In the long and tangled history of the British Isles one thread runs continuously for nearly 1 200 years: in almost unbroken descent from Ecgberht the first Saxon King of England in 829 to Charles Prince of Wales the monarchy has been present at almost every stage moulding events and making news. Britain's royal heritage Kings & Queens is the essential guide to the kings and queens of England and Scotland their families courtiers and friends their enemies places and pageants. The key events of English history - the Battle of Hastings the Spanish Armada the Civil War - are presented alongside the private lives of each monarch. History in context The parallel history of the Scottish monarchy - from Kenneth MacAlpin in 843 to James VI in 1603 - is described in detail while events in Wales and Ireland are also featured. Chronology boxes reveal the major events of each monarch's reign and at-a-glance family trees show the line of succession to the throne over the centuries. Sumptuously illustrated with contemporary portraits paintings and illustrations historical artefacts and modern photographs this revised edition of Kings & Queens will delight everyone interested in the long pageant of royal history and will be an invaluable reference resource for readers of all ages.