Medieval English Monarchy

Kings and Queens
King Henry II: A Monarch of Legal Reforms
Updated July 21, 2026

King Henry II: A Monarch of Legal Reforms

King Henry II, who reigned from 1154 to 1189, is renowned as the "architect of justice" for establishing the foundations of English Common Law. His reforms r...

A depiction of William the Conqueror in chain mail head armour
Updated July 21, 2026

William the Conqueror

William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, reshaped England when his Norman forces defeated Harold at Hastings in 1066, ending Anglo-Saxon rule. Crowned king t...

an illustration of King Henry VII with a light blue background
Updated July 14, 2026

King Henry VII: The First Tudor Monarch

When Henry Tudor defeated Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, he became King Henry VII and established the Tudor dynasty. 

King Edward I's conquest of Wales
Updated July 14, 2026

King Edward I's conquest of Wales

The conquest of Wales by Edward I was a masterclass in medieval total war. By leveraging the superior resources of the English state, Edward systematically d...

King John: The Controversial English Monarch
Updated July 14, 2026

King John: The Controversial English Monarch

King John is often remembered as the arch-villain of the Robin Hood legends, but his real legacy is far more significant. Through a series of military blunde...

5 Facts about King John
Updated July 14, 2026

5 Facts about King John

King John reigned from 1199 to 1216, losing Normandy to France, clashing with the Pope, and facing baronial rebellion that forced him to sign Magna Carta. Vi...

a depiction of King Edward III dressed in royal atire in a medieval hallway lit by candles
Updated July 14, 2026

King Edward III and His Impact on England

King Edward III’s fifty-year reign transformed England into a formidable European power. He is most famous for initiating the Hundred Years' War and securing...

King Henry III: A Study in Medieval Monarchy
Updated July 14, 2026

King Henry III: A Study in Medieval Monarchy

King Henry III may not stand out as a warrior king or a great reformer, but his reign is a crucial chapter in the story of medieval England. This article exp...