The History of Surnames | Historic UK
Jun 27, 2015 · Learn how surnames evolved in England after the Norman Conquest in 1066 and how they reflect society, trades, traits and places. Find out the meanings and origins of some common surnames and how they changed over time.
The History of Coats of Arms and Heraldry | Historic UK
Learn about the origins, symbols and functions of coats of arms, the hereditary devices used by medieval nobles and knights. Find out how to discover if your ancestors had a coat of arms and how to access the official records of heraldic authorities.
Timeline of the Industrial Revolution - Historic UK
The web page lists the major events and inventions that shaped the industrial revolution in Britain from the eighteenth to the mid-nineteenth century. It does not provide a clear answer to when the industrial revolution ended, but suggests that it was a gradual process that continued until the mid-nineteenth century.
The Game of Conkers - Historic UK
Learn about the history and culture of conkers, the horse chestnut fruits used for a popular playground game in Britain. Discover how conkers were collected, used and played with, and how they became part of the World Conker Championships.
The Love Life of Queen Elizabeth I - Historic UK
Elizabeth I was a young woman of 25 when she became queen in 1558, and she declared that it would be sufficient for her to live and die a virgin. She had seen the disastrous consequences of marriage for her father, her sister and other women in her life, and she preferred to …
The Origins of Fairies - Historic UK
May 20, 2015 · Learn about the history and folklore of fairies, goblins and hobgoblins in England and Scotland. Discover the different kinds of fairies, their origins, appearances and powers, and some modern sightings.
The Abolition of Slavery In Britain - Historic UK
Learn how Britain ended the slave trade and slavery in its colonies after a long and controversial campaign by anti-slavery activists and enslaved people. Explore the legal, political and social factors that shaped the abolition movement and its impact on British history.
William the Conqueror - Historic UK
May 3, 2022 · Learn about the life and achievements of William I, the first Norman king of England who seized the throne after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Discover how he became duke of Normandy, married Matilda of Flanders, and faced rival claimants to the English crown.
King Harold II (Godwinson) - Historic UK
Sep 21, 2023 · Learn about the life and reign of Harold Godwinson, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, who faced challenges from Harald Hardrada, Tostig and William of Normandy. Discover how he died at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and why he is a controversial figure in British history.
Timeline of events in 1917 during the First World War - Historic UK
Learn about the major battles and events of 1917 during the First World War, such as the Battle of Cambrai with a surprise tank attack by the British. See how the U.S. entered the war, the Russian Revolution, the Messines Ridge mine explosion, and more.