Turmoil, crisis and the creation of a state, from Magna Carta to the horrors of the Black Death.
Middle Ages
Overview: The Middle Ages, 1154 - 1485
Overview: The Middle Ages, 1154 - 1485
Far from their dour reputation, the Middle Ages were a period of massive social change, burgeoning nationalism, international conflict, terrible natural disaster, climate change, rebellion, resistance and renaissance.
Henry II: The Birth of a State
Henry II: An Imperialist King?
His attitude to France, Ireland, Wales and Scotland would define England's relations with its neighbours for centuries. By Dr Mike Ibeji.
- Common Law - Henry II and the Birth of a State by Professor John Hudson
- Becket, the Church and Henry II by Dr Mike Ibeji
- The Character and Legacy of Henry II by Dr Mike Ibeji
John and Richard I: Brothers and Rivals
King John and Richard I: Brothers and Rivals
Known respectively as a 'bad' king and a 'good' king, is this really a fair view of the two monarchs? By Dr Mike Ibeji.
- King John and the Magna Carta by Dr Mike Ibeji
- King John, the Lusignan Affair and the Early Years by Dr Mike Ibeji
Invasion, Conquest and the Hundred Years War
The Hundred Years War
An overview of the prolonged conflict over the English claims on the French throne. By Maurice Keen.
- Invasions of Ireland from 1170 - 1320 by Professor Simon Schama
- Wales: English Conquest of Wales c.1200 - 1415 by Ian Bremner
- Owain Glyn Dwr by Professor Rees Davies
- The Two Nations of Medieval Ireland by Professor Robin Frame
- Wales: A Culture Preserved by Professor Rees Davies
- The Art of War Gallery by Professor Daniel Moran
- War and Technology Gallery by Matthew Bennett
The Black Death
Black Death
How did a 'squalid disease' induce massive social change that transformed Britain? By Dr Mike Ibeji.
- Black Death: The Disease - What was the plague? By Dr Mike Ibeji
- Black Death: The Effect of the Plague by Dr Mike Ibeji
- Black Death: The lasting impact by Professor Tom James
- Black Death: Political and Social Changes by Dr Mike Ibeji
- Paston Family Letters by Dr Mike Ibeji
Richard II: Disease, Rebellion and Conflict
The Reign of Richard II, 1377 to 1399
He came to power as a boy and presided over revolt, pestilence and the outbreak of civil conflict in England. By Ian Bremner.
- Richard II and the Crisis of Authority - In June 1381, in southern England, peasant anger at their low status in society spilled over into violent rebellion.
- Lollards by Dr Mike Ibeji
The Houses of Lancaster and York
Battlefield Academy
Pit your wits against the remorseless Artificial Intelligence engine of the Academy in the 'Wars of the Roses' mission.
- The Myth of Henry V by Felipe Fernandez-Armesto
Art and Architecture of the Middle Ages
The Cathedrals of Britain
The glorious excesses of the cathedrals peaked in the Middle Ages, but the tradition continues to the present day.
- Churches of Britain Gallery - Chart British history through some of its most enduring buildings.
- Paint the Cathedral - Restore Wells Cathedral to its former glory
- Architectural Styles Across Britain - A revealing cross-section of Britain's built heritage
- A History of British Architecture by Adrian Tinniswood
- The Medieval Stonemason by Carol Davidson Cragoe
- History of the home - Take a journey through the history of the home - looking at four key rooms.
- The Great Hall by John Goodall
- Images of Britain in the 12th Century (V & A) by Dr Alan Borg
- The Nations of Britain: England - The Syon Cope by Linda Wooley
British History Timeline
World War One Centenary
- Find out more about how the BBC is covering the World War One Centenary, and see the latest programmes and online content
Surviving the trenches
The History of the Home
BBC iD
BBC iDBBC navigation
BBC links
BBC © 2014 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.
This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.
