Of all Shakespeare’s plays, perhaps none is stranger than “Macbeth”— a parable on power rife with supernatural elements. But according to texts from the 11th century, this tragedy has its roots in reality. What’s more, other accounts...

The Sound! The Fury! Today, we're talking about Shakespeare's Scottish play, Macbeth. So, was Macbeth really predestined to do all the murdering and bad kinging and other terrible stuff? That's the big question in Macbeth, and it's one...

The English Civil War. We'll talk about England after Elizabeth, in which things didn't go that smoothly. We'll talk about James I, Charles I, Oliver Cromwell, Charles II, and James II, all of whom ruled England, (and tried to rule all...

"The Tempest" by William Shakespeare is a captivating play that delves into themes of magic, power, and the nature of storytelling. Through the character of Prospero, Shakespeare explores the parallels between the world of the play and...

Pupil outcome: I can explain how language has been used to describe the witches in Act 1, Scene 3 of ‘Macbeth’. Key learning points: - The witches could be interpreted as being presented as genderless - The witches' non-conformity to...

Pupil outcome: I can understand the conventions of a comedy play and describe the plot of ‘The Tempest’. Key learning points: - Shakespeare's company was supported by King James I which meant Shakespeare would likely want to appeal to...

Pupil outcome: I can integrate context skilfully into my written analysis on 'Othello'. Key learning points: - Context refers to the historical, social, literary and biographical. - Context should not be presented as isolated facts or...

Pupil outcome: I can understand the concept of guilt and begin to reflect on its significance in 'Macbeth'. Key learning points: - Guilt is an uncomfortable feeling with the purpose of aligning one with their moral compass. - The theme...

English Bible Translations Family Tree

This video is answering the question of who watched Shakespeare's plays.

Who Would Be Jacobite King of the UK Today?

Virginia and West Virginia: two states with basically the same name, existing right next to each other, but with completely independent state governments, laws and, today, even political leanings. But at one point, these two states were...

Kings and queens wield a lot of power - and sometimes, they let that power go to their heads. Just look at the petty figures of historical royalty who started wars over minor slights, or publicly snubbed people for upsetting them. Queen...

Learn about the Gunpowder Plot of the 5th of November and Guy Fawkes, one of the plotters who helped plan the attack on the British Parliament.

Learn about the tumultuous life of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots from her upbringing as a future queen to her imprisonment at the hands of Queen Elizabeth.

Unicorns are all over the place in popular culture these days - movies, TV shows, toys, clothing and books for children and adults alike. But you might be interested to learn that the majestic, all-white horse with a spiralized horn on...

Dr. Forrester tells about Pocahontas, Captain John Smith, and Captain John Rolfe.

Mr. Griot shares a brief biography of William Shakespeare and discusses his contributions to the genre of drama.

Mr. Griot shares a brief biography of William Shakespeare and discusses his contributions to the genre of drama.

This video examines the significance of witches in Shakespeare's Macbeth, highlighting how King James I's fascination with witchcraft influenced the inclusion of witches in the play. It explores the historical context of witch hunts in...

This video explores how Shakespeare's use of Scottish history, particularly the reign of King James VI, influenced the narrative and themes in Macbeth. It delves into the historical backdrop of Scotland during Shakespeare's time, the...

The premise of the play Hamlet mirrors the real-life events of King James of Scotland, whose father was murdered, his mother remarried the murderer, and he was later compelled to take revenge. Though not necessarily a direct influence on...

This video recounts the Battle of Ogrim, a pivotal engagement in the Williamite conflict in Ireland. It describes the strategic maneuvers, fierce fighting, and ultimately the decisive victory of the Williamite forces over the Jacobites....

This video explores the history of coronations in Scotland and England, highlighting key moments such as the union between the two countries. It discusses the changes in coronation rituals, oaths, and languages used, showcasing how...