A47
Landmarks in British History
The Battle of Hastings in 1066 was the last time England was successfully invaded. King Harold was killed in the battle, and two months later, on Christmas Day, William of Normandy was crowned King in Westminster Abbey.
In 1215, a group of Barons took control of London in protest at the way King John was ruling the country. King John agreed to limit his royal powers by signing the Magna Carta, and the Barons allowed him to remain as king.
When the Black Death came to England in the 14th century, dead bodies had to be taken away and buried as quickly as possible. Men would come through the streets shouting "Bring out your dead".
In 1588, the Spanish sent an Armada of 122 ships – or galleons – to invade England. They were beaten back by Sir Francis Drake and his fleet of 66 much smaller ships. The Spanish had to go back to Spain round the top of Scotland as their way back was blocked, and they lost many ships in storms.
The Great Fire of London began in a baker's shop in Pudding Lane in 1666. As well as over 13,000 houses, 89 churches were destroyed, including the original St Paul's Cathedral.
The Industrial Revolution brought about a huge change in the way people lived. Many workers came from the countryside to work in factories in towns and cities.