List of rulers of England

The list of rulers of England includes the sovereign heads of state of the Kingdom of England from its unification in the 9th century to 1707 when it became part of the Kingdom of Great Britain through the Act of Union .

Traditionally, King Egbert of Wessex is the first to be listed on the King's lists of England, as he was the first from the House of Kings of Wessex to establish supremacy over the Anglo-Saxon heptarchy on the British Isles, at least temporarily . His descendants united the small kingdoms of the Angles and Saxons into an Anglo-Saxon kingdom, which from the early 10th century was simply called England .

After the invasion by William the Conqueror in 1066, England was culturally and politically under the influence of the French mainland and finally became part of the territorial conglomerate of the House of Plantagenet , the so-called Angevin Empire in 1154 . From the late 12th century, the English kings gradually subjugated the Irish island and Wales . In the early 13th century, the Angevin Empire collapsed, and the Plantagenet family gradually transformed into a purely English dynasty. The Norman nobility integrated themselves into the Anglo-Saxon population and gradually assumed an independent English national consciousness.

In 1541 the Kingdom of Ireland was founded, which was linked in personal union with England. From 1603 there was also a personal union with Scotland , which was finally converted into a real union under the name Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707 (see list of British monarchs ).

List of kings and queens of England

Anglo-Saxon dynasty ( House of Wessex )

Name alternative names (life data)	government time	relatedness economy	Remarks
Egbert Ecgberht or Ecgbriht (* 770; † 839)	802-839	Son of King Ealhmund of Kent	Egbert built Wessex into the most powerful kingdom in the Anglo-Saxon heptarchy and in 829 conquered Mercia, which had dominated until then . Since then he has been recognized as " Bretwalda " ( bretenanwealda ), which implied a claim to supremacy on the British Isles.
Æthelwulf Æþelwulf (* around 800 - 13 January 858)	839-858	Son of the predecessor	Subjugated East Anglia , Kent , Sussex and Essex as sub-kingdoms for Wessex. Made a pilgrimage to Rome and was throne from the Anglo-Saxon throne by his eldest son in 856. On his return, however, he took over at least the rule of the aforementioned sub-kingdoms, which he passed on to the younger son in his will after his death and thus divided his rule between his sons.
Æthelbald Æþelbald (* around 834; † December 20, 860)	855-860	Son of the predecessor	First overthrew his father by having himself crowned king in his absence. On his return, however, he accepted the son as regent or co-king and left him on the throne of Wessex, while he continued to rule the other areas under the rule of the two.
Æthelberht Æþelberht (* around 835; † 865)	860-865	Brother of the predecessor	In succession to his father, he was already sub-king in Kent, Sussex and Surrey from 858 when he inherited his brother and thus reunified his father's territory. During his time, Vikings invaded north-east England and temporarily moved to Wessex.
Æthelred Æþelræd (* around 837 - 23 April 871)	865-871	Brother of the predecessor	At the beginning of his rule large Danish Viking armies (the so-called Great Pagan Army ) invaded England, against whose invasion he fought with mutual success together with his brother Alfred. In the following years they destroyed the kingdoms of Northumbria and East Anglia and founded some Danish settlements. They also settled in Mercia, which had to be ransomed. Then the Danes turned to Wessex, against which he and Alfred tried in vain to defend themselves and he fell in battle.
Alfred the Great Ælfred (* around 847/849; † October 26, 899)	871-899	Brother of the predecessor	Pushed the Danes back from Wessex and built against these fortifications in the country. Successfully weakened the Danelag ruled by the Scandinavians . Promoted the construction of the monastery and encouraged the prosperity of Anglo-Saxon culture. Called himself the first "King of the Anglo-Saxons" ( Anglorum Saxonum rex ).
Eduard the Elder Ēadweard se Ieldra (* around 871 - † July 17, 924)	899-924	Son of the predecessor	Also called himself "King of the Anglo-Saxons" and pushed the Danes back behind the Humber .
Æthelweard (* around 904 - † August 2, 924)	924	Son of the predecessor	His rule is controversial and probably only ruled for a few days.
Æthelstan Æþelstān (* around 894 - † October 27, 939)	924-939	Brother of the predecessor	Conquered the Danish Kingdom of Jórvík (Northumbria) in 927 and was recognized as the overlord of Britain. He was the first king to rule over the entire area that is now England. Also called himself the first "King of the English" ( rex Anglorum ).
Edmund the Magnificent Ēadmund (* around 922 - † May 26, 946)	939-946	Brother of the predecessor	Fought against the Danes for control of Northumbria. Brought exile to the Frankish king's son Ludwig (the overseas) .
Eadred Eadred (around 924 - 23 November 955)	946-955	Brother of the predecessor	Successfully completed the conquest of Northumbria.
Eadwig Eadwig (around 941 - October 1, 959)	955-959	Son of Edmund I.	Exiled Saint Dunstan from Canterbury . Northumbria and Mercia renounced him in 957 under his brother.
Edgar the Peaceful Eadgar (* 939 - 12 July 975)	959-975	Brother of the predecessor	Ruled Northumbria and Mercia since 957 before succeeding his brother to the throne of Wessex. His rule was largely calm and conflict-free.
Eduard the Martyr Ēadweard (* around 962 - † March 18, 978)	975-978	Son of the predecessor	Was murdered by his stepmother after a short reign. Canonized in 1008.
Æthelred the unadvised Æþelræd Unræd (* around 968; † April 23, 1016)	978-1013	Half brother of the predecessor	He inherited the throne through his mother's murder of his half-brother. In his time the attacks by the Vikings from Denmark and Norway increased again, which he tried to counter with high tribute payments ( Danegeld ). Was temporarily in conflict with the Duke of Normans (landing in Cotentin 991), which he ended by marrying his sister. In fear of an attack against himself, ordered the murder of all Danes in England, thereby invoking the vengeance of Sven Gabelbart, from whom he was eventually driven into exile after numerous attempts.

