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Metro
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
7 'captivating' period dramas on Amazon Prime that you can binge now
I think we can all agree that the modern world is frequently a busy and bewildering place. Is it any wonder, then, that period dramas have exploded in popularity in recent years as weary TV viewers seek some respite from buzzing phones, blinding lights, and busy brunch schedules? No, of course it's not. Who doesn't love a bit of Regency pomp, some medieval intrigue, or even 1920s glam? But where's the discerning TV fan supposed to find these shows? Well, Amazon Prime Video has a library crammed with enough historical dramas to keep even the most voracious TV binger busy. Here are the 7 Amazon Prime historical dramas to watch if you love Peaky Blinders For those who like their historical fantasy a bit more punk, I'd recommend My Lady Jane. Set in an alternate 16th-century England, the series imagines a world where Lady Jane Grey's brief reign as Queen (she ruled for just nine days before being overthrown by Queen Mary) wasn't so brief. Boasting an impressive 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, the series is a blast featuring thrilling court intrigue, scintillating romance, and even shape-shifting magical creatures (It's an alternate reality,y just roll with it). Is it any wonder fans have labelled the series the 'best show of 2024' or that George RR Martin has been asking Amazon to consider commissioning a second season? For a swashbuckling adventure, binge-watch Black Sails, a TV prequel to Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel Treasure Island. Set in the early 18th century, the historical drama follows the pirates of New Providence Island as they hunt for the Spanish shipwreck, Urca de Lima, to uncover treasures. If that's not enough to entice you, Tom Long of the Detroit News previously said of Black Sails: 'Alliances are made and broken, power shifts go this way and that, blood is spilled, and wenches keep wenching. It's oddly addictive.' Long before Christopher Nolan's Oscar-winning film Oppenheimer, there was Manhattan, which retold the creation of the atomic bomb in Los Alamos, New Mexico. While the show wasn't strictly historically accurate (nor did it claim to be), it did feature real-life figures, including head scientist Robert Oppenheimer played by Daniel London. Manhattan has flown woefully under the radar since its debut more than a decade ago in 2014, but fans, who have rediscovered it on Amazon Prime Video, have described it as 'captivating.' If you're yearning for a British period drama that's more historically accurate than My Lady Jane, then The Tudors is the answer. Starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers as King Henry VIII and following the monarch's many trials and tribulations as his ability to rule was put under strain by international conflicts and political power struggles playing out in his own court. Upon hitting screens in 2007, the show became the highest-rated Showtime series debut in three years and has been hailed as a 'masterpiece' and 'phenomenal' by viewers. Oh, you want to see more of King Henry VIII? Well, look no further than The Spanish Princess, based on the life of one of his many wives. Running for two seasons, which aired in 2019 and 2020, it stars Charlotte Hope as Catherine of Aragon, the titular princess who was crowned the Queen of England when she married King Henry VIII, played by Ruairi O'Connor. 'The Spanish Princess is the ideal period soap, dexterously and intelligently balancing the webby intrigue of 16th-century court life with the dewy eroticism of a classic melodrama. There's no guilt here. Just pleasure,' The Hollywood Reporter wrote in its review. Lavish series Versailles caused quite a stir when it premiered in 2016 for its graphic sex scenes, including a 24-person orgy, and not shying away from gory violence. Set in the Baroque era, the show is a no-holds-barred depiction of the court of King Louis XIV (George Blagden) – and the continuous rumours of sex sessions and gluttony that took place in the period. Speaking about the show previously to Metro, George said: 'I remember hearing this incredible phrase, 'bedrooms were boardrooms at Versailles', and it's just such an amazing idea and concept to play with.' Leonardo has all the ingredients of a classic TV show – a beautiful period backdrop, a complex historical figure and an accusation of murder – so fetch your remote. More Trending It stars Poldark's Aidan Turner as Leonardo da Vinci and lifts the lid on the Italian artist, inventor and Renaissance man's personal life, including the belief that he had male lovers. Describing the series, Aidan previously told Metro: 'It's not just a straightforward historical look at his life. We were trying to get to the essence as to who the man was behind the artist.' View More » An earlier version of this story was published on February 19, 2025. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Amazon Prime drops all episodes of 'one of the best TV shows ever made' MORE: 20 best new TV shows of 2025, according to Rotten Tomatoes MORE: 'Sinfully fun' new sequel on Amazon Prime lands surprising Rotten Tomatoes score
The Guardian
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Dangerous birds, headless statues and rescues from space – take the Thursday quiz
Last week, the Thursday quiz idly speculated as to whether Lady Jane Grey, having been queen for less time than Liz Truss was in Downing Street, went on a similar book promotional tour. Many readers pointed out in the comments that in fact she was imprisoned and executed. May the quiz gently draw your attention to the rules about there being no need to factcheck obvious jokes. It is quite clear that Lady Jane Grey did not embark on such a venture. For a start, unlike Liz Truss, she did not write a hubristic book arguing she had been right all along, or issue legal threats to the powers that be insisting they refrain from saying she crashed the economy. Anyhoo, here is this week's quiz. Enjoy! The Thursday quiz, No 202 If you really do think there has been an egregious error in one of the questions or answers – and can show your working and are absolutely 100% positive you aren't attempting to factcheck a joke – you can complain about it in the comments below. Why not watch Harbour by the wonderful Kathryn Joseph instead?
