7 November 2025 (past event)
- 14:00 to 15:00
Talk
Sceptred Isle: a new history of the 14th century with Helen Carr
Join historian Helen Carr for a fresh look at a century of revolution, shifting power and unprecedented change.
- Date
- 7 November 2025
- Location
- Online
Beginning with the death of Edward I in 1307 and ending with the deposition of Richard II in 1399, this is a gripping overview of a century told through the lives of the last Plantagenets and lesser-known voices including those living outside the royal sphere.
Against an epic backdrop of regicide, war, the prolonged spectre of the Black Death, religious antagonism, revolt and the end of a royal dynasty, Helen brings to life the human stories behind a fractured monarchy, the birth of the struggle between Europeanism and nationalism, social rebellion and a global pandemic.
Helen will be in conversation with Paul Dryburgh, collections specialist in medieval records at The National Archives. Their online conversation will last approximately 30 to 40 minutes, followed by an audience question and answer session.
Event details
This event has sold out.
Dates for this event
How to join online
What you need to join
This event will be live streamed on the website of our streaming service, Vimeo.
When you book, you will receive an email that includes the link you need to join the event. This link will also be shared with you in a reminder email in advance of the event.
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- You can join from your browser from a laptop or mobile device.
- For the best experience we recommend using either a laptop or desktop computer.
Help during the event
To access the live event, click on the link in the Eventbrite confirmation email you received when you booked the event. Vimeo will open in your web browser.
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- You can enable live subtitles by clicking on the ‘CC’ button at the bottom of the video player. ‘CC’ stands for ‘Closed Captions’.
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- If you have a query that has not been answered above, please email us at whatson@nationalarchives.gov.uk
Watch after the event
This talk will be available to watch after the event, using the same link you will receive to join it live. It will remain available for a limited period of 48 hours after the event has finished, unless otherwise stated.
Speakers
Series
The story of a century: 14th century. Power, plague and warfare
Join us for our three-part series exploring a hundred years of courtly intrigue, battles, social unrest and a global pandemic.