Anglo-Saxons and Danes

Name alternative names (life data)	government time	relatedness economy	Remarks
Sven Gabelbart Svend Tveskæg (* around 965 - † February 3, 1014)	1013-1014	Son of Harald Blauzahn	King of Denmark. Conquered England and ruled there for a year without being crowned.
Æthelred the unadvised Æþelræd Unræd (* around 968; † April 23, 1016)	1014-1016		Returned from exile after Sven's death, was proclaimed king again by the Anglo-Saxon Witan and initially drove Knut, the son of his rival, to Denmark. In 1015 Knut landed again in England and took up the siege of London, in which Æthelred died.
Edmund Eisseite Ēadmund Isen-Healf (* around 989; † November 30, 1016)	1016	Son of the predecessor	Was inferior to Knut in battle and received Wessex as the sub-kingdom of Danish England. Died the same year as his father.
Knut the Great Knud the store (* around 995; † November 12, 1035)	1016-1035	Son of Sven Gabelbart	Crossed to England on news of his father's death and subjugated the kingdom after Edmund's death. Founded a Nordic empire in which he ruled over Denmark, England and Norway. Married the widow of Æthelred. Established the system of earldoms in England.
Harald I. Hasenfuß Harald Harefod (* around 1016 - † March 17, 1040)	1035-1040	Son of the predecessor	Asserted his kingship with the support of Earl Godwin against the old Anglo-Saxon dynasty and his half-brother.
Hardiknut Hardeknud (* around 1018/1019; † June 8, 1042)	1040-1042	Half brother of the predecessor	Followed his father as king in Denmark, but was driven out of England by his half-brother. After his death he was able to ascend the English throne. When he died, the Anglo-Saxon dynasty was restored.
Eduard the Confessor Ēadƿeard se Andettere (* around 1004; † January 5, 1066)	1042-1066	Son of Æthelred	Base his rule on Danish and Norman followers. Was of a particularly religious character and began building Westminster Abbey . Successfully fought off claims to the throne from Norway and Denmark. Struck down the revolt of Earl Godwin, but then promoted his sons, including Harald.
Harald II. Harold Godwinesson (* 1022 - † October 14, 1066)	1066	Son of Earl Godwin and brother-in-law of his predecessor	Earl of Wessex. Elected king by the Witan, he repulsed a Norwegian invasion at Stamford Bridge. Died fighting William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings .
Edgar Ætheling Eadgar Æþeling (* around 1051, † around 1125)	1066	Grandson of Edmund Eisseite	Elected king by the Witan after the Battle of Hastings, but not crowned. Was inferior to the advancing Wilhelm and had to surrender to him in December 1066.

Norman Dynasty ( Rollonids )

Name alternative names (life data)	government time	relatedness economy	Remarks
William I the Conqueror Guillaume le Conquérant (* 1027/28; † September 9, 1087)	1066-1087	2nd nephew of Edward the Confessor	Duke of Normandy (William the Bastard). Claimed the succession of Edward, led the invasion of the British Isles in 1066 and defeated his rival Harald II in the Battle of Hastings. Subsequently, he subjugated the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom and founded the Anglo-Norman Empire. Had the Domesday Book drawn up and the Tower of London built.
Wilhelm II. Rufus Guillaume le Roux (* 1056; † August 2, 1100)	1087-1100	Son of the predecessor	Inherited the Kingdom of England from his father, while Normandy went to his older brother Robert Kurzhose . Stand against the French king until the end. Had Westminster Hall built.
Heinrich I. Beauclerc Henri Beauclerc (* around 1068 - † December 1, 1135)	1100-1135	Brother of the predecessor	Defeated his brother Robert Kurzhose in 1106 at the Battle of Tinchebray, reuniting his father's Anglo-Norman empire. Defended his empire against the claims of his nephew Wilhelm Clito , whom he defeated in 1119 at the Battle of Brémule . Established an “administrative royalty” with efficient administration and jurisdiction. After the death of his heir son when the “White Ship” sank in 1120, he decided that his daughter would be his heir.
Stephan Étienne de Blois (* 1097 - 25 October 1154)	1135-1141	Nephew of the predecessor	Usurped the throne against his cousin Matilda, triggering the English Civil War (the Anarchy) . This led to a political strengthening of the baronial class. Had to briefly cede power to Matilda after his capture at the Battle of Lincoln in 1141.
Matilda the Empress Mathilde l'emperesse (* 1102; † September 10, 1167)	1141	Daughter of Heinrich I.	Widow of Emperor Heinrich V and secondly married to Count Gottfried Plantagenet von Anjou . Fought for the throne against her cousin Stephan. Briefly took power in 1141, but without being crowned. Was forced to leave the country after the Battle of Winchester in 1141 and the release of Stephen.
Stephan Étienne de Blois (* 1097 - 25 October 1154)	1141-1154		After his release he continued to fight against Matilda and the Anjou, against which he lost Normandy in 1144. Had to finally recognize Matilda's son as heir in the Treaty of Wallingford in 1153 .

Angevin Dynasty ( House Plantagenet )

Name alternative names (life data)	government time	relatedness economy	Remarks
Henry II short coat Henri Court-manteau (March 5, 1133 - July 6, 1189)	1154-1189	Son of Matilda	Founded the Angevin Empire through his marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine . Was in constant battle against his sons and the French king. Consolidated the English royal power against the barons.
Henry the Younger Henri le jeune roi (February 28, 1155 - June 11, 1183)	1170-1183	Son of Heinrich II.	Fellow-king of his father. Died during the uprising against him.
Richard I the Lionheart Richard Cœur de Lion (8 September 1157 - 6 April 1199)	1189-1199	Son or brother of the predecessor	Led the third crusade (1190–1192) and was captured by the Roman-German emperor. Subsequently he successfully asserted himself against the French King Philip II August in the battle for his continental possessions. Died subjugating one of his vassals.
Johann Ohneland Jean sans Terre (* December 24, 1167 - † October 19, 1216)	1199-1216	Brother of the predecessor	The Angevin Empire collapsed under him. Normandy, Anjou, Maine and Touraine were lost to the French king. Led successful campaigns to Ireland and Wales, lost to France in 1214 at Roche-aux-Moines and Bouvines . After the revolt of his barons, he had to sign the Magna Charta in 1215 . His attempt to revise this led to the “First Baron's War” and the invasion of the French Prince Ludwig. Died largely disempowered.
Louis the Lion (September 5, 1187 - November 8, 1226)	1216-1217	Husband of Blanka of Castile , a granddaughter of Henry II.	Prince of the French Capetian dynasty . Was proclaimed king but not crowned by the rebelling English barons. The followers of Johann crowned the underage Heinrich III after his death. to the king. After the defeats at Lincoln and Sandwich in 1217, Ludwig dropped his claims to the throne.
Henry III. Henry of Winchester (October 1, 1207 - November 16, 1272)	1216-1272	Son of the predecessor	In the first years of his rule he was under the influence of foreign favorites, against whom the English barons regularly revolted. Aquitaine lost to the French crown and was against Louis IX. inferior to the saints at Taillebourg in 1242 . With this he signed the Treaty of Paris in 1259 , which secured him Gascon and part of Aquitaine, as a vassal of France. Was in constant conflict with his barons and had to accept the Provisions of Oxford in 1258 . His subsequent revision policy led to the "Second Baron's War", in which he was effectively ousted by Simon de Montfort after the Battle of Lewes in 1264 . After the Battle of Evesham in 1265 again in possession of the rulers, he still had to give the barons extensive say. Built Westminster Palace and had Westminster Abbey expanded into a royal burial place.
Eduard I. Edward Longshanks (June 17, 1239 - July 7, 1307)	1272-1307	Son of the predecessor	Even as a prince an outstanding political and military actor, he became king during his crusade (1270–1272) . Got into conflict with King Philip IV the Fair over his French possessions and subjugated the Principality of Wales. His aggressive attack on Scotland led to the outbreak of the Scottish War of Independence , against which he cracked down on ("Schottenhammer"). Convened the model parliament in 1295.
Edward II Edward of Caernarvon (April 25, 1284 - September 21, 1327)	1307-1327	Son of the predecessor	His favoritism ( Piers Gaveston , Hugh le Despenser ) provoked aristocratic revolts. Was defeated by the Scots at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, was ousted by his wife and probably also murdered.
Edward III. (13 November 1312 - 21 June 1377)	1327-1377	Son of the predecessor	Disempowered his mother and her favorite. Consolidated the royal power internally and favored an economic upswing. Formulated a claim to the French throne and thus triggered the Hundred Years War against France in 1337 . After the victory at Crécy in 1346, he won Calais as a permanent continental bridgehead and after the victory at Poitiers in 1356 temporarily secured larger areas in France. Increasingly influenced by favorites in old age and lost most of the territories on the continent back to France. Founded the Order of the Garter .
Richard II Richard of Bordeaux (1367 - 14 February 1400)	1377-1399	Grandson of the predecessor	Suppressed the peasant uprising at Wat Tyler and was in conflict with parliament. Did not vigorously continue the Hundred Years War and therefore fell on the defensive against France. Deposed by Parliament in favor of his cousin Heinrich Bolingbroke and murdered shortly afterwards.

Lancaster house

Name alternative names (life data)	government time	relatedness economy	Remarks
Heinrich IV. Henry of Bolingbroke (* 1366/67 - † March 20, 1413)	1399-1413	Grandson of Edward III.	Claimed his assumption of the throne against other pretenders and suppressed the Percy family uprising in northern England. Also took action against the Lollards and against the independence-seeking Welsh.
Henry V Henry of Monmouth (September 16, 1387 - August 31, 1422)	1413-1422	Son of the predecessor	Smashed the Lollard Movement and suppressed the Welsh uprising. Opened the second phase of the Hundred Years War, completely defeated the French in the Battle of Azincourt in 1415 and conquered all of northern France as far as the Loire. Was recognized as the heir of France in the subsequent Treaty of Troyes in 1419, but was never crowned its king.
Henry VI. (6 December 1421 - 21 May 1471)	1422-1461	Son of the predecessor	With the appearance of Joan of Arc , the English position in France fell on the defensive. Lost Orléans and Reims to Charles VII by 1429 , was nevertheless crowned King of France in 1431. By 1443 all territories on the mainland were lost except for Calais. The defeat at Castillon in 1453 brought the Hundred Years War to an end. This was followed by the outbreak of the Wars of the Roses in England in 1455 , in which the House of York claimed the throne. Due to an increasing mental illness , Henry VI was unable to govern . first deposed after several defeats of his party in 1461.

