Books about English history

I looked at some of the sample Life in the UK tests and realized I've got a lot to learn when it comes to British history.  It will be 5 years until I take the test, so I'm hoping to take my time and learn about my new country's history in more depth than what's in the study guide for the test.  Does anyone have a recommendation for fiction or nonfiction books that are an interesting read?

For perspective, I've enjoyed reading Resistance by Agnes Humbert and Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly.

Thanks very much.

Dummy's guide is pretty decent on the high points and isn't too boggy

Not exactly history, but I like "Watching the English" by Kate Fox.  It's all about the rules that govern the English that I happily ignore. 

Not exactly history, but I like "Watching the English" by Kate Fox.  It's all about the rules that govern the English that I happily ignore. 

I had that book,  and put it in the pass-the-parcel when I had it ... I wonder who got it!?  Or is it still in there,  making the rounds?

Thanks very much.  I'll check them out.  I found a book at the library on the British monarchy as well.

I had that book,  and put it in the pass-the-parcel when I had it ... I wonder who got it!?  Or is it still in there,  making the rounds?

Anyone? 

It was some time ago, wasn't it?  I think I saw it in there the second time (out of three times) that I had the parcel.  I don't recall it being in there the last time... I'll check the thread to see if I can track down the book's destiny

If it helps you to narrow things down, I didn't ever see it. 

If it helps you to narrow things down, I didn't ever see it. 

Hmm.  I think you were pretty much right after me all three of my rounds (definitely two of my rounds... I shipped the parcel straight to you twice).  Maybe I am mistaking it for another book.  At any rate, I didn't see it in the photos.

Hmm.  I think you were pretty much right after me all three of my rounds (definitely two of my rounds... I shipped the parcel straight to you twice).  Maybe I am mistaking it for another book.  At any rate, I didn't see it in the photos.

Wasn't there a driving test book when we had the box?

Wasn't there a driving test book when we had the box?

There was a driving prep dvd the first time you had the box... my husband put it in, and Rick took it out.  I don't know if there was also a book at some point.

That was way back in the earliest days of the parcel... I was the first recipient after Jimbo started it.  I get a bit misty-eyed when I think about the box's humble beginnings.

There was a driving prep dvd the first time you had the box... my husband put it in, and Rick took it out.  I don't know if there was also a book at some point.

That was way back in the earliest days of the parcel... I was the first recipient after Jimbo started it.  I get a bit misty-eyed when I think about the box's humble beginnings.

... so long ago... 

... so long ago... 

How are your things holding up?  None of it is field tested before it goes out.  I do only use hardwoods, but still I wonder what becomes of it.  Especially the keychains, which will definitely see some wear.  Are they okay?

How are your things holding up?  None of it is field tested before it goes out.  I do only use hardwoods, but still I wonder what becomes of it.  Especially the keychains, which will definitely see some wear.  Are they okay?

Pristine!  Currently ornamental!

Box is perfect too. 

Pristine!  Currently ornamental!

Box is perfect too. 

Ooh, that'll save them getting beat up!  But it's okay to use them if you want to.  I can make another one if something happens.  Your things are all one-offs, but that doesn't mean I can't replace something for you if you needed me to.  (Of course, I do understand that that wouldn't be the same.)