by Ian Ritchie Monarchy in England was abolished on a cold and snowy day when, on January 30th, 1649, King Charles I was beheaded for high treason. Simultaneously, Oliver Cromwell—political and military leader of the Puritan Revolution and the main figure of the English Civil War—ascended to power. Born in more…

by Sophia Ridgeway The English Reformation had a profound effect on how people engaged in worship, and the influence is still evident today in the Anglican church. Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Cranmer is to thank for many of the facets of Anglicanism, particularly the Book of Common Prayer. Throughout his more…

by Leah Dassler Upon the death of Mary I, Elizabeth Tudor went from illegitimate child to heir of Henry VIII. Hers is a remarkable journey that turned her from a captive in the Tower of London to one of England’s longest-reigning monarchs. Even more remarkable is how she and parliament more…

by Megan Milholland Thomas Becket was England’s Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his death in 1170. His significance is defined in part by what he did to protect the church from secular power, but also by his gruesome murder. Becket’s fame came after his death when he was named more…