Dr Helen Carr explores the extraordinary and chaotic reign of Edward II, a king with a reputation as a disastrous ruler. But how much of that is true?
Edward's accession as king of England in 1307 led almost immediately to conflict as he favoured close friends, and maybe lovers, like Piers Gaveston. Helen investigates the bond between Edward and Piers, their connection was incredibly close, possibly sexual. Edward’s giving of titles, attention and money to Gaveston alienated many of his traditional supporters amongst the nobility.
Helen also explores Edward's sometimes successful, sometimes deadly, marriage in 1308 to the 12-year-old Isabella of France and the birth of the future Edward III. She also looks at Edward's infamous death - how did the salacious tales of murder by red hot poker come about?
Helen Carr's latest book "Sceptred Isle: A New History of the Fourteenth Century" is out now.
If you're interested in finding out more about the places featured in the film, follow the links below:
Gloucester Cathedral: https://gloucestercathedral.org.uk/
Great St Barts: https://www.greatstbarts.com/
The National Archives: https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/
Kenilworth Castle: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/kenilworth-castle/
Berkeley Castle: https://www.berkeley-castle.com/
Up Next in People Who Made History
-
Hogarth: Into the Streets of Georgian...
Born in London at the turn of the 18th Century, William Hogarth became one of the most iconic English painters, printmakers, pictorial satirists, social critics, and editorial cartoonists of his generation.
Often dubbed the mirror of 18th Century London, Hogarth's most notable works include, A ...
-
Becoming Anne Boleyn
March 2022 marks the 500th anniversary since Anne Boleyn made her debut at the court of King Henry VIII.
Prof. Suzannah Lipscomb investigates the story of Anne’s remarkable upbringing in England, the Netherlands and France before she arrived at the heart of Tudor England. For all Anne Boleyn’s...
-
Remembering the Few with Wing Command...
Last summer, we were lucky enough to interview Wing Commander Tom Neil, one of the last of 'the Few' who fought in the Battle of Britain. During the Battle he shot down at least 13 enemy aircraft; he saw over half his squadron shot down within 5 minutes; he is also credited with the longest fligh...
20 Comments