Crown & Sceptre: A New History of the British Monarchy

Crown & Sceptre traces the history of the British monarchy from William the Conqueror in 1066 to the present reign of Charles III. The book moves chronologically through the centuries, examining each monarch's rise to power, key events of their reign, and their impact on British society. The narrative covers major historical turning points including the Norman Conquest, Wars of the Roses, Tudor dynasty, English Civil War, and the modernization of the monarchy. Through extensive research and primary sources, Borman presents both the public and private lives of Britain's rulers, from their political decisions to their personal relationships and daily routines. Personal correspondence, official documents, and contemporary accounts provide insight into how individual monarchs shaped - and were shaped by - their times. The text explores the changing relationship between Crown and Parliament, the evolution of royal ceremony, and how different rulers adapted the institution to survive. This comprehensive history illustrates the monarchy's remarkable ability to reinvent itself across nearly a millennium while maintaining its central role in British identity and governance. The book examines how this ancient institution has balanced tradition with adaptation to remain relevant into the 21st century.

Readers appreciate Borman's accessible writing style and her focus on lesser-known details about British monarchs. Many note her ability to condense complex historical events without oversimplifying them. One reader called it "a refreshing take that goes beyond the usual Tudor-centric histories." Readers highlight the book's organization by themes rather than strict chronology, though some found this approach confusing. Multiple reviews praise the coverage of female monarchs and royal consorts. Common criticisms include: - Too much emphasis on recent monarchs - Lack of depth on medieval periods - Limited discussion of constitutional developments - Few new insights for readers familiar with British history Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.5/5 (850+ ratings) Amazon US: 4.3/5 (400+ ratings) "The perfect introduction for newcomers to British royal history," noted one Amazon reviewer, while a Goodreads user countered that it "skims the surface of complex historical events."

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She-Wolves: The Women Who Ruled England Before Elizabeth by Helen Castor Examines the lives and reigns of four queens who wielded power before Elizabeth I, revealing the challenges faced by female monarchs in medieval England.

The Royal Art of Poison by Eleanor Herman Investigates the role of poison in royal courts throughout history, focusing on monarchs as both perpetrators and victims.

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🔹 Author Tracy Borman serves as Joint Chief Curator of Historic Royal Palaces and has worked closely with the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, and other significant royal sites. 👑 The book covers over 1,000 years of monarchy, from 757 CE to present day, examining how the institution has evolved from the Anglo-Saxon period through to Elizabeth II's reign. 🏰 Despite focusing on British monarchs, the book reveals that England didn't have its first truly English-speaking king until Henry IV in 1399 - previous monarchs primarily spoke French. 📚 Borman explores how the British monarchy has survived while other European royal houses fell, attributing much of its longevity to its ability to adapt and reinvent itself. ⚔️ The author delves into lesser-known aspects of royal history, including how George I brought the tradition of Christmas trees to Britain and how George III's "madness" was likely caused by a genetic blood disorder called porphyria.