South China Morning Post
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Is this the only portrait of Lady Jane Grey, England's 9-day queen, done during her life?
A painting that has gone on public display in Britain could be the only portrait of England's shortest-reigning queen, Lady Jane Grey, painted during her lifetime, according to the conservation group English Heritage. Advertisement It said there is 'compelling' evidence to suggest that the portrait, on loan from a private collection, shows Jane, who was no older than 17 when she became queen for just nine days in the summer of 1553. One of England's most tragic regal figures, she was executed at the Tower of London in 1554. Jane was a devout Protestant at a time of religious upheaval, the ultimate innocent victim of the deception of the Tudor court in the chaotic aftermath of Henry VIII's reign. She is perhaps best-known from Paul Delaroche's painting, The Execution of Lady Jane Grey, which hangs in the National Gallery in central London . Jane, who may have been as young as 16, is shown blindfolded as an executioner with an axe waits to behead her. But that painting, like the few others that purport to show Jane, all date from after her death. Advertisement Now English Heritage says a Tudor-era work could be a 'live' painting of Jane. The portrait, along with six others, will hang at Wrest Park, a country estate west of London managed by English Heritage which incidentally is the location of many scenes in Netflix's steamy period drama series Bridgerton.
CNN
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Is this the only known portrait of England's doomed ‘Nine Days Queen'?
Lady Jane Grey, a teenage pawn in the power struggles that plagued the Tudor court, ruled England for just nine days and was later executed for treason. Now, researchers believe they may have identified the only known portrait of the so-called 'Nine Days Queen' painted before her death. Following the death of Edward VI in 1553, unscrupulous politicians propelled the staunchly Protestant young girl to the throne in a bid to prevent her Roman Catholic relative, Mary Tudor, from becoming Queen. The mysterious portrait, on loan to conservation charity English Heritage from a private collection, shows a young woman clad modestly in a white cap and shawl. According to English Heritage, it was acquired by Anthony Grey, 11th Earl of Kent, in 1701, as an image of Lady Jane Grey. It remained 'the defining image' of England's shortest reigning monarch until 21st-century art historians questioned its attribution and rejected its identity. In an attempt to settle the question, English Heritage worked alongside London's Courtauld Institute of Art and dendrochronologist Ian Tyers to conduct a technical analysis of the piece, its senior collections conservator, Rachel Turnbull, said in a statement published Friday. A dendrochronological analysis—a scientific method of dating tree rings—of the painting's panel suggests it was probably used for the artwork between 1539 and around 1571, according to the statement. The panel, which is made of two Baltic oak boards from two different trees, has a merchant or cargo mark on its back that resembles a mark on a portrait of King Edward VI, Jane's predecessor on the throne. Scans using infrared reflectography show significant changes were made to the woman's outfit and face after the completion of the initial portrait, English Heritage said. The white scarf around her shoulders is believed to be a later addition. Bands encircling her right arm under the scarf are thought to be possibly part of a larger decorated sleeve that is now hidden, or a now-gone scarf that was previously draped over her lower arms, like the outfits she is depicted as wearing in portraits painted after her death. The linen cap, or coif, covering her hair also appears significantly altered. A coif with a different shape and potentially even a hood, which is a fancier headpiece worn over a coif, can be seen around her face in the scans. The researchers suggested a veil may even have been present at one point before being painted out. The woman's eyes now look to the left, but they were previously looking right, English Heritage said. In addition to the repainted areas, the subject's eyes, mouth and ears have been scratched out, defacing the artwork for what were probably religious or political reasons, the organization said. It noted that a posthumous depiction of Lady Jane Grey in London's National Portrait Gallery shows similar marks. The changes to the painting may have been made in order to tone it down and present the subject as a demure Protestant martyr, it added. 'While we can't confirm that this is definitely Lady Jane Grey, our results certainly make a compelling argument!' said Turnbull. 'From the newly discovered evidence of a once perhaps more elaborate costume and the dating of the wooden panel from within her lifetime, to the deliberate scratching of her eyes, it is possible that we are looking at the shadows of a once more royal portrait of Lady Jane Grey, toned down into subdued, Protestant martyrdom after her death. Regardless of her identity, the results of our research have been fascinating,' she added. 'This is such an interesting picture posing so many questions, and if this is Jane Grey, a valuable addition to the portraiture of this young heroine, as a woman of character—a powerful challenge to the traditional representation of her as a blindfolded victim,' bestselling historical novelist Philippa Gregory said in the release. Jane spent a lot of time at the royal court after her father was made Duke of Suffolk in October 1551. Her Protestantism made her a candidate for the throne for those who supported the English Reformation, like the powerful Duke of Northumberland, who married her to his son and persuaded a dying King Edward to make her his successor. Edward died on July 6, 1553, and Jane, who had fainted when first presented with the idea of becoming Queen, ascended the throne four days later. However, by July 19, she relinquished her crown to Edward's sister, Mary Tudor, who had the support of the populace, and who was meant to be the heir, according to both the law and Henry VIII's will. Jane was subsequently charged with high treason, to which she pleaded guilty, and was beheaded on February 12, 1554. She was 16 years old. The portrait is on display at Wrest Park in Bedfordshire, England.
