Lucy Worsley's Royal Myths & Secrets

History Series / 1 Season

Lucy Worsley travels across Britain and Europe visiting the incredible locations where Royal history was made. In beautiful palaces and castles and on dramatic battlefields she investigates how Royal history is a mixture of facts, exaggeration, manipulation and mythology.

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Queen Elizabeth I's Encounter with the Count of Feria

2m 46s / TV-PG

In 1558 King Philip of Spain sends an ambassador, the Count of Feria, to woo young Queen Elizabeth. He tries to persuade her that she should ditch the Protestant faith for the Catholic Church. Feria tries to exploit Elizabeth’s inexperience as she is only 25 years old but he has underestimated Elizabeth.

A Spanish Dance

3m 6s / TV-PG

The Protestant population was rebelling in The Netherlands so Elizabeth sent an army of over 6,000 troops to help the Protestant revolt. This was Philip’s territory so she knew it was a dangerous move. She tried to take control of the situation by circulating a pamphlet across Europe justifying her actions. Elizabeth provoked Spain into setting sail to invade England in May 1588.

A Royal Makeover

3m 12s / TV-PG

We see Lucy as Queen Elizabeth I on her victory procession through the streets of London. The reality of post Armada England was one of economic crisis and an increasingly unpopular queen. It was time for a royal makeover and the creation of a powerful Elizabethan marketing campaign.

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