Discover the history of Britain through its monarchs.

The first couple of centuries in a series of talks that look at the history of Britain through its rulers, from its abandonment by the Roman administration early in the fifth century to the union of the crowns of England and Scotland in 1603. Each talk can be standalone as well as part of the series, you do not have to see all the talks to appreciate these particular royals.

The heptarchy, Welsh kingdoms, Pictland and Scotland: 600-800

In the decades before 600, more reliable information about British history starts to become available. These centuries are still full of uncertainties and controversies, but we can work out many of the details of the fates of the numerous kingdoms visible in the records. Both England and Wales were composed of dozens of warring statelets. Some, such as Mercia and Gwynedd, occasionally exercised a loose hegemony over the others, but this was usually based on the authority of a single king or dynasty. During these centuries, Britain came into a broader trading world with neighbouring kingdoms in north-west Europe.In the decades before 600, more reliable information about British history starts to become available. These centuries are still full of uncertainties and controversies, but we can work out many of the details of the fates of the numerous kingdoms visible in the records. Both England and Wales were composed of dozens of warring statelets. Some, such as Mercia and Gwynedd, occasionally exercised a loose hegemony over the others, but this was usually based on the authority of a single king or dynasty. During these centuries, Britain came into a broader trading world with neighbouring kingdoms in north-west Europe.

Doors open 15 minutes before the event starts.