CNN
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Is this the only known portrait of England's doomed ‘Nine Days Queen'?
Lady Jane Grey, a teenage pawn in the power struggles that plagued the Tudor court, ruled England for just nine days and was later executed for treason. Now, researchers believe they may have identified the only known portrait of the so-called 'Nine Days Queen' painted before her death. Following the death of Edward VI in 1553, unscrupulous politicians propelled the staunchly Protestant young girl to the throne in a bid to prevent her Roman Catholic relative, Mary Tudor, from becoming Queen. The mysterious portrait, on loan to conservation charity English Heritage from a private collection, shows a young woman clad modestly in a white cap and shawl. According to English Heritage, it was acquired by Anthony Grey, 11th Earl of Kent, in 1701, as an image of Lady Jane Grey. It remained 'the defining image' of England's shortest reigning monarch until 21st-century art historians questioned its attribution and rejected its identity. In an attempt to settle the question, English Heritage worked alongside London's Courtauld Institute of Art and dendrochronologist Ian Tyers to conduct a technical analysis of the piece, its senior collections conservator, Rachel Turnbull, said in a statement published Friday. A dendrochronological analysis—a scientific method of dating tree rings—of the painting's panel suggests it was probably used for the artwork between 1539 and around 1571, according to the statement. The panel, which is made of two Baltic oak boards from two different trees, has a merchant or cargo mark on its back that resembles a mark on a portrait of King Edward VI, Jane's predecessor on the throne. Scans using infrared reflectography show significant changes were made to the woman's outfit and face after the completion of the initial portrait, English Heritage said. The white scarf around her shoulders is believed to be a later addition. Bands encircling her right arm under the scarf are thought to be possibly part of a larger decorated sleeve that is now hidden, or a now-gone scarf that was previously draped over her lower arms, like the outfits she is depicted as wearing in portraits painted after her death. The linen cap, or coif, covering her hair also appears significantly altered. A coif with a different shape and potentially even a hood, which is a fancier headpiece worn over a coif, can be seen around her face in the scans. The researchers suggested a veil may even have been present at one point before being painted out. The woman's eyes now look to the left, but they were previously looking right, English Heritage said. In addition to the repainted areas, the subject's eyes, mouth and ears have been scratched out, defacing the artwork for what were probably religious or political reasons, the organization said. It noted that a posthumous depiction of Lady Jane Grey in London's National Portrait Gallery shows similar marks. The changes to the painting may have been made in order to tone it down and present the subject as a demure Protestant martyr, it added. 'While we can't confirm that this is definitely Lady Jane Grey, our results certainly make a compelling argument!' said Turnbull. 'From the newly discovered evidence of a once perhaps more elaborate costume and the dating of the wooden panel from within her lifetime, to the deliberate scratching of her eyes, it is possible that we are looking at the shadows of a once more royal portrait of Lady Jane Grey, toned down into subdued, Protestant martyrdom after her death. Regardless of her identity, the results of our research have been fascinating,' she added. 'This is such an interesting picture posing so many questions, and if this is Jane Grey, a valuable addition to the portraiture of this young heroine, as a woman of character—a powerful challenge to the traditional representation of her as a blindfolded victim,' bestselling historical novelist Philippa Gregory said in the release. Jane spent a lot of time at the royal court after her father was made Duke of Suffolk in October 1551. Her Protestantism made her a candidate for the throne for those who supported the English Reformation, like the powerful Duke of Northumberland, who married her to his son and persuaded a dying King Edward to make her his successor. Edward died on July 6, 1553, and Jane, who had fainted when first presented with the idea of becoming Queen, ascended the throne four days later. However, by July 19, she relinquished her crown to Edward's sister, Mary Tudor, who had the support of the populace, and who was meant to be the heir, according to both the law and Henry VIII's will. Jane was subsequently charged with high treason, to which she pleaded guilty, and was beheaded on February 12, 1554. She was 16 years old. The portrait is on display at Wrest Park in Bedfordshire, England.
