The United Kingdom HISTORY and PLACES OF INTEREST

Introduction The British Isles have a rich history going back thousands of years. The history of the United Kingdom includes also the history of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The history is full of invaders, wars, rulers.

History BC stone age man, the first farmers, Stonehenge 1500 BC - 43 AD the age of hill forts and the Celts 43 AD AD Roman Britain, they came, they saw, they conquered the Romans left, the Anglo Saxons arrived, the Normans conquered

the Normans consolidate their conquest the Middle Ages Henry VIII, Elizabeth I and the Tudors the divine right of kings to rule, then chop off their heads

Restoration and Revolution, the beginning of Empire The German Georges rule Britain Britain in North America Peace and prosperity, the growth of Empire

The First World War, carnage without a cause The after effects of World War I, the General Strike World War II Post War Britain - loses an Empire, looks for the role

The Kings and Queens Until 1603 the English and Scottish Crowns were separated. Following the Accession of King James VI of Scotland (I of England) to the English Throne. From the end of the 17th century, monarchs lost executive power and they became subject to Parliament, resulting in today's constitutional Monarchy.

The best known Queen: Elizabeth gave the name to a golden age of poets, statesmen and adventurers. Known as the Virgin Queen, or Gloriana. Queen Elizabeth I

Claims to the throne of France led to the Hundred Years' War and the loss of almost all the large English territory in France The best known King: Eduard III

The Historical Flag When King James VI of Scotland ascended to the English throne, thereby becoming James I of England So the national flags of England and Scotland on land were continued by Graham Bartram Flag adopted 1 January 1801

Crosses in the flag

The most important WARS: The Hundred Years War Wars of the Roses Civil War Boer War World War I World War II

Wales a Celtic land of mountains and coal

Northern Ireland Northern Protestants feel they have a right to determine their own future democratically Northern Catholics feel they have the right to be part of a united Ireland The Giant's Causeway Queen's University Belfast

Scotland An English army arrived to relieve the Scots siege of Stirling Bruce defeated the English army under Edward II, who was lucky to escape with his life The Scots victory at the Battle of Bannockburn secured complete Scots independence

England England has always played an important role in the worlds´ economy and business Big Ben Queen Bus Raining Guards Tea Bodiam Castle Stonehenge