Who Was The Best English Monarch? David Mitchell Rates The Royals!

Who was the worst King and Queen of England? What made a King or Queen successful?
In this video, comedian and author of 'Unruly: A History of England's King and Queens', David Mitchell, sits down with historian Dan Snow to explore how England's monarchs, while acting as feared rulers firmly guiding their subjects' destinies, were in reality a bunch of lucky sods who were mostly as silly and weird in real life as they appear today in their portraits.
Taking us right back to King Arthur (spoiler: he didn't exist), David and Dan discuss the founding story of post-Roman England right up to the reign of Elizabeth I (spoiler: she dies).
It's a tale of narcissists, inadequate self-control, excessive beheadings, middle-management insurrection, uncivil wars, and at least one total Cnut, as the population evolved from having their crops nicked by the thug with the largest armed gang to bowing and paying taxes to a divinely anointed king.
How this happened, who it happened to and why it matters in modern Britain are all questions David answers with brilliance, wit and the full erudition of a man who once studied history - and won't let it off the hook for the mess it's made.
We hope you enjoy this hilarious conversation!
Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free exclusive podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsely, Mary Beard and more. Watch, listen and read history wherever you are, whenever you want it. Available on all devices: Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, Roku, Xbox, Chromecast, and iOs & Android.
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#historyhit #kingsandqueens #davidmitchell

[@RemoteEars]

A David Mitchell history rant? All my interests align

[@caitlinb]

And he narrates the Unruly audio book! I've never made a audio book purchase faster

[@janeaustenist]

Love David Mitchell!

[@13thcentury]

I strongly suggest he goes back to school, and acquires an 11 plus level of history. Absolute cringe.

[@WyattRyeSway]

Oh I have to buy it now! I love David Mitchell. I’m an American and you can’t find him on TV here, which is sad! Sometimes our TV and movies suck because the Brits have the funniest most talented guys.

[@BumMcFluff]

Any facts to back that up?@@13thcentury

[@wordtothewise9723]

I loved his take on the British invading France. "A burglar often find himself outnumbered in the house he's burgling, but that doesn't make him plucky."

[@wargey3431]

mind you the french did change the law of inheritance to stop Edward being king so its a bit like the brother arriving with a smaller force of men against a larger force to capture a farm he believed his even though the butler said it went to the other cousin

[@Trebor74]

​@@wargey3431he was the legitimate heir. That's the whole point. But points get ignored by certain people

[@thomasdequincey5811]

Do you know what that actually means? 'Cause I don't. To me, it sounds like he's afraid of hurting "France's" feelings and doesn't want to be cancelled.

[@wordtothewise9723]

@@thomasdequincey5811 I doubt it. That's not David Mitchell's style. He has a talent for taking constructive and truthful point of view, and arguing his case superbly.

[@drachna]

​@@Trebor74A ruler who doesn't live in the country they claim to rule is never going to be recognised as legitimate by a sizable amount of the population.

[@ArcCushion]

This is the most comfortable I've seen David in any interview, ever.

[@grahamstrouse1165]

I know, right? 😁

[@lindarockafellow5058]

He was great on Graham Norton. What a package... historian with a sense of humor!

[@blondie9422]

His whole face is lit up 😂 Bless him ❤

[@Outside85]

He is worried that the (ancient) QI 'teachers pet' fanfare will sound at any moment.

[@mr.purple7816]

I can't express why I find so much joy in seeing a celebrity of comedy (like Mitchell) or from any field, showing that they have deep interest in another field, like history, philosophy, or physics.

[@grahamstrouse1165]

UK comics tend to be pretty cerebral. Not all of them, mind you, but if you were trying to put together a curriculum & you were short on teachers you could probably put together a decent lineup from The Edinburgh Fringe, last week’s panel shows & Taskmaster.

[@DanielVerberne]

I find myself wishing some of these wonderful individuals were my real-life friends. David Mitchell would make a fascinating addition to almost any occasion.

[@jennytmaher]

History is what David Mitchell has a degree in.

[@grahamstrouse1165]

@@DanielVerberneSame!

[@oliverchambers2544]

@@jennytmaher but that's all ancient history now!

