)John O'Farrell's An Utterly Impressive History of Britain: (or 2 years of upper class idiots in charge) -this may be closer to those things in the Ming dynasty
2) a rhyming history of Britain by James muirden 55b.c-a.d.1996-this is a children's song with 2 pages of illustrations! It's especially fun, but you have to have a historical foundation in advance, otherwise many places don't quite understand it
3) Modern history: 5 people who are bugged up Britain by Quentin Letts
I think it's better to read CDs if you want to understand British history more easily. The following BBC series are all very good (these DVDs were published later)-
1) General history: The History of Britain by Simon Schama
2) Modern history: The Making of Modern Britain by Andrew Marr (or Andrew Marr's Box). Of Britain)
3) Highlights: Seven Ages of Britain by David Dimbley
4) Literature and rural history ("squire" is a very important part of British culture): Rural Britain A novel approach
Finally, Henry VIII is a key turning point in British history, and he is also a dramatic figure (from handsome guy to fat uncle, six wives, religious reform, etc.). All books about him (including a UV analysis of his portrait pigments that I have read) are basically not interesting.