This Sceptred Isle: The Dynasties: Britain's Most Powerful Families

This Sceptred Isle: The Dynasties

by Christopher Lee

In this work, Christopher Lee tells the stories of some of the most powerful families that have shaped the history of the British Isles over the past thousand years—many families that were older and more powerful than the monarchy itself. Influential families, including the Churchills, the Cavendishes, and the Norfolks are discussed, as well as several powerful Scottish and Irish clans. Finally, there is a consideration of those, who, in a wholly new arena, have continued the tradition of dynastic power through the 20th century and into the 21st—the so-called "media barons."

Genres: History, Audiobook, British Literature

278 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2002

About the author

Christopher Lee was a British writer, historian, and broadcaster, best known for creating and writing the acclaimed BBC Radio 4 documentary series This Sceptred Isle. His career spanned journalism, academia, military service, and historical writing.
After an early life at sea, he studied history at London University before joining the BBC as a defence and foreign affairs correspondent, with postings in Moscow and the Middle East. He later transitioned into academia, becoming the first Quatercentenary Fellow in Contemporary History at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and conducting research at Birkbeck College. He also served in the Royal Navy's Joint Intelligence Reserve Branch, reaching the rank of captain.
Lee’s This Sceptred Isle, originally broadcast in 1995, chronicled British history from Roman times to the 20th century and was expanded with additional series covering the 20th century and the British Empire. His historical works include 1603, Nelson and Napoleon, and Monarchy, Past, Present… and Future?, as well as an abridgment of Winston Churchill's A History of the English-Speaking Peoples. He was also a prolific radio playwright, penning over 100 plays and series for BBC Radio 4.
Beyond writing, he served as a defence and foreign affairs adviser to the British Forces Broadcasting Service for 30 years and was involved in policy analysis.
He divided his time between Sussex and Florence, Italy, and was married to portrait painter Fiona Graham-Mackay. Lee passed away in 2021 at the age of 79.

Reviews

[Koit · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was very easy for me to pick up another volume of 'This Sceptred Isle' as I absolutely adored the general historical collections I went through earlier this year. The one doubt I had was to do with this one's name: "Dynasties". I thought that though the Plantagenets and Windsors have their charms, it might not be that interesting. Firstly, I was mistaken -- this deals with the common(er) dynasties (and the people who have actually been influential), and secondly, it was very interesting indeed to go through the stories of so many families.

If I had to think of a gripe, I could bring up that as so many of the stories (did not count but definitely more than three or four) went past several similar episodes, we hear about Edward II's failed rule quite a few times indeed. The internecine 16th century has a similar effect, especially the early period of Elizabeth's rule with several prominent families featured throughout this time. That said, repetition is they key to remembering and it wasn't done to the point I would be tired of it; just very close.

The way these dynasties stretched into the 19th century, however, was generally a very thrilling story and the quirks they took up on the way made the people memorable. The quips between the Howard Duke of Norfolk and James II, on their respective fathers, were an especially good reminder of that though some of these families (say the Despencers) were relatively consistent in policy, others were definitely not.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this to interested parties, even if general history is not your cup of tea (but, say, you like a good story) though some background knowledge does come in handy at times.

Originally published here.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always loved the traditional Sceptered Isles, featuring the British monarchs and their times, and thought this would be a good ‘runner up’. I actually think this was even better, showing some of the traditional ‘big events’ from British history from a slightly different angle. The families selected were spot on - all the main ones you would expect, and a few I hadn’t heard of before but who have wielded an unexpected amount of power. The early medieval period I thought was especially well done. If I were to come up with a gripe, it’s that I think the women in these families have been overlooked a bit, particularly Sarah Churchill, who I’d expected more on. Nevertheless, a really interesting read.

[Claire Biggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading into the history, intrigues, twists and turns of long established families through the ages and the triumphs and disasters that plagued the familes