historical places of great britain essay

30 Great Must-See Places In Britain

Stately homes and ancient monuments , castles and cathedrals, bustling market towns and awe-invoking landscapes, breath-taking gardens and painfully picturesque villages: from Lands End to John O’Groats, Great Britain bursts with visual grandeur and historic richness. Two lifetimes would not be long enough to see it all. For those of us trying to do it in one, London, Edinburgh, York and Bath well deserve their place on everyone’s must-see list. Your favorite British Heritage writers have enthusiastically helped us compile the 30 other places that ought to be there.

JAMES GRAHAM

Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire

Brighton, east sussex, chartwell, westerham, kent, beamish museum, beamish, durham, hms victory, portsmouth, dover castle, dover, kent, ironbridge gorge, coalbrookdale, shropshire.

St. Davids, Pembrokeshire

Lavenham, suffolk, hadrian’s wall, wallsend to bowness-on-solway.

SANDRA LAWRENCE

Avebury Stone Circle, Avebury, Wiltshire

The london eye, south bank, london, chastleton house, moreton-in-marsh, oxfordshire, the roman baths, bath, somerset, stowe landscape gardens, buckingham,, dartmoor, devon, thomas hardy country, dorset, north wales castles, gwynedd.

The Scottish Borders

Wester ross, highlands.

DANA HUNTLEY

York Minster, York

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh

Rhondda heritage park, trehafod, chatsworth house, bakewell, derbyshire, stourhead, mere, wiltshire.

JENNIFER DORN

Royal National Theatre, London

St. paul’s cathedral, london, bath skyline circular walk, bath, bodnant gardens, tal-y-cafn, conwy.

Glamis Castle, Angus, Tayside

Related: September 2010

BHT newsletter

You may also like.

• Most Recent

Recognising the style icon, Quee...

Over the years we've seen Royals break out some truly unique clothi...

Exploring Wales and unearthing m...

Exploring the castles, mountains, winding roads, and valleys of the...

Did Queen Elizabeth use secret s...

The Queen reportedly had a number of secret hand signals. Did you k...

The magic of Welsh male voice ch...

Choirs have always been closely associated with Wales. Join Sian El...

Our special relationship - the U...

The UK and the USA have long enjoyed a special relationship. We tho...

Why did Queen Elizabeth have two...

Have you ever wondered why Queen Elizabeth celebrated her birthday ...

"The Book Lover's Guide to Londo...

"The Book Lover's Guide to London" brings literature lovers on a jo...

Which country removed Queen Eliz...

Did you know that Queen Elizabeth was removed as head of state in t...

Cotswolds delights for children ...

Susie Kearley discovers a host of attractions in the Cotswolds is a...

George Thomson, the collector of...

George Thomson, whom history remembers best as the organizer and di...

Sign Up Today

Start your 14 day free trial today

The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

The Best Historic Attractions in England

Discover the best historic sites in england, from hadrian's wall to bletchley park and more..

08 Aug 2021

There’s a host of top historic and cultural landmarks in England to visit, including Hadrian’s Wall, Stonehenge and Bletchley Park to name but a few.

Reflecting a wealth of myriad influences, the historical places of England are as diverse as this island nation’s history. Indeed, the country we know today as England has witnessed the rise and fall of many cultures, civilisations and empires. From pre-historic peoples to Celtic tribes, Roman conquerors and Anglo-Saxon and Norman invaders, England is a country forged of many influences.

We’ve put together an experts guide to English historical places and heritage attractions, with our top ten places to visit.

1. Bletchley Park

Bletchley Park is an English country house and estate in Milton Keynes, 50 miles north of London. Originally the eccentric home of the Leon family, as Adolph Hitler’s campaign to invade Europe intensified, Bletchley Park was taken over by the government, who deemed it the perfect place to move the Government Code and Cypher School.

Bletchley Park, known by the codename Station X, became the site where the British managed to decipher the machinations of the Enigma, the highly effective code encryption machines used by the Nazis.

This team of code-breakers included mathematician Alan Turing, has been estimated to have shortened the war in Europe by more than 2 years, and saved the lives of around 14 million people.

Today, visitors can explore the history of Bletchley Park’s role during the war.

2. Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall is a magnificent remnant of Roman Britain and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Built under the rule of Roman Emperor Hadrian between 122 and 130 AD, it took six legions to complete this once 73 mile wall – 80 miles by Roman measurements.

The purpose of Hadrian’s Wall was once thought to have been as a fortification to keep out the Scots, but today historians believe it was a way of monitoring movement between the north and south in an attempt to consolidate the Empire.

Despite the significant undertaking in its construction, Hadrian’s successor as Roman head of state,  Antoninus Pius , abandoned the wall following the former’s death in 138 A.D.

Large sections of Hadrian’s Wall remain intact in northern England and these are surrounded by various Roman monuments, forts and other ruins. There are several ways to visit all of these sections and sites, notably as part of the National Trail, which is a signposted walk, by bus, by bicycle and via tour groups.

Hadrian’s Wall was made a World Heritage Site in 1987.

3. Roman Baths - Bath

The world famous Roman Baths complex in Bath,  UK , contains an incredible set of thermal spas and an impressive ancient Roman bathing house. First discovered in the 19th century, the Roman Baths are one of the best preserved ancient Roman sites in the UK and continue to be a major tourist attraction.

The Romans Baths were initially built as part of the town of Aqua Sulis, founded in 44 AD, and intended as a visiting spot for Romans across the Empire. The baths were a focal point for the town: a place for socialising and spirituality.

Today, the Roman Baths offer an incredibly comprehensive insight into the lives of the ancient Romans in the town and around Britain. While the site looks quite small from the outside, a visit can last several hours.

Among other sites at the Roman Baths, there is a comprehensive museum dedicated to exploring the lives of the ancient Roman citizens of Bath and an ancient drain used as an overflow system. Around the Great Bath itself, explore the numerous saunas, swimming pools, heated baths and changing facilities at the site.

4. Stonehenge

Stonehenge in Wiltshire is a world renowned, magnificent site consisting of standing (and lying) stones, some transported from South Wales.

The construction of Stonehenge took place between 3,000 and 1,600 BC and is considered to be one of the most impressive structures of its time, especially considering each stone weighs around four tonnes and that its founders had little by way of technological advances to assist them in moving the stones over the hundreds of miles that they travelled.

The purpose of Stonehenge has remained a mystery, despite extensive archaeological investigation.

Stonehenge is managed by English Heritage. Anybody wishing to access the stone circle of Stonehenge must arrange this in advance with English Heritage and these visits can only take place outside normal working hours. During normal operating hours, visitors walk around the circle on a set path and are given free audio guides explaining different aspects of Stonehenge.

In 2010, archaeologists discovered a second henge next to Stonehenge. Hailed as the most exciting find in half a century, this second henge  was made up of a circle of pits – thought to have once contained timber posts – surrounded by a larger circular ditch.

