Monarchy
As we enter a new Carolean era with King Charles III on the throne, we take a look back at kings and queens through history.
So many English kings and queens have associations with English Heritage sites, and their stories are woven into the history of these glorious reminders of royalty past.
Discover royal tales of legend, romance, conflict and escape.
When King Charles was crowned at Westminster Abbey on 6 May 2023, it was the first British Coronation in nearly 70 years.
As England welcomes a new Carolean era, all eyes are on the monarchy. This isn't the first time a Charles has ruled England, so who were Charles I and II and what mark did they leave on our nation?
Explore earlier King CharlesThe Story of England
Take a chronological journey through the key periods in England's past and learn who was at the helm for each significant period. Explore thousands of years of history and discover how the changes that the country has seen can be traced through English Heritage's sites.
Discover moreMeet the Monarchs
Take a closer look at the lives of some of England's most influential monarchs and their modern representations and legacies. From cinematic narratives, to traditions carried through time, discover the lesser-known stories behind England's monarchy.
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HENRY VIII AND ANNE OF CLEVES: JOURNEY TO A DOOMED MARRIAGE?
Many people know the story of Henry VIII’s most famous wife, Anne Boleyn. But how many know the details of his short-lived fourth marriage?
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ENGLAND’S FIRST OFFICIAL QUEEN: MARY TUDOR
In 1553 the radical longstanding question around whether a woman could rule the country by herself was about to be answered.
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Elizabeth I in cinema
Kate Williams looks at the different portrayals of Elizabeth I on screen to separate fact from fiction.
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CHARLES II AND THE ROYAL OAK
Discover how the future king hid from Parliamentarian forces at Boscobel House during his escape, giving English history one of its greatest adventure stories.
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VICTORIA AND ALBERT AT OSBORNE
Queen Victoria is the only woman ever to have ruled over a third of the earth, and she lived her life under great scrutiny from the press and public.
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THE HISTORY OF OSBORNE MYRTLE IN ROYAL WEDDINGS
Myrtle, a delicate white flower that grows at Osborne, has been the flower of choice for royal brides since the 1850s.
LISTEN: Our Royal Podcast Episodes
Queens of our Castles
From the 13th-century heiress who lived in Carisbrooke Castle and owned the Isle of Wight to Eleanor de Montfort's attempt to hold the besieged Dover Castle, the stories of our castles are interwoven with those of powerful women.
Find out moreLook like royalty
Watch our Roman and Victorian Make up tutorials
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Roman make up tutorial
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Queen Victoria make up tutorial
Test your knowledge
Think you know the difference between the King Charles of history? Can you name all of Victoria and Albert's children? How about, who the last king was to have a beard? See how much you know about the kings and queens of England's past.
Kids' Activities
DESIGN YOUR OWN COAT OF ARMS
Follow our instructions to design your own coat of arms.
Learn about the history of coats of arms, including the royal coat of arms, and how the designs were used to show who they represented. Then use our guide to the heraldic code and simple downloadable template to design your own coat of arms to represent you or your family.
Design your coat of arms
