Monarchs
Explore the stories of some monarchs who have been pivotal in the history of the Tower.
William the Conqueror (r 1066-87)
‘The Conqueror’ was the Duke of Normandy in Northern France. He defeated and killed King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings. His descendents have ruled England ever since.
Discover more >
Henry III (r 1216-72)
He became king when he was only 9 in the aftermath of Magna Carta and the Barons’ War.
Discover more >
Edward I (r 1272-1307)
A formidable warrior, he earned this moniker from his wars against William Wallace and Robert the Bruce.
Discover more >
Edward III (r 1327-77)
Famous for having lots of children, Edward made various improvements to the Tower during his reign.
Discover more >
Richard II (r 1377-99)
Famous for facing down the Peasants’ Revolt, he rode out to face the leaders of the Peasants’ Revolt in 1381 and hear their demands for an end to serfdom.
Discover more >
Henry VI (r 1422-61, 1470-1)
When he was only a baby Henry became king of France as well as England, as a result of the victories and negotiations of his father, Henry V.
Discover more >
Richard III (r 1483-1485)
He was the last king of England to die on the battlefield. Defeated by Henry Tudor (VII) at Bosworth, Richard was also the last king of the House of York.
Discover more>
Henry VIII (r 1509-1547)
‘Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded, Survived.’ Henry did indeed marry six times, but had only three legitimate children.
Discover more >
Queen Mary I (r 1553-8)
Remembered as ‘Bloody Mary’, the Roman Catholic queen who attempted to reverse the Reformation and return England to Catholicism.
Discover more >
Queen Elizabeth I (r 1558-1603)
Elizabeth I never married, preferring to avoid the political consequences of making a choice. It allowed her greater freedom while playing off a succession of suitors against each other.
Discover more >
For more profiles, stories and little-known facts about some of England’s famous kings and queens, click here.
