Delve into the fascinating, individual stories of the Kings and Queens of England and the United Kingdom. From the chivalric warriors, to the hungry war-mongers to the nefarious tyrants. Discover the monarchs at their most prestigious and most fragile. New series is being produced on the Saxon kings from Alfred the Great.
Hosted by Jonny Langton
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In 1013, the audacious Sweyn Forkbeard (1013-14) reappeared at Sandwich, with a powerful fleet He was accompanied by his three usual attendants, Fire, slaughter, and pillage; and all England trembled before him, like the rustling of a bed of reeds shaken by the western wind. Characters Sweyn Forkbeard - King of Denmark (986-1014), King of Norway (1000-1014), King of England (1014) Harald Bluetooth - King of Denmark (958-986), King of Norway (970-985), father of Sweyn Gunhild - mother of Swein Cn...
Æthelred's (978-1013, 1014-16) story would be one of turbulence, political intrigue, and the relentless march of fate. The boy who would become king would soon be marked by the legacy of doubt and misfortune, a monarch whose reign would be defined by both his early promise and his later failures. According to William and Malmesbury, he was an accomplice to murder, a coward who fled from danger, a wastrel who died a miserable death. Characters Aethelred - King of England (978-1013, 1014-16) Edwar...
From the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle describing Edward the Martyr (975-78). 'Men murdered him, but God exalted him. In life he was an earthly king; after death he is now a heavenly saint. His earthly kinsmen would not avenge him, but his heavenly Father has greatly avenged him. The earthly killers would have destroyed his memory. Those who would not bow to his living body now humbly on their knees bow to his dead bones. How we may understand that the wisdom of men, their plans and counsel, are nothing...
According to the Anglo-Saxon chronicle, ‘in Edgar's (959-75) days all things gladly grew good, and God granted that he dwelt in peace while he lived, and he did, as was necessary, work eagerly towards it. He was mighty in arms, exulting in sceptres and diadems, and regally protected the laws of the kingdom with militant authority.’ Characters Edgar - King of England (959-975), King of the Mercians and Northumbrians (957-59) Aethelflaed - first wife of Edgar Wulfthryth - possible second wife of E...
Perhaps no image of an Anglo-Saxon king has been shaped as unyieldingly by his enemies as Eadwig's (955-59). Ruthless purging of the old guard of his father and uncle and the appointments of favourites resulted in his character assassination in the hagiographies of the men he’d dismissed. He was labelled an incorrigible rascal and lecher. The accounts paint a picture of a naïve, capricious, salacious misguided boy, who side-lined experienced advisors when they resisted his childish impulses. Cha...
Within a year of being crowned, Eadred (946-55) was faced with possibly the most feared, most ruthless and most famous Viking to set foot on English shores. The battle to save Northumbria from Viking control was also fought in conjunction with a battle against a truly debilitating illness. Like his brothers before him, in securing the legacy of his forebears, he could not fail. Characters Eadred - King of England (946-55) Edmund I - King of England (939-46), elder brother of Eadred Eadgifu - thi...
Much like those who came before and those who would follow, Edmund I’s (939-46) reign was largely dominated by the Viking threat. Though his early years were tense and characterised by Viking resurgence, he recovered the land won by his father and half-brother and ultimately succeeded in keeping the Viking threat at bay and thus continued the dream of his forebears, the dream of a united, peaceful England. Characters Edmund I - King of England (939-46) Eadgifu - third wife of Edward, mother of E...
Aethelstan (924-939), renowned through the whole world whose fame flourishes and whose honour endures everywhere, whom God set as king over the English people. Raised on the high throne, and leader of these earthly armies, so that the king himself, mighty in war, could conquer other fierce kings and crush their proud necks. Characters Aethelstan - King of the Anglo-Saxons (924-927), King of the English (927-939) Edward the Elder - King of the Anglo-Saxons (899-924), father of Aethelstan Ecgwynn ...
Though Edward the Elder's reign (899-924) is overshadowed by his father and his son. His achievements during his 25 years reign were unquestionable. He continued his father’s work with determination and courage. Historian Frank Stenton characterised his reign as one of the best sustained and most decisive campaigns in the whole of the Dark Ages. Characters Edward the Elder - King of the Anglo-Saxons (899-924) Aethelflaed - Lady of Mercia (911-918), elder sister of Edward Alfred - King of the Wes...
