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Monarchy with David Starkey Season 2 Episodes
Season 2 Episode Guide
5 Episodes 2005 - 2005
Episode 7
The Crown Imperial
49 mins
Although Edward IV's coronation seems to end the War of the Roses, sibling ambitions within the House of York eventually throw the monarchy into turmoil. Henry Tudor forces a dynastic showdown at Bosworth Field and ushers in a new kind of monarchy.
Episode 8
King and Emperor
49 mins
Monarchy looks at the reign of Henry VIII through his marriage to Jane Seymour. As a second son, Henry was not expected to rule and was not educated in the rigors of kingship and lives a relatively carefree life. When his brother Arthur dies, he becomes the sole heir of the dynasty and is later crowned king. He marries Catherine of Aragon and later with the assistance of Thomas Wolsey sends his armies against France. Unfortunately his marriage does not produce an heir and the war in France though initially successful eventually bogs down. Henry becomes infatuated by Anne Boleyn and attempts to annul his marriage to Catherine. When the Church stalls the annulment, Henry rejects of papal supremacy and is declared Supreme Head of the Church of England. He secretly marries Anne Boylen and has his marriage to Catherine annulled. In response, the Pope excommunicates Henry. Sir Thomas More begins a campaign against Henry's accumulation of religious power, but he is eventually executed. Henry grows wealthy and powerful after he dissolves the monasteries, but his actions provoke a rebellions throughout England. When Anne Boleyn does not produce a male heir, Henry has her executed on trumped up charges of adultery. Henry marries Jane Seymour who gives birth to a male heir.
Episode 9
The Shadow of The King
49 mins
After six marriages ending in two divorces, two executions, and one bereavement, Henry leaves three children with a clear succession plan for the throne. But Edward, Mary, and Elizabeth soon face their father's real legacy: a volatile fusion of politics and religion.
Episode 10
The Stuart Succession
49 mins
Monarchy looks at the latter reign of Elizabeth I, James I, and the early reign of Charles I. Elizabeth overseas the defeat of the Spanish Armada and wins the admiration of many world leaders. Elizabeth continues her moderate leadership of the Church of England despite pressure from Protestants for further reforms. James I son of Mary Queen of Scots is crowned king after Elizabeth's death. He attempts to bring Protestants and Catholics together, end the war with Spain, and unify the Kingdoms of Scotland and England. James avoids an assassination attempt by Guy Fawkes in the Gunpowder Plot. There is also growing discontent among Puritans who wish to purge the Church of Catholic influences. James orders a new English translation of the Bible. His efforts to bring England and Scotland together are stymied by Parliament which is wary of losing influence. James dies in 1625 and his son Charles I is crowned king. Unlike his father Charles is pro-war, but Parliament obstructs his efforts to engage Spain. He marries Henrietta Maria of France but is unable to use that to secure an alliance with France. Charles angers Protestants by demanding a more opulent church in Scotland. This causes a war between the King and the Scottish Covenanters which Charles attempts to fight without the support of Parliament. The Covenanters are able to force Charles to accept their terms. Parliament led by John Pym passes the Grand Remonstrance that heavily criticizes Charles I. Charles and armed guards goes to Parliament in order to arrest John Pym and four others for treason. The MPs escape and Charles's bold action only succeeds in unifying forces against him.
Episode 11
Cromwell the King Killer
49 mins
Monarchy looks at the end of the reign of Charles I, the rule Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell, and the restoration of Charles II. Charles I and the Royalists fight a civil war against Parliament and their New Model Army. Charles is initially defeated and taken into captivity. Hostilities cease until a Royalist army in Scotland invades initiating a second civil war. At Preston, Cromwell wins a decisive victory over the Scots. Parliament wary of Cromwell and the New Model Army attempts to cut a deal with the King. In response the Army stages a military coup, arrests the King, and purges Parliament. King Charles is put on trial for treason and is later executed. The monarchy is abolished and Cromwell takes control. Royalists rally around Charles II, but his Scottish supporters are smashed at Dunbar and Worcester. In England the Rump Parliament resists a call to have new elections. Cromwell responds by dissolving Parliament and seizing total control of England. Cromwell establishes the Protectorate and rules with the help of the army. Cromwell establishes a Protectorate parliament which calls for Cromwell to be declared King in an effort to covertly limit his power. Cromwell and the Army reject this effort and Cromwell is reinstalled as Lord Protector. Cromwell dies in 1658 of a fever and he is buried in an elaborate ceremony. Oliver Cromwell names his son Richard as his successor. Richard, however, cannot control the Army or Parliament and he is forced to step down. Governor George Monck from Scotland occupies London forces the restores purged Parliamentarians to their seats. Charles II offers himself as King promising religious toleration and general amnesty for crimes committed during the Civil War. Parliament accepts the offer and the monarchy is restored.
