Ep 4. The Birth of Modern England
- July 17, 2012
In Michael Wood's Story Of England season 1 episode 4, titled "The Birth of Modern England," the historian explores the turbulent period of English history from the 16th to the 18th century. This was a time of great change, as England shifted from a rural society to an urban, industrialized one, and underwent religious upheaval and political revolution.
Wood begins the episode by discussing the impact of the Tudor dynasty on England and how monarchs such as Henry VIII and Elizabeth I transformed the country. He visits the Tower of London and examines the armor of Henry VIII, and then travels to Oxford to discuss the impact of the religious Reformation on the city and the nation as a whole.
One of the most significant changes during this period was the growth of cities, which led to the development of a middle class and the rise of capitalism. Wood visits the city of Norwich and explores how its wealth and power grew during this time, with the wool trade playing a key role. He also examines the lives of ordinary people during this period, looking at the housing, food, and working conditions of the poor.
Religion also played a crucial role during this period, with England shifting from Catholicism to Protestantism. Wood discusses the impact of figures such as Martin Luther and John Calvin on the English Reformation and how this led to the establishment of the Church of England. He also explores the darker side of religious conflict, visiting sites of persecution and martyrdom, such as the town of Stratford-upon-Avon.
Political upheaval also marked this period, with the English Civil War and the eventual rise of parliamentary democracy. Wood visits the city of Bristol and examines the role of trade and commerce in the city's growth, as well as the impact of the Civil War on the city and its people. He also explores the development of democracy and the rise of the Whig party, which paved the way for modern-day parliamentary democracy.
Throughout the episode, Wood uses historical documents, artwork, and firsthand accounts to paint a vivid picture of this period of English history. From the colorful costumes and lively dance of the Tudor court to the gritty reality of life in a textile factory, Wood brings the past alive and helps viewers understand how modern England was born.
