Britain 1509-1745

The fall of Anne Boleyn | A History of Britain by Simon Schama

Simon Schama investigates the reasons for Anne Boleyn's execution.

The partnership of Thomas Cranmer and Thomas Cromwell | A History of Britain by Simon Schama

Simon Schama discusses the partnership and policies of Thomas Cranmer and Thomas...

Henry and Thomas Cromwell | Henry VIII: Patron or Plunderer

Jonathan Foyle investigates Thomas Cromwell's influence in having the Bible translated into English, which had an...

Henry VIII tries to get his first marriage annulled | A History of Britain by Simon Schama

Simon Schama discusses Henry VIII's process of getting an annulment for his marria...

Wolsey and the Field of the Cloth and Gold | A History of Britain by Simon Schama

Simon Schama investigates the Field of the Cloth of Gold and the role that Wolsey played in...

John Blanke | Black and British: A Forgotten History

David Olusoga discusses Catherine of Aragon's black servants.

Henry and Cambridge | Henry VIII: Patron or Plunderer

Jonathan Foyle discusses Henry VIII's education at Cambridge and the influence of his grandmother Margaret Beaufort.

Henry and Divorce | Henry VIII: Patron or Plunderer

Jonathan Foyle discusses Henry VIII's divorce from Catherine of Aragon.

Henry and the Church | Henry VIII: Patron or Plunderer

Jonathan Foyle explains how Henry VIII validated his new Church through a painting by Hans Holbein that connected him ...

Henry's Power is Slipping | Henry VIII: Patron or Plunderer

Jonathan Foyle discusses the change in perception of Henry VIII since his divorce from Catherine from Aragon.

Dissolution of the monasteries | A History of Britain by Simon Schama

Simon Schama discusses Cromwell's dissolution of the monasteries.

Religious reform under Edward VI | A History of Britain by Simon Schama

Simon Schama discusses the religious reform under Edward VI.

The Beheading of Anne Boleyn | Henry VIII: Patron or Plunderer

Jonathan Foyle discusses the circumstances that lead up to the beheading of Anne Boleyn.

The Destruction of the Monasteries | Henry VIII: Patron or Plunderer

Jonathan Foyle investigates Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries.

The characteristics of Elizabeth I | A History of Britain by Simon Schama

Simon Schama discusses the public appearance of Elizabeth I.

What was life actually like in the court of Elizabeth I? | Time Traveller's Guide to Elizabethan England

Ian Mortimer, journeys back in time to find out what life was really...

Catholic rebellion under Elizabeth I | A History of Britain by Simon Schama

Simon Schama explains how Mary's presence in England inspired attempts at Catholic rebellions.

Mary, Queen of Scots flees from Scotland to England | A History of Britain by Simon Schama

Simon Schama discusses Mary's escape from Lord Bothwell and subsequent imprisonmen...

Mary, Queen of Scots plot with Anthony Babbington | A History of Britain by Simon Schama

Simon Schama discusses the trap that Francis Walsingham created to catch Mary.

Mary, Queen of Scots relationships with Lord Darnley, David Rizzio and Lord Bothwell | A History of Britain by Simon Schama

Simon Schama discusses the murder of David Rizzio...

The relationship between Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots and her marriage to Lord Darnley | A History of Britain by Simon Schama

Simon Schama discusses Elizabeth and Ma...

The trial and fate of Mary, Queen of Scots | A History of Britain by Simon Schama

Simon Schama investigates the trial and fate of Mary Queen of Scots.

Early relationship of Mary and Elizabeth | Bloody Queens: Elizabeth and Mary

An exploration of Mary and Elizabeth's early relationship.

Elizabeth's Guilt | Bloody Queens: Elizabeth and Mary

A discussion of the the impact of Mary's execution on Elizabeth.

Mary Abdicates | Bloody Queens: Elizabeth and Mary

An discussion of what forces Mary to abdicate.