Stonehenge is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

5. St Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral, with its vast dome, is an iconic feature of the London skyline and known across the world. It is the city’s central church (a Grade I listed building) and the seat of the Diocese of London.

The current building of St Paul’s Cathedral was built between 1675 and 1710, designed in the English Baroque style by  Sir Christopher Wren . Its construction was part of a major rebuilding programme in the City after the Great Fire of London. However the site on which it sits has been home to cathedrals since 604 AD. In fact, the St Paul’s Cathedral seen today is the fourth of its kind.

St Paul’s fascinating history is inextricably intertwined with that of the nation, with images of the dome surrounded by the smoke and fire of  the Blitz  being symbolic of Britain’s wartime defiance. It was at St Paul’s Cathedral that the marriage of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer.

Many of important events from around the world have been marked at St Paul’s including the end of the  First  and  Second World Wars , the marriage of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer, royal jubilees and birthdays and commemorations of events such  Remembrance Day  and 11 September 2001.

St Paul’s Cathedral is also a famous burial site. Its crypt houses many world famous icons, including Admiral Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and Sir Christopher Wren, whose funerals were hosted at the cathedral. Though not buried at St Paul’s, the state funeral of Sir Winston Churchill was also held here.

Guided tours are available and last approximately 90 minutes.

6. The Tower of London

The Tower of London is a famous fortress and prison. Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second wife, was executed here 1536, as Henry was off wooing his next wife, Jane Seymour. First commissioned by the first Norman king, William the Conqueror, it was designed as a fortress-stronghold, a role that remained unchanged right up until the late 19th century.

The Tower of London was also used as a residence for monarchs of England, and it was traditionally used by monarchs in the run up to their coronation. However the Tower is most famous for its use as a prison.

Only seven people were executed within the Tower’s walls – including Anne Boleyn –  but the list of people who at one time or another were imprisoned in the Tower of London reads like a who’s who of 1,000 years of Britain’s history. The spot near to the scaffold where Anne Boleyn was executed is marked with a memorial, and she is buried in the nearby church of St Peter ad Vincula which may also be explored.

There is a great deal to see and do at the Tower: the beefeaters, ravens, site of the menagerie and just walking around it to soak up the history. Allow plenty of time for your visit.

7. Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is an iconic medieval structure and the site of many historic royal and national events, from coronations and weddings to burials and even deaths.

Over 3,000 people are buried at Westminster Abbey. There are 600 tombs and monuments to see, many of them Royal and open to visitors. Some of the most famous royals buried there are Mary Queen of Scots, Elizabeth I and Henry III. The tomb of the Unknown Soldier is in the Abbey and there is a service each Remembrance Sunday.

Funeral services for important figures and royalty are also held in the Abbey and over time prominent funerals at the Abbey have included those of Winston Churchill, George VI, Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth I.

In addition to the numerous burial sites and architectural features, one of the most impressive sites at Westminster Abbey is the Coronation Chair, produced in 1300-1301 under the orders of King Edward I. Its purpose was to accommodate the Stone of Scone, which the king had brought from Scotland. To have an informed visit and to see the most interesting parts of Westminster Abbey, take a tour, as just wandering around can be overwhelming.

8. Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world – home to over 900 years of royal history. The building of Windsor Castle began in the 1070s at the behest of William the Conqueror. Since that time, the structure of Windsor Castle has been embellished by many of the monarchs of England and the UK.

Covering an area of approximately 13 acres, it contains a wide range of interesting features including the State Apartments, Queen Mary’s dolls house and the beautiful St George’s Chapel – the burial place of 10 monarchs, including Henry VIII and Jane Seymour.

The castle remains a favourite home of Queen Elizabeth. There are numerous exhibitions and tours at Windsor Castle – a typical visit can take up to 3 hours.

9. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is an area of HM Naval Base Portsmouth which is open to the public. Managed today by the National Museum of the Royal Navy, the dockyard contains several historic and famous ships including HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose.

Also housing the Royal Navy Museum and still part of an active naval base, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard offers visitors a great insight into the British navy, both its past and present.

10. Ironbridge Gorge

Ironbridge Gorge is a historical landscape in Shropshire that played a vital role in sparking the Industrial Revolution of the 18th century, and remains a powerful symbol of the period. Spanning an area of some 5.5 square kilometres, it is often cited as the birthplace of modern-day industry and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1986.

Amongst its contributions to the development of industry, Ironbridge Gorge was the place where coke iron was discovered in the blast furnace of Coalbrookdale in 1709. The name Ironbridge Gorge also refers to an important landmark, the World’s first iron bridge, built there in 1779.

Today, visitors to Ironbridge Gorge can truly immerse themselves in this fascinating period of history. Not only can they see the iconic Iron Bridge, but also a variety of other sites including homes, factories, mines, warehouses, foundries, and the stunning natural beauty of the Gorge itself. There are 10 Ironbridge Gorge museums, each telling a different aspect of the area’s story.

There are ten Ironbridge Gorge museums, each telling a different aspect of the area’s story.

12 historical places in England you simply can’t miss

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: January 29, 2024

Do you love history and need some inspiration for your travels in England? In this article, you will discover 12 of the best historical places in England to add to your itinerary including practical information to help plan your visit.

England is a country with a rich history and therefore offers many historical sites to visit. Full of castles, palaces, churches, Roman ruins and UNESCO World Heritage Sites England has it all!

In this article discover 12 of the most beautiful and interesting historical attractions in England. We have included practical tips and information which will help you plan your visit to these places with ease. If you are struggling with where to start when choosing the best historical places and landmarks in England to include in your itinerary this article will provide all the inspiration you need.

1. The Tower of London

2. winchester cathedral, 3. tintagel castle, 4. windsor castle, 5. king’s college chapel, 6. leeds castle, 7. stonehenge, 8. hampton court palace.

• 9. Hadrian's Wall

10. Canterbury Cathedral

11. roman baths in bath, 12. the shambles, honorary mentions, see the best of england, top 12 historical places in england.

The Tower of London is one of the most well-known castles in England . It has been standing for more than 900 years and is one of the country’s and London’s most popular tourist attractions . Originally founded by William I it has played a massive role in the country’s history for many years. It is a place of significance and is very important to England as a whole.

The tower was found by William I after he had successfully claimed the throne of England from his brother, Edward II. He first started construction on it in 1078 and finished it six years later. The first prisoners were held in the tower during the reign of Henry III, who decided to keep his rebellious brother, Prince Edward there. Since then, it has been a prison and fortress up until the present day.

The longest that anyone has spent in The Tower was Sir Walter Raleigh, who had been put into the tower on no less than 15 occasions. On one of those times, he was sentenced to death but was spared as the Queen reconsidered and decided that it wasn’t worth it.

Have you ever wondered where the Crown Jewels are kept? The answer is at The Tower of London. Don’t miss the opportunity to ogle some of the fabulous gold, precious stones including diamonds, rubies and sapphires and other priceless items the Queen wears during ceremonial and state occasions.

Where is the Tower of London located?

How much does it cost for tickets to the tower of london.

