She-Wolves: England's Early Queens

Historian Dr Helen Castor explores the lives of seven English queens who challenged male power, the fierce reactions they provoked and whether the term 'she-wolves' was deserved.

Overview Credits Watch Reviews Seasons Images Videos Recommendations Similar

Created By
Status	Ended
Original Name	She-Wolves: England's Early Queens
First Air Date	March 7, 2012
Last Air Date	March 21, 2012
Seasons	1
Episodes	3
Episode Runtime	0min
Language	English
Original Language	English
Production Countries	France, United Kingdom
Production Companies	BBC Scotland BBC Matchlight
Networks	BBC Four

S01E03

Jane, Mary and Elizabeth

Helen Castor looks at what happened when England was faced not just with inadequate kings, but no kings at all. In 1553, for the first time in English history all the contenders for the crown were female. In the lives of these three Tudor queens - Jane, Mary and Elizabeth - she explores how each woman struggled in turn with wearing a crown that was made for a male head. Elizabeth I seemed to show that not only could a woman rule, but could do so gloriously.

View Episodes