Mary is a threat | Bloody Queens: Elizabeth and Mary

An exploration of the declining relationship between Mary and Elizabeth and Mary's increasing desperation.

Mary is imprisoned for 17 years | Bloody Queens: Elizabeth and Mary

A discussion of how Mary and Elizabeth are polarised as figure heads of the battle between Catholicism an...

Mary is in Distress | Bloody Queens: Elizabeth and Mary

An exploration of the murder of Mary's private secretary, David Rizzio.

Mary is sentenced to death | Bloody Queens: Elizabeth and Mary

An exploration of the circumstances around the execution of Mary Queen of Scots.

Mary is Tricked | Bloody Queens: Elizabeth and Mary

After spending 17 years in imprisonment, Mary is tricked into believing that there is a plot to save her and assassinate ...

Mary's marriage | Bloody Queens: Elizabeth and Mary

A discussion of Mary's controversial marriage to Lord Darnley.

Setting The Scene | Bloody Queens: Elizabeth and Mary

An introduction to the story of Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots.

The Character of the Two Queens | Bloody Queens: Elizabeth and Mary

An introduction to the contrasting characters of Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots.

The Earl of Bothwell | Bloody Queens: Elizabeth and Mary

Lord Darnley is assassinated, supposedly by The Earl of Bothwell, who Mary then marries.

Who will be the heir to the throne? | Bloody Queens: Elizabeth and Mary

A discussion of why Elizabeth did not get married and thus the question of who would be her heir.

Religion under Elizabeth I | A History of Britain by Simon Schama

Simon Schama explains how Elizabeth developed a Protestant Englishness during her reign.

Religious reform under Mary I | A History of Britain by Simon Schama

Simon Schama discusses the religious reform under Queen Mary I.

Elizabeth I speaks at Tilbury | A History of Britain by Simon Schama

Simon Schama discusses the Spanish Armada and the intentions behind Elizabeth's speech at Tilbury.

Cannon Technology | Armada: 12 Days to Save England

Dan Snow discusses the new technology that produced the superior weapons used by the English against the Spanish Armada.

Elizabeth's Finances | Armada: 12 Days to Save England

Dan Snow discusses the difficulties with Elizabeth's finances.

Elizabeth's Routine | Armada: 12 Days to Save England

Dan Snow discusses the importance of Elizabeth's appearance during the Spanish Armada.

Elizabeth's Speech at Tilbury | Armada: 12 Days to Save England

An exploration of Elizabeth's important speech at Tilbury.

England's Land Defence | Armada: 12 Days to Save England

Dan Snow investigates England's poor land defence at the time of the Spanish Armada.

English Naval Tactics | Armada: 12 Days to Save England

Dan Snow demonstrates the English naval tactics against the Spanish Armada.

Fireships | Armada: 12 Days to Save England

Dan Snow explores the English use of fireships against the Spanish Armada.

Medina Sidonia | Armada: 12 Days to Save England

Dan Snow discusses the difficulties of sending communication between the two sides of the Spanish Armada led by Medina Sidon...

Philip's Plan | Armada: 12 Days to Save England

Dan Snow discusses Philip's master plan for the Spanish Armada.

Portland Race | Armada: 12 Days to Save England

Dan Snow demonstrates Martin Frobisher's tactics in second battle of the Spanish Armada.

The Armada Portrait | Armada: 12 Days to Save England

Dan Snow discusses the significance of the Armada Portrait.

The Battle for the Isle of Wight | Armada: 12 Days to Save England

Dan Snow discusses the English and Spanish tactics in the battle for the Isle of Wight.

The Battle of Gravelines | Armada: 12 Days to Save England

Dan Snow investigates the Battle at Gravelines, the largest confrontation of the Spanish Armada.

The Flaw in Philip's Plan | Armada: 12 Days to Save England

Dan Snow explores the fatal flaw in Philip's master plan for the Spanish Armada.

What Caused the Spanish Armada? | Armada: 12 Days to Save England

Dan Snow discusses the foundations of what caused the Spanish Armada.