It costs £29.90 for adults, £14.90 for children and £24.50 for concessions.

Click here to purchase your ticket for the Tower of London

What tours are available to the Tower of London?

When is it open.

The Tower of London is open every day all year round except December 24th, 25th and 26th. It opens at 9:00 or 10 am and closes between 4.30 pm and 5.30 pm depending on the season.

What is the best way to get there?

The tube station closest to The Tower is Tower Hill. It is a 5-minute walk to the entrance of the Tower of London from the station. There is step-free access to street level from the station.

The Tower of London is located 10/15 minutes walk from London Bridge mainline train station.

River boats stop at Tower Pier from various piers including the London Eye and Westminster.

All major sightseeing buses stop near the Tower of London including this London hop-on hop-off bus

Tips for visiting the Tower of London

• Plan to spend at least 3 to 4 hours exploring the Tower of London
• There is a cafe on the grounds but you can take your own sandwiches with you and sit on a bench to eat (we have done this!)
• Look out for the legendary ravens who live at the Tower.
• You will get fantastic views of the Shard and Tower Bridge from inside the grounds.
• Take a private tour with a beefeater as you will learn so much more (there is a 45 minute tour with a beefeater included with a regular ticket but the groups can be quite large)
• Book an earlier slot and go mid-week as it is usually quieter!
• Read more about visiting London in my London Travel Guide

Winchester Cathedral is a beautiful cathedral and has been in use since the 11th century.

There have been at least five churches on this site before but most of what stands there today was built by William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester. In 1079, after his successful invasion of England William the Conqueror ordered that a new cathedral should be built and he chose to use this site.

Winchester Cathedral has been the location of many weddings and funerals over the centuries including the marriage of Henry III’s daughter Mary to Prince Phillip of Spain. Many Kings are buried in the Cathedral including King Cnut.

Literary lovers may be interested to visit the grave of Jane Austen who was buried in the cathedral after her death in 1817.

Where is Winchester Cathedral located?

How much does it cost for entry.

Adults – £9.95

Concession – £8

Student – £6.50

Children under 16 (with family – Free

When can you enter the cathedral?

The cathedral opens Monday to Saturday at 9:00 am and closes at 5 pm. On Sundays, it opens from 11:00 am and closes at 3 pm (though times may vary)

The closest train station is Winchester with a journey time of around an hour direct from London Waterloo . If you plan to drive to Winchester we recommend parking in one of 3 Park & Ride car parks located around the city. From there pick up a bus into the city centre. Click here to find out more about Winchester’s Park & Ride schemes.

Tips for visiting Winchester Cathedral

• We recommend taking a tour as this is the best way to learn about the history and significance of the cathedral.
• Look out for the statue of the diver (and discover his vital role in preserving the cathedral)

Read – Winchester Travel Guide

Tintagel Castle is located on the rugged cliffs of the North Cornish coast. It’s said to be one of King Arthur’s strongholds and according to popular legend, it would have been here that he was conceived by Igraine, his mother who had a love affair with Uther Pendragon.

The first castle was built here in around AD 800 and it is said that the mortar used to build this first castle contained a magical ingredient that would provide good luck and protection to whoever possessed Tintagel.

The current ruins date back from the 13th century when it was fortified as a residence for Richard, Earl of Cornwall, brother to Henry III.

Where is Tintagel Castle located?

Tintagel is located in Cornwall in England’s south west.

Adult – £16

Child (5-15 years) – £9.60

Family (2 adults and 3 children) – £41.60

Free for members of English Heritage (remember to take your card)

What are the opening times?

Tintagel Castle is open from 10 am to 6 pm throughout the year except on 24, 25 and 26 December. It’s also closed on 1 January.

How can you get there?

It’s possible to reach Tintagel by car, train or bus.

The nearest train station is Bodmin Parkway which is 15 miles away from Tintagel. Unfortunately to get from the train station to Tintagel takes a change of 3 buses so we recommend booking a taxi to take you as this is easier (Book in advance as there are no taxis based at the station)

Tips for visiting Tintagel

• Book a ticket in advance to guarantee entry.
• The ticket price does not include or guarantee car parking.
• Wear comfortable shoes – there are uneven surfaces, steep slopes and steps and even sheer drops to contend with when moving around the site.

Windsor Castle is one of the largest and oldest castles in the world. Originally, it was built by William The Conqueror in around 1066AD. William was the first Norman king of England and he ordered that a castle be built on top of a large hill which would ensure complete dominance over the town below.

Windsor is now one of the Queen’s official residences and receives around half a million visitors each year. It has been home to many high-profile events including the Queen’s coronation in 1953.

Highlights include St George’s Chapel (where many royals are wed including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle), the State Apartments, Queen Mary’s Dolls House. Don’t forget to visit the beautiful castle gardens and explore the castle grounds.

Where is Windsor Castle located?

It is found in the town of Windsor in the county of Berkshire.

Adults – £23.50

Children (5-15 years) – £13.50

Over 60 – £21.20

Entrance to Windsor Castle is included in the London Pass .

Windsor Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Opening times vary.

March 1 – October 31 : 10 – 17:15 (last admission at 16:00)

November 1 – February 28 : 10 – 16:15 (last admission at 15:00)

The closest train stations to Windsor Castle are Windsor & Eton Riverside or Slough which are both within walking distance of the castle.

Windsor is an easy day trip from London by train or if you prefer there are a number of tours which include a visit to the castle.

Recommended tours to Windsor Castle

Tips for visiting windsor castle.

• Always check before planning your visit as the Queen may have something on which can impact parts of the castle (she does spend most weekends at Windsor but it is also used for ceremonial and state events)
• Don’t visit on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Sundays St George’s Chapel is shut to the public) as some or all parts of the castle are shut.
• Plan to see the Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle. This occurs on Tuesdays/Thursdays/ Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am.

Read – How to get to Windsor Castle from London

King’s College Chapel is located in Cambridge. It is one of the most famous sights within the city and has become a significant landmark monument since its completion in 1532. It was built to replace an older chapel that was founded in 1446 and is now considered one of Cambridge’s finest attractions.

The exterior is faced with beautiful bright limestone and has a number of impressive features including the King’s College Chapel spires which are said to be among the tallest in England. It also contains some incredible stained glass windows which were built by Flemish craftsmen.

Where is King’s College Chapel located?

King’s College Chapell is located in the university city of Cambridge

Adult – £10

Child/student – £8

Tickets are at present sold in 20-minute slots as visitor numbers are limited. These are available to purchase online but it may be cost-effective to combine a tour of Cambridge which includes entry to the chapel

What tours are available?

The closest train station to King’s College Chapel is Cambridge Station which is about 15 minutes walk from the chapel itself. From London, it takes just over one hour by train.

Tips for visiting Cambridge

• Cambridge is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot.
• Don’t miss the opportunity to take a punt along the River Cam
• Read more in my Cambridge Travel Guide

Leeds Castle is a medieval castle situated on a beautiful island near the town of Maidstone in Kent. It was built in 1119 and although it is now only a small portion of what it used to be, it remains one of the largest and most popular castles in England.

