Updated: February 23, 2025
England has such a rich history that has spread across various countries and across the globe: This collection of historical photos highlights the English people, and shows the locations from which many of our families came.
England, one part of the United Kingdom, was formed as a unified kingdom in about the 900s CE.
The kingdom went on to become a dominant European power after the Norman Conquest in 1066. The English monarchy and Parliament developed over the following centuries, leading to significant events like the Magna Carta in 1215, which limited royal power and which became the basis for many democratic documents around the world. England also played a central role in the British Empire, expanding globally from the 16th century onwards.
The Industrial Revolution, beginning in the 18th century, made England a global economic leader. Today, England is known for its cultural heritage, legal system, and influential role in world history.