The BEST episodes of Monarchy season 2
Every episode of Monarchy season 2, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Monarchy season 2!
Monarchy is a Channel 4 British TV series, 2004-2007, by British academic David Starkey, charting the political and ideological history of the English monarchy (later British), from the Saxon period to modern times. The show also aired on PBS stations throughout the United States, courtesy of the television station WNET.
#1 - King and Emperor
Season 2 - Episode 2 - Aired 9/19/2005
The historian examines the reign of King Henry VIII, who inherited the throne at the age of 17 and became overwhelmed by a desire for fame. In his search for love and the need for an heir, he divorced his wife Catherine of Aragon to marry his mistress Anne Boleyn - severing England's allegiance to the Pope in Rome and giving him powers no English king had ever exercised before
#2 - The Crown Imperial
Season 2 - Episode 1 - Aired 9/12/2005
The historian continues his examination of the British monarchy, from the beginnings of the Tudor dynasty to the English Civil War. He re-examines the Wars of the Roses, fought between the royal houses of York and Lancaster in the 15th century, exploring the disappearance of the 'Princes in the Tower' during Richard III's reign and the rise of Henry VII - who became one of England's most hated monarchs
#3 - The Shadow of the King
Season 2 - Episode 3 - Aired 9/26/2005
The historian examines the reigns of Henry VIII's three children, revealing how the king's advice to pursue moderation in matters of religion fell on deaf ears as his son Edward enforced extreme Protestantism on the country, only for eldest daughter Mary to reimpose Catholicism after his death. Elizabeth I initially embraced her father's words, but when Mary Queen of Scots arrived in England, religious tensions rose again
#4 - The Stuart Succession
Season 2 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/3/2005
he historian examines the reign of James I, the first king of both England and Scotland. From the outset, the new monarch had little time for Parliament and did what he could to limit its influence. His son Charles I went further, effectively removing the government and ruling alone - but when he needed their help to enforce religious rule on the Scots, the resulting conflict led to two civil wars and the monarch was eventually executed
#5 - Cromwell the King Killer
Season 2 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/10/2005
The series concludes with an analysis of the English Civil War, revealing how the country was temporarily transformed into a republic with the execution of Charles I. The historian considers the nature of Oliver Cromwell's rule and how this key period of history altered British perceptions of the monarchy for ever