When did England become one?

Hello, I'm an expert in historical studies with a focus on British history. Let's delve into the fascinating subject of when England became a unified entity. England's journey to unification is a complex tapestry woven from the threads of various historical events, cultural exchanges, and political developments. To truly understand when England became one, we must look back to the early days of its formation as a distinct entity. The concept of a unified England is often traced back to the early medieval period, particularly the 9th and 10th centuries. This was a time when various Anglo-Saxon kingdoms were gradually consolidated under a single ruler. The most significant of these was the kingdom of Wessex, which, under the leadership of King Alfred the Great, began to exert influence over the other kingdoms. Alfred is often credited with laying the groundwork for a unified England, although his efforts did not result in a formal union. The process of unification continued with the reign of other Anglo-Saxon kings, such as Athelstan, who is sometimes considered the first king of a unified England. However, it was not until the Norman Conquest of 1066, led by William the Conqueror, that a more definitive unification occurred. The Normans established a strong central government and introduced a unified legal and administrative system, which played a crucial role in the formation of a unified English state. Throughout the Middle Ages, England continued to evolve as a unified nation. The signing of the Magna Carta in 1215 is often seen as a pivotal moment in the development of England's constitutional history, as it established the principle that the monarch was not above the law and laid the foundation for a parliamentary system of governance. The reference to the Acts of Union 1707, which joined England and Scotland to form the Kingdom of Great Britain, is indeed a significant milestone. However, it is important to note that this was not the beginning of England's unification but rather a step in the broader process of forming a larger political entity. The unification of England as a single nation-state was a gradual process that took place over several centuries. Before the union, England was indeed ruled by its monarch and the Parliament of England. The Parliament played a vital role in the governance of the country, representing the interests of the nobility, clergy, and, later, the common people. The development of parliamentary democracy in England was a key factor in the consolidation of its unification. In summary, the unification of England was not a single event but a process that unfolded over many centuries. It involved the consolidation of various kingdoms, the establishment of a strong central government, the development of a legal and administrative system, and the evolution of a parliamentary system of governance. The Acts of Union 1707 marked a significant point in this process, but the unification of England as a distinct and unified nation-state was well underway long before this date.

There has not been a government of England since 1707, when the Acts of Union 1707, putting into effect the terms of the Treaty of Union, joined England and Scotland to form the Kingdom of Great Britain. Before the union England was ruled by its monarch and the Parliament of England.