The name “England” is derived from the Old English name “Englaland,” which means "land of the Angles". The Angles were one of the Germanic tribes that settled in Britain during the early medieval period, around the 5th century. The term “Englaland” was used to describe the territory inhabited by these tribes, and over time, it evolved into the modern name "England".[1] [2]
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England's origins and influence
The earliest name for the island now occupied by England, Scotland, and Wales was "Albion." From the time of the Roman Empire beginning in the first century AD, the Island has been called "Britain." With the Acts of Union in 1707, "Great Britain" became the name of the entire island. The terms "British Isles" is a geographic term that includes Great Britain as well as Ireland.[3] The United Kingdom is a sovereign state made up of 4 countries (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). The Angles, along with the Saxons and Jutes, migrated to Britain following the departure of the Romans, and their settlements played a significant role in shaping the early history of the region.[4]
England, a country with a rich and complex history, has played a significant role in shaping the modern world. The origins of the English monarchy can be traced back to the early medieval period, with the consolidation of various Anglo-Saxon kingdoms by the 10th century. The Norman Conquest of 1066 further solidified the monarchy’s power, leading to the establishment of a centralized state.[5] England’s rise to global prominence began in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, driven by maritime exploration and the establishment of overseas colonies.[6] The British Empire, which eventually spanned a quarter of the world’s land area, was built on trade, military conquest, and the expansion of resources.[7] The East India Company played a crucial role in expanding British influence in Asia, particularly in India.[8]
The relationship between England and Ireland has been marked by conflict and colonization.[9] English control over Ireland began in the 12th century, but it was not until the 16th and 17th centuries that English rule was firmly established.[10] The partition of Ireland in 1920 led to the creation of Northern Ireland, which remained part of the United Kingdom, while the rest of Ireland became a separate republic.[10] Geography has played a crucial role in England’s development. As an island nation, England’s long coastlines and natural harbors facilitated maritime trade and exploration.[11] The availability of coal and other natural resources also contributed to England’s leadership in the Industrial Revolution.[12] England has produced many prominent figures who have made significant contributions to various fields. Notable authors include William Shakespeare and Jane Austen,[13] while artists like J.M.W. Turner have left a lasting impact on the art world.[14] Political figures such as Winston Churchill and scientists like Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking have also played pivotal roles in shaping modern society.
England regions and counties
England has nine administrative regions formerly referred to as the Government Office Regions (GORs). From 1994-2011, these regions performed devolved functions of the government. The regions are necessary for statistical and administrative purposes and are purposely used to define regions for elections to the European Parliament.[15] The nine Regions of England are North East, East Midlands, Yorkshire and The Humber, South West, West Midlands, East of England, North West, London, and South East. [15] [16]
During the ancient Anglo-Saxon period of England, "shires" were created around a centralized fortified town. Most of the shires were named after the fortified town such as Hertfordshire.[17] There are 39 of these historic counties. Aside from a slight shift during the medieval period where a number of important cities were granted the status of counties such as London, Bristol and Coventry.[17] Under the Local Government Act of 1888, new administrative counties were created with some boundary changes.[18] The Local Government Act of 1972 reorganized the counties once again and expanded the number of counties to 48. Here is a list of the current counties.[19]
History of England
England’s history begins in prehistoric times, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 500,000 years. The first people to arrive crossed a land bridge from continental Europe, which was later submerged about 6,500 BC, making England an island.[20] Around 4000 BC European farmers began migrating to the British island and by 1400 BC the population had grown to around million.[21] The Neolithic Age resulted in the creation of mounds and stone circles such as Avebury and Stonehenge about 2500 BC.[21]
The first invasion of Britain by the Romans was in 54 BC by Julius Caesar. This early invasion established trade between Britain and Rome. Under General Aulus Plautius, Rome invaded England in 43 AD under the pretext of putting down a rebellion and restorig the exiled king Verica over the Atrebatesone of the civilized Celtic tribes.[22] The Roman army pushed inland from the southeast, defeating the Britons at the Battle of the Medway. By AD 47, the Romans controlled the lands southeast of the Fosse Wayand established the Roman province of Britannia. The Romans introduced advanced infrastructure, including roads, towns, and fortifications. They established Londinium (modern-day London) as a major commercial center. Other significant towns included Camulodunum (Colchester) and Verulamium (St Albans). Roman rule lasted until 410 AD when they withdrew to defend their empire elsewhere.
Following the Roman withdrawal, various Germanic tribes, including the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes,[23] settled in England. This period saw the establishment of several kingdoms, such as Northumbria, Mercia, and Wessex. The Anglo-Saxons converted to Christianity in the 7th century, which played a crucial role in unifying the region. From the late 8th century, Viking raids and invasions became a significant threat. The Vikings established settlements and even ruled parts of England, leading to a period of conflict and cultural exchange.[24]
The Norman Conquest in 1066 was a pivotal event in English history. William the Conqueror defeated King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings and established Norman rule. This conquest brought significant changes, including the introduction of feudalism, Norman architecture, and a new ruling elite.[25]
The period known as “The Anarchy” (1135-1154) was marked by civil war and instability following the death of Henry I and the rule of Stephen of Blois. The conflict ended with the ascension of Henry II, the first Plantagenet king.[26] Henry II strengthened royal authority and reformed the legal system. His reign also saw the beginning of the Angevin Empire, which included vast territories in France.
