It is fascinating to study about the kings because they are the thread that connects eras together, and often they were the driving force that directed history. This corner of the Tapestry holds articles about all the kings of England after the Norman Conquest. For a chronological list of kings since before the Norman Conquest to the present, visit Britannica’s encyclopedia entry.
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
Kings of the House of Normandy
The House Of Normandy began with William the Conqueror, who conquered England in 1066, and lasted until his grand nephew, King Stephen, died without a son to pass the throne to, in 1154.
The House of Normandy was the first English dynasty after the Norman invasion in 1066. Read this overview of the kings during this period.
Kings of the House of Plantagenet
The House Of Plantagenet, so named because the patriarch of this line, Greoffrey V, Count of Anjou, used to wear a sprig of broom blossom (Planta genista)in his hat, began with the son of Empress Matilda, King Henry II. The Plantagenets were by far the longest reigning monarchs in England, at an impressive 331 years, and saw the famous War of the Roses. It ended in 1485 with the infamous King Richard III.
Kings of the House of Tudor
The House of Tudor is probably most famous for King Henry VIII and his six queens, but this line was begun by his father, King Henry VII, and ended with the Great Queen Elizabeth I in 1603.
Kings of the House of Stuart
The House of Stuart was unique because it began with the first Scottish king, King James I (or King James VI, if one counts his Scottish title). This English dynasty was characterized by much political unrest, including a civil war, the beheading of King Charles I, and the first English dictator, Oliver Cromwell. This fascinating era ended with Queen Anne in 1714.
Kings of the House of Hanover
The Hanoverian period in England was fairly stable. It can boast the longest reigning English monarch, George III, and ended with the iconic Queen Victoria in 1901.
Kings of the House of Saxe-Coburg & Gotha
The House of Saxe-Coburg & Gotha was the last overtly German dynasty in England. It takes its name from Queen Victoria’s beloved Prince Consort, Prince Albert. It was the only dynasty that didn’t end with the death of a monarch, losing its name due to the English monarchy’s reluctance to have an association with Germany during World War I. Because of this it can boast only two kings and ended in 1917.
Kings of the House of Windsor
This dynasty was named after King George V’s favorite castle. When faced with the tensions that came along with fighting the Germans during World War I, he took up a purely English name and began the dynasty we know today.