[@rebecca-georgiawood8947]

Idk, something about David saying “sometimes history just happens to you and there’s nothing you can do when your a victim of it” Been having a rough time lately but this really just hit me in the feels today

[@johnhiscott-walsh5198]

👍

[@timburdsey]

Hope everything’s Ok now, Rebecca. Keep your chin up. 👍🏻 Hope you get back on your feet and can enjoy making your own history. 😊

[@curiousman3655]

In a rough patch atm. Hope ur okay and we will make it out

[@shentser01]

Hope you’re feeling a bit better soon Rebecca

[@sethshaffer681]

If you're a fan of the ONLY correct way to interpret history, Historical Materialism, you'll find that this is the case for every single human that's ever lived from the grandest emperor down to the lowliest slaves and prisoners. Some individuals just happen to have a hold onto more of the reigns of the thing to move a bit more of the resources, influence and power towards their own direction.

[@Simian-bz7zo]

I could quite happily sit in a corner and listen to Dan and David talk about history for hours.

[@funkophone]

They play well off of each other.

[@lindala2602]

Yes, this video is much much to short

[@thehearingaid]

It's a shame i missed him at Cheltnam lit fest.

[@-Blackberry]

I like how they dont dumb it down, they're just enjoying talking about interesting facts of different kings without patronising the audience having to explain the context behind every little thing.

[@doctor_gibbo1392]

Chance would be a fine thing. A very fine thing indeed.

[@swaffelkonijn5166]

I really like David Mitchell the comedian, but as someone who also has a MA in history it is really cool to also see something of David Mitchell the Cambridge history graduate.

[@joedwyer3297]

Yeah hes not just a one dimensional funny posh guy getting bullied by Lee Mack and as much as I enjoy that I also enjoy him speaking about the Subject which hes passionate about

[@oisinquinn9469]

Ancient history

[@louisetrott5532]

Agreed. I have a PhD in Old Norse, and I loved this interview.

[@lindabarry7867]

What is the name of the book? You mean the one on the shelf just to your right? Just pick up the book, say the author’s name and the book’s title and say goodbye. I mean, we can see the book right there.

[@ripdbtpoo1441]

Why do you awful people who comment always talk about yourselves ? "I, who have a degree..." There are quite a few out there, sir, but are we not here to discuss Mr Mitchell's book ?

[@EleanorPeterson]

My late mum was a keen historian and named me after Eleanor of Aquitaine (Queen of England from 1154 to 1189). As a monarch she was reputedly somewhat less than awful; I have based my life on striving to be somewhat less than awful. It's something to work towards.😁

[@patwilson2546]

Eleanor was an amazing person. Just too much to say about her in an internet comment. Anybody interested in early Norman England absolutely must look into her.

[@peartree460]

Keep strivin. I have, in this later stage of life, achieved the right amount of awfulness.* Excluding wedding parties with free wine after 11:43 p.m. (im still working on that😂😂😂

[@benbeasant3443]

It's a beautiful name regardless

[@Silver_Owl]

It's a lovely name.🙂If I'd had a daughter, I would also have called her Eleanor. (I have sons.)

[@ripdbtpoo1441]

Yes, but here we're talking about Mitchell and the monarchs of England and Britain, not about you. There's too much of this.

[@-Blackberry]

Glad he is taking time to cover the Anglo-Saxon kings, I always find it weird how many make out that English history starts at 1066.

[@robtyman4281]

It actually starts before this, but the Normans were very efficient at getting rid of alot of the symbols, traditions, and way of life of Anglo-Saxon England. They essentially tried to 'erase' it from history. I think I've finally realised after all these years that the Normans very much saw 1066 as a 'year zero' .....in mych the same way Pol Pot did in Cambodia in 1975. We need a reappraisal on William the Conqueror, as we've got him all wrong. If anything, he was worse than the Vikings. At least they didn't try to destroy all vestiges of Anglo-Saxon England. Because remember Britain wasn't created until 1707! I think we celebrate William the Conqueror in the wrong way. Far from being a saviour figure, he was an even more ruthless ruler (and killer) than Henry VIII.

[@-Blackberry]

@robtyman4281 Yeah he was a genocidal psycho, in a time when that wasn't very unusual he still stands out. The Anglo-Saxon nobility was pretty much completely replaced, the harrying of the north was devastating. However, one thing they were never able to wipe out was our language, which carried on through the common people. A hostile elite can never truly eradicate the culture of a people when they remain in high enough numbers at least. Ironically a result in later centuries was the french speaking ruling class finally had to embrace an English identity in opposition to the French enemy and the English kin had the last laugh imo with their language consigned to immortality all the way into our day, albiet altered considerably throughout the centuries.

[@zapkvr]

And I. Most peculiar

[@jonbaxter2254]

Yeah, English literally mean "Land of the Angles" who arrived in the 5th century!

[@gerardodwyer5908]

​@@-BlackberryTrue, the Germanic Anglo Saxon Anglishe identity did rebound through inter-marriage with the Franco Normans. Although, only the French language, not German, remains on the front cover of the modern British passport.