In 1215, King John was forced to sign the Magna Carta, a document that limited the king's power and established certain rights for the nobility. The signing of the Magna Carta is considered to be the beginning of English law.
The Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453) was a series of conflicts between England and France over territorial claims. The war saw significant battles, such as Agincourt in 1415, and the rise of figures like Joan of Arc. During this period, the Black Death (1347-1351) devastated England, killing a large portion of the population and leading to social and economic upheaval.[27]
The Wars of the Roses were a series of dynastic conflicts between the houses of Lancaster and York. The wars ended with the victory of Henry Tudor (Henry VII) at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, establishing the Tudor dynasty. Henry VII’s reign marked the end of medieval England and the beginning of the Renaissance.[28] Henry VII strengthened the monarchy and stabilized the economy. His son, Henry VIII, is known for his six marriages and the English Reformation. In 1534, Henry VIII broke from the Roman Catholic Church, establishing the Church of England and initiating significant religious and political changes.
The reign of Elizabeth I (1558-1603) is often considered a golden age in English history. Elizabeth’s rule saw the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, the flourishing of English literature with figures like William Shakespeare, and the beginning of English colonial expansion. James I (1603-1625) succeeded Elizabeth I, marking the beginning of the Stuart dynasty1. His son, Charles I, faced conflicts with Parliament, leading to the English Civil War (1642-1651). The war ended with the execution of Charles I and the establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell.[29] The monarchy was restored in 1660 with Charles II. His brother, James II, faced opposition due to his Catholicism, leading to the Glorious Revolution of 1688. William of Orange and his wife, Mary, ascended to the throne, establishing a constitutional monarchy.[30]
The early Georgian period saw the reigns of George I (1714-1727) and George II (1727-1760). This era was marked by the development of the British Empire, the rise of the Whig party, and the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution.[31] George III ascended to the throne in 1760, marking a significant period in English history. His reign saw numerous political, social, and economic changes, as well as major conflicts.[32]
The late 18th century was a time of profound transformation due to the Industrial Revolution. This period saw the transition from agrarian economies to industrialized ones, with advancements in technology, manufacturing, and transportation. Key inventions included the steam engine, spinning jenny, and power loom. The growth of factories led to urbanization, with many people moving to cities for work.[33] One of the most significant events during this period was the American War of Independence. The conflict arose from tensions between the Thirteen Colonies and the British government over issues such as taxation and representation. The war ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1783, recognizing the independence of the United States.[32] The late 18th century also saw important political and social changes. The rise of political clubs and societies, such as the Whigs and Tories, influenced government policies1. Social reforms began to address issues like child labor, poor working conditions, and the abolition of the slave trade.[32]
The French Revolution (1789-1799) had a significant impact on England. The revolutionary ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity resonated with many in England, leading to political debates and reforms. The subsequent Napoleonic Wars (1799-1815) saw England involved in a series of conflicts against Napoleonic France.[34] After the defeat of Napoleon in 1815, England entered a period of relative peace and stability known as the Pax Britannica. This era saw the expansion of the British Empire and significant economic growth.[35] The Industrial Revolution, which had begun in the late 18th century, continued to transform England’s economy and society. Innovations in technology, such as the steam engine, and the development of railways and factories, played a crucial role in this transformation. The Victorian Era, named after Queen Victoria who reigned from 1837 to 1901, was a time of significant change and progress. This period saw the height of the British Empire, with England becoming the world’s leading industrial and colonial power. The Great Exhibition of 1851 showcased England’s industrial achievements and technological advancements.[36]
The early 1900s saw England as part of the United Kingdom, navigating the complexities of the Edwardian era. The country was deeply involved in both World Wars, with significant social and economic impacts. The interwar period was marked by economic challenges and political changes, including the rise of the Labour Party.[37] After World War II, England experienced significant social reforms, including the establishment of the National Health Service (NHS) in 1948. The post-war era also saw the decline of the British Empire and the emergence of the United Kingdom as a welfare state1. The latter half of the 20th century was characterized by economic challenges, including the decline of traditional industries and the rise of the service sector. The 1980s, under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, saw significant economic and social reforms, including privatization and deregulation.[38]
The 21st century has seen England grappling with issues such as globalization, immigration, and Brexit. The country has also faced economic challenges, including the 2008 financial crisis and its aftermath.[39]
Geography of England
England’s island geography played a crucial role in its development. The separation from continental Europe provided a natural defense against invasions, allowing for a relatively stable and distinct cultural evolution. The long coastline and numerous rivers facilitated trade and communication, contributing to economic growth4. Additionally, the proximity to coal deposits and the presence of navigable rivers were significant factors in England’s leading role in the Industrial Revolution.
Researching family history in England
Beginning 1538, parishes of the Church of England began keeping baptism, marriage, and burial records. Each parish has a timeline for when the records first became available and any missing records. Many of these records are online. The basic book of finding and understanding British genealogy is the following:
Herber, Mark D and Society of Genealogists (Great Britain). Ancestral Trails: The Complete Guide to British Genealogy and Family History. Baltimore, Md.: Genealogical Pub. Co., Inc, 1998.
