Illuminations: The Private Lives of Medieval Kings
Through this three part series Art Historian Dr Janina Ramirez tells the story of the Medieval monarchy as preserved through stunning illuminated manuscripts from the British Library's Royal Manuscripts collection. Dr Ramirez uses her in depth expert knowledge to explore the extraordinary art and culture of the period and decode the manuscripts which remain as vibrant today as when they were first penned. Embellished with gold, painted in jewel-like colours, they took months, even years to produce, and were priceless beyond compare. The series runs chronologically beginning with the unification of England under King Athelstan in the 10th Century, covering the 100 Years War with France, and ending with the brutal magnificence of Henry VIII. Spanning 800 years these amazing documents capture the dynastic struggles each ruler faced.
- 2012-2012
- 1 season
- Documentary
Through this three part series Art Historian Dr Janina Ramirez tells the story of the Medieval monarchy as preserved through stunning illuminated manuscripts from the British Library's Royal Manuscripts collection. Dr Ramirez uses her in depth expert knowledge to explore the extraordinary art and culture of the period and decode the manuscripts which remain as vibrant today as when they were first penned. Embellished with gold, painted in jewel-like colours, they took months, even years to produce, and were priceless beyond compare. The series runs chronologically beginning with the unification of England under King Athelstan in the 10th Century, covering the 100 Years War with France, and ending with the brutal magnificence of Henry VIII. Spanning 800 years these amazing documents capture the dynastic struggles each ruler faced.
Currently not available to stream. Add it to your Watchlist to be notified when it becomes available.
Content not available in your region?ExpressVPNcan help you stay connected wherever you are.Get 4 extra months FREE with TV Guide's exclusive offer.
Cast & Crew
Season 1 Episode Guide
Episode 1
Ruling by the Book
Dr Janina Ramirez begins her journey with the first Anglo-Saxon rulers to create a united England, encountering books in the British Library's Royal manuscripts collection which are over a thousand years old and a royal family tree which is five metres long. Janina finds out about a king who had a reputation for chasing nuns and reads a book created as a wedding gift for a ten-year-old prince. She roams from Westminster Abbey to other ancient English spiritual sites such as Winchester, St Albans and Malmesbury, and sees for herself how animal skins can be transformed into the finest vellum.
You May Also Like
Popular Shows
Band of Brothers
This landmark miniseries based on Stephen E. Ambrose's best-seller, and executive produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, recounts the remarkable achievements of an elite team of U.S. paratroopers during World War II.
- Metascore87
- 2001
- Action & Adventure, Drama, Documentary
The Curse of Oak Island
Rick and Marty Lagina, two brothers from Michigan with a life-long interest in the mystery of Oak Island, renew efforts to discover the legendary treasure with sophisticated machinery.
- 2014
- Documentary, Reality
Call the Midwife
Midwives in East London in the 1950s, experience the growing pains of life and love.
- Metascore81
- 2012
- Drama, Documentary
Museum Access
Museum Access explores these museums in a way that the everyday visitor cannot. It goes behind the scenes where ordinary folks don't get a chance to go. Talking to the directors, curators and creative personnel to get an insider's view.
- 2017
- Documentary
Chernobyl
Starring Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård and Emily Watson, the five-part miniseries dramatizes the story of the 1986 nuclear accident — one of the worst man-made catastrophes in history — and the sacrifices made to save Europe from unimaginable disaster.
- Metascore82
- 2019
- Drama, Documentary, Suspense
The Crown
This drama follows the political rivalries and romance of Queen Elizabeth II's reign and the events that shaped the second half of the 20th century.
- Metascore78
- 2016
- Documentary, Drama