The Private Lives of Medieval Kings
Through this three part series Art Historian Dr Janina Ramirez tells the story of the Medieval monarchy as preserved through stunning illuminated manuscripts from the British Library’s Royal Manuscripts collection.
Dr Ramirez uses her in depth expert knowledge to explore the extraordinary art and culture of the period and decode the manuscripts which remain as vibrant today as when they were first penned. Embellished with gold, painted in jewel-like colours, they took months, even years to produce, and were priceless beyond compare.
The series runs chronologically beginning with the unification of England under King Athelstan in the 10th Century, covering the 100 Years War with France, and ending with the brutal magnificence of Henry VIII. Spanning 800 years these amazing documents capture the dynastic struggles each ruler faced.
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Press Reviews
….’This is the first time that some of these manuscripts have been recorded on film, and as the presenter unravels their meanings and traces the evolution of the monarchy from 9th to 16th century, their place in history is illuminated too. ‘
‘Debut of a hugely engaging and entertaining three part series presented by art historian Janina Ramirez who reconstructs the lives of medieval monarchs from the few visual representations we have of them……Ramirez is an excellent guide. Terrific.’
