The History of England

England's history began with prehistoric settlements, followed by invasions from Romans, Saxons, and Vikings. In 1066, William the Conqueror's victory at the Battle of Hastings marked the Norman Conquest, reshaping society and land ownership. The Plantagenets ruled during tumultuous times, leading to the Wars of the Roses (1455-1487). The Tudor dynasty brought the Reformation and the establishment of the Church of England. The 17th century saw the English Civil War, leading to a brief republic. The 1707 Act of Union formed Great Britain, which continued to evolve into the modern parliamentary democracy seen today.