This episode explores the life and legacy of Alfred the Great, from the chaotic post-Roman era and the rise of Anglo-Saxon kingdoms to his pivotal role in resisting the Viking invasions. It details his early life, his military campaigns culminating in the Battle of Edington, and the subsequent establishment of the Danelaw. The discussion also covers his comprehensive reforms in military, urban planning, legal systems, and education, which were crucial in shaping a unified England and ensuring the survival of English culture and language.
Elizabeth II (1952-2022) ruled for 70 years, the second longest verifiably recorded reign of any monarch in world history behind Louis XIV. For 4 out of 5 Brits, she was the only monarch they had ever known. In a reign that was characterised by a redefinition of monarchy and empire. She offered calmness, reassurance, comfort, leadership and perspective over perhaps the most significant period of social, economic and technological change of any reign in British history. Despite the challenges of ...
George VI (1936-52) led Britain through one of the most consequential periods in world history. His modest and undramatic style of rule in stark contrast to the controversy and drama which surrounded the short reign of his brother was required to guide Britain through the Second World War and the death of the British Empire. He was a steady hand, who overcame his own personal limitations and won the respect of the British people. Characters George VI - King of the United Kingdom and the British ...
Edward VIII (1936) ruled for 325 days, the shortest reign of any English monarch since Lady Jane Grey in the 16th century. The first monarch to abdicate since James II in 1688 and the first to do so voluntarily. The abdication crisis shook the British establishment to its core. His connections to Nazi Germany has undoubtedly shrouded his life in ignominy. Even after the war, he was known to describe Hitler as ‘not such a bad chap’. Shunned by the royal family for the crisis he had created and fo...
George V's reign (1910-36) stretched across perhaps the most tumultuous period in world history. It saw the bloodiest war to date, the financial markets melt and the rise of fascism and communism His calm, dutiful leadership would be put to the test, the British monarchy faced perhaps its biggest existential threat as Europe faced unparalleled political and social change. Characters George V - King of the United Kingdom and the British dominions, Emperor of India (1910-36) Mary of Teck - Queen o...
Politips host Ed Castel deep dives into the remarkable reign of Aethelstan, the man recognised as the first King of England as well as the Anglo-Saxons themselves. Many key questions are answered: Who were the Anglo-Saxons? What were the seven kingdoms and how did the deal with Viking invasions? How are sources found? The reign of Athelstan: his rise and consolidation of power, his historic coronation, becoming ‘King of the whole of Britain’, the Battle of Brunanburh and the birth of English nat...
It was a real privilege to interview Ben Kane. We spoke about his Lionheart series, his new book Napoleon’s spy, as well as the challenges faced and rewards gained from writing historical fiction. Initially well known for his excellent trilogies set in ancient Rome including the Forgotten Legion and the Spartacus series. More recently he has ventured into medieval England with his Lionheart series focussing on the reign of Richard I of England. His most recent book is set in the Napoleonic era. ...
In the words of the Edward VII (1901-1910) ‘I don’t mind praying to the Eternal Father, but I must be the only man in the country afflicted with an eternal mother. He had to wait 59 years to become king. Though only 9 years, the king also lent his name to an era. The Edwardian era was distinct in its social and cultural change with a rejection of certain Victorian values. The era saw significant social mobility, reform yet also hedonism. In the words of W. B. Yeats ‘everybody got down off their ...
On the death of Queen Victoria (1837-1901), Arthur Balfour wrote, ‘I suppose that, in all the history of the British Monarchy, there never has been a case in which the feeling of national grief was so deep-seated as it is at present, so universal, so spontaneous. And that grief affects us not merely because we have lost a great personality, but because we feel that the end of a great epoch has come upon us—an epoch the beginning of which stretches beyond the memory, I suppose, of any individual ...
When William IV (1830-37) was a teenage sailor drinking and debauching his way across the empire alongside such esteemed friends as Horatio Nelson, no one expected that one day he would king. He was taught no royal graces or decorum, yet his time would come. He was described as unassuming and disinterested in pomp and as hard-working and conscientious. Despite a short rule, he would provide royal assent to some of the most significant acts in British history. He had political views and his lack ...
