Dynamics of Co-Ruling Monarchs in British History

The Diversity of British Monarchs: Dynamics of Co-Ruling

The history of the British monarchy is rich with instances where multiple monarchs ruled simultaneously. These instances often stemmed from civil wars, rival claims to the throne, separate realms, or even the transition of kingdoms. This article explores the notable examples throughout British history, from the Wars of the Roses to the present day.

The Wars of the Roses (1455–1487)

During the civil war known as the Wars of the Roses, England experienced a unique situation where the House of Lancaster and the House of York were vying for the throne. Notably, King Henry VI of the House of Lancaster and King Edward IV of the House of York reigned concurrently at overlapping periods. This conflict sometimes resulted in one or the other being declared de jure king, while the other had de facto power.

The Glorious Revolution (1688)

One of the most notorious scenarios where multiple monarchs ruled simultaneously occurred during the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Following the deposition of King James II, William III and Mary II were jointly declared sovereigns. However, James II continued to claim the throne from exile. This period is often considered one of the most unusual in British history, as co-monarchs were uncharacteristic in the British context.

The Commonwealth (1649–1660)

Following the execution of Charles I, England was briefly declared a republic under Oliver Cromwell. At the same time, Charles II, the exiled son of Charles I, was living in exile, making the period from 1649 to 1660 unique. This time frame saw two distinct claims to the throne, with Cromwell's Republic and Charles II in exile each asserting their sovereignty.

Union of Kingdoms and Contemporary Instances

From the 17th century onwards, instances of separate monarchs for England and Scotland, later Great Britain and Ireland, are frequent. This reflects a period where the monarchs could be seen as separate rulers until the Acts of Union in 1707 and 1800. In modern times, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom ruled in parallel with other Commonwealth realms, though they were never considered to be part of the same direct claim to the British throne.

Historical Context and the Early Kingdoms

It is important to note that before the formation of a single kingdom, in the initial Anglo-Saxon invasions, several separate kingdoms existed in England, such as Kent, Essex, Sussex, Wessex, Mercia, Hwicce, Cornwall, Northumbria, and Deira. The unification of these kingdoms by ?thelstan in the early 10th century marked a new era. While ?thelstan and his immediate successors often referred to themselves as "Kings of the English," the term "King of England" was not often used until later.

Given the dynamic nature of early Anglo-Saxon England, counting the number of monarchs from this period is akin to counting the Rollright Stones, a number that can be fluid and context-dependent. Estimates vary widely, but a reasonable guess might be around twelve, though this would be an estimate based on the lifespan of the ruling dynasties and their territorial control.