Janet. Good book, read it a few years ago, Starkey certainly knows his stuff that’s for sure.

I watched the series on youtube. I don’t think Starkey blamed Henry’s personality change on Anne. Rather, how the events of his relationship with Anne (and the susequent fights with Rome, KOA, and his courtiers) pushed Henry into a direction of great change. Not just a change in English policy, but a change in how Henry saw himself. I would say Anne had a hand in effectively arguing for Henry to break with Rome. I don’t thing you can blame Henry transforming into a tyrant on one event or person. I tend to think a culmination of events (and people, including Henry) helped mould a man, with newfound power.

I’ve always felt Starkey was sympathetic to Anne. He was one of the first, along with Ives, to effectively argue for her innocent. But, I also don’t give Anne a free pass. I feel we need to call her on things, but that DOES NOT mean I don’t support her, or have decreased affection for her. Please don’t take it that way.

In fact, Starkey was one of the major historians to challenge the long held view of KOA. He has been critical of her in the past; something I respect him for.

Ahh, I remember watching this on Netflix or the History channel (either one) and they had actors reanact and all that. I got the vibe that Starkey made Anne seem like a manipulative person. I don’t know why though.

Anyanka said

Must look out for this . Was it on PBS? I get WGBH and KCTSbut no other PBS stations and I don’t recall seeing it on any Canadian channel.

Duchess of Brittany, have you seen it on satelite??

Anyanka,

I’ve not seen it broadcast on any station here in Canada. I happened to find it on YouTube, but that was awhile ago. I don’t believe the DVD is even relased in region 1. I am hoping PBS will pick it up, or Acorn Media will buy the rights, although that can take time. After four year, Lynda la Plante’s Above Suspicion series was finally released in Canada. If I see anything, I’ll let you know.

I just watched this series on You Tube. It took me a few days to get through the whole thing but it was well worth it. Starkey was very thorough as always.