[@glassberg5018]

David Mitchell is one of the greatest entertainers of the last 50 years and I will watch anything he makes.

[@numberonedad]

i love mitchell but the viking/covid analogy is something mark would come up with

[@sealand4950]

He did business studies @@numberonedad

[@rimstieskorsakovs]

@glassberg5018 i absolutely concur.

[@chunkylover48]

* David Mitchell sits on jar *

[@newtexan1]

“Upstart Crow” is a brilliant series.

[@jakewilliamson8807]

"They were all right bastards basically" is an amazing opening line

[@MusikCassette]

true but Billy the Bastard was an unusual nasty one

[@livethefuture2492]

I love the comparisons to gangsters, cuz in a way that's basically what politics at this time was...

[@invisibleman4827]

"The standard of conduct is woefully below what we'd expect even of Hollywood." Bravo, sir! 😂👏

[@carolefreeman2544]

I purchased the Audiobook of Unruly by David Mitchell and I am enjoying listening to David narration of his book. Not only is it interesting but it’s hilarious too! ❤🇨🇦🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@CarlinConnolly]

you've just given me an idea for xmas!

[@user-qy2kw9kx3o]

Oh that’s great to hear. Thanks

[@tuibabbington4869]

I just bought the e-reader version, never thought of the audio...heading off for a road trip tomorrow, I know what we will be listening too now. 😉

[@tommonk7651]

I got it as well. Looking forward to listening to it soon....

[@SDRDS96169]

It would be but it's gotta be better to read the lines with his voice in our heads at our own pace so we don't get distracted along the way with our own thoughts constructions, better concentration level etc reading format, to me that is

[@danaglabeman6919]

I'm SO glad to hear someone who knows what they're talking about put the blame for the English loss at Hastings in the right spot. The number of times I've heard somebody talked about how they lost because they were tired from marching across England after defeating Hadrada...no. David Mitchell gets it. Harold knew how the Normans fought, he knew they'd feign a retreat, he warned his men to hold the line unless he personally ordered them to break formation, and then they fell for the fake retreat and broke their line to pursue. Twice. Being "tired from marching" had nothing to do with it. You don't hold an infantry line against the greatest calvalry in Europe for 7 hours if you're too tired to fight a battle. They fell for the act, even though the boss had warned them about that exact trick.

[@thepebblesexplore83]

You can’t say it had NOTHING to do with it. But it wasn’t the catalyst.

[@eddieharris6004]

Were you there?....

[@tonyharrison2112]

I've literally never heard anyone ever say that hastings was lost because they were tired from marching. I've heard it mentioned as to say that it was incredibly impressive to fight one battle and then almost immediately turn heel after victory and go and fight to defend another invasion. But the supported theory that I've only ever heard in regards to pinning down The Anglo Saxons defeat was because they thought they'd won and the army split and William siezed the oportunity and segmented the Anglo Saxons until they were cut down root and stem.

[@mrtoothless]

The grownups are talking, sit down.@@eddieharris6004

[@debse.7286]

No, I think fighting then marching a hundred miles would have a negative effect. But most of all, they shouldn't have fought the army so soon at all. They were defending and should have had all the advantage of knowledge of terrain, supplies and locals on their side (I presume). William the conqueror, defeated much larger French armies twice using strategy and keeping his people under tight control. He lured the invaders in and waited until they were vulnerable. Harold had every advantage and still lost. Unless, of course, he wasn't as popular in England as we are led to believe...

[@Fitaroy]

The first thing to note when discussing Unruly: A History of England's Kings and Queens by David Mitchell is an acknowledgement that their era was so completely different from our own that almost all cultural, political and, particularly, business parallels we draw between the two eras are bound, by their very nature, to be wrong.

[@AnjaliSingh-ks1gf]

SURELY Business Secrets of the Pharaohs is due a reprint?

[@sethshaffer681]

@@AnjaliSingh-ks1gf My favorite quote " Some say that whipping your slaves 40 times a day works for getting the best results. However, kindness goes a long way and I've found that reducing it to 35 really adds to the production speed of building my pyramid."

[@bobblehat6603]

This seems a rather curious comment to post on a History Hit, given that the pyramids were built by elite, skilled artisans, rather than slaves, therefore your favourite quote has absolutely no basis in historical fact.@@sethshaffer681

[@tessie1033]

😂😂

[@RonniePickaring]

That's elementary.

