Rex Factor

Sandwiched between the Georgians and Queen Victoria, poor old William IV is perhaps the most forgotten of monarchs. Little was expected of William IV as a young man - an excitable character sent off to the navy by George III, he lived the typical life of a sailor and came home with rough habits and bad language. When he came to the throne in 1830 he proved hard-working, conscientious and arguably Britain's first truly constitutional monarch and oversaw the passing of the 1832 Reform Act which proved a major step forward in parliamentary democracy. His final challenge was to survive long enough to ensure that his niece, Victoria, would not face the regency of her mother. Could he ensure a stable legacy for Victoria? Could he be the first Hanoverian Rex Factor? (Parental Advice: There's one instance of censored bad language by the Sailor King!) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When George III descended into his final madness in 1811 his eldest son became the Prince Regent, finally becoming George IV in 1820. Unlike his sober and dutiful father, George IV was a drinking, gambling, womanising figure of huge controversy who was extremely unpopular in a difficult period of economic and political strife. However, he was also one of the monarchy's most entertaining characters, surprisingly kind in person and in his cultural patronage left a glorious legacy still enjoyed today. Some would call him one of the worst monarchs, but could this be his chance for redemption? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the second part of the George III podcast we review his reign in the traditional fashion. However, reviewing George III is no easy task, for his epic reign contains some of the most glorious highs and disastrous lows of any reign. From the disastrous loss of America Britain moves to the defeat of Napoleon via its two greatest military heroes, Nelson and Wellington. George's interference in politics causes ministerial instability and he is anything but a friend of reform, yet he is a decent and affable man who oversees cultural patronage, the industrial revolution and the abolition of slavery. And of course, through all of the factors is the dilemma of his final decade where his mental illness meant his son, the Prince Regent, was in effect ruling. When everything has been through the Rex Factor computer, it proves to be one of the tightest decisions yet... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a slight change in format this episode as we split George III in half (so to speak) - this episode will focus on the events and background to his reign while the next will see us review him in the usual fashion and decide whether he has the Rex Factor. So why does "Mad King George" need two episodes? Besides the madness, George's reign encompasses the end of the Seven Years War, the American Revolution, the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars, the political rivalry between Pitt the Younger and Charles Fox...and much more besides! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a case of history repeating itself when George II comes to the throne in 1727 - like his father, he has Robert Walpole as his 'prime minister', is at odds with his eldest son, has a Jacobite rebellion to deal with, gets involved in the wars and diplomacy of continental Europe and is keen to get back to Hanover as much as possible. Where George II does differ, however, is in his strong and happy marriage to Caroline of Ansbach and the military triumph enjoyed under his rule, with Britain becoming a major worldwide power under the direction of Pitt the Elder. With victories against France and Bonnie Prince Charlie, could George II become the first Hanoverian Rex Factor winner? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A lack of Protestant Stuarts in 1714 meant the start of a new dynasty with George I and the Hanoverians. Poor George wasn't the happiest of monarchs - he was perfectly happy in Hanover and went back as often as he could, while his British subjects weren't too enamoured with him as a dull German who didn't speak much English. Nevertheless, George's was an interesting reign, seeing the defeat of Jacobite rebellions from the Old Pretender, the rise of Robert Walpole (particularly during the South Sea Bubble Crisis) and the naturalisation of classical composer Handel. George also set a template for all Georgian monarchs: argue with your son and create plenty of juicy scandal! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The tumultuous Stuart dynasty comes to an end in this episode with Queen Anne, but otherwise it's an era of new beginnings. John Churchill (Duke of Marlborough) leads England to military glory against Louis XIV, particularly at Blenheim, while at home the Act of Union with Scotland sees the creation of Great Britain. In many ways a glorious reign, and yet Anne's reputation has never been very good. Has she been unfairly sullied by her once best friend, Sarah Churchill, or is history right to forget the last of the Stuarts? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the removal of James II in 1688 in the Glorious Revolution came the unusual position of joint rulers: the husband and wife team of William III and Mary II. William held executive power and spent most of his time fighting wars against his arch nemesis, Louis XIV of France (the Sun King), as well as stopping James II clawing his way back to England. As well as the wars, this was a period of significant constitutional and economic development that would be vital in forming the modern British state. William and Mary may have shared the throne, but will they be able to share the Rex Factor? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The monarchy was left in a pretty good state by Charles II in 1685, but the trickiest part of his reign had been to prevent Parliament excluding his Catholic brother, James, from the throne, so how would Parliament react to its first Catholic ruler since Mary I? James's life and reign proved to be somewhat turbulent and to a large degree the difficulties were of his own making. Would he be able to persuade his anti-Catholic Parliament to grant religious toleration to Catholics? Would he be want to emulate the absolutist monarchy of Louis XIV? And what is his son-in-law, William of Orange, doing with all those troops in the Netherlands? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After the republican interlude of the Commonwealth, Charles II leads the restoration of the monarchy in 1660. After an adventurous youth alongside his father in the Civil War and a thrilling escape from Cromwell's clutches in 1651, Charles was intent on having a good time and taking things easy. However, increasing tensions around foreign policy and religion (specifically the Catholicism of Charles's brother, James) saw the country once more in fear of civil strife. Will Charles II succeed where his father failed? Will he be able to put out the Great Fire of London? And most importantly, will he win the Rex Factor? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The execution of Charles I in 1649 created something of a dilemma for England, needing to find a completely new way to govern itself. Various parliamentary outfits were tried, but throughout it all one man dominated until in 1653 he officially became the Lord Protector for the Commonwealth and Free State of England. This man was from the lower gentry, at one time a farmer, and little known until the Civil War when he became a renowned cavalry leader. He would become perhaps England's most powerful ruler, the conqueror of England, Scotland and Ireland (where he is still reviled as a mass-murdering monster) and the displayer of the most famous warts in history. He is, of course, Oliver Cromwell. But can a man who abolishes the institution of the monarchy be eligible to win its greatest award in the Rex Factor? https://rexfactor.wordpress.com/english-monarchs/whos-who/stuarts/whos-who-oliver-cromwell/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoi

Charles I's accession in 1625 would prove a momentous moment in English history, leading to numerous conflicts with Parliament which resulted in civil war and the abolition of the monarchy. Charles's early years were blighted by military failures under the Duke of Buckingham and conflict with Parliament, leading to the Personal Monarchy where he ruled by his own stead. Conflict with Scotland forced the recall of Parliament in 1640 and after two years of tensions the civil war broke out, finishing with Charles's execution and the end of the monarchy. Is there a reputation to be salvaged from this disastrous course of events? https://rexfactor.wordpress.com/english-monarchs/whos-who/stuarts/whos-who-charles-i/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Tudor dynasty came to an end in 1603 to be replaced by the Stuarts, headed by James VI of Scotland (now James I of England). James had much promise as an experienced king in Scotland with a tendency towards religious toleration, peaceful rule and informality. However, he inherited numerous problems from Elizabeth, in particular a powerful parliament with various grievances and an empty treasure chest. A reign of mixed fortunes saw James survive the Gunpowder Plot, patronise the King James Bible and struggle in vain to convince Parliament to stop being so difficult and let him have more money. But will the first Stuart be able to shine out from the shadow of the Tudors to win the Rex Factor?https://rexfactor.wordpress.com/english-monarchs/whos-who/stuarts/whos-who-james-i/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After the short and troubled reign of Mary I, Elizabeth came to the throne in 1558 facing numerous challenges: a country deeply divided on religion, threatened by France and Scotland (via Mary Queen of Scots), an awkward relationship with Mary's widower, Philip II of Spain, plus great uncertainty as to who was next in line to rule the country. Elizabeth survived all these challenges, outlasted her rivals and has become one of the most revered monarchs in English history, but is her beloved status deserved or is there more to find than the traditional mythology? If all the names get a bit confusing, check out our handy who's who guide to the episode: https://rexfactor.wordpress.com/english-monarchs/whos-who/tudors/whos-who-elizabeth-i/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A lack of male Tudors meant that in 1553 a woman would, for the first time, inherit the throne. Edward VI wished his cousin, Lady Jane Grey, to take the throne but instead it was his older sister, Mary. Mary was Henry VIII's oldest child had seen her fortunes fluctuate dramatically. Beloved by Henry VIII but ostracised for failing to accept his Supremacy, only to be restored to his full affection before being ostracised by her brother, Edward VI, for refusing to comply with his Protestant reforms. Her unlikely triumph in 1553 was a sadly fleeting, for her unpopular marriage to Philip of Spain and failure to produce an heir made her reign troubled and unhappy, while the burnings of Protestant led to her being defined merely as 'Bloody Mary'. If you lose track of who's who, have a look at our handy guide for this week's episode: https://rexfactor.wordpress.com/english-monarchs/whos-who/tudors/whos-who-mary-i/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit po

