British History: Royals, Rebels, and Romantics

In 1800, Queen Charlotte, wife of George III, erected the first known Christmas tree at Windsor Castle. She hosted a party for the children of Windsor families. According to Dr. John Watkins, who wrot...

28 Jul 202117min

When Victoria and Albert married in 1840, they consciously set about improving the image of the monarchy. Creating a family Christmas, with children gathered around the tree, was an essential part of ...

21 Jul 202121min

For the Tudors, Christmas was a highlight of the year. It was a time of feasting on especially grand dishes, of dancing and singing, of enjoying the antics of the Lord of Misrule and special holiday r...

14 Jul 202119min

We're celebrating Christmas in July! Unlike today, Medieval Christmas decorations did not start going up mid-October! In fact, because of Advent, the 40 days before Christmas were pretty bleak. Once ...

7 Jul 202116min

She was surrounded by men: daughter of a Duke, sister of an Earl, and wife of the King's illegitimate son! But Mary Howard, daughter-in-law of Henry VIII, was not about to be pushed around. She stood ...

30 Jun 202126min

The whole idea of the royal succession was for the throne to pass from the King to his adult, prepared, son. That’s the pattern that makes the “The King is dead, long live the King” thing work. But in...

23 Jun 202126min

For much of royal history, Kings literally ruled. And a King’s primary job description was to ensure peace and prosperity at home, protect against enemies abroad, and secure the succession. Be a judge...

16 Jun 202125min

Born in 1662 and 1665, Stuart Princesses Mary and Anne came into a turbulent world—especially turbulent for the royal family. Their grandfather, King Charles I, had been executed by Parliament in 1649...

9 Jun 202125min