Aims of the course
This course aims to:
- Give you a secure base of knowledge and understanding of major themes in the historical development of the British monarchy;
- Introduce you to a range of types of source material relating to the changing role of the monarchy;
- Help you to reach an informed assessment of the role played by monarchy, especially in relation to the modern world.
Content
This course looks at the way the monarchy developed from its medieval origins into the ceremonial and constitutional role of the monarchy and royal family today. We will consider the medieval monarchy and the fierce contests for the Crown and at how the role of the monarchy changed under the Tudors, leading to the titanic clash between Parliament and the Stuart kings. The result was a constitutional monarchy, in which the Crown was heavily dependent on the goodwill and consent of Parliament, but where politicians still had to take the role of the monarch into account. By the 18th century the family clashes of the Hanoverian Georges were a match for anything the Windsors would come up with later, and they had a direct bearing on the operation of politics.
Queen Victoria came to the throne in the afterglow of the Regency and reigned through the century to the age of the telegraph and even of film. Under her the political influence of the Crown shrank, but it found an important new role in the Empire, where British monarchs also took on the role of Emperor of India and presided over a global British community owing them their allegiance. We will consider the increasingly important role of ceremonial visits and royal tours, both at home and abroad.
The 20th-century monarchy was heavily shaped by war and we will examine the role of the monarchy in both world wars, as well as the impact of the Abdication crisis. We will end the course by exploring the way monarchy developed during the long reign of Elizabeth II and considering its options for development and change in the future.
Presentation of the course
The main method of presentation will be illustrated lectures, with time built in for discussion. We will also look at some source material to see how it can be evaluated to help us understand the issues and the outlook of the people who created it.
Class sessions
- The Hollow Crown – monarchy in the medieval and Tudor worlds; what the Crown meant and what difference monarchs made.
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Kings Divine – the growth of the theory of absolutism and the constitutional stand-off between Crown and Parliament in the 17th century.
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The Crown in Parliament – role of monarchy in the 18th and 19th centuries and the constitutional balance with parliament and the Cabinet.
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Crown and Empire – the role of the Crown within the British Empire.
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The Model of Modern Monarchy – the changing role of the monarchy through the years of war, austerity and scandal since 1914.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, you should be able to:
- Talk with confidence and knowledge about major events and themes in the historical development of monarchy in Britain from the medieval world to today;
- Discuss with insight and understanding the major constitutional themes connected with the changing role of the British monarchy;
- Reach an informed assessment, based on historical knowledge, of the role of the monarchy in the modern world and of the debate and controversy that surrounds it.
Typical week: Monday to Friday
Courses run from Monday to Friday. For each week of study, you select a morning (Am) course and an afternoon (Pm) course. The maximum class size is 25 students.
Courses are complemented by a series of daily plenary lectures, exploring new ideas in a wide range of disciplines. To add to the learning experience, we are also planning additional evening talks and events.
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c.7.30am-9.00am
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Breakfast in College (for residents)
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9.00am-10.30am
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Am Course
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11.00am-12.15pm
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Plenary Lecture
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12.15pm-1.30pm
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Lunch
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1.30pm-3.00pm
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Pm Course
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3.30pm-4.45pm
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Plenary Lecture/Free
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6.00pm/6.15pm-7.15pm
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Dinner in College (for residents)
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7.30pm onwards
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Evening talk/Event/Free
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Evaluation and Academic Credit
If you are seeking to enhance your own study experience, or earn academic credit from your Cambridge Summer Programme studies at your home institution, you can submit written work for assessment for one or more of your courses.
Essay questions are set and assessed against the University of Cambridge standard by your Course Director, a list of essay questions can be found in the Course Materials. Essays are submitted two weeks after the end of each course, so those studying for multiple weeks need to plan their time accordingly. There is an evaluation fee of £75 per essay.
For more information about writing essays see Evaluation and Academic Credit.
Certificate of attendance
A certificate of attendance will be sent to you electronically after the programme.
