Regnal Years in England

Ancient cultures often calculated their dating systems by the rule of a monarch. These were often known as "Regnal Years" (from the Latin, regnum or rule/kingdom). Regnal years were common in Asian cultures. In England, Acts of Parliament used Regnal Years. Genealogists may also find Regnal Years in older English records. Below are the first date for the regnal years of each of the kings and queens of England:

 
 * • William I .........................................25 Dec 1066 • William II ........................................26 Sep 1087 • Henry I ............................................5 Aug 1100 • Stephan .........................................26 Dec 1135 • Henry II ..........................................19 Dec 1154 • Richard I ..........................................3 Sep 1189 • * John ...........................................27 May 1199 • Henry III ..........................................28 Oct 1216 • Edward I .........................................20 Nov 1272 • Edward III ......................................25 Juan 1327 • Richard II ......................................22 June 1377 • Henry IV .......................................30 Sept 1399 • Henry V .........................................21 Mar 1413 • Henry VI .........................................1 Sep 1422 • Edward IV .......................................4 Mar 1461 • Edward V .........................................9 Apr 1483 • Richard III .....................................26 June 1483 • Henry VII .......................................22 Aug 1485 • Henry VIII .......................................22 Apr 1509 • Edward VI .......................................28 Jan 1547 • “Bloody” Mary ..................................6 July 1553 • Philip &amp; Mary .................................25 July 1554 • Elizabeth I ......................................17 Nov 1558 • James I (James VI of Scotland) ........24 Mar 1603 • Charles I ........................................27 Mar 1625 • Commonwealth Period • Charles II .......................................30 Jan 1649 • James II ..........................................6 Feb 1685 • (Interregnum ..............12 Dec 1688-12 Feb 1689) • William III &amp; Mary ..........................13 Feb 1689 • William III .....................................28 Dec 1694 • Anne .............................................8 Mar 1702 • George I ........................................1 Aug 1714 • George II .....................................11 June 1727 • George III ......................................25 Oct 1760 • George IV .....................................29 Jan 1820 • William IV ...................................26 June 1830 • Victoria .......................................20 June 1837 • Discontinuation of Regnal Year System