Who Was The Best English Monarch? David Mitchell Rates The Royals!

The speaker reflects on the nature of historical events, drawing a parallel between the sudden and disruptive arrival of the Vikings in Anglo-Saxon England and the unexpected impact of COVID-19 on modern society. They discuss the human tendency to search for agency and control in the face of uncontrollable events, and how societies often blame themselves or seek to rationalize such occurrences. The conversation also touches on the socio-economic and technological factors that may have influenced the Viking invasions, suggesting that history is not just a narrative of human actions but also a result of broader forces.

This paragraph delves into the complexities of historical monarchs, discussing the challenges of comparing rulers from different eras due to the vastly different contexts and roles they inhabited. It critiques the tendency to romanticize certain figures, such as William the Conqueror and Edward the Confessor, while also acknowledging the appeal of strong, decisive leadership. The speaker expresses a personal preference for rulers who, despite their often brutal methods, demonstrated stability and effective governance, such as Henry II and Henry I.

The speaker explores the significance of England's kings and queens in shaping the nation's history, from the early Anglo-Saxon period to the reign of Elizabeth I. They discuss the difficulty in pinpointing the 'first king of England' and the evolving concept of England as a unified entity. The paragraph also touches on the influence of Scandinavian and French cultural and political ties on England's development, highlighting the pivotal moments and figures that redirected the country's trajectory.

This section examines the personal attributes that contributed to the success or failure of various monarchs. The speaker argues that even-handedness, predictability, and the absence of favoritism were key to providing stability, as exemplified by Henry I. In contrast, rulers like Richard II, Edward II, and Henry VI, who showed favoritism and unpredictability, often led to instability and conflict. The paragraph also considers the impact of aging on a monarch's rule and the potential consequences for their reign and the nation.

The speaker reflects on the Hundred Years War, questioning the valorization of English kings like Henry V and Edward III for their efforts to conquer France. They challenge the romanticized view of these campaigns, pointing out the devastation and futility of the endeavor. The paragraph presents a more nuanced perspective on the nature of war and conquest, suggesting that the traditional narrative may overlook the suffering and the moral implications of such actions.

This paragraph highlights the often-overlooked role of queens and queen consorts in medieval England. The speaker discusses the influence of figures like Emma of Normandy, who married into both the Anglo-Saxon and Danish royal houses, and the impact of their actions on the nation's political landscape. The paragraph underscores the importance of considering the contributions of women in history, despite the lack of direct records of their voices or perspectives.

The speaker contemplates the broader cultural and political shifts that occurred in England due to the changing relationships with other nations, particularly Scandinavia and France. They speculate on the potential alternate trajectories England might have taken had historical events unfolded differently, such as if William the Conqueror had not successfully invaded or if the Anglo-Saxon royal house had maintained stronger ties with Scandinavia.

In a lighter vein, the speaker imagines various historical monarchs in modern social settings, such as going for a beer or participating in a stag night. They humorously assess which monarchs might be the best company in these contexts, reflecting on their personalities and actions. The paragraph concludes with a recommendation of the book 'Unruly', which covers the history of England's kings and queens from the Anglo-Saxons to Elizabeth I.