As a historian with a keen interest in the British monarchy, I've always found the question of "who was the greatest king of England?" to be a complex one, as it largely depends on the criteria by which one measures greatness. However, I can certainly provide an analysis based on historical impact, military prowess, and cultural contributions.

**William I, also known as 'William the Conqueror', is often cited as one of the most influential kings due to his successful Norman Conquest of 1066.** This event marked a significant turning point in English history, as it brought about substantial changes in the social structure, language, and culture of the country. William's reign from 1066 to 1087 laid the foundations for the feudal system in England and influenced its development for centuries to come.

**Richard I, or 'Richard the Lionheart', reigned from 1189 to 1199.** He is remembered for his legendary military leadership during the Crusades, particularly in the Third Crusade, where he earned his epithet for his courage and chivalry. Despite spending relatively little time in England, Richard's legacy as a warrior king has been immortalized in literature and folklore.

Edward I, who ruled from 1272 to 1307, is often hailed for his legal and administrative reforms. He is known for standardizing and enforcing English common law, which had a profound and lasting impact on the country's legal system. Edward I also made significant strides in the construction of castles and infrastructure, including the famous Welsh castles at Caernarfon and Conway.

Henry V, reigning from 1413 to 1422, is perhaps most famous for his victory at the Battle of Agincourt, a decisive military triumph against a numerically superior French force during the Hundred Years' War. His leadership and strategic acumen are still studied today as examples of military genius.

Henry VII, who ruled from 1485 to 1509, is notable for ending the Wars of the Roses and establishing the Tudor dynasty, which would go on to produce some of England's most famous and influential monarchs. His reign marked a period of consolidation and relative peace after years of civil strife.

Henry VIII, reigning from 1509 to 1547, is one of the most well-known and controversial kings of England. His decision to break with the Roman Catholic Church and establish the Church of England had far-reaching religious and political consequences that are still felt today.

**Elizabeth I, who ruled from 1558 to 1603,** is celebrated for her reign during a golden age in English history. Her reign saw the defeat of the Spanish Armada, the flourishing of English drama and literature with the likes of William Shakespeare, and the establishment of England as a major world power.

Charles II, reigning from 1660 to 1685, is often remembered for the Restoration period that followed the English Civil War and the Commonwealth. His reign was marked by a cultural and artistic renaissance, as well as the beginnings of the scientific revolution with the establishment of the Royal Society.

Each of these monarchs had a profound impact on the course of English history, and determining the "greatest" among them is a matter of perspective. Some might value military success, others the establishment of legal systems, and still others the cultural contributions of a reign. The complexity of this question reflects the rich tapestry of English history and the diverse legacies left by its kings and queens.

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Top 11 monarchs in British historyWilliam I ('William the Conqueror'), r1066-C87.Richard I ('Richard the Lionheart'), r1189-C99.Edward I, r1272-C1307.Henry V, r1413-C22.Henry VII, r1485-C1509.Henry VIII, 1509-C47.Elizabeth I, r1558-C1603.Charles II, r1660-C85.More items...read more >>