In 1399 Bolingbroke and Richard were locked in a struggle – who would rule England and how.
The traditional picture of Bolingbroke is a much later creation, not contemporary. But here's Bolingbroke claiming the throne.
In 1399 Bolingbroke and Richard were locked in a struggle – who would rule England and how.
The traditional picture of Bolingbroke is a much later creation, not contemporary. But here's Bolingbroke claiming the throne.
These last two podcasts have been wonderful! I love the ‘role play’ and thoroughly enjoyed the nod to Python in Ep 129. Thanks for making me smile!
I shall pass your comments back to the role players! Glad you picked up the Monty P reference…it’s actually quite hard not to do it. Part of the language almost…
I vigorously second Mark! The shed company players always make the episodes fun and memorable! Only thing that could make it better is if Roland the farter made an appearance 🙂
Have been catching up on this great podcast for the last few week. Get to a cliff hanger and then episode 130, and a few previous ones, are two Nordic guys talking? Help!
Hi all, really sorry about this; it’s something to do with the new provider Acast, they are looking at it and hopefully will get it resolved soon…I think it’s divine justice for me advertising.
David,
Your podcasts are absolutely wonderful. On one hand I am sad I didn’t find them earlier but on the other I am glad that I can listen to almost as many as I want whenever I want. I’ll be going through withdrawals when I finally catch up!
I have always had a measure of sympathy for Richard II. I probably shouldn’t because any monarch that puts themselves above the law after what happened to Edward II is clearly not paying attention to their history lessons. But he was brought up to believe that the crown was his divine right, he started off relatively well with the way he handled the Peasant’s Revolt, and despite his loyalty I imagine there was some real reason for Richard to be suspicious of John of Gaunt. I feel that his poor decision to exile Henry Bolingbroke was born out of that suspicion and distrust.
In the end Richard just wasn’t able to inspire loyalty. He should have learned to wield a sword a bit better and it might have solved quite a bit.
Although I hate to recommend Shakespeare…the play Richard II does a brilliant job of portraying an unbalanced man both slightly mad and deeply sympathetic. It’s really good. Look for a version made in the last couple of years on the BBC with Ben Wishaw as Richard. It’s really good.
Just watched, absolutely great, thank you for the recommendation.
Hi David,
I have seen it and I agree it is very good. As it happens I think it may be part of the reason I have been overly sympathetic towards Richard. In reality it seems he had multiple opportunities to rule over his kingdom properly. Bloody Shakespeare… I hope you have seen the newest Blackadder when Edmund goes back in time and has some words with Billy Boy on his way to meet with Queenie.
There’s a new Blackadder? I have not actually!
Blackadder: Back and Forth. It’s not as good as the series (well 2, 3 and 4 at least) but it’s worth a watch