It has undergone many transformations throughout history which have seen everything from sieges to fire. It was at this castle that Henry VIII first met his sixth wife, Catherine Howard although they didn’t tie the knot until many years later.

Where is Leeds Castle located?

In south east England in the county of Kent.

Adult – £25.50

Children (4-15 years) – £17.50

Senior citizens £22.50

When is the castle open?

The castle, grounds and gardens have varying opening hours depending on the season. They are closed on Christmas Days and for selected other dates throughout the year. Always check on the official website prior to visiting.

Leeds Castle is one of the many castles near London which are perfect for a day trip. Plan around 2 hours by train and 1 hour by car. There are tours available from London if you prefer.

Tips for visiting Leeds Castle

• Check before visiting as there are lots of family-themed events that take place throughout the summer and over the year.
• Why not book a stay within the castle grounds? Leeds Castle is just one of the many castles you can stay at in England.

Stonehenge is one of the most famous historical places in England to visit. This ancient stone circle is located in the English county of Wiltshire, about 2 miles north west of Amesbury and near the Cathedral city of Salisbury . Stonehenge was built between 3,000 BC and 1,600 BC. Archaeologists believe that it was constructed from 3000 BC to 2000 BC.

Excavations have taken place at the site which has shown that there are at least 22 large stones there. Many of the stones were transported from Wales which was an incredible feat as they weigh around 25 tons each!

Stonehenge has also been used as an observatory for tracking the movements of the sun and moon. Its astronomical purpose is something still studied today with no clear conclusions yet reached about its exact usage.

Stonehenge is particularly busy around the summer and winter solstices.

Where is Stonehenge located?

In the county of Wiltshire near the cathedral city of Salisbury.

Adult – £23.30

Child (5-17 years) – £14.00

Family (2 adults and 3 children) – £60.60

Overseas visitor pass – Buy here

Stonehenge is open every day of the year except Christmas Day.

How can you get to Stonehenge from London ?

• Stonehenge is a short drive from Salisbury which is about 22 miles away. It takes around an hour and 10 minutes to reach Stonehenge by car from London.
• Travel by train from London to Salisbury where it is possible to pick up a bus tour to Stonehenge.
• Tours available from London incorporate other popular places along the way including the Cotswolds, Bath and Windsor Castle.

Tips for visiting Stonehenge

• Send some time exploring the visitor centre prior to seeing the stones as this is a great way to learn about the history of Stonehenge.
• Wrap up warmly if you are visiting in winter!
• It is free to visit Stonehenge on solstice days but expect it to very busy.

World famous Hampton Court Palace is located in South West London which makes it the perfect day trip from London. The palace was originally built by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey but was later granted to King Henry VIII whose architect, Christopher Wren, did some major remodelling of the original building.

Since then, Hampton Court has seen many royal residents including William III and Mary II, Queen Anne and George II. The palace also houses an impressive art collection that contains works by Rembrandt and Caravaggio.

Where is Hampton Court located?

Hampton Court Palace is located in south west London.

How much are tickets for Hampton Court?

Adults – £25.30

Children (5-15) £12.60

Entry to Hampton Court is included in the London Pass.

When can you visit the castle?

Opening times and hours vary in summer and winter. The Palace is shut on 24/25/26 December.

How can you get to Hampton Court?

It’s easy to get to Hampton Court Palace from central London which makes it a popular day trip .

Take the train from Waterloo Station. The journey takes around 45 minutes. It is a 5-minute walk from the station to Hampton Court.

It is possible to combine a visit to Hampton Court with Windsor Castle and see both places in one day trip.

Tips for visiting Hampton Court Palace

• Plan to spend the day to really enjoy everything Hampton Court has to offer! Enjoy a stroll beautiful around the gardens and grounds
• Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking.
• Take a picnic.
• Learn about the history of the building from the guides as you explore.
• Keep an eye out for a ghost. The Palace is supposed to be haunted by Catherine Howard amongst others!

9. Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall was a defensive wall that formed the northernmost boundary of the mighty Roman Empire.

It runs from coast to coast for around 80 miles and was built by Emperor Hadrian in around 123 AD. The name derives from the fact that it is thought to have been constructed using orders from Hadrian himself.

It is still possible to explore a lot of what remains of this wall today which makes it one of the most popular historical attractions in England.

Where is Hadrian’s Wall located?

Hadrian’s Wall runs from coast to coast for around 80 miles across northern England bordering Scotland.

There is no cost to see the wall although there are charges to visit specific historical sites such as Segedunum and Housesteads Roman Fort.

When can you visit the wall?

Hadrian’s Wall is open throughout the year from dawn to dusk and it’s not closed on any specific dates.

The best time to visit Hadrian’s Wall is in spring or summer when it attracts hundreds of visitors who enjoy walking, cycling and horseback riding along this historical landmark.

The best way to travel to Hadrian’s Wall from London is by train to Newcastle. Hire a car from Newcastle train station and take a road trip around Northumberland.

Canterbury Cathedral is not only one of the most popular historical attractions in England its is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Christian church was constructed over the ruins of a previous place of worship, making it one of the oldest religious sites in England and in Europe.

The cathedral dates back to between 597 and 604 when St Augustine came from Rome to convert the pagan Anglo-Saxons residing in Britain to Christianity.

It remained a place of great importance throughout history with many kings and other members of the royal family being buried there over time. It is considered to be one of the finest cathedrals in England due to its distinctive architecture, age-long history and also for its rich collections which include some important artefacts.

Where is Canterbury Cathedral located?

Canterbury Cathedral is located in Canterbury, Kent.

There is no admission fee to enter the cathedral and its grounds.

When can you visit the cathedral?

The cathedral is open daily from 8:30 am to 6 pm with the last entry being an hour before closing time. It’s closed on 24, 25 and 26 December.

The easiest way to reach Canterbury Cathedral from London is by train from London Liverpool Street or Victoria. The journey takes between one hour and 40 minutes and two hours.

The Roman Baths were constructed over 2000 years ago and are one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in the world.

The baths were built using Bath stone and were in use for around 500 years until they fell into disrepair and eventually collapsed. The Romans left this incredible site behind but it wasn’t discovered until much later when people started digging up the area in search of artefacts.

The baths are open to visitors today who can see the same rooms that the ancient Romans would have used. It is one of the main tourist attractions in the city and any visitor to Bath will want to see it as it really brings history alive.

When visiting Bath don’t miss some of the other historical attractions including Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent and Poultney Bridge which spans the River Avon.

Where are the Roman Baths located?

The baths are located in the historic city of Bath (the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage site)

The cost of entry is

When can you visit the Roman Baths

The Roman Baths are open

Bath is an easy day trip from London by train or you can combine it with a tour.

The Shambles is a famous medieval street in York, England. It is a small street with rows of Tudor-style houses with overhanging upper stories. The houses are very narrow and tall but it looks extremely pretty from the outside.

There are many cafes and quirky shops to visit along the street including the famous Harry Potter shop where you can even park your broom outside!

