Henry II

Henry II: An Imperialist King?His attitude to France, Ireland, Wales and Scotland would define England's relations with its neighbours for centuries. By Dr Mike Ibeji.

Common Law - Henry II and the Birth of a StateHenry's greatest legacy may have been his contribution to the law and the formative effect it had on England as a state. By Dr John Hudson.

• Becket, the Church and Henry II - How a complex relationship degenerated, by Dr Mike Ibeji
• The Character and Legacy of Henry II - The king's war with his own family, by Dr Mike Ibeji

King John and Richard I

King John and Richard I: Brothers and RivalsKnown respectively as a 'bad' king and a 'good' king, is this really a fair view of the two monarchs? By Dr Mike Ibeji.

King John and the Magna CartaThe constitutional importance of the 'Great Charter' has increased radically over the centuries. Why has this happened? By Dr Mike Ibeji.

• King John, the Lusignan Affair and the Early Years by Dr Mike Ibeji

Invasion and Conquest

Hundred Years WarAn overview of the prolonged fight over the English claims on the French throne, by Maurice Keen

Invasions of Ireland from 1170 - 1320As the wars in Britain spilled over into Ireland, the consequences were bloody - and would ring down the centuries. By Simon Schama.

• Wales: English Conquest of Wales c.1200 - 1415 -
• Owain Glyn Dwr - The story of the Welsh rebel leader, by Professor Rees Davies
• The Two Nations of Medieval Ireland by Professor Robin Frame
• Wales: A Culture Preserved by Professor Rees Davies
• The Art of War Gallery by Professor Daniel Moran
• War and Technology Gallery by Matthew Bennett

The Black Death

Black DeathHow did a 'squalid disease' induce massive social change that transformed Britain? By Dr Mike Ibeji.

Black Death: The lasting impactContemporary accounts reveal much about the far-reaching consequences of the plague. By Professor Tom James.

• Black Death: The Disease - What was the plague? By Dr Mike Ibeji
• Black Death: The Effect of the Plague - Texts reveal the rural cost, by Dr Mike Ibeji
• Black Death: Political and Social Changes - Dr Mike Ibeji explores the legacy of the Black Death.
• Paston Family Letters by Dr Mike Ibeji

Richard II

The Reign of Richard II, 1377 to 1399He came to power as a boy and presided over revolt, pestilence and the outbreak of civil conflict in England. By Ian Bremner.

Richard II and the Crisis of AuthorityHe failed to understand the rising challenges to traditional authority - and paid a high price. By Professor Nigel Saul.

• Lollards - How the followers of John Wyclif questioned accepted religious beliefs, by Dr Mike Ibeji

Lancaster and York

Battlefield AcademyPit your wits against the remorseless Artificial Intelligence engine of the Academy in the 'Wars of the Roses' mission.

The Myth of Henry VWas he one of England's greatest monarchs, or has history been too kind to the victor of Agincourt? By Felipe Fernandez-Armesto.

Art and Architecture

The Cathedrals of BritainThe glorious excesses of the cathedrals peaked in the Middle Ages, but the tradition continues to the present day.

Churches of Britain GalleryHistory is imprinted in the stone and glass of these enduring places of worship.

• Paint the Cathedral - Restore Wells Cathedral to its former glory
• Architectural Styles Across Britain
• A History of British Architecture by Adrian Tinniswood
• The Medieval Stonemason by Carol Davidson Cragoe
• The Great Hall by John Goodall
• Images of Britain in the 12th Century (V & A) by Dr Alan Borg
• The Nations of Britain: England - The Syon Cope by Linda Wooley