History key terms

An ethnic group with origins in north-west India whose ancestors migrated through Asia into Europe. Romany communities reached Britain in the early sixteenth century.

The October 1936 understanding between Germany and Italy to cooperate in foreign policy.

An overcrowded district of poor-quality housing, often containing narrow alleys, courts and lodging houses.

A symbolic female war worker used to encourage American women to take industrial jobs during the Second World War.

A parliamentary voting district that elected MPs despite having very few voters, making it vulnerable to control by wealthy patrons.

Gathering scattered cattle together so they could be sorted by ownership, branded or prepared for a drive.

A disorderly defeat in which soldiers flee rather than maintain their formation.

A company chartered in 1672 with a monopoly over English trade with Africa, including the trafficking of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic.

An official responsible for distributing the monarch’s charitable gifts. Wolsey became Henry VIII’s Royal Almoner in 1509, giving him access to the king.

The monarch’s formal approval of legislation, normally required for a bill to become an Act of Parliament.

The monarch’s power to govern, enforce laws and command obedience.

A royal document granting particular rights, such as permission for a settlement to hold a market.

A body of nobles and clergymen who advised the monarch and helped carry out royal decisions.

The monarch’s household and the people attending her, including nobles, advisers, officials, ladies-in-waiting and servants; a centre of political power as well as royal social life.

Land retained directly by the king for his own use and income, rather than granted to tenants.

Records of activities at Alexander’s court, cited by Arrian when describing the king’s final illness.

A record of events at Alexander’s court that Arrian draws on when describing his final illness.

The support and trust of a monarch, which could give a minister power but could also be withdrawn.

People particularly trusted and rewarded by a monarch, whose influence could cause resentment among other nobles.

The income, borrowing and expenditure used to pay for the king’s government and activities.

Land reserved for royal hunting and subject to special laws protecting the king’s animals and their habitat; it was not necessarily woodland.

An order issued under royal authority. Henry VIII’s religious injunctions instructed clergy about church teaching and practice.

Orders issued under the monarch’s authority; those of 1559 gave instructions for implementing Elizabeth’s religious changes.

A supporter of King Charles I during the English Civil War.

Supporters of the king’s cause during the British Civil Wars.

A young attendant at the Macedonian royal court. Pages served the king and could have access to his person.

A royal grant giving its holder specified rights, such as permission to claim land and establish settlements overseas.

The authority of a king or queen to govern and secure obedience to their decisions.

Powers belonging to the monarch, including, in Charles I’s reign, the power to summon and dissolve Parliament.

An order issued by the monarch. It was not the same as an Act of Parliament.