Where is The Shambles?

The Shambles is located in the northern city of York.

Free entry, although there are gift shops along the way where you can buy souvenirs.

How can you get to York?

York is the perfect destination if you are taking a train trip around the UK. It can also be visited on a day trip from London (at a push) but is best visited for a few days as there is so much to do and see in York .

There are so many wonderful historic destinations to visit in England that choosing only 12 for this article was extremely difficult.

The following places deserve to be mentioned too and worth adding to your UK travel itinerary if possible:

• Warwick Castle is one of England’s most popular castles. Over the summer months events such as jousting are held.
• Stratford-upon-Avon which was the birthplace of William Shakespeare
• The walled city of Chester
• The sumptuous Brighton Pavilion located in Brighton on the south coast of England

Our dedicated travel guides to popular destinations in all regions of England are a great place to start when planning your travels.

• Bath Travel Guide
• Jurassic Coast travel Guide
• Devon Travel Guide
• Cotswolds Travel Guide
• Canterbury Travel Guide
• Brighton Travel Guide
• Oxford Travel Guide
• 5 Historical Treasures in South East England
• North East England

A Lake District Itinerary – what to see and do in one day

The Lake District is one of the United Kingdom’s most popular destinations attracting over 24 million annual day visitors. Declared a UNESCO…

Visiting Blenheim Palace near Oxford (tips for the best trip)

Are you planning a visit to Blenheim Palace? In this article, I will answer common questions about visiting Blenheim Palace…

Ultimate Guide To Visiting Stonehenge

Stonehenge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the county of Wiltshire in England close to the cathedral city of Salisbury….

Find more inspiration for your travels in my England Travel Guide which includes information about what to see, where to stay, how to get around, travel tips, recommended reading and more to make the most of your trip.

• Corrections

British History: The Formation of Great Britain and the United Kingdom

British history is 1000+ years in the making. It starts with England in the 800’s and leads a thousand years later to today’s United Kingdom.

The story of British history begins over a thousand years ago with a regional leader called Alfred, King of Wessex, one of the history of England’s most popular monarchs. After the Romans had left the island they called Britannia (which we now call Britain) in the early 5th century, a complex system of governance emerged. The area we now know as England was made up of several regional Kingdoms who spent the next 500 or so years locked in an ongoing cycle of conflict, with each ruler vying for overlordship. Waves of immigration from mainland Europe and Scandinavia altered the island’s demographics and, over time, brought about profound cultural changes. By the time of Alfred’s birth in 848, most of the island was culturally and ethnically what we would now call Anglo-Saxon.

Anglo-Saxon Origins of British History

Alfred ascended the throne of Wessex (the regional Kingdom encompassing large chunks of southwestern England) at the age of 21 and made his capital in the well-known city of Winchester. He immediately set about reorganizing the realm and preparing for a fight to the death with the Vikings, who had by this time conquered vast swathes of the north. Through a combination of tactics, good organization, and luck, he managed to hold them off. He defended his own kingdom and then took the fight to them, gaining overlordship of many of the surrounding Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in the process. By the time of his death in 899, he was the ruler of vast chunks of the island. As the first “King of all the Anglo-Saxons,” he became the undisputed father of the English nation, evermore known to posterity as “ Alfred the Great .”

The History of England Begins

In 927, Alfred’s grandson Æthelstan formally united the various polities of which he was overlord into one Kingdom of England, a Kingdom that would continue to expand across geographic Britain and administer the territory uninterrupted for the next 600 years. Æthelstan’s successors would include such well-known figures as William the Conqueror, Richard the Lionheart, and Henry VIII.

Get the latest articles delivered to your inbox

Please check your inbox to activate your subscription.

By the mid 11th century, England had become a prize worth fighting for. It was an organized nation that spanned vast swathes of geographic Britain. The throne was sought after by enemies to the south in Northern France and to the east in Denmark. In 1066, William the Duke of Normandy launched the famous invasion of England with his dubious claim in hand. Following his victory at the Battle of Hastings , he was crowned King. He and his successors would once again reorganize the Kingdom of England, expel the remaining Vikings and consolidate English domination over the island.

A Brief Detour to Scotland

Unlike England, Scotland was never conquered by the Romans. Emperor Hadrian built his famous wall as a barrier against the territory they called Caledonia. This meant that the northern part of geographic Britain would follow its own separate historical trajectory from the history of England for many centuries. There were regular cultural interchanges, and the border remained in a constant state of flux due to regular wars between England and Scotland. However, Scotland’s history is very much separate from the history of England until much later on in our story of British history.

The Statute of Rhuddlan 1284: King of England and Prince of Wales

The next major point in the political development of England and British history began in the early 13th century after Edward I set about conquering Wales. Much like England, geographic Wales had slowly unified over the previous centuries. The lands were fertile and featured a diverse economy with well-developed trade routes. They were irresistible to the English King looking to expand his treasury. Following a series of military victories and several heroic instances of resistance by Welsh princes, in 1284, the Statute of Rhuddlan effectively ended Welsh independence. The title of Prince of Wales would become honorific, one given to the heir to the English throne at the behest of the English Monarch. Wales would be subsequently directly ruled from the English capital until 1997 when they were granted a degree of devolution for the first time.

From the Medieval to the Early Modern…

From the conquest of Wales to the death of Elizabeth I, the English state as a political entity continued in relative stability. That’s not to say it was not beset by internal conflicts. Dynastic rivalries saw several monarchs overthrown, and rebellions broke out on a regular basis throughout the many centuries of this era. However, the internal conflicts were always over who should wear the English Crown or how the English monarch governed, not over whether there should be a kingdom of England at all.

The next set of major changes to the political status of geographic Britain came at the dawn of the 17th century. Elizabeth I famously declared that she would take no husband, and therefore the heir apparent (although unrecognized formally) was her distant cousin James VII of Scotland. In the twilight years of her reign, secret planning was undertaken by the Virgin Queen’s courtiers to ensure an orderly succession. Upon her death in 1603, the biggest change in the island’s political status since Alfred the Great took place. James VIII of Scotland became simultaneously James I of England. For the first time ever, one Monarch reigned across the entirety of Britain. The history of England ended, and British history began.

The Union of the Crowns , as it became known, didn’t mean the unification of geographic Britain but the start of a now truly British history. Each nation still retained its own parliament, court, military, and legal system. This status quo would last for the next century. The union marked the beginning of an amalgamation that would take the next century to complete.

The 1600s was arguably the most formative century of British history. It was a period marked by revolution. In 1642, Civil War broke out in England. It resulted in previously unimaginable changes. The King was defeated in battle by his own parliament and subsequently executed.

