Evolution of kingdoms and states Terminology of the British Isles

a timeline of states in british isles. (ireland continues exist, description republic of ireland used disambiguator in case).

the diagram on right gives indication of further evolution of kingdoms , states. in 1603 scottish king james vi inherited english throne james of england . styled himself james of great britain, although both states retained sovereignty , independent parliaments, parliament of scotland , parliament of england. (the term great britain reportedly dates 1474, , in common usage mid-16th century onwards.)

the 1707 act of union united england , scotland in kingdom of great britain under parliament of great britain, in 1800 ireland brought under british government control act of union creating united kingdom of great britain , ireland. irish unrest culminated in irish war of independence , 1922 separation of irish free state, later became republic name ireland. majority protestant northeast continued part of became united kingdom of great britain , northern ireland.

british overseas territories such bermuda, gibraltar , falkland islands have various relationships uk. commonwealth of nations, formalised in 1931 (the british commonwealth until 1949), association of independent states corresponding former british empire. (this has no connection commonwealth of england, short-lived republic replacing previous kingdoms during english interregnum (1649–1660).)