This verse, called a mnemonic, was written in Victorian times to help people remember the order of the kings and queens of Britain.

WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR long did reign
WILLIAM RUFUS by an arrow was slain
HENRY I was a scholar bright
STEPHEN was king without any right
HENRY II Plantagenet's scion
RICHARD I was brave as a lion
JOHN though a tyrant the charter signed
HENRY III had a weakly mind
EDWARD I conquered Cumbria's dales
EDWARD II was crowned Prince of Wales
EDWARD III restored Scotia's pride
RICHARD II by Henry's hand died
HENRY IV then wore the crown
HENRY V pulled the French king down
HENRY VI lost the roses and France
EDWARD IV led the commons a dance
EDWARD V was slain with his brother
RICHARD III soon gave way to another
HENRY VII was frugal of means
HENRY VIII had too many queens
EDWARD VI reformation began
Bloody MARY frustrated the plan
Wise and profound were ELIZABETH's ways
England and Scotland were joined under JAMES
CHARLES I found the people a cruel corrector
OLIVER CROMWELL became Lord Protector
CHARLES II hid in an oak
JAMES II took popery's yoke
WILLIAM and MARY next shared the throne
Good Queen ANNE then ruled alone
GEORGE I from Hanover came
GEORGE II carried on the name
GEORGE III was loved in the land
GEORGE IV was pompous and grand
WILLIAM IV had no heir of his own
So good Queen VICTORIA came to the throne.

Since then these verses have been added to complete the mnemonic

EDWARD VII loved gambling and fun
GEORGE V reigned through World War I
EDWARD VIII gave his throne for a wife
GEORGE VI saw more world war strife
ELIZABETH II was crowned young and serene
And the people still sing "God save Our Queen."