Who Was The Best English Monarch? David Mitchell Rates The Royals!
History Hit
29 min, 53 sec
The transcript provides a detailed discussion by David Mitchell on the nature and impact of medieval monarchs in England, comparing them to the unpredictability of events like the Viking invasions and COVID-19.
Summary
- David Mitchell criticizes the conduct of medieval monarchs, comparing their violent and ruthless nature to the unpredictable nature of events like the Viking invasions and the COVID-19 pandemic.
- He discusses the process of writing his book during lockdown, drawing parallels between the Vikings' impact on Anglo-Saxon England and how sudden crises can make people feel helpless.
- Mitchell argues that often people look for ways to assert control over uncontrollable events by attributing blame or responsibility, rather than accepting random misfortune.
- The discussion touches on the allure of monarchs in history, the shift in England's focus from Scandinavia to France, and how monarchs' actions impact the short term, with questioning of their long-term influence.
- Mitchell shares opinions on various monarchs, including William the Conqueror, Edward the Confessor, Henry II, and the Tudors, discussing their traits, actions, and the concept of 'overrated' rulers.
Chapter 1
David Mitchell shares his critical view of medieval monarchs, describing their ruthlessness and readiness for violence.
- Mitchell criticizes medieval monarchs for their violent and horrible nature, necessary to maintain power.
- He shares a particular disdain for William the Conqueror and Edward the Confessor, suggesting they sowed discord.
- The conduct of these rulers is deemed below expected standards, even when compared to Hollywood.
Chapter 2
Mitchell discusses his motivation for writing a history book during the COVID-19 lockdown.
- He began writing his book about the Vikings during lockdown, relating the suddenness of the pandemic to the Viking invasions.
- The Anglo-Saxons' reaction to the Vikings is compared to modern reactions to COVID-19, highlighting human vulnerability to unforeseen events.
- Mitchell emphasizes human tendencies to seek control over random occurrences by taking ownership of them.
Chapter 3
Mitchell talks about the importance of monarchs in the historical narrative and their diminishing relevance after the medieval period.
- Monarchs provide a 'who's in charge' narrative for the medieval period, but this becomes less relevant in later historical contexts.
- Mitchell explains why his book ends in 1603, marking the diminishing importance of focusing solely on monarchs for political history.
- He compares the shifts in historical focus from medieval to early modern and modern monarchs, highlighting the difficulty in comparing them.
Chapter 4
Mitchell reflects on whether the actions of monarchs were pivotal in changing England's historical trajectory or if it was an inevitable cultural shift.
- He ponders if England's orientation towards Scandinavia would have continued if William the Conqueror had lost at Hastings or if the focus on France was inevitable.
- The discussion includes the influence of Emma of Normandy and other powerful women who are often overlooked in history.
- Mitchell questions the long-term influence of monarchs, suggesting that their short-term decisions may not have altered the predetermined cultural forces.
Chapter 5
Mitchell shares his preferences on various aspects of monarchs, from trustworthiness to potential as a brother-in-law.
- He considers young Henry VII as someone interesting to have a beer with but untrustworthy due to his cautious nature.
- Mitchell nominates Edward IV as a potential brother-in-law for the benefits he brought to his wife's family.
- For a team-building exercise, Richard the Lionheart is chosen for his logistical skills, especially if convinced the activity has a holy purpose.
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