Britain's royal history brought to life with 200 contemporary and historical illustrations, maps, shields and comprehensive genealogical tables. It includes the story of King Arthur, why William the Conqueror won the Battle of Hastings, how Robert the Bruce guarded Scottish independence, and the search for the body of Richard III. Throughout the book specially commissioned maps, plans, timelines and family trees highlight the vital events of every reign. It is a valuable reference book for any historian, with fact boxes to highlight important events for each reign. The royal history of the monarchs of Britain continues to fascinate. This book tells the story from the rise of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and Alfred the Great to the Union of the English and Scottish Crowns in 1603. Family trees trace the line of succession in the English royal houses of Wessex, the Danes, the Normans and the Plantaganets, and the Scottish houses of Macalpine, Dunkeld, Balliol, Bruce and Stewart. Pictures include paintings and contemporary portraits, manuscript drawings, sculptures and photographs. Charting nearly 1500 years of royal rule, this informative history brings the lives of Britain's ancient and medieval monarchs into focus.