Monarchy

Dr Starkey begins his history of the British monarchy in the violence and chaos of the Dark Ages, telling the dramatic story of the creation of England and the triumph of English hero Alfred the Great.

The Anglo-Saxon kingdom of England, the world's first nation state, battles its way through history, from the 5th century to the Battle of Hastings.

As the direction of English kingship takes a radical new turn with the invasion and imposition of Norman history, Dr Starkey follows the fortunes of both the invaders and the invaded.

King Henry II's rule is marked by his bitter conflict with Archbishop Thomas Becket, the struggle for liberties in the Magna Carta, and the birth of the parliamentary system.

Three King Edwards reign during the 14th century: Edward I works to unite England, Wales and Scotland, Edward II abdicates the throne, and Edward III rebuilds the power of the English monarchy.

Made famous by Shakespeare, the reigns of kings Richard II, Henry IV, Henry V, and Henry VI's faced very real problems, including civil unrest and growing anti-monarchy sentiment.