In Our Time: The Spanish Armada

Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the Spanish Armada.

Anglo-Scottish Treaty of Union of 1604 | The Stuarts

Clare Jackson views the original 1604 Anglo-Scottish Treaty of Union.

Charles Attempts to Marry | The Stuarts

Clare Jackson investigates the complexities of Charles' marriage, including his secret journey to Spain.

James and Ireland | The Stuarts

The difficulties that James I faced in Ireland.

James I of England | The Stuarts

An introduction to King James I of England and the uniting of Scotland and England under his rule.

James I's bloodline | The Stuarts

An exploration of the Stuart bloodline and the authority of James' rule over Scotland and England.

James's son | The Stuarts

Clare Jackson investigates the character of James I's son, Henry from a painting, text books he wrote in and his suit of armour.

The Death of Henry | The Stuarts

Clare Jackson investigates what caused the death of the seemingly healthy Henry, followed by the concerning early life of Charles.

The Habsburgs and The Stuarts | The Stuarts

Clare Jackson investigates the complexities of the Hapsburgs and Stuarts joining through marriage.

The road towards the union | The Stuarts

The emotional approach that James I took to proposing the uniting of Scotland and England to parliament and his subjects.

Uniting England and Scotland | The Stuarts

The creation of Great Britain, united by James I of England.

Charles becomes King | The Stuarts

Clare Jackson summarises the reign of King James and discusses Charles' early reign in England and Scotland.

Charles is crowned King | Charles I's Treasure Reunited

Brenda Emmanus investigates Charles I's art collection.

Charles' Defeat | Charles I: Downfall of a King

Liza Hilton investigates the defeat of Charles I.

Henrietta Maria | Charles I: Downfall of a King

Liza Hilton investigates the allegations that Henrietta Maria had an affair.

Royal Architecture | Charles I: Downfall of a King

Liza Hilton investigates the character of Henrietta Maria, exploring how she influenced the fun and elaborate, but contra...

The Stuart Masque | Charles I: Downfall of a King

Liza Hilton discusses the indulgences of the Court of Charles I, such as the Stuart Masque.

Artistic Propaganda | Charles I's Treasure Reunited

Brenda Emmanus investigates the ceiling that Charles I comissioned Peter Paul Reubens to paint, which was an important pi...

Charles' image in paint | Charles I's Treasure Reunited

Brenda Emmanus discusses the work of Anthony van Dyck and the portrait he painted of Charles I.

Battle of Naseby | War Walks

Richard Holmes visits Britain's historical sites. He travels to Naseby, where, in 1645, King Charles I lost the decisive battle of the English C...

Charles is Executed | Charles I's Treasure Reunited

Brenda Emmanus discusses the execution of Charles I.

Charles's worldly possessions are sold | Charles I's Treasure Reunited

Brenda Emmanus discusses the sale of Charles I's prolific art collection.

The Civil War, Royal art is under attack | Charles I's Treasure Reunited

Brenda Emmanus investigates art that was created in response to the Civil War.

The untrustworthy Henrietta Maria | Charles I's Treasure Reunited

Brenda Emmanus explores the collection of Queen Henrietta Maria and the

Scotland Fights back | The Stuarts

Clare Jackson discusses the religious complications in Charles' reign over Scotland, including the introduction of a new prayer book with ...

Parliamentary Protocol Breached | Charles I: Downfall of a King

Liza Hilton investigates the official record that documents how Charles I breached parliamentary protocol.

Puritans | Charles I: Downfall of a King

An introduction to the character of Charles I and the threat of the sinister government faction, the Puritans.

The Crown and Parliament | Charles I: Downfall of a King

The legacy of Charles I arriving at Parliament in 1642.

Christmas Protest | Charles I: Downfall of a King

Liza Hilton discusses the circumstances that produced the Christmas protest of 1641.

George Digby | Charles I: Downfall of a King

Liza Hilton investigates George Digby's failure to denounce John Pym in parliament.

