Tag Archives: monarchy
Waltham Abbey and the Dissolution of the Monasteries – a short overview
On the 23rd March 1540, Waltham Abbey in Essex became the last abbey to be dissolved by Henry VIII.
Why was Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second wife, executed? A short overview.
On the 19th May 1536, Anne Boleyn – Henry VIII’s second wife and mother of the future Elizabeth I – was beheaded in the Tower of London, having been found guilty of adultery, treason, and incest.
Why was Lady Jane Grey queen of England for only nine days?
On the 10th July 1553, Lady Jane Grey was proclaimed queen of England after her first cousin once removed, the 15-year-old King Edward VI, died of an unknown respiratory problem.
The start of Queen Elizabeth I’s reign
On the 17th November 1558, Elizabeth I succeeded her half-sister Mary to become queen of England.
Elizabeth I and the first English lottery (where everybody won a prize!)
On the 11th January 1569, the first recorded lottery was drawn in England under Elizabeth I.
James VI of Scotland: the 13 month old king
On the 29th July 1567, James VI was crowned king of Scotland when he was just 13 months old.
The execution of Mary, Queen of Scots
On the 8th February 1587 Mary Stuart, more commonly known as Mary, Queen of Scots, was executed in the great hall of Fotheringhay Castle in Northamptonshire.
The Gunpowder Plot and the discovery of Guy Fawkes
On the 5th November 1605, the Gunpowder Plot was foiled when Guy or Guido Fawkes was discovered guarding 36 barrels of gunpowder that had been placed in an undercroft below the House of Lords in London.
What was the significance of the Petition of Right?
On the 7th June 1628, the Petition of Right was approved by King Charles I.
Why did Charles I attempt and (fail) to arrest the Five Members of Parliament?
On the 4th January 1642, Charles I attempted and failed to arrest the Five Members of Parliament, prompting the English Civil War and his own eventual execution for treason.
