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A Brief History of England

study English queens
United Kingdom culture
Tower Bridge in London

An 18-week journey through the annals of history, retracing the footsteps of renowned kings and queens, intrepid explorers, and pioneering scientists in this concise history of England and the United Kingdom. From the enigmatic Stonehenge to the complexities of Brexit, this course provides a sweeping overview, offering insights that illuminate the forces shaping modern British culture.

Unearth the ancient mysteries of Stonehenge and delve into the formation of early kingdoms, laying the foundation for the monarchy that would characterize much of England's history. Explore the reigns of legendary monarchs such as Richard the Lionheart, Elizabeth I, and Victoria, witnessing the ebbs and flows of power, intrigue, and societal transformation.

Navigate the Age of Exploration, accompanying intrepid adventurers like Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Francis Drake as they chart new territories and establish the groundwork for a global empire. Witness the Scientific Revolution, where thinkers like Sir Isaac Newton revolutionized our understanding of the natural world.

Contemplate the political and cultural shifts that marked the United Kingdom's trajectory through major historical events, from the Industrial Revolution to the challenges posed by two World Wars. Grapple with the complexities of decolonization and the establishment of the National Health Service, significant milestones in shaping the modern welfare state.

Conclude with a thoughtful exploration of contemporary events, including the complexities surrounding Brexit, offering context to the ongoing narrative of the United Kingdom's place in the world. By the course's end, you'll have gained a comprehensive overview of the historical forces that have molded British culture and society into what it is today.

Topics covered include:

  • The Neolithic

  • The Celts

  • Roman Britain

  • The Angles, the Saxons, and the Jutes

  • The first kings of England

  • Viking incursions and Danelaw

  • The Norman invasion and conquest

  • Richard the Lionheart, the Plantagenet, and Magna Carta

  • And more...

©2025 by ABC English Warsaw

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