Monarchy: A Television Series
Monarchy is a four-season British television series that explores the political and ideological history of the English monarchy from Anglo-Saxon England to modern times. Hosted by historian David Starkey, the series aired on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom, PBS in the United States, and ABC1 in Australia.
Each series focuses on a specific period in English history: Series 1 examines the origins of the monarchy under the Anglo-Saxons and Normans; Series 2 covers the Plantagenet and Tudor dynasties; Series 3 explores the Stuart, Hanoverian, and Victorian eras; and Series 4 delves into the 20th and 21st centuries. The series features interviews with historians, archival footage, and dramatizations to provide a comprehensive and engaging narrative.
Starkey's approach to the subject is characterized by his outspoken and often controversial opinions. While he argues that the monarchy has been a stabilizing force in English history, he also criticizes the excesses of some monarchs and the institution's role in shaping social and political inequality. The series has been praised for its historical accuracy and Starkey's engaging presentations, but it has also been criticized for its perceived bias against certain monarchs.
Interesting Facts
- Starkey's blunt and critical commentary on the monarchy sparked a public debate in the United Kingdom, leading to accusations of monarchism and anti-monarchism.
- The series has been credited with popularizing the study of the English monarchy and making it more accessible to the general public.
- Despite its popularity in the UK, the series aired in the United States under the title "The British Monarchy," due to the American understanding of "monarchy" as referring to a current head of state.