A republic took his place, a first for the history of England and British history in general, with Oliver Cromwell as the new ruler. Cromwell forcibly turned the whole British Islands into the “Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland.” His conquests would see him live out the rest of his life as “Lord Protector,” the de facto military dictator of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

A Brief Detour to Ireland

The story of geographic Ireland is a separate article entirely. However, its fate over the last thousand years has been heavily intertwined with that of geographic Britain and of British history in general. Briefly put, the geographic British Isles consist of the main islands of Ireland and Britain plus many other small ones like Mann and Jersey . English Kings in the medieval period seized control of geographic Ireland, ruling over the clans and principalities that previously existed as feudal overlords. In 1542, Henry VIII, one of the most well-known monarchs in the history of England, became the first King of Ireland. Ireland retained its own Parliament and was ruled by the English monarch in a personal union until 1800.

The Birth of Great Britain

Following Oliver Cromwell’s death, the monarchy was restored, and the British Isles nominally went back to being three separate kingdoms in a personal union. Yet the integration undertaken by Cromwell’s rule would never really be undone. As is almost always the case, once power is centralized, it is very rarely voluntarily given up. From now on, London would dominate the British Isles.

The restoration introduced the beginnings of what we now know as the concept of constitutional monarchy. Parliament was sovereign with a King who reigned, not ruled. This created an increasingly complex situation that saw one island have two nominally independent legislatures under one head of state. As the 1600s ended, deliberations began between the English and Scottish parliaments on a formal political union . In 1707, the Acts of Union were passed, making geographic Britain “United into One Kingdom by the Name of Great Britain.” Formal British history had begun.

This really was a watershed moment in British History. For the first time, the whole of geographic Britain was united into one nation. The union was all-encompassing, including the literal merging of the two flags to create the basis of today’s Union Jack. A new national identity emerged with a new symbol, Britannia. Over the next hundred years, the Kingdom would grow in wealth, power, and influence, seeing the birth of Empire with Britannia ruling the waves.

The Latest Stage In British History: Present-Day United Kingdom

In 1800, the British and Irish Parliaments voted in favor of union. On 1st January 1801, the new United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland was officially born. There was one parliament for the entire British Isles. For the next 120 years , as far away places as Cork, Inverness, and Kent were now governed by one legislature in London.

Yet this new United Kingdom was contested from the start. Many in predominantly Catholic Ireland did not see themselves as British and never would. London would always be seen as a foreign capital. The growing wealth that came from the Industrial Revolution did not make its way across the Irish Sea. Many Irish people saw themselves in the same position as people in many of Britain’s far-flung colonies, victims of colonial oppression. The so-called “Irish Question” would hound British parliamentarians of all political persuasions for the next century leading eventually to first a form of “Home Rule” and then ultimately total independence and the proclamation of an Irish republic in the mid 20th century.

As we currently stand, the country is now formally the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The four nations of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland share the same Parliament and the same Queen but also have their own devolved legislatures . In many ways, today’s UK has a quasi-federal structure with each constituent part having varying controls over its own affairs. How long this latest iteration of union will last, though, is for a different article entirely.

The Christianization of Anglo-Saxon England

By Thomas Willoughby BA (Hons) Politics Tom is passionate about political history, choosing to specialize in this at University. He graduated from the University of York in 2012 and worked as a Political Campaign Manager for one of the UK’s main parties for a number of years. He currently works in Marketing in the City of London for a Fintech. In his spare time, he loves to travel, go to the theatre, listen to 80’s vinyl, and usually reads at least one political history book every ten days.

Frequently Read Together

The Significance of Alfred the Great

7 Impressive Norman Castles Built by William the Conqueror

Geography and Fun Facts About Great Britain

omersukrugoksu / Getty Images

• Country Information
• Physical Geography
• Political Geography
• Key Figures & Milestones
• Urban Geography
• M.A., Geography, California State University - East Bay
• B.A., English and Geography, California State University - Sacramento

Great Britain is an island located within the British Isles and it is the ninth-largest island in the world and the largest in Europe. It is located to the northwest of continental Europe and it is home to the United Kingdom , which includes Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (not actually on the island of Great Britain). Great Britain has a total area of 88,745 square miles (229,848 sq km) and a population of about 65 million people (2016 estimate).

The island of Great Britain is known for the global city of London , England, as well as smaller cities like Edinburgh, Scotland. In addition, Great Britain is known for its history, historic architecture, and natural environment.

Fast Facts: Great Britain

• Official Name: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
• Capital: London
• Population: 65,105,246 (2018)
• Official Language: English 
• Currency: British pound (GBP)
• Form of Government: Parliamentary constitutional monarchy; a commonwealth realm
• Climate: Temperate; moderated by prevailing southwest winds over the North Atlantic Current; more than one-half of the days are overcast
• Total Area: 94,058 square miles (243,610 square kilometers)
• Highest Point: Ben Nevis at 4,413 feet (1,345 meters) 
• Lowest Point: The Fens at -13 feet (-4 meters)

Over 500,000 Years of History

The island of Great Britain has been inhabited by early humans for at least 500,000 years. It is believed that these humans crossed a land bridge from continental Europe at that time. Modern humans have been in Great Britain for about 30,000 years and until about 12,000 years ago, archeological evidence shows that they moved back and forth between the island and continental Europe via a land bridge. This land bridge closed and Great Britain became an island at the end of the last glaciation .

A History of Invasions

Throughout its modern human history, Great Britain was invaded several times. For example, in 55 BCE, the Romans invaded the region and it became a part of the Roman Empire. The island was also controlled by various tribes and was invaded several times. In 1066, the island was a part of the Norman Conquest and this began the cultural and political development of the area. Throughout the decades following the Norman Conquest, Great Britain was ruled by several different kings and queens and it was also part of several different treaties between the countries on the island.

About the Name 'Britain'

The use of the name Britain dates back to the time of Aristotle, but the term Great Britain was not officially used until 1474 when a marriage proposal between Edward IV of England's daughter Cecily and James IV of Scotland was written. Today, the term is used to specifically refer to the largest island within the United Kingdom or to the unit of England, Scotland, and Wales.

What 'Great Britain' Encapsulates Today

In terms of its politics, the name Great Britain refers to England, Scotland, and Wales because they are on the United Kingdom's largest island. In addition, Great Britain also includes the outlying areas of Isle of Wight, Anglesey, the Isles of Scilly, the Hebrides, and the remote island groups of Orkney and Shetland. These outlying areas are considered part of Great Britain because they are parts of England, Scotland, or Wales.

Where Is Great Britain on a Map?

Great Britain is located to the northwest of continental Europe and to the east of Ireland. The North Sea and the English Channel separate it from Europe. The Channel Tunnel , the longest undersea rail tunnel in the world, connects it with continental Europe. The topography of Great Britain consists mainly of low, gently rolling hills in the eastern and southern portions of the island and hills and low mountains in the western and northern regions.

The Region's Climate

The climate of Great Britain is temperate and it is moderated by the Gulf Stream . The region is known for being cool and cloudy during the winter and the western parts of the island are windy and rainy because they are more influenced by the ocean. The eastern parts are drier and less windy. London, the largest city on the island, has an average January low temperature of 36 degrees (2.4 C) and a July average temperature of 73 degrees (23 C).

