Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The top ten: Monarchs 1066-1707

 

John Rentoul
Sunday 01 December 2013 01:00 GMT
Comments
Elizabeth I: 'For declining to make windows into men's souls,' says Michael McCarthy
Elizabeth I: 'For declining to make windows into men's souls,' says Michael McCarthy (Alamy)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sir Michael Barber, who was head of the Prime Minister's Delivery Unit from 2001 to 2005, suggested this list: monarchs of England 'judged on leaving the country in better shape than they found it', and he provided most of the rankings here...

1. Henry VII Michael Barber's top choice.

2. William I I, for one, welcome our new Norman overlords.

3. Elizabeth I "For declining to make windows into men's souls," says Michael McCarthy.

4. Edward III "Crécy. Black Prince. Bicameral parliament. Treason Act. English used in law. JPs." Nominated by David Head.

5. Henry II "Juries, rule of law." Put forward by Louise McCudden.

6. William III and Mary II Bill of Rights.

7. Henry V Agincourt.

8. Harold II Godwinson. "Defeat of Harald Hardrada meant there was a united kingdom of England for William to inherit." Thanks to John Blake.

9. Edward II "For losing at Bannockburn and thus ensuring 1707 would be a Union not an incorporation." Nominated by Alex Massie.

10. John "For being rubbish, thus giving rise to the Magna Carta." From Ian Silvera.

Next week: Trollemics: 'deliberately over-the-top arguments designed to generate controversy'.

Coming soon: Words used with only one other word (serried, fledged and so on). Send suggestions (by 10 December), along with ideas for any future Top 10s, to top10@independent.co.uk

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in