[@maartineriksson]

David's points about the vikings and covid at ~ 1:45 is perfectly on point: There is nothing scarier to us humans, than accepting that things just happen for no reason other than coincidence and chance. We always try to build a connection to something else as a reason to it, instead of realizing it just... happened.

[@vaguelyright6833]

Shit happens?

[@beedubree2550]

same reason we get conspiracy theories, at least the milder ones like 9/11 or Titanic truthers, I have no idea how people wind up at the "Earth is flat and vaccines will make you a gay communist" stage

[@kennethlauer4735]

It's even worse when you consider the people advising us through COVID were the ones funding it's research in the first place.

[@markpower9081]

@@kennethlauer4735 I'd expect health authorities to advise on public health, and also to research it.

[@monkeydude9192]

​@@markpower9081Research wasn't the best way to say it. Directly and deliberately creating it is much more accurate.

[@rebel.taylord]

I wish this was an hour, 29 minutes is too short. I can listen to David talk about anything, he is so intelligent, articulate and funny!

[@thethirdrichard7787]

honestly his comment about how yes they're all horrible, but the "good ones" are those who maintained stability and didn't play favorites sold me on the book! *immediately goes to the chapter about RIII* not bad!

[@sorrysirmygunisoneba]

Richard the 3rd was the King we needed but got robbed of.

[@thethirdrichard7787]

@@sorrysirmygunisoneba I have to agree!

[@phillydelphia8760]

Completely agree! Far too many people have no idea about his policies and ideas he wanted to put in place for the rights of the average person.

[@thethirdrichard7787]

When I looked into how he conducted himself as a good Lord in the north, I realized he needed allies in the South (London) and just didn't have the powerbase to transfer from the north during his kingship. Such a shame, because He probably would have been one of the more stable kings. I always wonder what would have happened if he got to go through with his planned second marriage for himself and Elizabeth of York. @@phillydelphia8760

[@wargey3431]

@@phillydelphia8760 mind you he didnt mind murdering kids henry IV was arguably a very good king didnt launch any major wars put down the rebellions got rid of a bloodthirsty bastard was quite an able administrator richard 1st was arguably a very good administrator but got embroiled in his crusades and wars with france and his brother in all likelyhood byzantium wouldnt have collapsed in 1204 if he was king of england big overlook with Henry VIIIth is his rule basically creates england until probably william of orange takes over division of some power to parliament power to an appointed council of advisors with skill not hereditary positions taxation systems the trained bands the royal navy the church of england parliament and empowerment of the burgers and their growth in power over the nobility

[@steffantherock]

A very clever man making history more interesting and easier to understand with his comedy and vast knowledge. David Mitchell is a national treasure.

[@ripdbtpoo1441]

Argh, that boring overused expression again !

[@AK47_ASH]

Incredible if only David Mitchell did his own history podcast

[@Trebor74]

Please,no

[@dh7314]

@@Trebor74it wouldn’t be compulsory to listen to it

[@kaiserjoe2316]

Imagine David Mitchell on whizz. I give you Lindybeige.😄

[@bigcat3596]

hell of an interview by dan snow, always so refreshing to see two people who care about history talk about what interests them

[@nathanthomson1931]

As a History teacher, I wish I could just conduct my classes like a David Mitchell rant lol. Unfortunately, there are standards and practices and the like 🙄

[@Prof.Pwnalot]

As a History teacher you should take a lot more pride in your conductings than David does. His book is a reposting of events, that you can find on most history sites. It's nothing new and hardly anything deep delved. Plus he just isn't very funny when intellectual. You however and speaking on behalf of myself, real fans of history want indepth, accounts, events, and some facts that aren't easy to learn or find. David didn't put much effort into his book, historically speaking and especially information wise. Comedy wise, king of rants, however time and a place, and despite blowing david out the water, there's a time and a place and he's simply un-engaging I'd be fucking pissed if I was a student of yours and you went on a rant. I want to learn not fuck around, can do that any other time of the day. David lacks intellectual prowess. Being an author when it's mostly reformatted words and copy pasted info exerts is nothing to be proud of / admire.

[@nathanthomson1931]

@Prof.Pwnalot omg the rant you just went on because I said I enjoy his style of farcical conversation and said I wish I could teach my classes like that... who asked you!?

[@CaptainGrimes1]

​@@nathanthomson1931don't be rude

[@kylehurlburt6114]

​@Prof.Pwnalot I think you suck. So there is plenty of disliking others ranting to go around.

[@Flooding474]

@@CaptainGrimes1lol

[@user-qt4qp6bj1q]

He's not even joking, and I'm smiling the whole time. We are lucky to have you David.