Fauna and Animal Species

Despite its large size, the island of Great Britain has a small amount of fauna. This is because it has been rapidly industrialized in recent decades and this has caused habitat destruction across the island. As a result, there are very few large mammal species in Great Britain and rodents like squirrels, mice and beaver make up 40% of the mammal species there. In terms of Great Britain's flora, there is a large variety of trees and 1,500 species of wildflower.

Population and Ethnic Groups

Great Britain has a population of more than 65 million people (2018 estimate). The main ethnic group of Great Britain is British—particularly those who are Cornish, English, Scottish, or Welsh.

The Main Cities

There are several large cities on the island of Great Britain but the largest is London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom. Other large cities include Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leeds, Liverpool, and Manchester.

About the Economy

Great Britain's United Kingdom has the third-largest economy in Europe. The majority of the UK's and Great Britain's economy is within the service and industrial sectors but there is also ​a small amount of agriculture. The main industries are machine tools, electric power equipment, automation equipment, railroad equipment, shipbuilding, aircraft, motor vehicles, electronics and communications equipment, metals, chemicals, coal, petroleum, paper products, food processing, textiles, and clothing. Agricultural products include are cereals, oilseed, potatoes, vegetables cattle, sheep, poultry, and fish.

• Geography Facts About England
• Geography of the United Kingdom
• Geographic Regions of the United Kingdom
• Difference Between the UK, Great Britain, and England
• Blank US Maps
• England Is Not an Independent Country
• Do You Know the British Overseas Territories?
• Administrative Divisions Within Nations Around the World
• Geography, History, and Culture of Bahrain
• Official Listing of Countries by World Region
• The Main Islands of Hawaii
• Geography of the Territories of the United States
• Women Rulers of England and Great Britain
• What Is Eurasia?
• Is Scotland an Independent Country?
• Geography of the Four Major Islands of Japan

• Modern History

Colonialism and imperialism: Understanding the British Empire's quest for global dominance

British colonialism and imperialism were some of the most powerful forces in world history.

In this article, we will provide an overview of British colonialism and imperialism, from the early explorations of the 15th century to its height in the 20th century.

We will discuss the motivations behind British colonial expansion, as well as the effects that imperialism had on both colonised and colonising nations.

What is colonisation and imperialism?

Colonisation is the process of taking ownership of someone's land for another country's own use.

Whereas imperialism is the use of political, economic, and military power to extend a nation's authority by establishing control over other territories.

The two concepts are often used interchangeably, but there are some important distinctions.

Colonisation is different to imperialism in that it generally refers to the physical occupation of a territory, whereas imperialism can refer to both occupation and economic domination.

A number of different European nations relied upon imperialism and colonisation to expand their empires in the early modern period.

Such countries included France, Spain, the Netherlands, and Portugal.  By the start of the 20th century, most of Africa and Asia was controlled by a small number of European empires. 

The British Empire was one of the largest empires in world history. At its peak in the 19th century, it controlled a quarter of the world's population and a third of its land surface. 

British colonialism began in the late 15th century with the explorations of John Cabot. However, England did not establish a permanent colony until the early 17th century with the founding of Jamestown in 1607.

These early voyages were primarily motivated by a desire for wealth and prestige. However, as the British Empire expanded, other motivations came into play, such as the desire to spread Christianity or to gain a strategic advantage over rival European powers.

The imperial experience had a profound effect on both colonized and colonizing nations. In the colonies, indigenous peoples were often displaced, exploited, and discriminated against.

In Britain, the imperial experience led to a sense of national superiority and a belief in the right to rule over other peoples.

Why did European powers expand?

Britain's early explorations were motivated by a desire for wealth and power. The British crown was specifically interested in commodities and cash crops like tobacco, sugar, and spices.

These commodities were then sold in European markets for a profit.

The British also established control over strategic trade routes, like the Spice Route, and through the use of entities like the East India Trade Company. 

Imperialism also had an impact on economic development. Colonies provided raw materials and markets for British goods, helping to fuel the Industrial Revolution .

Therefore, the desire to make money drove much of early European expansion. Not only did the acquisition of new territories mean the discovery of new trade goods, but the more regions that a country controlled meant that they had more people to sell their products to.

As a result, the larger an empire became, the more its wealth increased.

However, critics argue that imperialism led to exploitation and underdevelopment in the colonies.

They point to the high taxes that colonized peoples were required to pay, as well as the damaging effects of economic competition between colonial powers.

In addition to economic motivations, British colonialism was also driven by political and social factors. 

The establishment of representative democracy in Britain since the 17th century led the British to believe that it was the best form of government.

They claimed that if they could spread democracy around the world, that every nation would benefit.

In a similar way, British society believed that their morals (what they believed to be 'right' and 'wrong') was superior to any other social system in the rest of the world.

Therefore, they thought that all of humanity would benefit from adopting British culture.  

The expectation of spreading this culture on all other people was known as the 'White Man's Burden' among the British people.

Then, in the 19th century, Social Darwinism, a belief in the superiority of some races over others, also played a role in British imperialism.

This ideology justified Britain's right to rule over other peoples, on the grounds that they were 'racially inferior'.

During the era of British colonialism and imperialism, slavery was an important part of the economy.

Early colonisers had hoped to use the local peoples of their colonies as a form of cheap labour on farms and in mines.

However, diseases like smallpox and constant warfare made this impractical.

As a result, the British turned to Africa as a source of slaves. Slaves were brought from Africa to work on plantations in the Americas and the Caribbean.

They were also used in other parts of the world, including India and Southeast Asia. 

Between the 16th and 19th centuries, an estimated 12 million Africans were taken from their homes and sold into slavery.

The slave trade was extremely profitable for British ship owners and merchants. It is estimated that between 1750 and 1830, the British slave trade generated an estimated profit of £100 million.

Eventually, the slave trade was abolished in 1807, but slavery itself continued to exist in British colonies until it was finally made illegal in 1833.

Industrial Revolution

The wealth and natural resources gained by Britain from its colonies were some of the crucial factors which led to the Industrial Revolution .

The Industrial Revolution began in Britain in the late 18th century and spread to other parts of the world in the 19th century. 

This period of rapid economic growth was fuelled by the development of new technologies, like the steam engine and the Spinning Jenny.

The Industrial Revolution led to a dramatic increase in the production of goods, which helped fuel the growth of the British Empire.

It also had a profound impact on social and economic life, transforming Britain from a primarily agrarian society into an industrial powerhouse.

As a result of the increased production of food and luxury goods, the Industrial Revolution caused a rapid increase in Britain's population and wealth.

It also had a profound effect on British society, as people began to move from rural areas into cities to work in factories.

Major British colonies

The British colonisation of North America began in the 16th century, when England established colonies in Virginia and Newfoundland.

Colonisation continued in the 17th century, as the British founded New England, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.

In the 18th century, Britain's thirteen American colonies became a prosperous and populous part of the empire. 

In Canada, French colonisation began in the 16th century, but British domination began with the defeat of France in the Seven Years' War (1756-1763).

