Whether you’re a Game of Thrones fan or an ancient history buff, Britain’s bloodiest dynasty is sure to please you in this epic four-part documentary about carnage, deceit and betrayal.
The film commemorates the events that established and shaped the 331-year reign of the Plantagenet dynasty, which took Britain from medieval times to modern world power. Her rise has been marked by near-superhuman strength, but her legacy has often been threatened by humanity’s inordinate desire for revenge.
The first part of the film is set between 1154 and 1189. The dynasty’s founder, Henry II, first crowned king at the age of 20, was obsessed with claiming government over the country and exercising unprecedented control, including the all-powerful Church of England of the time. These efforts culminated in the insidious betrayal of his closest friend – Archbishop Thomas Beckett – as well as his own wife and children.
The second part of the series describes another intimate relationship that goes awry. Henry III, the fourth Plantagenet king, and Simon de Montfort, the fanatical French knight, were once inseparable and viewed their friendship as essential to personal success. Jealousy and power games erode their trust, eventually leading to costly civil war.
The third chapter deals with Edward II, an incompetent ruler whose narrow desire for revenge leads to the destruction of his kingdom. In a twisted act of treason similar to that of Henry II, Edward’s wife played a major role in facilitating the king’s overthrow.
Finally, the series ends with a portrait of one of the country’s most notorious and murderous rulers, Richard II, who first ascended to the throne at the age of 10. During Richard’s reign, the theme of revenge once again took center stage. And eventually became a prelude to his imprisonment and death.
With beautiful reenactments and insightful commentary from renowned historian Dan Jones, Britain’s bloodiest dynasty brings stunning life to one of the most engrossing chapters in British history. It is a story of daring and adventure few novels can match.
