England

For a very abridged version of England's history, we start waaaay back in prehistoric times. This is where we find structures like Stonehenge or Avebury, circa 2500 BC. Bronze Age artisans created some really impressive metal and stone jewelry and began living in hillforts, or defensive enclosures for a community. These structures became more expansive and the metalworking improved in the Iron Age, when tribal centers ruled and soon saw the arrival of Julius Caesar in 55 BC.

Native Britons resisted Roman occupation for nearly 100 years until Emperor Claudius got a foothold and the conquest began. Knowing where enough was enough, Hadrian began construction on his famous wall in 122 AD to protect Britannia from the troublesome Picts in the North. It lasted a couple centuries but by the mid-300's “barbarian” invasions from the North and abroad destabilized the region enough that the Romans, who were seeing their own might decline across Europe, began to withdraw in 410 AD.

Enter the Anglo-Saxons – and many others! The period from the departure of the Romans to the Norman conquest is hard to study because there aren't great records from the period but there are still amazing finds, like the burial mound at Sutton Hoo from around 625 AD. Multiple smaller kingdoms ruled somewhat independently of each other…until the Vikings started showing up to plunder the tempting wealth of the monastaries.

The Vikings were sweeping the island until King Alfred of Wessex finally defeated them soundly in 878 AD. Part of the peace agreement allowed the Danes to retain control of their previously conquered lands, which became known as the Danelaw. AEthelstan is regarded as the first King of England following his defeat of the last Vikings on the island in 927 AD. They didn't stay out for long and for a time the Kings of Denmark and Norway also held the English crown.

>>Note to self: I really need to read more about Emma of Normandy (AElfgifu to the Anglo-Saxons). After her first husband, English King AEthelred died, she later married the Danish King Cnute, whose father preceded her first husband as King of England, and later became King himself. So not only was she twice the Queen of England but she also became Queen of Denmark and Norway. Sons from each husband would eventually rule, which I think is just a fascinating dynamic.<<

The Battle of Hastings in 1066 AD ushered in the Norman period and the era of castle-building began. Norman Kings (and Queens – looking at you, Eleanor of Aquitaine!) are a really fascinating lot to study. Here's where we get to the Crusades, Thomas Beckett, the Bubonic Plague and the War of the Roses, which finally closes with the end of Plantagenet (Norman) rule in 1485 AD at the Battle of Bosworth Field when a young upstart by the name of Tudor bursts onto the scene.

From this period, Henry VIII and daughter Elizabeth I likely need no introduction if you've read this far! The Tudors will definitely get their fare share of posts, as will the subsequent periods of Stuarts, Georgians and Victorians. 

The best part is you can often experience all of these periods of history in one location. Hampton Court Palace is a great example: built during the Tudor reign and expanded by William and Mary it really does feel like you've found a Time Machine to travel 200 years via a staircase.

References:

English Heritage. Story of England. Accessed 1 May 2021.

Wikipedia. History of England. Accessed 30 April 2021.