How did a risky 16th-century venture evolve into a national enterprise that fuelled the rise of the British Empire? How did a vast network of royalty, politicians, cultural figures, and ordinary citizens finance human exploitation to expand British wealth and naval power?Professo ...Show more
John Dudley, The 'Wicked' Duke
How did the son of an executed traitor rise to become the power behind young Edward VI? Was John Dudley a visionary patriot saving England from crisis or a ruthless opportunist who risked everything for ultimate power?Following the death of Henry VIII, Dudley seized control of th ...Show more
The last Queen of France before the French Revolution, Marie Antoinette is best known today for her extravagant lifestyle and controversial legacy. Initially admired for her grace and charm, as revolutionary fervour gripped her adopted homeland, she became a symbol of royal exces ...Show more
In a programme first broadcast in November 2018, Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the Austrian princess Maria Antonia, child bride of the future French King Louis XVI. Their marriage was an attempt to bring about a major change in the balance of power in Europe and to undermine th ...Show more
Marie Antoinette, Queen of France was a naive young woman under a great deal of pressure and expectation. Her out-of-thouch excesses infuriated the people and contributed to the French Revolution and her downfall. Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check ...Show more
In this week's RERELEASE , Claire and Tess sit down with some bubbly and cake and tell the story of the one and only, Marie Antoinette. We start with her beginnings as an Austrian princess leading her to become one of the most notorious rulers in history as the Queen of France an ...Show more