John Lilburne | Charles I: Downfall of a King

Liza Hilton investigates the political importance of Leveller John Lilburne, also known as Freedom John.

John Pym | Charles I: Downfall of a King

Liza Hilton investigates the character and actions of John Pym.

Militia Bill | Charles I: Downfall of a King

Liza Hilton investigates the Militia Bill, which planned to take control of the army away from the King.

Newspaper | Charles I: Downfall of a King

29th November 1641 marks the date of the first English political news sheet, which gave everyone access to political news.

Pym's Arrest | Charles I: Downfall of a King

Liza Hilton investigates the circumstances by which Charles I attempts to have John Pym arrested.

The Commons | Charles I: Downfall of a King

Liza Hilton explains how Charles I lost the power to dissolve the Commons.

The Grand Remonstrance | Charles I: Downfall of a King

Liza Hilton investigates the 1961 Grand Remonstrance.

The Tower | Charles I: Downfall of a King

In December 1641, the John Pym succeeds in removing the Bishops from the House of Lords, leaving Charles I with very little power.

Charles II and Louis XIV | The Stuarts

Clare Jackson explain discusses fear of Catholicism and the treaty that Charles made with Louis XIV.

Charles II's Navy | The Stuarts

The important role of the Navy, during the reign of Charles II.

Religious Division | The Stuarts

An introduction to religious division during the Stuart monarchy.

Charles and Catherine | The Stuarts

Clare Jackson discusses Catherine's inability to produce an heir, while Charles' mistresses were giving birth to illegitimate heirs.

James and Scotland | The Stuarts

Clare Jackson investigates James' presidency in Scotland and the assassination attempt on the lives of James and Charles.

James's catholicisation of Ireland | The Stuarts

Clare Jackson discusses James' Catholicisation of Ireland.

Monmouth versus James | The Stuarts

Clare Jackson investigates Monmouth's attempt to usurp James II.

Paranoia about the Catholic Threat | The Stuarts

Clare Jackson discusses paranoia about the Catholic threat during the reign of Charles II.

Was the Glorious Revolution glorious? | The Battle for Britain's Soul

A discussion about how the Glorious Revolution had a number of unexpected consequences

The Test Act | The Stuarts

Clare Jackson discusses the Test Act that parliament made Charles II sign, to ensure that there were firm restrictions on Catholocism.

James II | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History

The birth of James II's son triggered a Protestant coup from William of Orange.

Louis XIV and Versailles | The Stuarts

Clare Jackson discusses the Seige of Londonderry.

James' Heir | The Stuarts

The birth of James II's son sparked a Protestant revolt led by William of Orange.

The Act of Settlement | The Stuarts

Clare Jackson investigates the circumstances that lead up to 1701 Act of Settlement.

The Battle of the Boyne | The Stuarts

Clare Jackson investigates the 1960 Battle of the Boyne.

The Stuarts and Parliament | The Stuarts

Parliament agreed to make William King, but tried to limit his power with the Declaration of Rights.

The family grow old | The Stuarts

Exiled James insisted on bringing up his son as a Catholic and thus excluded him from the throne.

Trouble for William and Mary | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History

Lucy Worsley explores the physical health and appearance of William and Mary through a study of...

Who shall rule next | The First Georgians: The German Kings Who Made Britain

Lucy Worsley introduces the Georgian era and the issue of who would be King after Queen Anne.

The Role of Parliament in Succession | Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History

Lucy Worsley investigates the parliamentary search to find a Protestant successor to Qu...

Electress Sophia of Hanover | The First Georgians: The German Kings Who Made Britain

Lucy Worsley discusses the life and character of Sophia of Hanover, the closest Protesta...

The Stuarts Vs George I | The First Georgians: The German Kings Who Made Britain

Lucy Worsley discusses the differences between painting depictions of the Stuarts and the Ha...

George I is crowned | The First Georgians: The German Kings Who Made Britain

Lucy Worsley investigates the crowing of King George I.