King and Conqueror

Unless I am completely bemused, the first episode includes the coronation of Edward the Confessor (although the actor looks nothing like any pictures of him) which was in 1043.

At that time, William (later Conqueror) would have been about 16; the actor playing him is 55! Although he doesn't look that old. 😀
Harold Godwinson was about 21. James Norton is 40.

Choosing a fifty something for the part of William means this William will be about 78 by the time of the Battle of Hastings.

Is it the BBC or am I right to be confused?

I gave up after ten minutes. It was so dark I thought there might be an issue with my screen. It was impossible to discern which faction was Norman and which the English.
I agree that '1066 And All That' is the best antidote to this mangled version of history. My dad gave it to me in my early teens and even my History teacher recommended it to the 6th form. It's time to introduce it to the next generation!

Oh dear, we watched the first episode! 🙄

Why do BBC programme makers meddle with what was an interesting period of history?
It was turbulent and exciting enough without changing it, changing dates to make it historically inaccurate and irritating.

I’m finding the History extra 4 part podcast very informative. It’s all so complicated with so many people trying to become king.

I don't know much about that period of history but I enjoyed the series....binged watched it all. Didn't like the actress playing Matilda though.

escaped

They're all a bit dodgy, aren't they, even the one in Flanders. Lots of back stabbing, literally, and scheming. Then some of them make up with each other for a bit, but only if it's in their interests. It's a timeless theme!

Much the same as we’ve had for centuries 😂

I'd forgotten Edgar Ætheling, proclaimed King but never crowned, so there were four Kings in 1066.

They're all a bit dodgy, aren't they, even the one in Flanders. Lots of back stabbing, literally, and scheming. Then some of them make up with each other for a bit, but only if it's in their interests. It's a timeless theme!

I might check online first before watching. Yes, DH did explain it but unless I see it written down I can't get fixed in my mind who is who (apart from the main characters) who married whom, who is someone's sister, aunt, uncle, cousin, step-mother, why they went to Denmark etc.

I did go to the beach where they landed once years ago.

I wonder who was forecasting the weather in those days?

MayBee70

I’m going to stick with it. Supposedly the first two episodes are just setting the scene and it gets better.

It couldn’t get much worse, or maybe it could 😂

rubysong

I'm enjoying it, despite having to tweak the sound from time to time and a lot of it taking place in the dark. I watched it with my tablet beside me to check who was who from time to time.

Well, of course, they didn't have electricity in those days

(I'll get me coat)

I was going to make a comment about the death of Edward’s mother, Emma, but it would risk a spoiler for those who haven’t persevered that far yet. All I will say is !

I watched the first two episodes, may persevere despite the darkness and confusion. Kept getting Harold and William mixed up.

A good article in my newspaper yesterday, analysing the adaptation, saying what they got right, what may have happened, what definitely didn't happen and what they got completely wrong. Think I shall have to keep it next to me while watching future episodes.

I’m going to stick with it. Supposedly the first two episodes are just setting the scene and it gets better.

I am usually excited about historical programmes but I turned this one off after 15 minutes.

the lead up to 1066
I agree, I'd not learnt much about all the background period to this.

Had quite a damning review on Must Watch, too. Interestingly they said a lot of younger people have started to use subtitles when they watch tv; possibly something to do with them reading their mobile phones all the time. Also said they’re quite good for young children learning to read. At least the series is making me read up on a period of history I didn’t know much about ie the lead up to 1066.

Oh dear, I'm glad I didn't waste time watching it. A pity as I'm another fan of James Norton.
So often these days, I find myself watching QVC because there's nothing new to watch.

I'm enjoying it, despite having to tweak the sound from time to time and a lot of it taking place in the dark. I watched it with my tablet beside me to check who was who from time to time.

We quite liked it.

petra

mabon2

I noticed a "clinker" boat, they were not built until the 1800s.

I don’t know where you got that ridiculous idea🤷‍♀️
What do you think the vikings were using.
I can only assume you are muddled with what a clinker boat is.

Live and learn!
Viking clinker boat

missdeke

Sussexborn I think all history pre recordable by camera or sound was always written down by people who see things from only one perspective. Unless we can actually see or hear what went on we can only take what we think is a more acceptable interpretation to us, think of Richard III, we'll never know what actually happened.

Allira I tried.

missdeke I made the mistake of asking DH and some time later my eyes had glazed over and I was thinking of tea and cake 😁
Although he does make it more interesting than Miss C. did at school.

mabon2

I noticed a "clinker" boat, they were not built until the 1800s.

I don’t know where you got that ridiculous idea🤷‍♀️
What do you think the vikings were using.
I can only assume you are muddled with what a clinker boat is.

Well, it can't be as ridiculous as 'The Tudors' - Henry VIII was on the verge of being anorexic and his famous red hair was conspicuous by it's absence. Historical accuracy was scarce too.

Totally underwhelmed. Historically inaccurate and absolutely ridiculous. Very disappointing.