[@arliafrink3043]

When David talks of how Henry VIII won at being a king if his goal was to create interesting content, I about died laughing, because I suddenly pictured HRH as a social media influencer creating content 🤣😂 Love David Mitchell's work!

[@fatbadboy329]

A bit like Trump with the presidency if you think about it, doesn't it?

[@argusfleibeit1165]

@@fatbadboy329 Is that what happened? They elected a content creator, instead of someone who actually cared about trying to properly run the government? Everything was just for "likes", and to attract advertisers? It all make so much more sense now.

[@user-fj3zv1yt1y]

HRH is twitter but it keeps banning itself.

[@elvisjames]

I'm a 35 y/o African-American listening to this on south beach Miami beach, That tickles me

[@andreaandrea6716]

Wow.

[@MotionMcAnixx]

I'm in suburban Sydney reading your comment.

[@alexanderg1935]

This is genuinely one of the coolest comments I've read. I just love the contrast. It's like Miami Vice meets Wolf Hall.

[@andreaandrea6716]

@@alexanderg1935 Hilarious. And apt!

[@keepitsteel1993]

You could say this is your.. Miami Vice. I'll..get my coat

[@Baegitte]

David Mitchell and HH is the collab we never expected, but now always need

[@samuelgarrod8327]

The comment we never needed but always expected.

[@Baegitte]

@@samuelgarrod8327 lol fair enough

[@fredhasopinions]

ohhh don't make this comment when in germany

[@rsr789]

@@fredhasopinions Wouldn't that be AH and not HH?

[@fredhasopinions]

@@rsr789 I was thinking of “Heil…”, but u right

[@StephenTatlock]

david is obviously so passionate about this period of history, it's so interesting to listen to his thoughts. thanks for having him on!!

[@harrisonrawlinson5650]

I recently went to the Bayeux tapestry and it was very interesting to see the Norman perspective of Harold Godwinson compared to what I’d always heard about him. Then I went to Battle a few days later and seeing the perspective in an English museum was a stark contrast. I think that’s part of what makes history so interesting

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Congratulations to David on his new book! 🎉

[@KairuDeLarge]

I've never clicked on a recommended video so quickly. I love David so much.

[@snufkinhollow318]

I must confess that Dan Snow wasn't among my favourite historians until History Hit took off and now he is. David Mitchell always makes me laugh with his 'history rants' but I love the way he puts different, intelligent perspectives forward at the same time. This combination of two people who are passionate about history but also incredibly entertaining has produced one of my favourite history videos in a long time. Thank you.

[@TehScareM8]

Interestingly I'm the same, maybe it's something about working for television with more constraints and procedures whereas Dan can let loose a bit more on youtube.

[@snufkinhollow318]

@@TehScareM8 That's a very good point, Long may it continue!

[@bovisjeaks]

I love David Mitchell. I wish there were more people around that speak as well as he does about absolutely anything. Top bloke.

[@dalemevans]

Yes and none of that cod S. Fry coyness

[@conwaysmith9167]

Its always a pleasure when two different public personalities who I follow for very different reasons do collaborations together. Great video!

[@johnkitchen4699]

As an Englishman living in America, where my grandchildren live, I decided to write a poem on the history of England for their ‘education’. The research was transformational as far as my knowledge of the detail was concerned. To my delight, I found Messrs Mitchell and Snow were very much in line with the content of said poem, and in an enjoyable way. I feel this discussion will reinforce their understanding in an entertaining way. Thank you.

[@Active_Sun_Particles]

We, the terra firma English, command you to share this piece.

[@Mattyboyzie]

Show us the poem broooo

[@devyanilimaye8560]

Interested to read the piece

[@gemh89]

Yup, Scot here concurring, out with the poem

[@alexsilva-vn7jc]

Could you adopt me as an extra grandchild please?

[@steveshaw6799]

What a superb conversation. Thanks Dan and David!

[@ghostlyamy]

10 minutes in and i've already bought the book. david mitchell's writing greatly balances informative and funny

[@kateliias1838]

What a fun video! Loved listening to these two. I feel like I learned more from them in this little video than I have in other long form documentaries.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Omg both of them are such a delight 👏🏽 P.S. What an interesting Tier Ranking video.

[@vonvard9765]

Two absolute Gents. I feel blessed watching this

[@piccalillipit9211]

I cant stand Dan Snow. Married the Duke of Westminster's daughter and used her money to dominate and crowd out the historical KZbin and Podcast arena whilst making a massive loss until everyone either went bust or worked for him. Leaving him to clean up.

