People
Historical Figures and Influential People in History
Explore rulers, generals, thinkers, scientists and reformers who shaped world history. Search for a specific person, or browse by era, region, country and A–Z.
Historical Figures from United Kingdom
Use the filters on the right to narrow the figure index while keeping the main results in view.
5 results
Theresa May
1956–?Modern History
She stepped into leadership after a political earthquake, spent three years trying to deliver an exit few could agree on, and left office having defined a turbulent era.
Open profile →
Thomas Becket
1119–1170Medieval Period
He was Henry II's closest friend and most trusted official until Henry made him Archbishop of Canterbury — and then he became the king's most implacable enemy.
Open profile →
Thomas Cranmer
1489–1556Medieval Period
He helped Henry VIII get his first divorce, shaped the English Reformation, wrote the Book of Common Prayer, and was burned at the stake when the next monarch changed her mind about all of it.
Open profile →
Thomas Cromwell
1485–1540Medieval Period
He rose from the son of a blacksmith to the second most powerful man in England, dismantled the monasteries, and was executed when he arranged a royal marriage that went badly.
Open profile →
Thomas Pelham Holles, Duke of Newcastle
1693–1768Early Modern Era
He mastered elections, patronage, and political survival so completely that he could dominate government for decades without ever appearing fully in control.
Open profile →