English history - where do I start?

[Taytocrisps]

I don't know a huge amount about English history except where it intersects with our own (Irish) history. Oh, and WWI and WWII obviously. Where should I start? I like both fiction and non-fiction. I've read the 'historical figures' thread and plan to look up lots of the names listed there. Any other recommendations?

I found the enlightenment a good way in as there are so many themes that come up again and again.

I had no idea there was history club on here! I will have to nose around.

I quite like Jeremy Paxman's books for an overview.