[@d8o8m8]

I love his book, Business secrets of the Pharos. It was a challenging read as the text went into the binding.

[@bruhbruhrza4925]

That wasn't his fault, that was a publishing error by British London and they even spelt his name wrong.

[@cosmicswan1922]

What a fantastic and fascinating look inside the mind of David Mitchell!!!… I hope to hear his new book ‘unruly’ on audio as I love to listen to books while sowing , solo walks and pottering around the house and it’s also great to listen to when winding down at the end of the day!!!… Can’t wait to hear/ read David’s work!!!

[@AJC508]

I live quite near to Château Gaillard (Les Andelys, France … look it up). To think that this was the place that the balance of power in Europe shifted forever, and to be able to visit it still, is fabulous. The village where I live actually used to be Norman territory and there is a marker stone for the boundary between France and old Normandy about 7k from here. History, when made interesting, never goes away.

[@xenotypos]

Technically, Normandy was always inside the kingdom of France, so I assume it was the limit between Normandy and the domain controlled by the king. France was a heavily decentralized kingdom, so many duchies, counties etc... were at some point or another de facto independent. But not de jure.

[@nichollelindner]

Wonderful to hear David Mitchell talk about British history and the resulting politics. Loved his hilarious show “Ambassadors” and wish he’d do more episodes. 😂

[@HELLutek]

I dont know how this popped up on my homepage, but it was a great watch, lovely to see david being passionate about a subject, and the host was 10/10 :) thank you

[@katfromthekong414]

"It used to be vikings, now it's sewage." 😂😂 I love how David Mitchell's mind works!

[@SomeThingOrMaybeAnother]

I appreciate him diverting the conversation from that landmine.

[@mitzloo1933]

I'm not sure I ever felt more simpatico with a character than I did with Mark Corrigan. I would have loved to hear Mitchell's take on Richard III, but this was delightful!

[@kurtmac]

Well considering that Richard III reigned for only two years, barely a footnote when it comes to English monarchs, but we should be grateful to him for being so awful that he ushered in the House of Tudor!

[@margo3367]

I was waiting to hear about him too.

[@ImpossiblePinwheel]

Simpatico normalo or simpatico maximus?

[@jmwilliamsart]

@@kurtmacRichard III probably wasn’t as horrible as the Tudors would have us believe.

[@guyharandonmusic]

@@jmwilliamsart True, he lowered taxes massively and wanted to intoduce equal education throughout the country. The Tudors definitely did him dirty!

[@thetinmanify]

Finally a Business Secrets of the Pharaohs interview!

[@jeffwhitehead7990]

“THe Holy Hand Grenade” on the book cover is perfect.

[@ashleymason4471]

he's absolutely beaming the whole interview

[@JohnDoe-px4ko]

Totally agree with David about the Normans and the Tudors.

[@rickrudd]

I think Henry VII's life was nothing short of amazing. Never knew a moment's peace.

[@balabanasireti]

Cool, that means that I don't care about you either

[@yohojones]

Love David! I hope he contributes more to History Hit.

[@obscurazone]

More of this please! A perfect duo! Can we have a series, thanks.

[@tomwright4969]

"I'm doing it dad, I'm studying ancient history and there's not a thing you can do about it!!"

[@pmuk4]

love David's enthusiasm for the subject, bought the audio book of this interview alone!

[@MrChalac]

Awesome! Would love to see more David Mitchell on the channel!

[@MTMMoonlight]

I love this type of format, no BS just a great convocation!

[@annaclarke7643]

I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation. Please do something like this again.

[@Scraggledust]

Always enjoy the discourse and always learn a tidbit I haven’t heard before❤ literally taking photos of the monarch butterfly while listening to a discussion about monarchs 👑 🦋 Ty and all have a weekend that’s above average 😉

[@mohammedosman4902]

this is a great discussion. I love both David Mitchell and Dan Snow

[@dh7314]

This is genuinely amazing. This would be an excellent spin-off podcast

[@darlagoebel5221]

This video was so interesting and amusing! I bought David’s audiobook and it did not disappoint.

[@caitlinb]

Thank you for sharing this interview! I just purchased the audio book of Unruly. Thanks for all the laughs, David!

[@adam_p99]

What a great mix, the viewpoint of this brilliantly funny mind and British history. More please!!

[@reppinTV]

Would love to see more of David and Dan just talking about history

[@Sue474]

I'm reading "Unruly" at the moment. Thoroughly enjoying it, as it combines my two favourite things, which are history and humour.

[@horatio50000]

That was a great interview! More like this please and thank you 😀

[@dreamcrusher112]

All good and reminded me that I am actually a historian. Emma's words are recorded through the Encomium published for her after her time in exile, designed to legitimise Edward and Harthacnut while delegitimising Harefoot who was king before, and had killed one of her sons already. It is an excellent source and I wrote extensively using it at Univeristy. A great primary source.

[@rosgill6]

This is the kind of thing im happy to see in my suggestions. Love David!

[@barbarabaker3056]

Very interesting and enjoyable. I liked the mentioning of Athelstan, Edward the Elder and Emma. They are too often overlooked.

[@tonisiret5557]

David could do documentaries as well as Starkey, Wood, Robinson & Snow. Let him come forth! 👏🏼

[@coloneljackmustard]

And don't forget the Jew Schama!

[@RalphBrooker-gn9iv]

Like an angelic horde :)

[@parkerbrown-nesbit1747]

​@@coloneljackmustardwhat does Schama's being Jewish have to do with his writing?

[@Murdo2112]

@@parkerbrown-nesbit1747 Coloneljackmustard is probably Starkey's secret youtube account.

[@tommerker8063]

he could read the phone book and it would still be hilarious

[@doggowoof3411]

I got the book recently just cause of the cover and the fact it was written by David Mitchell. Happy I did it's really good I am not much of a history buff but this has got me interested. I hope he writes more

[@toniisaacson6282]

I heard this in the podcast first and have just found it on KZbin. So much fun to watch as well!!

[@andrewclayton4181]

That was Brilliant. I think David must have read the same books as I have, his opinions mesh with mine perfectly. The only difference is he is articulate enough to express them in a coherent way. His new book is definitely top of my Christmas list this year.

[@jordanbooth4470]

Cannot stress how much I enjoyed this conversation

[@wearwolf2500]

I like how much fun these two seem to be having with this conversation.

[@Eam0ndo]

Always great to hear David Mitchell talk about history and I as always, love his honesty in all accounts 😂

[@kariannecrysler640]

You two just made my day! Fun talk✌️💗🤘

[@jhb1493]

Delighted to see this and looking forward to receiving my hard copy from Waterstones, here across the pond! ❤🇨🇦🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@livethefuture2492]

This was endlessly entertaining! I would love to see a talk show just about 2 men cracking jokes nerding out about history like this! 😅

[@WestPat23]

One of the most enjoyable videos of the year, thank you

[@klackon1]

Surely Athelstan was the first recognised King of the English. He gave the combined Welsh, Irish, Scots and Viking armies a good kicking and was recognised both in England and continental Europe as King of the English. He was a much revered king, both at home and abroad.

[@andremaines]

What about King Arthur

[@-Blackberry]

@andremaines King Arthur was a legendary King of the Britons, following the depature of the Roman empire he fought against the Anglo-Saxon incursion, those who would become the English. So he is very much not an English king. Ironically and to confuse a lot English kings latched onto the legend because Arthurian stories were all the rage in the middle ages so everyone wanted to 'own' King Arthur.

[@nadialittle5821]

THIS!!!!!!!

[@tomben6180]

@@andremainesdidn’t exist and wasn’t English anyway

[@tomben6180]

If we can’t have Alfred, Athelstan is mine.

[@slightcontrol9155]

More David Mitchell please! I had to buy this book on my trip to London because we didn’t have it domestically in the states.

[@infin8ee]

I could listen to these two for hours. Great podcast. Please, give us more.

[@scriven-shafts]

I just finished the audiobook, which David narrates himself. It was lovely, I highly recommend it.

[@ineffablemars]

It’s really nice listening to david talk about things he clearly loves. I feel that way whenever listening to anyone talk about things they’re interested in.

[@sherrylandrum7901]

I feel like I’m watching an Anglo Saxon and a Viking talk to one another about their mutual past. Great conversation and very informative. Thanks!

[@benpriest1418]

Dan Snow got me into History as a kid, happy to have found this channel!

[@erika33648]

Reading Unruly. David… please write more history books!! Nobody writes them so humorously honestly like you do. Brilliant!!

[@skiker4560]

Favorite Ranting Comedian ☑️ History Hit ☑️ Sarcasm - Comedy - History ☑️ ❤❤❤ ☑️

[@xedwyn6244]

I’d love him to write a book someday on the rulers of Ancient Egypt and any cultural, political, and especially business parallels with our own era.

[@kellyharrison5184]

David is always a joy to listen to.

[@josephcollins6033]

Wow! This talk, this long approach of history, was fantastic!!!! MORE, PLEASE!!!!