This book is available online and from many libraries. The National Archives is the official archive and publisher for the UK Government, and for England and Wales. We are the guardians of over 1,000 years of iconic national documents. The General Register Office or GRO oversees civil registration in England and Wales beginning in 1837. The GRO is part of the HM Passport Office. Additional records are available from individual parishes, county archives, libraries, and museums. The National Archives has a link page to over 2000 additional archives in England and around the world.
Ethnicities in England
According to the 2021 Census, the total population of England and Wales was 59.6 million, and 81.7% of the population was white. People from Asian ethnic groups made up the second largest percentage of the population (9.3%), followed by black (4.0%), mixed (2.9%) and other (2.1%) ethnic groups. Out of the 19 ethnic groups, white British people made up the largest percentage of the population (74.4%), followed by people in the white 'other' (6.2%) and Indian (3.1%) ethnic groups. From 2011 to 2021, the percentage of people in the white British ethnic group went down from 80.5% to 74.4 The percentage of people in the white 'other' ethnic group went up from 4.4% to 6.2% – the largest percentage point increase out of all ethnic groups The number of people who identified as ‘any other ethnic background’ went up from 333,100 to 923,800.[40] (All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0,)
English surnames
The demographic distribution of English surnames is as follows:[41]
| Surname | Incidence | Frequency | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smith | 632,854 | 1:88 | |
| Jones | 380,441 | 1:146 | |
| Taylor | 293,387 | 1:190 | |
| Brown | 283,796 | 1:196 | |
| Williams | 271,532 | 1:205 | |
| Wilson | 195,974 | 1:284 | |
| Johnson | 191,454 | 1:291 | |
| Davies | 175,818 | 1:317 | |
| Patel | 166,747 | 1:334 | |
| Robinson | 161,345 | 1:345 |
Explore more about England
MyHeritage.com 351 collections of records for England including England & Wales, Birth Index, 1837-2005, England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975, England & Wales, Marriage Index, 1837-2005, England & Wales, Death Index, 1837-2005, and the England & Wales Births, GRO Indexes, 1911 - 1954. You can also find helpful information from the MyHeritage Legacy Family Tree Webinars including Introduction to County Research in England, Hidden in Plain Site: English and Welsh Websites, and Effective Use of England's National Archives Website.
See also
- Administrative structure of England
- English genealogy
- English immigration
- English emigration
- English archives
- England historical records
- Vital records in England
- Birth records in England
- Death records in England
- Marriage records in England
- Census records in England
- Civil registrations in England
- Church records in England
- Newspaper records in England
- English military records
References
- ↑ How England got its name (1014-1030)
- ↑ Why Is England Called England? How It Got Its Name
- ↑ Great Britain, British Isles, U.K. - What's the Difference?
- ↑ Medieval and Middle Ages History Timelines - Saxons and Angles
- ↑ How The English Monarchy Began - Royal Central
- ↑ British Empire | History, Countries, Map, Size, & Facts | Britannica
- ↑ The British Empire | Amy J. Lloyd
- ↑ How the East India Company Became the World's Most Powerful Monopoly
- ↑ The English Colonization of Ireland: A History of Conflict and Cultural Clashes | SchoolTube
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Why Is Ireland Two Countries? | Britannica
- ↑ History & Policy
- ↑ How does England’s geography affect its economy?
- ↑ Britain’s top British writers
- ↑ 10 Most Famous British Artists and Painters
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 The Regions of England
- ↑ The regions of England
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 How The English Counties came to be and what they mean to us today
- ↑ Local Government Act | United Kingdom [1888] | Britannica
- ↑ Counties of England
- ↑ Geography and Fun Facts About Great Britain
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 Prehistoric Britain, the Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages
- ↑ Kingdoms of British Celts - Atrebates
- ↑ Angles, Saxons, and Jutes | Encyclopedia.com
- ↑ Vikings
- ↑ Norman Conquest | Definition, Summary, & Facts | Britannica
- ↑ The Anarchy: England’s War Of The Two Matildas
- ↑ Hundred Years’ War | Summary, Causes, Effects, Combatants, Timeline, & Facts | Britannica
- ↑ Wars of the Roses | Homepage
- ↑ Protectorate | Restoration, Cromwell & Interregnum | Britannica
- ↑ William III | Biography, Mary II, & Prince of Orange | Britannica
- ↑ The Georgian Era Marked a Century of Immense Change in Britain
- ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 United Kingdom - Britain from 1754 to 1783 | Britannica
- ↑ Changing Britain (1760-1900) - National 5 History
- ↑ How did the French Revolution affect England? | National Trust
- ↑ A short history of the expansion of the British Empire, 1500-1902
- ↑ What happened during the Victorian era? | Royal Museums Greenwich
- ↑ 20th century Britain timeline
- ↑ 20th century Britain timeline
- ↑ 21st Century Britain timeline
- ↑ Population of England and Wales
- ↑ Most Common English Surnames & Meanings