.)

Anglo-Saxon settlements

Aethelstan

Witan

the king’s council, composed of nobles and clergy, played a crucial role in governance and decision-making.

the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle

a remarkable historical record of Anglo-Saxon Britain, for a number of reasons: (a) comprehensive historical record, because it provides a year-by-year account of significant events in England from the Roman period up to the 12^th century; it is quite literally history in the making. There are also several versions of the Chronicle, each with unique entries and perspectives, offering a rich and varied historical narrative. (b) provide insight into Anglo-Saxon society; the Chronicle offers valuable information about daily life, customs, and beliefs of the Anglo-Saxons. Further, it details the reigns of kings, battles, and political changes, giving a clear picture of the power dynamics of the time. (c) linguistic significance; written in Old English, the Chronicle is one of the most important sources for studying the language and its development. It also includes not only historical entries but also poetry and other literary forms, showcasing the literary culture of the period. (d) continuity and adaptation; The chronicle was maintained and updated for several centuries, reflecting the changing political and social landscape of England. Lastly, later entries show how the Chronicle adapted to new rulers and influences, including the Norman conquest.

1066

this year marks an incredibly important part of British history, because the Normans are the last ones to arrive in Britain, they are the last invasions. After 1066, they become the Isles, detached form the rest of the world. They have withstood invasions ever since. The death of Edward the Confessor (king and saint) led to a succession crisis  in 1066. On October 14^th, 1066; William, duke of Normandy, defeated Harold Godwinson at the battle of Hastings. William the Conqueror (duke of Normandy battle of hastings) as a result, established Norman control over England, marking the end of the Anglo-Saxon era. Norman French then became the language of the elite, influencing English vocabulary and culture. The Normand further introduced the feudal system (hierarchical system), redistributing land to Norman nobles. Changes in government included the introduction of Norman legal practices and centralized administration. Lastly, Norman architecture, including castles and cathedrals, transformed the landscape.

The Bayeux Tapestry

a famous embroidered cloth that depicts the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England and the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

Hadrian’s wall

a Roman fortification built under Emperor Hadrian in the north of England, marking the northern limit of the Roman Empire in Britain. It served to defend the Roman territory from tribes in Scotland and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Anglo-Saxons

the early inhabitants of England before the Norman Conquest, comprised of various tribes, including the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes. They established kingdoms and made significant contributions to the language, culture, and legal systems of England.

The Norman Conquest

the invasion and occupation of England by the Normans in 1066, following the death of King Edward the Confessor. Led by William the Conqueror, it significantly changed English society, culture, and governance.

William of Normandy

the leader of the Norman Conquest of England, he became King William I after defeating King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings.

Battle of Hastings

the decisive battle in 1066 between the Norman forces led by William of Normandy and the English army commanded by King Harold II, resulting in Norman control over England.

York

1534

the year when the Church of England was established, separating from the Roman Catholic Church under the Act of Supremacy.

1542

the year when the Act for the Dissolution of the Monasteries was enacted, leading to significant changes in English religious and social structure.

acts of supremacy

(1559) = re-established the church of England’s independence from Rome and declared Elizabeth as Supreme Governor of the Church.  

Anne Boleyn

the second wife of King Henry VIII and the mother of Queen Elizabeth I, whose marriage and subsequent execution played a key role in the establishment of the Church of England.

bloody Mary

Queen Mary I of England, known for her attempt to restore Roman Catholicism and her persecution of Protestants.

Catherine of Aragon

the first wife of King Henry VIII, mother of Mary I, and daughter of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile. Her marriage to Henry was annulled, leading to England's break from the Catholic Church.

Elizabeth I

The last monarch of the Tudor dynasty, known for her strong leadership, the defeat of the Spanish Armada, and the flourishing of English drama and culture during the Elizabethan era.

Henry II

became king of England after the civil war. The civil war, which lasted from 1135-1153; was caused by a conflict between king Stephen and empress Matilda’s son, Henry. It consisted of a fight between kings & noblemen and it was essentially a battle for more power for the council or the king himself. The war was eventually resolved by the Treaty of Wallingford in 1153, and the accession of Henry II in 1154, as a result of king Stephen’s death. Henry II established common law and royal courts & constitution of clarendon; which were efforts to limit ecclesiastical power. Further immigration came as an influence of the Angevin empire, including territories in France (since he was French himself). There came a continued use of Latin and French in administration.

Henry Tudor / Henry VII

T= reigning from 1485-1509, Henry VII became king after defeating Richard III and ending the wars of Roses, becoming the first in the line of the Tudor Dynasty. Henry VII, was born in Pembroke Castle, Wales and had sought refuge in Brittany, France. So, when he fought Richard III, he actually fought his uncle. In his reigning, there came a consolidation of power and an establishment of the Tudor dynasty. There also came an influence of European Renaissance and trade (something in he picked up in France). There came a strengthening of the monarchy and central government. There came an influence of the Renaissance humanism on English literature. He married Elizabeth of York, uniting the houses of Lancaster and York again.

