Terry Jones' Medieval Lives

History isn't necessarily what happened; it's very often what somebody wants us to think happened.
-Terry Jones

Terry Jones' Medieval Lives

This eight episode BBC series, written and presented by ex-Python and now historian Terry Jones, separates the myth from the reality regarding English society in the Middle Ages. Jones reveals that, contrary to popular belief, the period was a time of splendour and laughter, not dreariness and servitude ... and that even dental hygiene was better than it is now!

Each episode focuses on a different Medieval personality type or societal role - presenting the established beliefs. Then, using recent research as proof, Jones turns these beliefs around to demonstrate that in fact they are little more than cliché.

Jones employs a combination of animation, self-acted recreations, and comedic narrative to ensure that a subject matter which otherwise might have been quite dull remains consistently entertaining as well as informative!

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Episode info:

The Peasant

The ex-Python turned scholar re-assesses the clichés about the Middle Ages, starting with the image of the peasant as a subservient ignoramus. Terry discovers that the average peasant was intelligent, an expert on the law, had up to 80 public holidays a year, and often lived up to the ripe old age of 60.

The Monk

The idea of a life of solitude and worship was all too often undermined by monks' talent for turning a profit. Sheep, iron-smelting, holy "relics", and even prayer, became money-spinners in the world of the medieval monastery.

The Damsel

The familiar notion of medieval women as passive, shy and vulnerable was largely created by the Victorians - and, as Jones discovers, nothing could be further from the truth. In the Middle Ages, women ran business, led armies - and even abducted their lovers.

The Minstrel

An effete wandering lovey who entertained ~ the nobility with whimsical songs? Terry Jones reveals the medieval minstrel as radically different from this popular modern perception, and explains how, but for a Norman minstrel, the Battle of Hastings may never have taken place.

The Knight

Real medieval knights, shining or otherwise, had little interest in rescuing damsels in distress. Terry Jones reveals they were more interested in the less noble pursuits of killing people, making money and being famous.

The Philosopher

A look at medieval scientists, or philosophers. Not only did alchemists, physicians and engineers of the Middle Ages make key scientific discoveries but most had a more ethical approach than is found in today's commercialised world of science.

The Outlaw

Is there any truth in the myth that outlaws behaved like Robin Hood and that all sheriffs were evil? Jones reveals that medieval officers were pen-pushing bureaucrats, while the greatest threat to peace came from gangs of upper-crust outlaws terrorising the country to get rich quick.

The King

How much do we really know about our medieval kings? Jones finds flaws in Richard the Lionheart, admirable qualities in the much maligned character of Richard II, negative bias in Shakespeare's portrayal of Richard III - and even a king airbrushed out of history.

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