Queens Who Re‑shaped Britain: From Æthelflæd to Elizabeth II

Explore how women across Britain's history have exercised power and influence, from the militarily adept Lady of Mercia in Alfred’s age through medieval regents and Tudor monarchs, up to Victoria’s constitutional reign and the modern symbolic role of Elizabeth II. The episode examines surviving documents, contemporary accounts, and later histories to separate what queens truly did, what myths grew, and how each contributed to Britain’s political landscape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices