Illuminations: The Private Lives of Medieval Kings — Season 1, Episode 2: What a King Should Know
Documentary • 30 min • 1 season, 3 episodes • ★ 4.5/10
Episode synopsis
Janina shows how medieval manuscripts gave power to the king and united the kingdom in an age of plague, warfare and rebellion. She discovers that Edward III used the manuscripts he read as a boy to prepare him for his great victory at the battle of Crecy and reveals how a vigorous new national identity bloomed during the 100 Years War with France. In the British Library's Royal Manuscripts collection Dr Ramirez finds out that magnificent manuscripts like the Bedford Hours, taken as war booty from the French royal family, were adapted for the education of English princes. She also explores how knowledge spread through a new form of book - the encyclopedia.
About Illuminations: 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.