York House

image	Name alternative names (life data)	government time	relatedness economy	Remarks
	Edward IV. Edward of York (April 28, 1442 - April 9, 1483)	1461-1470	Great-great-grandson of Edward III.	Successfully fought for the English throne in 1461, but lost it in 1470 after the betrayal of Richard Neville (Warwick the Kingmaker).

Lancaster house

image	Name alternative names (life data)	government time	relatedness economy	Remarks
	Henry VI. (6 December 1421 - 21 May 1471)	1470-1471		Elevated to the throne again by Warwick the Kingmaker in 1470, his party of York was decisively defeated at Barnet and Tewkesbury in 1471. Was then deposed again and ultimately murdered.

York House

Name alternative names (life data)	government time	relatedness economy	Remarks
Edward IV. Edward of York (April 28, 1442 - April 9, 1483)	1471-1483		After his loss of power in 1470, he organized his return to England from exile in the Netherlands. Defeated the Lancaster in 1471 decisive at Barnet and at Tewkesbury, which led to the renewed deposition of Henry VI. and Edward IV's second accession to the throne. Stabilized domination inwards and allied with Burgundy against France. Promoted the country's economic recovery through an efficient economic policy.
Eduard V. (* 1470; † probably 1483)	1483	Son of the predecessor	Was deposed as the allegedly illegitimate son of Edward IV by his uncle Richard of Gloucester shortly after his accession to the throne, locked up in the Tower with his brother Richard of York ( princes in the Tower ) and allegedly murdered there.
Richard III Richard of Gloucester (October 2, 1452 - August 22, 1485)	1483-1485	Uncle of the predecessor	Took the throne by deposition of his nephew. Henry Tudor rose against him as heir of the Lancaster, who defeated and killed him at the Battle of Bosworth . Last Plantagenet on the English throne.

House of Tudor

Name alternative names (life data)	government time	relatedness economy	Remarks
Henry VII Henry Tudor (January 28, 1457 - April 21, 1509)	1485-1509	Great-great-great-grandson of Eduard III.	A descendant of Lancaster on his mother's side, he married the heiress of the House of York. Defeated Richard III in 1485 on Bosworth Field, ending the Wars of the Roses. Asserted himself against York pretenders and pacified the country internally and externally.
Henry VIII (June 28, 1491 - January 28, 1547)	1509-1547	Son of the predecessor	Fought the York's last attempts at restoration. In 1531 the Church of England was freed from the supremacy of the Pope and made the crown its head ( Anglicanism ), but stood against Protestantism. Executed two of his six wives. Also King of Ireland since 1541 .
Edward VI. (October 12, 1537 - July 6, 1553)	1547-1553	Son of the predecessor	His rule was held by the Lord Protectors Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset , and John Dudley, 1st Duke of Northumberland , who both promoted Protestantism in England.
Jane Jane Gray (1537 - February 12, 1554)	1553	Great-granddaughter of Henry VII.	Was proclaimed Queen of Northumberland on July 10, 1553, but was not crowned. Was deposed by the followers of Mary on July 19 and executed a year later.
Maria I. Maria the Catholic ; Bloody Mary (February 18, 1516 - November 17, 1558)	1553-1558	Daughter of Henry VIII.	Initiated a Catholic reaction in England to curb Protestantism, which was accompanied by mass burnings. Calais ceded to France as the last English continental possession.
Philip Philip II of Spain	1554-1558	Husband of Maria I.	Co-king of his wife in England.
Elisabeth I. Elizabeth the Virgin Queen (7 September 1533 - 24 March 1603)	1558-1603	Half-sister of the predecessor, daughter of Henry VIII.	Detached the English Church from Catholicism for good and led it to Protestantism. Established the maritime power of England and defended it against Spain ( fall of the Spanish Armada in 1588 ). The Elizabethan Age marked a high point in England's economic, cultural and political history.

