An Age of Kings

Henry IV, Part 2: The Road to Shrewsbury

70 min

The Percy family, Henry Bolingbroke's chief allies in deposing and murdering Richard II, have been cheated of their just rewards and now plot to overthrow the King. Worcester, the architect of their rebellion, arranges a meeting in Wales to decide how Great Britain will be divided among them. The King's army, part of it commanded by Prince Hal, marches westward to encounter the rebels. Even Sir John Falstaff receives a commission and marches off to join the battle at Shrewsbury. (Covers Act 3 S1—conclusion)

Henry IV, Part 3: The New Conspiracy

60 min

The rebellion promoted by the Percy family against their former ally King Henry IV has been heavily crushed at Shrewsbury. The rebels were weakened by the defection of the armies promised them by Northumberland and Owen Glendower, and greatly outnumbered by the King's forces. Their leader, the gallant Hotspur, has been killed in single combat with Prince Hal. Conflicting rumours reach Warkworth in Northumberland, where the Earl is eagerly waiting for news of the battle and of his son. (Covers 2 Henry IV Acts 1 & 2)

Henry IV, Part 4: Uneasy Lies the Head

75 min

The burdens of kingship and of failing health weigh heavily upon Henry IV. After his victory at Shrewsbury, he has to organise a new campaign against the northern rebels. Disappointed in Prince Hal, who returns to his customary low haunts in London, the King sends his younger son, John of Lancaster, to negotiate with the rebel leaders. Falstaff journeys to Gloucestershire to muster recruits, and there falls in with an acquaintance, a simple country Justice, Master Shallow. (Covers 2 Henry IV Act 3 S1—conclusion)

Henry V, Part 1: Signs of War

60 min

The final defeat of the northern rebels marked the conclusion of the eight troubled years of Henry IV's reign. With the accession of Henry V, a new age has begun. Falstaff and his riotous companions have been banished from Court. The first public act of the young King has been to summon Parliament and consider ways of distracting his subjects from civil strife. Being advised of his right by succession, Henry now resolves to lay claim to the French throne. (Covers Henry V Acts 1–3)

Henry V, Part 2: The Band of Brothers

60 min

Henry V's first public act after his accession was to lay claim to the French throne and to the hand of the French princess. When the Dauphin scornfully rejected these claims, the King and his army embarked at Southampton for France and captured the port of Harfleur. Now, marching inland on the road from Calais, they are confronted by an army that heavily outnumbers their own sick and weary forces. (Covers Act 4—conclusion)

Henry VI, Part 1: The Red Rose and the White

60 min

The English victory at Agincourt confirmed Henry V as an outstanding military leader and a greatly loved King. The ensuing treaty with France and Henry's marriage to Princess Katherine promised both kingdoms a long period of peace and prosperity. But Henry V died young, leaving an infant son behind him in the protectorship of his brothers Bedford and Gloucester. War now flares up again in France; and at home, leaderless nobles revive their disastrous quarrel about the rightful succession. (Covers a heavily condensed version of 1 Henry VI)

Henry VI, Part 2: The Fall of a Protector

60 min

After Henry V's death his French conquests were soon lost. His brothers, Bedford and Gloucester, were appointed Protectors of the baby Henry VI. The leaderless nobles revived their old quarrels, siding with Lancaster or York, and choosing red or white roses as their emblems. (Covers 2 Henry VI Act 1–3 S1)

Henry VI, Part 3: The Rabble from Kent

60 min

(Covers 2 Henry VI Act 3 S2—conclusion)

Henry VI, Part 4: The Morning's War

60 min

After the murder of Humphrey of Gloucester, the Duke of Suffolk, banished for his part in the crime, was executed by pirates during his journey into exile. Soon afterwards a murderous rabble from Kent invaded London at the instigation of the Duke of York. (Covers 3 Henry VI Acts 1–3 S2)