Best British Monarchs
The greatest monarch ever. Incredibly politically astute and able. She was also the most intellectual ruler England has ever had. Elizabeth the First really was the mother of her people.
Elizabeth in terms of political skill was by far the best monarch we've ever had. I would actually query Charles II being so high up. Considering that he contributed to our high national debt today, brought us to the brink of civil war again by appointing Catholics to high office, tried to change the state religion, and went to war with the Dutch, our historic allies, to aid the french which cost us dearly for little benefit, he is not a good monarch by any means.
By far the best politician (as a woman she had to be) and ruled over an era of major prosperity, far more religiously tolerant than her murderous sister.
Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary; 21 April 1926 – 8 September 2022) was Queen of the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth realms from 6 February 1952 until her death in 2022. Elizabeth was born in Mayfair, London, as the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth). Her father acceded to the throne in 1936 upon the abdication of his brother, King... read more She is the best queen. She invited nelson Mandela in England even if his ministers did not agree, she participated in the WWii, she give money for more that 600 charity organizations and she positively change the political decisions of her ministers. God save the queen
Had a long reign and was generally beloved by her subjects.
Love you! 92 years old and going!
Queen Victoria (Alexandrina Victoria; 24 May 1819 – 22 January 1901) was Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death in 1901. Her reign of 63 years and seven months was longer than that of any previous British monarch and is known as the Victorian era. It was a period of industrial, political, scientific, and military change within the United Kingdom,... read more The way she ruled stopped her from being deposed the way monarchs all over the rest of Europe were.
She was an good monarch. She influenced a lot of the stuff we have today. RIP, your former majesty.
Helped construct the British Empire into the powerhouse it is remembered as today.
The last king to take the throne by force of arms. The good thing is not that he won his battle for the throne, but that having done so, he took the nation around the corner and left his successors a nation in which they did not need to, where succession was determined more peaceably.
Left the country in a very secure state to Henry VI. Successfully curbed the power of the nobility to restore the dominance of the crown and properly dealt with any threats against him.
There is nothing else to say is there? Agree Henry VII should literally take the crown. I would have put George V as a very close second, though.
King Charles II was king of England from 1660 to 1685. He was a very large improvement from his father, the ill-fated Charles I, compromising with parliament. Against the wishes of his advisers, the king stayed in London in 1666 during the great fire to make sure everyone was safe. He also granted a charter for King's Hospital School in Lucan (also a summer camp which I attended), granting rights to the Irish. This king of England was very popular among his people. He was good-natured, considerate, determined and always wanted the best for his country. These traits are what made him known as the merry monarch, and as such, the best.
What a legend! My favorite monarch. Was on the run from cromwell, slept in a tree (wow we love that) he was disguised as Lady Jane Lane's servant to flee to the Dorset coast. He helped put out the great fire of london hands on alongside the people. An all round nice guy- threw great parties and had adorable dogs. Best monarch
Very successful warrior king. Unfortunate that most of the land he gained was lost by his son and successor, Henry 6
Henry V conquered all of northern France and would of conquered all if he had not died.
A personal favorite. He soundly whopped France's behind (most famous of course is Agincourt).
Never truly expecting the throne, a good man, father and King. Led us with Churchill through the war, but sadly died young at 56.
Fought hard against his stammer and proved his worth as a ruler during World War II and presiding over the Commonwealth.
Stepped up after the abdication of his brother and led England through the Second World War.
Richard Lionheart was a fantastic warrior and commander but no King of England. He only spent 6 months of his reign in England and his reckless return journey from the Third Crusade nearly crippled the English treasury after he got captured and held to ransom.
Powerful ruler who would have suceeded in defeating Saladin if he hadn't been betrayed.
Has the body of a good king.
Humble, truthful, brave, resourceful, and pious--he genuinely cared about his people.
First king of England, great sponsor of the arts and fine warrior.
William I, usually known as William the Conqueror and sometimes William the Bastard, was the first Norman King of England, reigning from 1066 until his death in 1087. The descendant of Viking raiders, he had been Duke of Normandy since 1035. After a long struggle to establish his power, by 1060 his hold on Normandy was secure, and he launched the Norman conquest of England in 1066. The rest of his life was marked by struggles to consolidate his hold over England and his continental lands and by difficulties with his eldest son. Last foreigner to conquer England. This victory changed the English language.
Great leader during World War I and helped save the country from political disaster after Ramsay MacDonald wanted to resign during chaos in government.
Restored faith in the monarchy after the lackluster reign of his father, Henry I. Became effectively overlord of Scotland and consolidated power in Wales.
Defeated Wales and nearly Scotland. Restored England as a big power and loved his people. Top 3 monarch.
Astute in both religion and warfare. Established some sort of mastery over the British Isles (first of its time)
Took over after the weak Henry 6. Only dumb thing he did was marry Elizabeth Woodville instead of listening to Warrick and marrying for an alliance with France.
The last and best warrior king. His military feats are up there with England's greatest commanders. Paid off his predecessors debts and made the crown profitable. Built England into a trading nation that his successors greatly benefited from.
She was one of the powerful and wealthy women in Europe!
Introduced the nuts and bolts of the financial system we used today. Was a great force in Europe and conquered Normandy from his brother Robert, the first steps towards the Angevin Empire.
English Common Law among his accomplishments.
A great military commander with his victory at Boyne and successfully kept the Jacobites and the French out.
Started the Hundred Years War, making great headway into France. Also brought the English army up to date.
Overshadowed by his Grandpa, but did really good in France (as a conqueror).
He was an idiot, what's he even doing here?
A reign of peace and a court favorable to the arts and letters. Too bad she had 20 pregnancies and none survived to rule.
A great monarch who achieved so much considering he only had a two year reign. He was a loyal brother who ruled successfully in the north as the Duke of Gloucester and as king made improvements to the justice system and gave England many great buildings. In my opinion he was sadly one of the many victims of the wars of the roses
Completed much in a short reign.
So beautiful and kind x
Wife of the failure Henry VI battled for her son's place for the throne from Edward IV. She had a strong character.
Basically ruled for Henry 6.
Amazing, strong character and a good role model.
Interesting history but he did horrible things just because he wanted a son. Before he was a king he was good looking then he became king and became a fat grumpy old man wanting a son, killing or breaking up with wives.
Who put him on this list?
A great combination with William I and ruled successfully whilst he was driving out invaders.