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The reign of Queen Anne was brought vividly to life in the popular 2018 film, The Favourite. Olivia Colman earned herself an Oscar for playing the last Stuart monarch in a story that focused on Queen Anne’s close relationships with two influential female courtiers, as they vied for her favours and attention. Queen Anne has not always received such rapt attention from students of British royal history. However, she is a fascinating subject to learn about for a number of surprising reasons: 1- Queen Anne reigned after William III and Mary II – Britain’s only joint ruling monarchs Queen Anne was...

2023 will be a momentous year in the history of the British Royal Family. For the first time in seven decades, a new monarch will be crowned in Westminster Abbey in London. King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla will undergo the ancient ceremony, presided over by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, on Saturday 6 May 2023. There will be an additional Bank Holiday to celebrate the occasion, as well as a concert, volunteering drive and other momentous events. So, what exactly will happen on and in the lead-up to the big day, and what does it mean for...

Following the very sad passing of Queen Elizabeth the Second in September 2022, the country has entered into a new era with King Charles the Third now sitting at the regal helm. The change is and will continue to be monumental for a population, of which the clear majority will have only known one monarch on the throne all their lives.

  The history of British army medals is rich and fascinating. Medals, ribbons and awards presented for feats of bravery or noteworthy achievements during warfare were a reflection not only of the courage, character and skills of the person being presented with them, but they also demonstrated the power and prestige of the monarch who reigned over the army in question. Other military medals commemorated battles or military events that took place during a longer war with scenes depicted on one side from action on land, at sea or in the air. They were, and still are highly sought-after by...

The 18th Century in England saw many changes and advancements. Queen Anne oversaw the joining of England and Scotland to become the United Kingdom of Great Britain. The country lived under its first German-speaking King and survived not one but two separate Jacobite uprisings. Explorers became renowned for their first ever expeditions to faraway locations like Africa, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Science took huge leaps forward too, with ‘firsts’ in the fields of astronomy, surgery and reducing the impact of transmissible diseases, among others. Many engineering feats, sporting events and cultural arrivals also helped to shape and advance...