Henry VIII One of England's most famous monarchs was a foul-tempered, gluttonous, bloodthirsty tyrant who, as well as ordering the executions of two of the women who had the misfortune to marry him, had an estimated 57,000 people executed during his 36-year reign.
Much like his brother before him, King John was never meant to take the throne. Being the youngest son of Henry II and Duchess Eleanor of Aquitaine, John wasn't expected to have much in the way of land and titles. He would however go on to be known as England's most hated king.
From acclaimed historian Chris Skidmore comes the authoritative biography of Richard III, England's most controversial king, a man alternately praised as a saint and cursed as a villain. Richard III is one of English history's best known and least understood monarchs.
The Forgotten King is a historical novel reflecting the life and times of the true first king of England, in all but name, bringing to life a lesser-known area of English History to transport readers back in time.
Æthelstan (king of England, 925–939)
It is difficult to be certain about the personality of figures from so long ago, but accounts of Æthelstan suggest that he was of devout Christian faith and showed compassion and charity to all.
1. The Medieval King Who Took the Cross: Richard I of England (1189-99) Richard I of England, better known as Richard the Lionheart, was king of England for just ten years, from 1189-99. Yet he is still one of the most famous medieval kings of all time.
#1: Louis XIV of France
Called the “Sun King” in life, his legacy casts a long, dark shadow, making him the most famous and notorious king in history.
Narasimhavarman I is claimed to be one of the Indian kings who never lost on the battlefield to their enemies.
He lived abroad until the end of his life, dying in 1972 in Paris. He is buried in the private burial ground beside Frogmore Mausoleum at Windsor. Edward was never crowned; his reign lasted only 325 days. His brother Albert became King, using his last name George, as George VI.
From the time of his birth, he was second in the line of succession to the British throne, but did not become king or Prince of Wales because he died before both his grandmother and his father. Albert Victor was known to his family, and many later biographers, as "Eddy".
Charles II has been reckoned the most notorious womanizer of the English kings. Among his list of mistresses are included: Elizabeth Killigrew, Lucy Walter, Jane Roberts, Catherine Pegge, Winifred Wells, Barbara Villiers, Mary Davis, Nell Gwyn, Louise de Kérouaille, Hortense Mancini, Mrs.
King Edward VII — King of England, 1901–1910
However, he was most commonly known as “Edward the Caresser” and “Dirty Bertie”, thanks to his countless mistresses and numerous sexual relationships.
Elizabeth I (1533 – 1603)
The history books talk much of her make-up and spinsterhood, but there is no doubt that she was one of the most badass monarchs England ever had. Elizabeth's early life did not start well. By the age of three, her father had had her mother executed, and Elizabeth had been deemed illegitimate.
George remained unpopular in England throughout his life, partly because of his inability to speak English but also because of the perceived greed of his mistresses and rumours concerning his treatment of his wife.
Henry VIII is undoubtedly one of the most infamous kings in English history, widely known for his ruthless ways and six wives, two of which were beheaded.
England's most ruthless monarchs: Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth I.
But even those royals might have been aghast at the actions of Russian czar Peter the Great, who in 1718 had his eldest son tortured to death for allegedly conspiring against him. Peter I, better known as Peter the Great, is generally credited with bringing Russia into the modern age.
Edward the Confessor, the king of England died childless on 5th January 1066, leaving no direct heir to the throne.
Charles I
The monarchy was abolished after Charles's death, which surely places him at the top of the list of worst English monarchs of all time. After 11 years of unpopular rule by the puritan general Oliver Cromwell and, briefly, by his son Richard, Charles's son, Charles II, was invited to become king.
Emperors are generally recognized to be of the highest monarchic honor and rank, surpassing kings.
Britain. One of the most well-known abdications in recent history is that of King Edward VIII of the United Kingdom and the Dominions.
George III is well known in children's history books for being the "mad king who lost America".
Meet the world's first emperor. King Sargon of Akkad—who legend says was destined to rule—established the world's first empire more than 4,000 years ago in Mesopotamia.
Alexander the Great
Inspiring bravery and loyalty in his troops, he adopted many foreign customs and traditions in order to rule his millions of subjects. Alexander was aged only 32 when he died of a fever in Babylon in June 323 BC.