Lists of monarchs in the British Isles facts for kids

British Isles

The British Isles are a group of islands in Europe. They include Great Britain, Ireland, and many smaller islands. For a very long time, these islands have been home to many different kingdoms and states. Each of these had its own rulers, often called monarchs, like kings and queens.

This article helps you explore the lists of these monarchs. It covers rulers from the whole of Britain, as well as those from parts of what are now England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the Isle of Man.

Rulers of Britain as a Whole

Sometimes, one ruler was powerful enough to be seen as a leader over many parts of Britain.

• Legendary Kings: Before recorded history, stories tell of legendary kings of Britain. These include famous figures like King Arthur.
• Kings of the Britons: In ancient times, some rulers were known as Kings of the Britons. They led the native people of Britain.
• British Monarchs: Since 1707, when the kingdoms of England and Scotland officially joined, there has been a single monarch for Great Britain. This later became the monarch of the United Kingdom.

English Rulers

England has a long history of kings and queens. Before it became one united kingdom, it was made up of several smaller kingdoms.

• Kings and Queens of England: The main list of English monarchs covers all the kings and queens who ruled England from early times until 1707.
• Early English Kingdoms: In the early Middle Ages, England was divided into several smaller kingdoms. This period is sometimes called the Heptarchy, meaning "seven kingdoms," though there were often more. Rulers of these kingdoms included:

Irish Rulers

Ireland also has a rich history of kings, including powerful "High Kings" who tried to rule over the whole island.

• Monarchy of Ireland: Ireland had its own system of kings for centuries.
• High Kings of Ireland: Some powerful rulers were known as High Kings of Ireland. They aimed to be the supreme ruler over all the smaller Irish kingdoms.
• Irish Kingdoms: Many smaller kingdoms existed across Ireland. Each had its own kings. Some of these included:

Scottish Rulers

Scotland has a unique history of kings and queens, separate from England for most of its past.

• Kings and Queens of Scotland: The monarchs of Scotland ruled their kingdom until it joined with England in 1707.
• Legendary Kings: Like Britain, Scotland also has stories of legendary rulers from ancient times.
• Early Scottish Kingdoms: Before Scotland became one united kingdom, it was home to different groups and smaller kingdoms. These included:

Welsh Rulers

Wales was also divided into many smaller kingdoms before it was fully brought under English rule.

• Kings of Wales: While there was no single "King of Wales" for most of history, various powerful rulers tried to unite the country. You can learn more about them on the King of Wales page.
• Welsh Kingdoms: Many smaller kingdoms existed in Wales, each with its own rulers. Some of these were:

Cornish Rulers

Cornwall, located in the southwest of Great Britain, also had its own early rulers.

• Kings of Dumnonia: In ancient times, Cornwall was part of the kingdom of Dumnonia.
• Dukes of Cornwall: Later, the title Duke of Cornwall was created, usually held by the eldest son of the reigning British monarch.

Rulers of Mann

The Isle of Man is a small island with a long and interesting history of its own rulers.

• Kings of Mann: The island had its own Kings of Mann.
• Mann & the Isles: For a time, the Isle of Man was part of a larger kingdom that included many islands off the coast of Scotland.
• Lords of Mann: Later, the rulers of the island were known as Lords of Mann.

See also

• Carausian Revolt
• Franco-British Union

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