I have started a new podcast with my teaching colleagues. Politips... Politics for A-Level and Beyond. Reviewing the biggest stories in the world of politics in the UK and the US. Give it a try - links below for more episodes. https://anchor.fm/poli-tips Also available on Spotify, Google, Amazon and Apple podcasts
Napoleon III, the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte holds a unique distinction. He became the first President of France in 1848 before becoming its last monarch when he ruled as Emperor between 1852-1870 founding the second French empire. He oversaw the modernisation of the French economy, the grand reconstruction of Paris, considerable social reform, further colonisation overseas and renewed rivalries in Europe. The impact of his rule would be felt deep into the 20th century. I was lucky enough to s...
Contemporary poet and critic Leigh Hunt described George IV (1820-30) as a violator of his word, a libertine, over head and ears in debt, a disgrace, a despiser of domestic ties, the companion of demi-reps and gamblers without a single claim on the gratitude of his country, nor the respect of posterity. Characters George IV – King of Great Britain, Ireland and Hanover (1820-30) George III – King of Great Britain and Ireland (1760-1820), King of Hanover (1814-20) Charlotte of Mecklenberg- Strelit...
The US declaration of Independence described George III (1760-1820) as “marked by every act which may define a tyrant.” At home he was described as one of the most conscientious sovereigns who ever sat upon the English throne. Yet, he vehemently opposed catholic emancipation and the abolition of slavery. His characterisations are almost as broad as the events that unfolded during long reign. It saw an independent United States and a revolutionary France. It saw the age of enlightenment, the age ...
George II's (1727-60) temper was warm and impetuous but was good natured and sincere. He was unskilled in royal of talent of dissimulation, he always was what he appeared to be. He might offend but he never deceived. What you saw was what you got. Could Britain’s second Hanoverian king provide calm composure against the immense challenges presented by a new Jacobite claimant and the first true global conflict in an unforgiving environment led by burgeoning prime ministers? Characters George II –...
Author Simon Jenkins described the Georgian kings not as monarchs but as princelings, who came to power not by the sword or politics but merely descent from a distant protestant mistress. They were mostly bewigged, powdered non-entities who couldn’t even control their own children, nor say boo to a goose. The first, George I (1714-27), faced a perilous threat from the moment he stepped on British shores, the shadow of the Jacobites was widening. The foreigner would need to heavily rely upon his ...
Anne (1702-14) was described as stubborn, miserable, weak-willed, vapid, grossly obese. A woman of ordinary character. Yet, she became the first Queen of Great Britain. Her reign would have long-lasting consequences, the establishment of the Bank of England meant the nation was now punching above its weight. The nation became the military force not seen since the days of Edward III and Henry V . Within the fledgling kingdom of Great Britain, the economic and political base was built for the gold...
William III (1689-1702) had limited interest in the affairs of England, Scotland and Ireland. His interest lay in keeping the King of France at bay and would use England as weapon to achieve his goals. It was perhaps the king’s indifference that allowed parliament to gain permanent supremacy over the nation leading to a remarkable transformation in the political and religious affairs of England. During William's reign, along with Mary II (1689-94) the parliamentary state was established, to this...
James II of England and VII of Scotland (1685-59) followed in the footsteps of his predecessors. He too, struggled with the scope and nature of government. He believed it his duty as a Roman Catholic prince to level the religious playing field and did not learn the lessons of the civil war. He woefully underestimated the power of parliament. His rule saw the beginnings of the modern British state and the ultimate death knell of absolute monarchy. Characters James II of England and VII of Scotlan...
Charles II (1660-85) was described by Ronald Hutton as the playboy monarch, naughty but nice, the hero of all who prized urbanity, tolerance, good humour, and the pursuit of pleasure above more earnest, sober or material virtues. Yet, like his grandfather he struggled to pay for it. Though Restoration England brought a new respect and freedom to the monarchy, the country had survived 11 years without the crown. He would test the patience of the establishment when his lifestyle and his faith drew...
The Commonwealth of England - 1649-60 In a weary speech to parliament on 4 February 1658 Oliver Cromwell told MPs that ‘I would have been glad, as to my own conscience and spirit, to have been living under a woodside to have kept a flock of sheep, rather than to have undertaken such a place as this’. In the 1630s, Oliver Cromwell raised chickens and sheep for their eggs and wool. 20 years later he was offered the crown. He helped lead an army to defeat and execute Charles I, becoming one of the ...
