The reigns of the kings and queens in this book cover nearly five hundred years, from the accession of the Tudor King Henry VII to the present day.

It would require a large history book to tell in detail all the things which have happened in Britain during their five hundred years: wars, revolutions, struggles between king and parliament, treaties, alliances, and the growth of population and industry, have changed the lives of the people. More than once Britain has been in danger of invasion: British armies have fought and conquered all over the world: the British navy has policed the seven seas,. New lands have been discovered: a great Empire founded and peacefully surrendered.

Of the little towns of two or three thousand inhabitants in 1485, some remain much as they were; others have grown into great cities. In place of the village craftsmen who supplied the simple needs of the people, there are now factories and workshops employing thousands of skilled hands.

Science, technology, and medical research have changed everything. Today people live longer, travel faster, and communicate with one another more quickly, in a world more dangerous - yet with more possibilities for good - than ever before.