George VI (1936-52) led Britain through one of the most consequential periods in world history. His modest and undramatic style of rule in stark contrast to the controversy and drama which surrounded the short reign of his brother was required to guide Britain through the Second World War and the death of the British Empire. He was a steady hand, who overcame his own personal limitations and won the respect of the British people. Characters George VI - King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions (1936-52), Emperor of India (1936-47) Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon - Queen consort of the Un ..read more

Edward VIII (1936) ruled for 325 days, the shortest reign of any English monarch since Lady Jane Grey in the 16th century. The first monarch to abdicate since James II in 1688 and the first to do so voluntarily. The abdication crisis shook the British establishment to its core. His connections to Nazi Germany has undoubtedly shrouded his life in ignominy. Even after the war, he was known to describe Hitler as ‘not such a bad chap’. Shunned by the royal family for the crisis he had created and for putting private desire above public duty. It could also have been because they knew, unlike t ..read more

George V's reign (1910-36) stretched across perhaps the most tumultuous period in world history. It saw the bloodiest war to date, the financial markets melt and the rise of fascism and communism His calm, dutiful leadership would be put to the test, the British monarchy faced perhaps its biggest existential threat as Europe faced unparalleled political and social change.  Characters George V - King of the United Kingdom and the British dominions, Emperor of India (1910-36) Mary of Teck - Queen of the United Kingdom and the British dominions, Empress of India (1910-36) Edward VII - Fathe ..read more

Politips host Ed Castel deep dives into the remarkable reign of Aethelstan, the man recognised as the first King of England as well as the Anglo-Saxons themselves. Many key questions are answered: Who were the Anglo-Saxons? What were the seven kingdoms and how did the deal with Viking invasions? How are sources found? The reign of Athelstan: his rise and consolidation of power, his historic coronation, becoming ‘King of the whole of Britain’, the Battle of Brunanburh and the birth of English national identity, his foreign and domestic policy, and his legacy Twitter - @kingsqueenspod Instagram ..read more

It was a real privilege to interview Ben Kane. We spoke about his Lionheart series, his new book Napoleon’s spy, as well as the challenges faced and rewards gained from writing historical fiction. Initially well known for his excellent trilogies set in ancient Rome including the Forgotten Legion and the Spartacus series. More recently he has ventured into medieval England with his Lionheart series focussing on the reign of Richard I of England. His most recent book is set in the Napoleonic era. You can follow Ben on twitter - @BenKaneAuthor or on his website benkane.net I was joined by Ed Cast ..read more

In the words of the Edward VII (1901-1910) ‘I don’t mind praying to the Eternal Father, but I must be the only man in the country afflicted with an eternal mother. He had to wait 59 years to become king. Though only 9 years, the king also lent his name to an era. The Edwardian era was distinct in its social and cultural change with a rejection of certain Victorian values. The era saw significant social mobility, reform yet also hedonism. In the words of W. B. Yeats ‘everybody got down off their stilts.' He was perhaps the final monarch to hold true political power. The power and influence was ..read more

On the death of Queen Victoria (1837-1901), Arthur Balfour wrote, ‘I suppose that, in all the history of the British Monarchy, there never has been a case in which the feeling of national grief was so deep-seated as it is at present, so universal, so spontaneous. And that grief affects us not merely because we have lost a great personality, but because we feel that the end of a great epoch has come upon us—an epoch the beginning of which stretches beyond the memory, I suppose, of any individual whom I am now addressing, and which embraces within its compass sixty-three years, more important, m ..read more

When William IV (1830-37) was a teenage sailor drinking and debauching his way across the empire alongside such esteemed friends as Horatio Nelson, no one expected that one day he would king. He was taught no royal graces or decorum, yet his time would come. He was described as unassuming and disinterested in pomp and as hard-working and conscientious. Despite a short rule, he would provide royal assent to some of the most significant acts in British history. He had political views and his lack of royal training meant; he would not be lightly brushed aside. Characters William IV – King of the ..read more

I have started a new podcast with my teaching colleagues. Politips... Politics for A-Level and Beyond. Reviewing the biggest stories in the world of politics in the UK and the US. Give it a try - links below for more episodes. https://anchor.fm/poli-tips  Also available on Spotify, Google, Amazon and Apple podcasts ..read more

Napoleon III, the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte holds a unique distinction. He became the first President of France in 1848 before becoming its last monarch when he ruled as Emperor between 1852-1870 founding the second French empire. He oversaw the modernisation of the French economy, the grand reconstruction of Paris, considerable social reform, further colonisation overseas and renewed rivalries in Europe. The impact of his rule would be felt deep into the 20th century. I was lucky enough to speak to Sam, my British housemate who grew up in France about Napoleon III ..read more