Here we examine the men and women who impacted history. From Thomas Becket to Winston Churchill, who interestingly has an international society dedicated to advancing his legacy, there were many historical giants who came from humble beginnings and lived to leave an indelible mark on our collective identity. Delve into the fascinating stories of these figures in history, or read up on the events they partook in on our Historical Events page.
Note: Unlike the era we’re writing about, this is a very young blog! If some of our pages or categories haven’t been posted to yet, stay tuned. We post at least twice a week. Thanks very much for your patience!
Table of Contents
- Important figures in the 11th century
- Important figures in the 12th century
- Important figures in the 13th century
- Important figures in the 14th century
- Important figures in the 15th century
- Important figures in the 16th century
- Important figures in the 17th century
- Important figures in the 18th century
- Important figures in the 19th century
- Important figures in the 20th century
- Important figures in the 21st century
Important Figures In The 11th Century
Because William the Conqueror took England in 1066, for our purposes, this leaves only a third of a century from which to study important figures. Make no mistake, there were plenty.
Important Figures In The 12th Century
The twelfth century saw the end of the House of Normandy and the beginning of the House of the Plantagenets, along with a whole host of important figures behind the scenes, such as the above mentioned Thomas Becket.
Important Figures In The 13th Century
The Plantagenets lead England during the thirteenth century, during which we see figures like the great military leader Simon De Montfort.
Important Figures In The 14th Century
The Plantagenets still had the throne throughout the fourteenth century, and saw the emergence of great poets like Geoffrey Chaucer.
Important Figures In The 15th Century
The Tudors finally took the throne during this century, in 1485. This century saw figures like the author of Le Morte d’Arthur, Thomas Malory.
Important Figures In The 16th Century
Who could mention important figures in history during the sixteenth century without thinking of the late, great William Shakespeare? This century was an interesting time with interesting people.
Important Figures In The 17th Century
The Stuarts were in power during this century, which saw perhaps one of the most notable military leaders in the early modern period, Oliver Cromwell. Immerse yourself in the seventeenth century.
Important Figures In The 18th Century
The Hanoverian dynasty took the throne during this century, and saw historical giants like Sir Isaac Newton.
Important Figures In The 19th Century
Queen Victoria’s majestic persona dominated the culture during this century, and saw many fascinating figures like the great abolitionist William Wilberforce.
Important Figures In The 20th Century
The House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha took the throne in 1901, lasted less than two generations and turned into the House of Windsor. This century saw both the modern and post modern eras, and inspiring figures like the above mentioned Winston Churchill.
Important Figures In The 21st Century
And finally, we’ve arrived to important figures of the present century! There are numerous names who were also relevant during the twentieth century as well, since we in a young century; names like David Beckham. Take a gander among our influential English peers.