Before the Union of Crowns in 1603, there were 37 monarchs who ruled England as a separate kingdom. This count includes the monarchs from the Norman Conquest in 1066 up until Queen Elizabeth I’s death, which marked the end of independent English rulership before the crowns united under James VI of Scotland, who became James I of England.
Historical Context: The Path to the English Monarchy
The history of English monarchy is complex, with numerous dynasties, invasions, and political shifts. The formal unification of England and Scotland under a single monarch in 1603 was the culmination of centuries of separate rulerships. Prior to this, England had experienced a series of monarchs from various dynasties, including the Normans, Plantagenets, Tudors, and Stuarts, each shaping the nation’s history in profound ways.
The Count of Monarchs Before 1603
From William the Conqueror in 1066, who initiated Norman rule, to Elizabeth I in 1603, the realm saw the reigns of:
- Norman monarchs (William I, William II, Henry I, Stephen, Henry II, Richard I, John)
- Plantagenet monarchs (Henry III, Edward I, Edward II, Edward III, Richard II)
- House of Lancaster (Henry IV, Henry V, Henry VI)
- House of York (Edward IV, Edward V, Richard III)
- Tudor monarchs (Henry VII, Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I, Elizabeth I)
- Stuart monarchs (James I, Charles I, Commonwealth period, Charles II, James II)
In total, this list adds up to 37 monarchs. Notably, some monarchs reigned multiple times or in different periods, such as Henry VI, whose reign was interrupted by the Wars of the Roses, and Elizabeth I, whose long and stable reign helped solidify the Tudor dynasty.
Why Count These Monarchs?
The count of 37 monarchs before the Union of Crowns is significant because it reflects the independent political entity of England. Each monarch’s reign contributed to shaping the nation’s laws, culture, and identity. The transition from medieval monarchies to the Tudor and Stuart periods marked significant developments, including the Reformation, the establishment of the Church of England, and the early foundations of constitutional monarchy.
It’s also worth noting that the concept of a ‘monarch’ can sometimes be complex, especially during periods of disputed succession or regency. However, for counting purposes, each recognized sovereign ruler who held the crown of England is included in this tally.
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
A common misconception is that the number of monarchs might be higher due to minor rulers or claimants. However, the count typically includes only those who held the throne officially and in their own right. Also, during the English Civil War and the subsequent Interregnum (1649–1660), England was declared a Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell, and there was no monarch. This period is often excluded from the count of monarchs.
Another point of interest is that the union of the crowns in 1603 didn’t merge the kingdoms into a single political entity but rather united the crowns under one monarch while maintaining separate governments. It wasn’t until the 1707 Acts of Union that England and Scotland formally became a single kingdom, creating Great Britain.
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