After the tumultuous reign of Henry VIII, in 1547 his young son Edward VI comes to the throne. As a minor, Edward's reign is dominated the machinations of the key men at court, particularly his uncles (Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, and Thomas Seymour), and John Dudley (Duke of Northumberland), while Thomas Cranmer pushes forward radical Protestant reforms. However, Edward himself shows great promise and intelligence and comes to exert a real influence on events, particularly in religion and concerning his oldest sister, Mary. Often dismissed as an insignificant interlude, Edward's reign is another fascinating episode in the Tudor dynasty - but is it a successful one? If you get confused by all the different names (and indeed, promotions mean some people change their name!) check out our Who's Who guide: https://rexfactor.wordpress.com/english-monarchs/whos-who/tudors/whos-who-edward-vi/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/

In a departure from our usual fare, this week we take a closer look at Henry VIII and consider how it was that the promising 17 year-old who came to the throne in 1509 should turn into the tyrannical monster that died in 1547. Was his personality altered on account of injuries or ill health? Could his change have been due to traumatic events which pushed him over the edge into tyranny? Or maybe the expectations of 1509 were misplaced and he was always a tyrant, or at least a ticking bomb waiting to off... Let us know what you think - what happened to Henry VIII? Email rexfactorpodcast@hotmail.com, follow us on Twitter @rexfactorpod leave a message on our Facebook wall or a comment on the Podbean website. Normal reviewing service resumes next time with Edward VI. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1509, England's most (in)famous monarch comes to the throne - Henry VIII. Henry dominates the popular imagination even to this day and his reign dramatically altered the course of English history. It all started very pleasantly, with a good-looking and athletic king on the verge of his 18th birthday taking over to great acclaim, but his lack of a male heir led to his annulment of Catherine of Aragon, marriage to Anne Boleyn and the Reformation, where England broke from Rome and the Catholic Church. From 1536, his reign was a succession of dramas, including the Dissolution of the Monasteries and the Pilgrimage of Grace, numerous executions (including some of his six wives) and an ongoing rivalry with France and Spain. He is perhaps England's most famous king, but is he worthy of the Rex Factor? As ever, lots of characters crop up in the episode, so check out our who's who to keep track of them all: https://rexfactor.wordpress.com/english-monarchs/whos-who/tudors/whos-who-henry-viii/ Hosted on Acast. See aca

With victory in the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, Henry VII becomes the first of the new Tudor dynasty. Henry had a difficult time facing down numerous threats to his reign, particularly from pretenders such as Lambert Simnel and Perkin Warbeck, but governed effectively, particularly in improving the country's finances. His marriage to Elizabeth of York helped symbolise a unity between the Lancastrian and Yorkist factions in the Wars of the Roses and his legacy was the powerful Tudor dynasty, and yet he has been largely forgotten by history. Is his obscurity justified, or is this the time for his place in history to be celebrated? If you lose track of who is doing what to who (and there are a lot of names in this one!) check out our handy who's who guide to the episode: https://rexfactor.wordpress.com/english-monarchs/whos-who/tudors/whos-who-henry-vii/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

By usurping his nephew, Edward V, in 1483 Richard III started his route to infamy and his place in English history as perhaps the most notorious and monstrous king of them all. However, to this day he has passionate supporters who claim he was a far better king than Shakespeare gave him credit. Did his death at the Battle of Bosworth end prematurely a great king? Or was England better off without the last of the Plantagenets? If you lose track of who all the people mentioned in the episode are, check out our handy who's who guide: https://rexfactor.wordpress.com/english-monarchs/whos-who/yorkists/whos-who-richard-iii/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices