If you asked most people what they know about Lady Godiva, they may likely tell you that she rode a horse nude through town and that may be the extent of it. This is, of course, not the entire story surrounding this legendary figure and Lady Godiva’s naked ride held its own purpose and message that resonated with the lower classes and the downtrodden. It was a story that … [Read more...] about British Myths and Legends – Lady Godiva
Norman Britain Articles
Norman Britain: Ten Interesting Facts About William the Conqueror
While there had been several kings of England prior to 1066, the reign of William I is thought to have been a major game-changer for English history and marked the first steps towards the country we know today. William shaped English society with his castle-building, introduction of the French language, and instituting Feudalism. We have more about the Norman Invasion you can … [Read more...] about Norman Britain: Ten Interesting Facts About William the Conqueror
Ten Interesting Facts About the Battle of Hastings
There’s no question that the Battle of Hastings was the most important conflict in British history. Fought between the Anglo-Saxons (led by Harold of Wessex) and the Normans (headed by William of Normandy), the Norman victory led to William becoming king and instituting feudalism, fundamentally altering British society and the country’s destiny. As fundamental as … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts About the Battle of Hastings
Ten Interesting Facts about Viking Invasions
Coming from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, Vikings struck repeatedly along the coasts of Great Britain and Ireland from around 800 AD until finally defeated in 1066 AD. Often the sight of their longboats coming over the horizon inspired terror in the villages along the coast. Throughout their history with Britain, the Vikings raided villages, held territory, and even sat on the … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts about Viking Invasions
Countdown to the Royal Wedding: Royal History – Elizabeth’s Royal Wedding
Most of us will remember the excitement surrounding Prince William and Catherine Middleton’s wedding in 2011, and a lot of us will remember watching Charles and Diana’s fairytale wedding on TV when we were kids. Compared to those lavish affairs, Elizabeth and Philip’s wedding was fairly restrained. It was, after all, only a few years since the end of the war and the country … [Read more...] about Countdown to the Royal Wedding: Royal History – Elizabeth’s Royal Wedding
Countdown to the Royal Wedding: A Brief History of Windsor Castle – The Queen’s Preferred Weekend Home With a Long Royal History
While Buckingham Palace may be the 'official' residence of Queen Elizabeth, Windsor Castle is the royal residence long associated with the monarchy and her personal favorite. The castle’s oldest parts date back to the 11th Century and King William I’s conquest of England. To consolidate his power, William built a series of castles around England, including a ring of them … [Read more...] about Countdown to the Royal Wedding: A Brief History of Windsor Castle – The Queen’s Preferred Weekend Home With a Long Royal History
Travel Alert: The Iconic Bayeux Tapestry To Visit the UK For the First Time in 2020
Big news in the British History world this week. It's been announced that the Bayeux Tapestry, which documents the Battle of Hastings in 1066 is going to make a visit to the UK, as soon as 2020. The tapestry, which chronicles the victory of William the Conqueror over Harold Godwinson, has never left France and for the first time in 950 years, it will leave France and make … [Read more...] about Travel Alert: The Iconic Bayeux Tapestry To Visit the UK For the First Time in 2020
Brit History: Top Ten British Battlefields To Visit for the History Buff
Human conflict has long devolved into two armies meeting out in a field to determine who’s boss. The United Kingdom has seen its share of conflicts, from battles against invading forces to wars between groups within the country. From the raiding Vikings to the English Civil War, plenty of battlefields can be found all over the UK, and we at Anglotopia are here to tell you our … [Read more...] about Brit History: Top Ten British Battlefields To Visit for the History Buff
Norman Invasion: The Bayeux Tapestry Animated- Video
The Animated Bayeux Tapestry was created as a student project while at Goldsmiths College. Just as the historic original embroidery does, the animation depicts the lead up to to the Norman Invasion of Britain in 1066. Starts about halfway through the original work at the appearance of Halley's Comet and concludes at the Battle of Hastings. Marc Sylvan redid the soundtrack to … [Read more...] about Norman Invasion: The Bayeux Tapestry Animated- Video
The Monarchs: William the Conqueror (1066 – 1087) – The King Who Invaded England and Forged a New Nation
The Battle of Hastings in 1066 was the swiftest, most effective and most brutal military occupation ever seen and is believed by many to have been the most important battle in English history. Leading the victorious Norman invaders was William, a Norman duke known after 1066 as William the Conqueror, King of England. William completely transformed England, transferring all land … [Read more...] about The Monarchs: William the Conqueror (1066 – 1087) – The King Who Invaded England and Forged a New Nation
Introducing a New Regular Column: Great Events in British History – First Up The Norman Invasion of 1066 – The End of Anglo-Saxon England
Editor's Note: This article is the first in a new series of ongoing articles about major events in British History. Each article will be a long read about the event, its key players, background and its ramifications in British History. These articles are meant to be sketches of the events and their aftermath - it would not be possible to write a comprehensive history for each … [Read more...] about Introducing a New Regular Column: Great Events in British History – First Up The Norman Invasion of 1066 – The End of Anglo-Saxon England