List of wars in Great Britain facts for kids
Great Britain, a large island in Europe, has a long history filled with many conflicts. This article looks at some of the important wars that have happened on this island over thousands of years. These wars shaped the countries we know today, like England, Scotland, and Wales. From ancient Roman invasions to fierce civil wars, these events changed who lived where, how people were governed, and what cultures thrived.
Contents
Ancient Conflicts
Roman Invasions
The first major conflicts on Great Britain that we know much about involved the powerful Roman Empire.
- Caesar's Invasions (55–54 B.C.)
Around 55 and 54 BC, the famous Roman general Julius Caesar led his armies to Britain. He didn't fully conquer the island, but he showed the Romans what Britain was like. He also set up some agreements with local tribes, making them allies of Rome.
- Roman Conquest of Britain (49–96 A.D.)
Later, the Romans decided to fully conquer Britain. This long process began in 43 AD. The Roman army slowly took control of much of what is now England and Wales. They built roads, cities, and forts, bringing Roman culture and laws to the island.
- Severan Invasion of Caledonia (208–210 A.D.)
Even after conquering much of Britain, the Romans faced challenges. Emperor Septimius Severus led an invasion into Caledonia (modern-day Scotland). The Romans tried to expand their control further north, but they faced strong resistance from local tribes. This invasion was not successful, and the Romans eventually pulled back to Hadrian's Wall, which marked the northern border of their empire in Britain.
- Carausian Revolt (286–296 A.D.)
During the Roman occupation, there were also rebellions. One important one was led by a Roman commander named Carausius. He declared himself emperor of Britain and parts of Gaul. This revolt lasted for ten years before the Roman Empire finally crushed it, bringing Britain back under central Roman control.
- Great Conspiracy (367–368 A.D.)
Towards the end of Roman rule, Britain faced a major crisis called the Great Conspiracy. Various tribes, including Picts, Scots, and Saxons, attacked Roman Britain at the same time. The Roman army managed to defeat these invaders, but it showed how vulnerable the Roman presence in Britain had become.
Anglo-Saxon and Viking Eras
Anglo-Saxon Invasions
- Anglo-Saxon Invasions and Creation of England (410–927 A.D.)
After the Romans left Britain around 410 AD, new groups of people arrived. These were the Anglo-Saxons, who came from parts of modern-day Germany and Denmark. They gradually settled in Britain, fighting against the native Celtic people. Over centuries, they formed several kingdoms, which eventually became the country of England. The Celts held onto areas like Cornwall and Wales.
Viking Invasions
- Invasion of the Great Heathen Army (865–878 A.D.)
From the 9th century onwards, Vikings from Scandinavia began to raid and then settle in Britain. A large Viking force, known as the Great Heathen Army, invaded England. They conquered many Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. This led to the creation of the Danelaw, an area in northern and eastern England where Viking laws and customs were followed.
- Cnut's Invasion of England (1015–1016 A.D.)
Viking influence continued. In 1015, Cnut the Great, a powerful Viking king, invaded England. He successfully conquered the country and became King of England, uniting it with his kingdoms in Denmark and Norway.
Medieval Conflicts
Norman Conquest
- Norman Conquest of England (1066–1071 A.D.)
One of the most famous invasions of Britain happened in 1066. William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy (a region in France), invaded England. He defeated the English army at the Battle of Hastings and became King of England. This event completely changed England's language, culture, and government.
- Norman Invasion of Wales (1067–1194 A.D.)
After conquering England, the Normans also tried to take control of Wales. This was a long and difficult process. The Welsh princes fought fiercely to keep their independence. While the Normans gained some control, they were eventually forced out of much of Wales, showing the strong resistance of the Welsh people.
English Civil Wars
- The Anarchy (1135–1154 A.D.)
Not all wars were against invaders. Sometimes, people within England fought each other. The Anarchy was a long civil war over who should be king or queen. It was a time of great chaos and violence. The conflict ended with the Treaty of Wallingford, which helped establish a clear line of succession to the throne.
- First Barons' War (1215–1217 A.D.)
This civil war happened because King John of England was unpopular and had signed the Magna Carta, a document limiting his power. Many powerful barons rebelled against him. The war involved fighting across England and even saw French involvement.
- Second Barons' War (1264–1267 A.D.)
Another civil war between the king and his barons. This time, it was King Henry III against a group of barons led by Simon de Montfort. The war was about who had power in England – the king or the nobles. The king's side eventually won.
Anglo-Welsh and Anglo-Scottish Wars
- Edwardian Conquest of Wales (1277; 1282–1283 A.D.)
King Edward I of England launched major campaigns to fully conquer Wales. After fierce fighting, he succeeded, bringing Wales under English rule. This was a significant moment, as it meant Wales lost its independence.
- First War of Scottish Independence (1296–1328 A.D.)
After Edward I tried to control Scotland, the Scots fought back for their freedom. This long and famous war involved heroes like William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. Eventually, Scotland won its independence, remaining a separate kingdom.
- Second War of Scottish Independence (1332–1357 A.D.)
Later, another war broke out between England and Scotland over the Scottish throne. Despite English attempts to control Scotland, the Scots once again managed to secure their independence.
- Glyndŵr Rising (1400–1415 A.D.)
This was a major Welsh rebellion led by Owain Glyndŵr against English rule. Glyndŵr was declared Prince of Wales and led a widespread uprising. Although the rebellion was eventually put down by the English, it remains an important part of Welsh history.
Wars of the Roses
- Wars of the Roses (1455–1485 A.D.)
This was a series of civil wars in England and Wales fought between two branches of the royal family: the House of Lancaster (whose symbol was a red rose) and the House of York (whose symbol was a white rose). They fought for control of the English throne. The wars ended with the victory of the Lancastrian side and the start of the Tudor dynasty.
Tudor and Stuart Eras
- War of the Rough Wooing (1543–1550 A.D.)
This conflict was between England and Scotland. England wanted to force a marriage between the young Scottish Queen Mary and the English Prince Edward. Scotland resisted, leading to fighting. Scotland eventually won, preventing the forced marriage.
- Wars of the Three Kingdoms (1639–1653 A.D.)
This was a series of connected civil wars across England, Scotland, and Ireland. The main conflict was the English Civil War, fought between King Charles I and the English Parliament. It was about who should have ultimate power in the country. The Parliamentarian side, led by Oliver Cromwell, won. The monarchy was abolished, and England became a republic called the Commonwealth of England. Scotland was also absorbed into this new government for a time.
Jacobite Rebellions
- Jacobite Rising of 1689 (1689–1692 A.D.)
After the Glorious Revolution in 1688, King James II was removed from the throne. His supporters, known as Jacobites, tried to restore him. This first major Jacobite uprising happened mainly in Scotland. The government forces eventually defeated the rebellion.
- Second Jacobite Rising (1715–1719 A.D.)
Another attempt by the Jacobites to put a Stuart king back on the throne. This rebellion also took place mostly in Scotland and parts of England. It was ultimately put down by the British government.
- Third Jacobite Rising (1745–1746 A.D.)
The last major Jacobite rebellion was led by Charles Edward Stuart, also known as "Bonnie Prince Charlie." He tried to reclaim the throne for his family. The Jacobite army marched into England but was eventually defeated at the Battle of Culloden in Scotland. This marked the end of the Jacobite threat to the British throne.
See also