After this conflict, Britain gained control of all French territory in North America east of Louisiana.

In the 19th century, British colonists began to settle in the western part of Canada, creating the provinces of Manitoba (1870) and British Columbia (1871).

In Australia, colonisation began in 1788 with the establishment of a British penal colony in New South Wales.

This was followed by the founding of other colonies, including Tasmania (1803), Western Australia (1829), and Victoria (1851). In 1901, these colonies were federated to form the Commonwealth of Australia.

In India, British colonisation began in the 18th century with the establishment of trading posts along the coast.

In 1757, the British gained control of Bengal after defeating the local rulers at the Battle of Plassey in 1757. This victory marked the beginning of British rule in India. 

American War of Independence

The process of colonisation and imperialism created regions of social and military tensions in different parts of the world.

Not only were the First Nations peoples willing to fight to retain their independence from European domination, but many of the European settlers also started to resist control.

In North America, Native American tribes fought against European settlers in a series of wars, the most famous of which was the French and Indian War of 1754-63.

Likewise, in Australia, the  First Nations people resisted British attempts to take over their land during the Frontier Wars. In New Zealand, the Maori people fought against British colonisation in the Maori Wars between 1845 and 1872.

The British Empire faced a significant crisis in 1776, when the European colonists that occupied the 13 North American colonies declared their independence from Britain.

These colonies were wealthy and expanding, but they were also subject to strict imperial controls.

This led to tension between the colonists and the British government, which came to a head with the American War of Independence, which lasted from 1775 to 1783.

With significant economic and military support from France, the American colonies successfully repelled British attempts to bring them back under submission, and as a result, they were able to force the British to accept their independence. 

After eight years of fighting, the colonists were victorious, and the United States of America was born.

Criticism of British colonialism and imperialism

The effects of British colonialism were far-reaching. In the colonised nations, it led to the displacement of indigenous peoples, the introduction of new technologies and religions, and changes in economic and political structures.

British colonialism and imperialism have been criticised for their negative effects on indigenous peoples and on the development of colonised countries.

Critics argue that colonialism led to exploitation, racism, and underdevelopment in the colonies.

They also point to the negative impact of British cultural imperialism, which imposed Western values and ideas on colonised peoples.

In the colonising nations, such as Britain, it often resulted in the growth of a wealthy elite, while the majority of the population remained poor.

The increasing gap between the rich and poor in Europe was exacerbated by the Industrial Revolution.

The British Empire finally came to an end in the mid-20th century. India and Pakistan gained independence in 1947, while Sri Lanka became independent in 1948.

Ghana and Kenya gained independence later, in 1957 and 1963, respectively.  The Empire was dismantled, and the process of decolonisation began.

The legacy of British colonialism and imperialism is still evident today. In many parts of the world, British colonial boundaries were used to create modern nation-states.

This has led to conflict in some regions, as different groups compete for control over territory.

In addition, the legacy of British imperialism can also be seen in the language, culture, and institutions of many former colonies.

Even after the decline of the British Empire, the English language remains one of the most important international languages in trade and business.

What do you need help with?

Download ready-to-use digital learning resources.

Copyright © History Skills 2014-2024.

Contact  via email

Home / Essay Samples / History / British Empire / British History

British History Essay Examples

Queen elizabeth i: the greatest monarch of england.

Queen Elizabeth I, the daughter of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, ascended to the throne in 1558 and reigned over England until her death in 1603. Her reign is often regarded as one of the most significant periods in English history, marked by political...

Discussion on Whether the British Empire Brought Civilization to Its Colonies

The empire on which the sun never sets. This sentence is very well-known and literally true. The British Empire was quite large that it was always day time somewhere in the empire. In 1921 British Empire reached its peak and ruled over 520 million people...

Discussion on Whether the British Empire Was Good Or Bad

In this essay I will be focusing on some of the different aspects of how the British Empire was good and bad. Historians are still arguing either way depending on their viewpoint. There are many points supporting each side of the debate. I personally I...

The Impact of the British Empire on Colonial India

India, a land of heavenly nature and cultural diversity; home to some of the most intellectual geniuses; filled with ornate architecture gifted by God to mankind in the form of mountains, beaches, and waterfalls. The country possesses a variety of fabrics, including, silk, cotton, and...

The Role of the British Empire in the Beginning of Globalization in Its First 10 Years

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, also known as the OECD, globalization is the geographic dispersion of industrial and service activities, for example, research and development, sourcing of inputs, production and distribution, and the cross-border networking of companies, for example through joint...

The Wealth of the Country and the Huge Upper-class: British Industrial Revolution

The British industrial revolution is also known as the scientific revolution, due to the fact that many scientific and technological discoveries were made during this period in Britain. The industrial revolution is also seen as the era when gadgets were invented. It also led to...

The Effect of the British Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution which had happened in England has been a major area of study and debate amongst scholars over the past few decades. The term though means ‘revolution’, yet it had some limitations which is the main area of study in this paper. Breaking...

The Influence of Winston Churchill’s Early Experiences on His Life

Born to be a soldier Winston Churchill, one of the most brilliant and dauntless Prime Ministers in British history, he was a true warlord but what made this man the hero we know today is his childhood experiences and ventures before his more legendary exploits....

Analysis of Winston Churchill’s Leadership Through Machiavelli’s the Prince

The great leader of the United Kingdom in 1945, Winston Churchill, was a British politician of the conservative, then liberal party, and leader during World War II. Churchill was born into a rich aristocratic family, giving him an education, but he did not achieve good...

Analysis of Churchill's Speech We Shall Fight on the Beaches

In the speech 'We Shall Fight on the Beaches', Winston Churchill addressed the House of Commons on 14 June 1940, to inform him of the current state of war. World War II had begun a year before September, and two days after the German invasion...

Trying to find an excellent essay sample but no results?

Don’t waste your time and get a professional writer to help!

You may also like

• Harriet Tubman
• Mother Teresa
• Civil Rights Movement
• Eleanor Roosevelt
• Frederick Douglass
• Roaring Twenties
• Pearl Harbor
• Elizabethan Times Essays
• British Industrial Revolution Essays
• Stonehenge Essays
• King Arthur Essays
• Henry V Essays
• Richard Iii Essays
• Boer War Essays
• Henry Iv Essays
• King Edward I Essays
• Victorian Era Essays

About British History

Norman Britain (1066 - 1154), Middle Ages (1154 - 1485), Tudors (1485 - 1603), Civil War and Revolution (1603 - 1714), Empire and Sea Power (1714 - 1837), Victorian Britain (1837 - 1901), Home Front: World War One (1901 - 1918), Home Front: World War Two (1918 - 1945), The Making of Modern Britain (1945 - present).

Queen Boudica, King Henry VIII, George III, Horatio Nelson, Queen Elizabeth I, William Shakespeare, Charles Darwin, Queen Victoria, Sir Winston Churchill, Princess Diana, Benjamin Disraeli, Margaret Thatcher, etc.

samplius.com uses cookies to offer you the best service possible.By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .--> -->