VisitBritain - The official website for tourism in Britain
England's History - index
History & culture
We are an extremely diverse and progressive nation with a strong culture of social integration and tolerance. England was the dominant industrial and maritime power of the 19th century and played a leading role in developing parliamentary democracy and in advancing literature and science.
'Britain' itself didn't exist as an island until around 6500 BC. Read how we came to represent a leading centre for world trade and finance.
History
The monarchy is the oldest institution of government. In Britain, our sovereign is not only Head of State, but also an important symbol of national unity.
The monarchy
back to top
