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.
History of the Dutch in Norfolk
In the Middle Ages it only took a day to sail from Norfolk to Amsterdam, and Dutch settlers have left their mark on the county to this day. By the end of sixteenth century, there were around 4000 refugees who fled religious persecution and set up a new life in Norfolk…
Press Gangs
Britain’s ports and harbours were once menaced by the dreaded press gangs. Impressment, to give it its proper name, was the scourge of maritime communities across the British Isles and Britain’s North American colonies for 150 years from 1664–1830…
The Coventry Blitz
The Coventry Blitz on the night of 14 / 15 November 1940 lasted 11 hours and was the single most concentrated air raid on a British city during the Second World War…
The Real Dick Whittington
Many people are familiar with the folk tale of “Dick Whittington and his Cat” through pantomime versions of the story. However there really was a Sir Richard Whittington, Lord Mayor of London four times…
Alcuin of York
“The most learned man anywhere to be found”. This is how Einhard, the Frankish scholar and courtier to Charlemagne, described Alcuin of York…
The Spanish Armada
The Spanish Armada set sail from Spain in July 1588, with the mission of overthrowing the Protestant Queen Elizabeth I and restoring Catholic rule over England. On 19th July, word came that the Armada had been sighted and so an English force led by Sir Francis Drake left Plymouth to meet it…
King George VI
George VI became King unexpectedly, after the abdication of his brother Edward VIII, in December 1936, the year of three kings…
Siege of Basing House, Hampshire
Besieged three times during the English Civil War, Basing House was strategically important as it commanded the road from London through Salisbury to the west. John Paulet, 5th Marquis of Winchester owned the House and as a committed Royalist, garrisoned it in support of King Charles I…
London After The Great Fire of 1666
In September of 1666, the Great Fire of London raged for five days. The ashes burned hot underfoot for days and smoke was reported for weeks, even months afterwards. Yet, with the medieval fabric of the town razed, an unparalleled chance for urban renewal beckoned…
