Monarchy Series Three

ABC DVD / Region 4

History can be a dry subject but always one of the most exciting aspects of it is the machinations of the Royal Courts though, in particular those of the British Monarchy – the Kings and Queens of this tiny island having a huge influence on the world stage during the last 2000 years.

The erudite and always illuminating Dr David Starkey has, over the last few years, been presenting his history of the British Monarchy and in this third series, seen recently on the ABC, he brings us up to date from the year 1660 to the early days of the 20th Century.

The period Starkey covers in this two disc set takes in some if the most constitutional change the Britishhad ever seen, with various pemutations of the Royal Families having to, with each successive generation, come to terms with a lessening of their role and place in the fabric of society.

Opening with the Return from exile of King Charles II and moving on through the reigns of William and Mary, followed by Queen Anne, taking in The French Revolution and finally examing the changing role of the Royals with Victoria and Albert. Starkey is one of those compelling presenters who brings his subject alive and Monarchy is must see for any history buff.