The Rest Is History 124. World Cup of Kings and Queens part 2
Nov 23, 2021
Dive into the fascinating world of English royalty as key figures like Elizabeth II and Henry V are put to the test in a creative competition for the title of greatest monarch. Enjoy humorous anecdotes, including Henry VIII's questionable hygiene. Explore the contrasting legacies of Elizabeth I and Charles II, revealing their impacts on history. The discussion also tackles how Shakespeare shaped the public's view of these kings. With a blend of humor and history, prepare for a captivating exploration of monarchy and its enduring legacies.
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Shakespeare's Henry V
- Henry V's popular image is shaped by children's books and Shakespeare, showing him with a bowl haircut, sword, and scaling walls.
- This image is cemented by depictions of him at Harfleur, Agincourt, and receiving tennis balls from the French.
Henry V's True Character
- Henry V's transformation from a rogue to a pious warlord is largely a Shakespearean invention.
- He wasn't a boisterous youth who frequented taverns, and Falstaff is fictional.
Pious Henry V?
- Ian Mortimer portrays Henry V as a pious, ascetic figure, bordering on religious fundamentalism.
- An anecdote describes Henry ordering a Lollard to be burned, extinguished, and re-burned after refusing repentance.