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This Sceptred IsleBBC Radio 4

The easiest way to learn the history of Britain


The Sceptred Isle tells the story of Britain, from the Roman invasion to the Millennium Dome. History is fun. Try the quiz on the right. What about a particular period? Read the snippets below and follow the links to find out more.

British Dynasties
A new 10 week series has just ended on Radio 4 charting the history of British dynasties.

Play the Quiz
Families covered by the series

1792 - 1837
War with France to William IV

Napoleon I, Napoleon Bonaparte Revolution and War with the French
Napoleon declares war on England
Napoleon Bonaparte (Napoleon I) (1769-1821)
The Emperor of France, he had to abandon his plans to invade Britain when Nelson defeated Villeneuve's fleet at Trafalgar...

Jane Austen Suicide of Castlereagh, Peel and Criminal Reform
Deranged Foreign Secretary cuts his own throat
Jane Austen (1775-1817)
The daughter of the rector of Steventon, Hampshire, she wrote Pride And Prejudice and Emma...

did you know?

The Duke of Wellington was the last Prime Minister to fight a serious duel, an act supported by the King who said he was all in favour of a gentleman upholding a code of honour.

Select historical period

In 1909 Louis Bleriot became the first man to fly across the Channel. How long did it take him from take off in Calais to landing at Dover Castle?
45 minutes
1 hour and 10 minutes
1 hour and thirty minutes


More History on Radio 4
This Sceptred Isle: Empire
a 90 part history of the British Empire. Listen again, read histories and biographies.
In Our Time
Melvyn Bragg and guests explore the history of ideas. Listen to the programme archive.
Document
Mike Thomson investigates a document to shed light on past events.


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