House of Stuart

image	Name alternative names (life data)	government time	relatedness economy	Remarks
	Jacob I (June 19, 1566 - March 27, 1625)	1603-1625	Great-great-grandson of Henry VII, son of Maria Stuart	When Jacob VI. also King of Scotland. Under his rule, the first English settlement in North America was established ( Jamestown ). Was in conflict with parliament.
	Charles I (19 November 1600 - 30 January 1649)	1625-1649	Son of the predecessor	Also King of Scotland. Ruled without parliament and provoked a civil war against the House of Commons, which was dominated by the Puritans . His supporters were beaten by the parliamentary army under Oliver Cromwell, he himself convicted of high treason and beheaded. Then England became a republic.

Commonwealth of England

image	Name alternative names (life data)	government time	relatedness economy	Remarks
	Oliver Cromwell (April 25, 1599 - September 3, 1658)	1649-1658	13th cousin of the predecessor	As lord protector de facto ruler of republican England. Subjugated Scotland and Ireland to English rule and emerged victorious from the first Anglo-Dutch War .
	Richard Cromwell (October 4, 1626 - July 12, 1712)	1658-1659	Son of the predecessor	Gave up the office of lord protector, followed by the restoration of the Stuart kingdom.

House of Stuart

Name alternative names (life data)	government time	relatedness economy	Remarks
Charles II (May 29, 1630 - February 6, 1685)	1660-1685	Son of Charles I.	Crowned King of Scotland in 1651, but had to flee to France after Worcester was defeated by Cromwell. Richard Cromwell's official duties enabled the restoration of the monarchy in England in 1660 with the recognition of Parliament. However, because of his marriage to a Catholic princess, Karl came into conflict with Parliament. Was defeated in the second Anglo-Dutch War , but was able to win the colony of Nieuw Amsterdam (later New York ).
Jacob II (October 14, 1633 - September 16, 1701)	1685-1689	Brother of the predecessor	As James VII also King of Scotland. Known as the last English king to the Roman Catholic denomination and was therefore in constant conflict with Parliament. His attempt to establish an absolutist style of rule led to his dismissal in the Glorious Revolution by his daughter and son-in-law.
Maria II (April 30, 1662 - December 28, 1694) and Wilhelm III. William of Orange (14 November 1650 - 19 March 1702)	1689-1694	Daughter of the predecessor	Elevated to the throne of England, Scotland and Ireland by the Glorious Revolution, they recognized the laws and freedoms customary in England in the Bill of Rights , with which the state took on a constitutional form. After the death of his wife, William could continue to rule in his own right and asserted his kingship against the Jacobites in Scotland and Ireland ( Battle of the Boyne , 1690). In the Act of Settlement 1701, Catholics were excluded from the line of succession. Formed the great alliance against France with Habsburg .
	1689-1702	Husband of Maria II.
Anne (February 16, 1665 - August 1, 1714)	1702-1707	Sister of Maria II	Last Stuart Queen of England, Scotland and Ireland. Under her reign, England stood in the War of the Spanish Succession against France. Became the first Queen of Great Britain in 1707.

By the Act of Union on May 1, 1707, the personal union between England and Scotland, which had existed for a century, was dissolved and replaced by a real union . This established the Kingdom of Great Britain , which remained united with Ireland in personal union. The list of British monarchs lists its rulers.

Bibliography

All English rulers named here are listed in the Dictionary of National Biography or in the revised Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (in the latter with extensive references). There are also two series of rulers' biographies : the Yale English Monarchs Series (whose detailed biographies usually also represent the standard works) and, more recently, the Penguin Monarchs series by Penguin Books (much more brief, but usually more up-to-date).

Peter Wende (ed.): English kings and queens of modern times. From Heinrich VII. To Elisabeth II. 2nd, revised and updated edition. CH Beck, Munich 2017 (short biographies from the Tudor period with further literature).

List of rulers of England

contents

List of kings and queens of England

Anglo-Saxon dynasty ( House of Wessex )

Anglo-Saxons and Danes

Norman Dynasty ( Rollonids )

Angevin Dynasty ( House Plantagenet )

Lancaster house

York House

Lancaster house

York House

House of Tudor

House of Stuart

Commonwealth of England

House of Stuart

See also

Bibliography