Key Events in British History: From Jacobite Rebellions to Waterloo
Key Events in British History
Jacobite Rebellions: Attempts to restore James VII of Scotland and II of England, or his descendants, to the throne of Great Britain after his removal during the Glorious Revolution. The term ‘Jacobitism’ derives from James’s name in Latin.
Magna Carta: A document signed by King John after negotiations with his barons and their French and Scots allies at Runnymede, Surrey, England.
Battle of Hastings: A battle between the Anglo-Saxon English and an invading Norman army, resulting in a victory for the Normans. William, the Duke of Normandy, was crowned King William I of England.
Witan/Witenaġemot: A political institution in Anglo-Saxon England. An assembly of the ruling class to advise the king, composed of important noblemen, both ecclesiastic and secular.
Scramble/Partition of Africa: The invasion, occupation, division, colonization, and annexation of African territory by European powers during the period of New Imperialism in the 19th century.
The Tudor Rose: Also called the Union rose, it is the traditional floral heraldic emblem of England, originating from the Tudor dynasty. It combines the white and red roses of the House of York and the House of Lancaster.
Eleanor of Aquitaine: Queen consort of England after marrying Henry II of England, bringing the province of Aquitaine to England. She inspired many to participate in the Second Crusade.
Battle of Trafalgar: A naval battle between the navies of France and Spain on one side, and Great Britain on the other, near Cape Trafalgar. Great Britain won under the command of Admiral Nelson.
William Rufus (William II): The third son of William I of England, he was King of England with power over Normandy and influence in Scotland. Known as William Rufus or William the Red due to his red-faced appearance.
Aethelred II/Aethelred the Unready: King of England twice. He spent most of his reign fighting off Viking invaders. He was considered ‘unready’ or badly advised.
Short Parliament: Lasted only three weeks. Charles I of England, also King of Scotland, called the parliament for the first time to get money to fight the Church of Scotland. They refused due to his abuses, so he dismissed them.
Geoffrey Plantagenet of Anjou: By marrying Empress Matilda, daughter of Henry I of England, Geoffrey had a son who became King Henry II of England.
IRB/Irish Republican Brotherhood: An organization formed to establish an independent democratic republic in Ireland. They played a significant role in Ireland’s independence from Britain.
Maeshowe/Maes Howe: A Neolithic chambered cairn and passage grave located on Mainland, Orkney, Scotland, along with Skara Brae and Knap of Howar.
Battle of Naseby: A battle in the English Civil War between the Royalist army of King Charles I and the Parliamentarian New Model Army, commanded by Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell. This political campaign led to the formation of the New Model Army.
Battle of Plassey: A significant British East India Company victory over the Nawab of Bengal and his French allies, leading to a huge expansion of their control in the Indies.
Battle of Boyne: A battle between the English King James II and William of Orange, resulting in a victory for William and ensuring the continued Protestant ascendancy in Ireland.
Spanish Armada: A Spanish naval fleet sent by King Philip II to attack Britain. It was defeated by the Royal Navy during Queen Elizabeth I’s reign.
Battle of Waterloo: Fought in Belgium between French and British forces. Napoleon’s army was growing, and Great Britain was the only country left. The Royal Navy prevented a French invasion. The Duke of Wellington won the battle.
Oliver Cromwell: Head of the Republic of England and creator of the Commonwealth. He committed ethnic cleansing in Ireland, moving Irish Catholics to the northwest, causing famine and massacres.