In six episodes this documentary series from UKTV History covers the 41 kings and queens of England from 1066 to the present -- almost 1000 years of monarchs. It shows how the history of the UK was reflected by the history of their monarchs. This UKTV History program covers the more intimate natures of the persons behind the monarchy. It shows how those privileged few have shaped the UK and made the UK what it is today. The six episodes are (1) Normans to Magna Carta (1066-1216); (2) Middle Ages (1216-1485); (3) The Tudors (1485-1603); (4) The Stuarts (1603-1714); (5) The Hanoverians (1714-1837); and (6) The Moderns (1837-Present).
Episode 1
This programme studies the Normans, covering historical landmarks such as the Battle of Hastings, the creation of the exchequer, Thomas Becket's murder, the Crusades and the signing of the Magna Carta.
Episode 2
This episode covers the time from the Magna Carta through to Henry VI, taking in the 100 Years War, the Peasant's Revolt and the Battle of Agincourt along the way.
Episode 3
King Henry VII Founder of the Tudor dynasty. King Henry VIII & his six wives. Queen Mary I - Bloody Mary. Queen Elizabeth I - The Virgin Queen
Episode 4
Taking a look at the reign of the Stuarts. An era of an expanding court, plague, fire, radical politics, religious debate, and a bloody civil war in the mid-seventeenth century between Cavaliers and Roundheads.
Episode 5
Lust, tempestuous relationships and madness feature in the colourful reigns of the Georgians. George I brought two mistresses over from Germany, George II quarrelled openly with his son Frederick, and George III became ruler of the British Empire - but madness eventually disabled him. His son reigned as Prince Regent for eight years, and later as King George IV.
Episode 6
In this edition, a look at the modern royal family of Saxe-Coburg and Windsor, whose direct lineage stretches back to Queen Victoria and continues up to Elizabeth II.