Histories
The places cared for by English Heritage span the story of England, from prehistory to the Cold War. Delve into our history pages to discover more about our sites, how they have changed over time, and who made them what they are today.
Our property histories will give you a concise and authoritative chronological overview of a site through the ages, authored by top historians. And with our stories and profile pages you can learn more about the key events and people who shaped our sites, including the women and LGBTQ figures who have sometimes been hidden from view.
Highlights
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What Happened at the Battle of Hastings?
At dawn on Saturday 14 October 1066, two great armies prepared to fight for the throne of England. Read what happened at the most famous battle in English history.
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Black Prisoners at Portchester Castle
The extraordinary story of a group of over 2,500 prisoners of war who were brought to Portchester Castle in 1796 from the island of St Lucia.
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Mary Queen of Scots at Carlisle Castle
Find out why, after Mary Queen of Scots fled to England in 1568, her two-month stay at Carlisle Castle marked the beginning of 19 years of captivity.
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Lord Beauchamp, Walmer Castle and Homosexuality
William Lygon, Lord Beauchamp, was a known homosexual in the 1920s and 1930s, leading to a dramatic fall from grace.
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Misbehaving Monks of Hailes Abbey
From visiting taverns to singing at the wrong pitch, the monks of Hailes Abbey couldn’t always meet the high standards expected of them.
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The Viking Raid on Lindisfarne
A devastating Viking attack on the church of St Cuthbert in 793 sent a shockwave through Europe. But how did a Christian community at Lindisfarne survive?
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The Jewish Massacre at Clifford's Tower
An account of the tragic events of 1190 and the rise of anti-Semitism in medieval England.
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Charles II and the Royal Oak
How the future king escaped from Parliamentarian forces during the Civil War in 1651, giving English history one of its greatest adventure stories.
Explore by theme
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Women who made history
Read about the remarkable lives of some of the women who have left their mark on society and shaped our way of life.
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LGBTQ History
LGBTQ history has often been hidden from view. Find out more about the lives of some LGBTQ individuals and their place in the stories of English Heritage sites.
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Medieval Castles
Discover the stories held within the walls of England’s greatest fortifications and learn about the rise and fall of the medieval castle.
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Monasteries and Abbeys
Learn about England’s medieval monasteries and abbeys and uncover the stories of those who lived and prayed in them.
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ENGLAND’S PREHISTORIC MONUMENTS
England’s prehistoric monuments span almost four millennia. Discover what they were used for, how and when they were built, and where to find them.
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1066 AND THE NORMAN CONQUEST
Find out all about the Battle of Hastings, and the profound impact the Normans had on the country they had conquered.
