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Monarchy with David Starkey
From the Norman Conquests of 1066 through the British Civil War and the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, this striking series analyzes the gradual emergence of a unique form of government - a constitutional monarchy.The Early Kings (10/11)
We begin in the violent and chaotic dark ages. There in a legendary world peopled by dragons and monsters, a uniquely English idea of monarchy emerged. Great Kings like Alfred the Great and Canute the Viking unified the country and established the rites and rituals of kingship. Eventually the invasion in 1066 William the Conqueror radically changed the direction of the country and its form of kingship forever.
We begin in the violent and chaotic dark ages. There in a legendary world peopled by dragons and monsters, a uniquely English idea of monarchy emerged. Great Kings like Alfred the Great and Canute the Viking unified the country and established the rites and rituals of kingship. Eventually the invasion in 1066 William the Conqueror radically changed the direction of the country and its form of kingship forever.
Medieval Monarchs (10/18)
King Henry II of England was a medieval superstar. His family saga is legendary - Henry was the husband of Eleanor of Aquitaine, father of Richard the Lionheart and King John who was forced to sign the Magna Carta.
King Henry II of England was a medieval superstar. His family saga is legendary - Henry was the husband of Eleanor of Aquitaine, father of Richard the Lionheart and King John who was forced to sign the Magna Carta.
A New Dynasty (10/25)
Henry VI inherits two Crowns - that of England and of France - at the tender age of 9 months old. But unlike his warrior father, Henry V, this Henry was weak and actually went mad. As happens when a King can't govern, there are those eager and willing to take their place. Richard, Duke of York, was one such candidate - he made a bid for the throne and so began a 30 year struggle for power known as the Wars of the Roses.
Henry VI inherits two Crowns - that of England and of France - at the tender age of 9 months old. But unlike his warrior father, Henry V, this Henry was weak and actually went mad. As happens when a King can't govern, there are those eager and willing to take their place. Richard, Duke of York, was one such candidate - he made a bid for the throne and so began a 30 year struggle for power known as the Wars of the Roses.
The Imperial King (11/1)
Henry VIII was not supposed to rule England. His older brother Arthur was first in line but when Arthur died, Henry became the heir. He was crowned at 17 - a young, handsome and romantic figure. Fired up with the idealism of youth, Henry had strong ideas about kingship and he grew into a resolute and powerful man who cemented the Tudor's right to rule as Kings of England.
Henry VIII was not supposed to rule England. His older brother Arthur was first in line but when Arthur died, Henry became the heir. He was crowned at 17 - a young, handsome and romantic figure. Fired up with the idealism of youth, Henry had strong ideas about kingship and he grew into a resolute and powerful man who cemented the Tudor's right to rule as Kings of England.
A Question of Succession (11/8)
In Henry's will, all three of his children were named as his heirs and in fact, all three would wear the Crown. His son Edward's reign was tragically brief, daughter Mary's sadly cruel, but his last heir, Elizabeth would rule magnificently.
In Henry's will, all three of his children were named as his heirs and in fact, all three would wear the Crown. His son Edward's reign was tragically brief, daughter Mary's sadly cruel, but his last heir, Elizabeth would rule magnificently.
Revolution and the Republic (11/15)
Ironically when Elizabeth I died childless, the son of her great nemesis, Mary Queen of Scots became the King of England. And so begins the line of the House of Stuart. Revolution and the Republic will shed light on the death of Charles I, the English Civil War, the reign of the Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell and the eventual Restoration of the Monarchy by Charles II in 1660.
Ironically when Elizabeth I died childless, the son of her great nemesis, Mary Queen of Scots became the King of England. And so begins the line of the House of Stuart. Revolution and the Republic will shed light on the death of Charles I, the English Civil War, the reign of the Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell and the eventual Restoration of the Monarchy by Charles II in 1660.
Air Date
Saturdays, 10/11-11/15/08 from 2:30-3:30 a.m. ET
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