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History of English Speaking People Vol. I The Birth of Britain


A Winston Churchill Book Study from a Christian Worldview

One of the strengths of reading Churchill from a Christian perspective is recognizing that, while he highlights human leaders and events, Scripture reminds us that God is the ultimate author of history.

Proverbs 21:1

The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; like the rivers of water, He turns it wherever He wishes.

The Birth of Britain by Winston Churchill is the first book, in a series of four, that we are going to be using as the spine of our history curriculum. We purchased ours off Amazon here: The Birth of Britain

Geography is woven into our history study. So, we will be looking up places on maps as we go. 

 For the purpose of the blog, I am going to share these resources as we move along by updating this post. 

Before we begin reading the Introduction, I am going to preface the book with historical context and begin looking up geographical locations.  

Week 1 Resources

The Birth of Britain

Introduction & Chapter 1: "Britannia"

🌍 Geography to Study

Before reading, students should become familiar with these locations:

Britain

  • England
  • Scotland
  • Wales
  • Ireland
  • English Channel
  • North Sea
  • Atlantic Ocean

Continental Europe

  • Gaul (modern France)
  • Rome
  • Mediterranean Sea

Important Rivers

  • Thames
  • Severn
  • Humber

Ancient Tribal Areas

  • Catuvellauni
  • Trinovantes
  • Iceni
  • Brigantes

Ancient Britain

This interactive history map lets students see how Britain changed through different historical periods.

Historic UK Maps of Britain

Roman Empire

A wonderful reference showing the extent of Rome during Caesar's lifetime.

Encyclopaedia Britannica – Roman Empire Maps

🎥 Historical Videos to Watch Before Reading

I would recommend watching these in this order.

1. Ancient Britain Before Rome (10–15 min)

This introduces the Celts, Druids, and Iron Age Britain.

BBC Bitesize – Iron Age Britain

2. Julius Caesar and Britain

Excellent overview of why Caesar invaded.

TED-Ed – History of Julius Caesar

3. Simon Schama's A History of Britain – Episode 1

If you have access, this is probably the single best documentary companion to Churchill's opening chapters. Episode 1 explores prehistoric Britain, the coming of Rome, and the foundations of the nation.

BBC Select – A History of Britain, Episode 1

4. Khan Academy Background

Although brief, Khan Academy provides excellent context on the Roman Republic and Julius Caesar.

Khan Academy – Julius Caesar and the End of the Roman Republic

📖 Before You Read

Ask students these questions:

  • Why would Rome care about an island across the Channel?
  • What advantages would an island have against invasion?
  • How might geography influence a nation's future?
  • Why do historians often begin Britain's written history with Julius Caesar?

Vocabulary Preview

Introduce these words before reading:

  • Celt
  • Tribe
  • Druid
  • Gaul
  • Legion
  • Province
  • Republic
  • Tribute
  • Britannia
  • Conquest

Timeline to Know

DateEvent
c. 700 BCCeltic peoples settle much of Britain
55 BCJulius Caesar's first expedition
54 BCCaesar's second expedition
AD 43Emperor Claudius begins the Roman conquest of Britain
AD 122Hadrian's Wall begins construction

✝️ Biblical Connection Before Reading

As students begin the book, encourage them to think about history through the lens of Scripture:

Acts 17:26 "From one man He made every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place."

Ask:

  • How might God use geography to shape a nation's history?
  • How can powerful empires fit within God's sovereign plan?

_________________________________________________________

Study Guide for Week One: Introduction

Our readings are spread out over the course of four days. On the fifth day, we will cover the week's study guide. 


Here is Week One: Introduction

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