Introduction

The foundations of the British monarchy date from the era, more than a millennium ago, when Anglo-Saxon, Celtic, and Viking peoples competed for dominance. Early sovereigns exercised near-absolute power but over time that authority dwindled as the changing role of women, the democratization of society, dynastic intermarriage, financial demands, religious convictions, struggles for economic and political control, and territorial aggrandizement combined to promote change. The strengths and weaknesses of rulers such as William the Conqueror, Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Mary, Queen of Scots, and Queen Elizabeth also contributed to the evolution of the monarchy and are documented here.

Historical Dictionary of the British Monarchy, Second Edition contains a chronology, an introduction, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has more than 800 cross-referenced entries that cover significant events, places, institutions, and other aspects of British culture, economics, politics, and society. This book is an excellent resource for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about the British monarchy.