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In the first episode of Grand Tours of the Scottish Islands, Paul Murton sets out to visit the myriad of islands that hug our coastline. He heads straight for Britain’s two remotest island communities, Foula and Fair Isle in Shetland. Part 1 of 6.
In this series, historian Paul Murton sets out to experience life on Scotland’s magnificent islands. He uncovers the past and reveals its connections with the present, pointing to all that makes these islands quirky, surprising and beautiful. Part 2 of 6.
This three-part series argues that the Stuarts, more than any other, were Britain's defining royal family. We tend to take today's modern United Kingdom for granted, but there was nothing inevitable about its creation. During the 17th century, the Stuarts grappled with the chaos of three separate kingdoms, multiple religions and civil war. Britain has not known a century like it and some of the questions this dynasty faced have not gone away. In this first episode, Clare Jackson looks at James VI and I's attempts to unite Scotland and England under the umbrella of his crown and persuade his subjects to feel more 'British'. Part 1 of 3.
This three-part series argues that the Stuarts, more than any other, were Britain's defining royal family. We tend to take today's modern United Kingdom for granted, but there was nothing inevitable about its creation. During the 17th century, the Stuarts grappled with the chaos of three separate kingdoms, multiple religions and civil war. Britain has not known a century like it and some of the questions this dynasty faced have not gone away. This second episode explores Charles I’s failure to understand the inherent religious instabilities across the three kingdoms, and how these differences in Britain led to civil war and his own execution. Part 2 of 3.
The final, dramatic act of the Stuart century saw the Stuarts fatally divided by religion: brother versus brother, and two daughters supporting the overthrow of their father. After Charles II's brother, the Catholic James VII and II, was deposed by protestant William of Orange in 1688, Britain became a constitutional monarchy. However, the so-called 1688 'Glorious Revolution' came at a price, as Scotland lost her sovereignty and became part of Great Britain in 1707, whilst Ireland had been reduced from a kingdom to a colony. The politics of resentment has continued to trouble Ireland until the present day. Part 3 of 3.
A look at how the Normans developed from a band of marauding Vikings into the formidable warriors who conquered England in 1066. Part 1 of 4.
Robert Bartlett explores the impact of the Norman conquest of Britain and Ireland, and looks at how England adapted to its new masters. Part 2 of 4.
Professor Robert Bartlett explores the impact of the Normans on southern Europe and the Middle East, as they spread south in the 11th century. Part 3 of 4.
Medieval historian Dr Stephen Baxter reveals the human and political drama that lies within the parchment of England's earliest surviving public record. He also finds out the real reason it was commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. Part 4 of 4.
Kate Williams explores some of the more gruesome stories of Windsor Castle history. Part 1 of 8.
Kate Williams tells scandalous and shocking stories of ancient palace history. Part 2 of 8.
Versailles – one of the most enormous and impressive palaces in the world. Part 3 of 8.
How Sandringham in Norfolk was purchased by the royal family to save its reputation. Part 4 of 8.
Three families grapple with the challenges of Alzheimer’s: a son helps his father create art through dementia, a daughter cares for her mother who has early-onset Alzheimer’s, and a couple fights to maintain their bond as symptoms advance.