[@yusaki8064]

I have been to Lindisfarne. I have also been to St Cuthbert’s island just off of Lindisfarne. A little island he would go on which at high tide is separated from the rest of the island. That really was social distancing. I also nicked a rock off the beach there cos it looked cool. 2:34

[@pureroadie]

still love his first book "Business secrets of the Pharaohs"

[@zapfanzapfan]

What a delightful conversation!

[@allisonbond3493]

I live opposite from you, in eastern Washington state. We get your bone searing heat, but also long stints below freezing. Trying to plan a blueberry patch, and your video is perfect timing. I lost three or four bb 2 years ago, and have been spending this year amending the soil for a second try. Clear, concise information, I love it.

[@vonvard9765]

Love you Dan, love you David. What a combo

[@shesaknitter]

Fascinating! I am now reading "The White Ship" by Charles Spencer (highly recommended) and I think next I'll read "Unruly," which has overlapping subject matter. Thank you very much!

[@overcomerbtbojesus]

I want to read that book myself i’m currently reading dan jones’s book about the Plantagenets and sharon kay penman’s novel about the anarchy - both great reads

[@howwwwwyyyyy]

Glad to hear David supporting Harold, the more you learn about him the more impressed you are, tragedy for England his loss

[@emellestan]

I fell into this KZbin rabbit hole and I’m so glad! Brilliant!

[@yourmammu]

Elizabeth I is the most interesting monarch for me and arguably the most effective there is. Imagine, being an unmarried woman, ruling a nation in the 16th century successfully, staying into power for a staggering 45 years and drag a kingdom from being a nobody to a worldwide powerhouse. Also her talent of collecting very competent and brilliant men to run the nation with her and protect her is also remarkable. She may not been a saint at all but let's face it, the world would've been soooo different if she have not ruled. She wasn't just a fantastic monarch, she was also a well-skilled and great-minded politician.

[@octavianpopescu4776]

Honestly, I agree with them: she is overrated. She was an extremely unpleasant person (e.g. what she did to Lady Katherine Grey showed how cruel, petty and vain she could be or what she did to the sailors after 1588 or how she lied about the English Counter-Armada which failed miserably, but conveniently no one talks about that). She governed based on her mood and I think the stability of the period is owed more to people like Cecil who had the skill to balance her randomness. I don't think she collected the competent people, as much as she got lucky. Monarchs didn't really have much of a choice who the nobility were. This is something her sister Mary discovered on day 1. She had to work with people who had declared her a bastard, but that was the nobility of the realm, that was who she had to work with. The people who turned England into a powerhouse were the Stuarts, not the Tudors. When she died, England had exactly 0 colonies. It was the Stuarts who started accruing territory with the first colonies in North America. Plus, she didn't start the exploration bit either... Edward VI and Mary I also promoted exploration, but again that is forgotten. However the Stuarts weren't as popular and so, a legend was built around Elizabeth, a legend which is basically a big lie. She was good, but not that good.

[@debse.7286]

@octavianpopescu4776 I think people say Elizabeth was changeable because she constantly changed her mind about suitors. Well of course she did. What else could she do? She knew it was really dangerous to get married. Look at how marriage turned out for every royal woman around her. But her court would accept a straight refusal. So she pretended and made excuses. As a woman the men around her would not accept straight commands. So she had to fight to do anything and use guile. It was incredible she even survived. She brought relative peace in a time of conflict.

[@octavianpopescu4776]

@@debse.7286 No, it wasn't just about suitors, she did it with a lot of other policies. People focus too much on her staying unmarried... I get that part for herself... speaking of which: why wouldn't she allow others to get married? Even her best friend, the Earl of Leicester married in secret. There was an entire epidemic of secret marriages, because she imposed her "Don't get married" policy on others. It wasn't just for herself. As for peace... the war that included the Spanish Armada episode lasted about 20 years and only ended after her death in a draw... And she failed in her most important duty: assuring the succession. Fact is, she never said who was her heir, she kept postponing it. You know what happened? After her death, the Council simply called the King of Scotland... they did it on their own. It was basically a coup that brought the Stuarts to power, because it wasn't grounded on any law. In fact, they broke some laws. The Council avoided a civil war then and cleaned up after her.

[@balabanasireti]

​@@octavianpopescu4776Nah

[@debse.7286]

@@octavianpopescu4776 I bet she thought if she said James was her heir, the courtiers would stop listening to her. Was there an alternative Protestant heir? I have not heard of one. I guess it was kind of embarrassing to say Mary Queen of Scots was the legitimate heir after killing her.