She-Wolves: England's Early Queens
2012 · BBC Four · 60 min · 1 season
S01E03 · Jane, Mary and Elizabeth
Thu, 22 Mar, 8:00 am
Helen Castor explores the lives of the Tudor queens Jane, Mary and Elizabeth, and how each struggled with wearing a crown that was made for a male head.
About
In the medieval and Tudor world there was no question in people's minds about the order of God's creation - men ruled and women didn't. A king was a warrior who literally fought to win power then battled to keep it. Yet despite everything that stood in their way, a handful of extraordinary women did attempt to rule medieval and Tudor England. In this series, historian Dr Helen Castor explores seven queens who challenged male power, the fierce reactions they provoked and whether the term 'she wolves' was deserved.
Episodes
- E01
Matilda and Eleanor
Thu, 8 Mar· 60 minHow Matilda almost became the first woman to be crowned queen of England in her own right, and how Eleanor of Aquitaine was more than the queen of courtly love.
- E02
Isabella and Margaret
Thu, 15 Mar· 60 minHow two French girls, a century apart, became queens of England. Isabella of France would be accused of murder and Margaret of Anjou of destructive ambition.
- E03
Jane, Mary and Elizabeth
Thu, 22 Mar· 60 minHelen Castor explores the lives of the Tudor queens Jane, Mary and Elizabeth, and how each struggled with wearing a crown that was made for a male head.
Cast
Helen Castor
Presenter