Anna Whitelock

In this engaging conversation, Professor Anna Whitelock, an expert on James VI & I and author of 'The Sun Rising', sheds light on the transformative Jacobean era. She discusses how Elizabeth I's reign may have stifled England's global ambitions, and how James's accession marked a pivotal shift towards unification and expansion. Whitelock elaborates on James’s vision for peace across Europe through diplomatic alliances, his role in fostering maritime ambitions, and the implications of Britain's burgeoning trade and colonization strategies during this dynamic period.

Join Professor Anna Whitelock, a specialist in monarchy history, as she unpacks the fascinating life of Queen Elizabeth I. Was she truly a virgin or just a master of political maneuvering? The conversation dives into Elizabeth's turbulent youth, her intriguing relationship with Robert Dudley, and the pressures of being an unmarried queen. Whitelock also reveals how Elizabeth's sexuality influenced her rule and public persona, alongside the romantic myths that still surround her legacy today.

Joined by Anna Whitelock, historian and author, the discussion centers on the reign of King James I, questioning whether his legacy is misunderstood. They explore his skillful political maneuvering, from managing religious conflict to promoting the King James Bible. The conversation highlights his diplomatic successes in unifying England and Scotland, as well as his focus on trade over war, contrasting sharply with his son Charles I. Whitelock offers a fresh perspective on James as a pivotal figure in British history, arguing for a more favorable reassessment.