English History/Preface

England is the largest, richest and most heavily populated region of the British Isles. The country's history is tied up with conflict with its powerful neighbour France, as well as struggles against the Scots, the Welsh and the Irish. The large size and wealth of the government in London allowed it to exert great influence over its neighbouring realms, and the formation of the United Kingdom in 1707 bought all the separate parts of the British Isles under its rule. Conquest by the Norman French in 1066, still shapes the destiny of the country.