British History Timeline

The Cambridge History of the Book in Britain Volum...

Britain has been shaped by turmoil between its nations, and tension between state and church. But centuries of conflict would forge the power at the heart of the largest empire the world has ever seen.
Discover more in the sections below.

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British History Timeline

Explore all of British history, from the Neolithic to the present day, with this easy-to-use interactive timeline.

Go to the British History Timeline

Norman Britain (1066 - 1154)

The story behind the Battle of Hastings, and the leaders who fought it out in 1066.

Go to Normans

Middle Ages (1154 - 1485)

Turmoil, crisis and the creation of a state, from Magna Carta to the horrors of the Black Death.

Go to Middle Ages

Tudors (1485 - 1603)

An era of change and triumph, from Henry VIII's Reformation to Elizabeth and the Armada.

Go to Tudors

Civil War and Revolution (1603 - 1714)

The Gunpowder Plot failed, but the English Civil War would later claim the life of a king.

Go to Civil War & Revolution

Empire and Sea Power (1714 - 1837)

War with France brought victory at Trafalgar and Waterloo, and gave Britain control of the seas.

Go to Empire & Sea Power

Special Section: Abolition of the Slave Trade

How the trade operated and the dramatic transatlantic campaign that led to its abolition.

Go to Abolition of the Slave Trade

Victorian Britain (1837 - 1901)

Industrial revolution powered Britain to global pre-eminence and initiated social reform.

Go to Victorians

Home Front: World War One (1901 - 1918)

Controversy and emancipation. Britain's costliest conflict had a far-reaching impact at home.

Go to Home Front: World War One

Home Front: World War Two (1918 - 1945)

Life on the Home Front, from the bombs of the Blitz to the preparations for invasion.

Go to Home Front: World War Two

The Making of Modern Britain (1945 - present)