Henry VIII

King of England known for his six marriages, the English Reformation, and the establishment of the Church of England.

laws in Wales act

Magna Carta

or the Great Charter, signed by king John of England on June 15, 1215, at Runnymede, under pressure from rebellious barons. This document aimed to limit the powers of the king an to establish certain legal protections for the Barons and, by extension, all free men. It addressed issues such as the protection pf church rights, protection from illegal imprisonment (arbitrary detention), the right to a fair trial, access to swift justice, the principle that the king is subject to the law & limitations on feudal payments to the crown. The Magna Carta is a cornerstone of modern legal systems, influencing the development of common law and constitutional principles. It serves as a symbol of the struggle for freedom and justice, inspiring later documents, such as the English bill of Rights, the American declaration of Independence, and the universal Declaration of Human rights.

Plantagenet

Richard III

Richard Lionheart

= king whom reigned from 1157-1159. Although he might have been a good king, the councils continue to struggle for power. The councils fight for power when he is away to Crusade. He was an absentee king: there came governance challenges during Richard’s absence, which eventually leads to King john & Magna Carta.

the book of common prayer

the Doomsday book

commissioned by William the conqueror in 1085, and completed in 1086, the Domesday book is a detailed survey of land and recourses in England. The primary aim was to assess the wealth pf the kingdom to determine taxes and feudal dues. It includes records of land ownership, the value of the land, recourses available, and the population. The Domesday book provide an invaluable snapshot of 11^th century England, offering insights into the economy, society, and governance of the time. It served as a legal document to resolve disputes over land ownership and rights. The survey’s scope and detail were unprecedented, showcasing the administrative capabilities of the Norman Rulers. The Domesday book remains a crucial primary source for historians and researchers studying medieval England.

The English Renaissance

The House of Lancaster

The House of York

the Wars of Roses

series of dynastic civil wars fought between the houses of Lancaster (= the Plantagenets) and York for control of the English throne. The wars were rooted in the complex feudal system, economic troubles following the Hundred’ years war, and the mental instability of king Henry VI. The house of Lancaster (Henry VI, Margaret of Anjou) represented the red roses, and the House of York (Richard, Duke of York, Edward VI, Richard III) represented the white roses. There were major battles fought and the wars eventually ended the male line of the House of Lancaster (=the Plantagenets) and significantly weakened the house of York. So, Henry VII’s victory established the Tudor Dynasty, which brought stability and centralized power to England. These wars had a lasting impact on English nobility, governance, and the succession of the Throne.

civil war (1135-1153)

King John

(1215) = As descendant of Richart the Lionheart, King John is not known to have been a popular king. He wanted to tax people more and cared less about French territories, causing him to lose a lot of them. Baron’s revolted and led to the signing of the great charter (= document that limited the king’s power and gave certain rights to nobles, like protection from unfair punishment). So, there came limitations of royal power and establishments of legal rights. There was a continued evolution of Middle English.

Hundred Years’ war

(1337-1453) = A conflict between England and France over who had the right to rule France (royal family in England of Norman origin – Norman conquest; French king dies but had no sons or brothers – his closest male relative was Edward III (english noble) and his mother claims the throne for him – which is denied by French nobility => Salic law (=no claims through the female line)). The war is a prolonged conflict with France. The war was mainly fought in France, and it continued regardless of who was in charge. It was a movement of soldiers and mercenaries (=professional soldier hired to serve in foreign country). As a cause to this war, there came a rise in parliamentary power and a decline of feudalism. So, there also came a growth of English as a literary and administrative language. During the period of this war the black death also took place.

Edward VI

Six Articles

(1539) = reaffirmed traditional Catholic doctrines, showing Henry VIII’s conservative religious views despite the break with Rome (high church).

Policy of Surrender and Regrant

Act of Uniformity

= reintroduced the book of common prayer and aimed to unify religious practices => own bible, attempt to unify religion through also using the same language (English)

the battle of Boyne

Bill of Rights

Charles I

Charles II

Commonwealth and Protectorate

Constitutional monarchy

Oliver Cromwell

English Civil War

James I

James II

James VI

Parliamentarians

Religious orientation of the monarch / leader during House of Stuart

The Restoration

Royalists

William III

divine rights of Kings

regency era

george III

Jacobites

Seven Years war

American Revolution

institutionalized places

the grandmother of Europe & empress of India

Reform Acts Victoria

devolution

Acts of Union

Hanover

Saxeburg-Gotha

1542

1707

1800

George V

Elizabeth I

(reigned 1558-1603) = Elizabeth, the daughter of Henry VIII & Anne Boleyn had moderate religious policies compared to her predecessors, allowing for some religious flexibility. She had a stalemate, peaceful approach to religion.

Charles III

parliament act 1911