Watch Tales from the Royal Bedchamber

Tales from the Royal Bedchamber is a fascinating documentary from 2013 that takes a closer look at the private lives of some of the most powerful monarchs in history through their beds and bedrooms. Hosted by historian Lucy Worsley, with commentary from fellow historians Tracy Borman and Sebastian Edwards, the film takes viewers on a journey through the centuries-long history of royal bedrooms, from medieval times to the present day.

The film begins with a look at the famous State Bed at Hampton Court Palace, which was commissioned by William III and Mary II in the late seventeenth century. The bed, which measures over eleven feet tall, was designed to be the ultimate symbol of royal power and status, and as such, no expense was spared in its creation. It's said to have cost a quarter of a million pounds in today's money, and was designed with all sorts of elaborate carvings and decorations, including cherubs, eagles, and even a mermaid.

As the film progresses, we learn more about the significance of royal beds and bedrooms throughout history. For example, in medieval times, beds were often shared, not just by married couples, but by entire households. And in the Tudor era, it was customary for monarchs to share their bedrooms with trusted attendants, who would help them dress and undress, and even act as informal advisers.

Throughout the film, Worsley and her fellow historians use a range of different sources to piece together the stories of past royals and their sleeping arrangements. They pore over artwork, read old diaries and letters, and examine surviving pieces of furniture, all in an effort to shed new light on some of history's most fascinating figures.

One particularly interesting segment of the film focuses on the bedding of English monarch Charles II. It turns out that despite his reputation as a womanizer, Charles was actually rather frugal when it came to his bedding. Worsley and her team examine one of Charles's mattresses, which has been preserved for nearly 400 years. They discover that it's filled not with luxurious feathers or goose down, but with straw and even old rags!

Through these sorts of anecdotes, Tales from the Royal Bedchamber provides an intimate glimpse into the private lives of monarchs and their courtiers. We learn about everything from how Queen Victoria liked to use a hot water bottle to keep warm in bed, to the elaborate rituals involved in undressing a French queen.

At the heart of the film is the idea that beds and bedrooms have always been fraught with cultural and social significance. For monarchs, in particular, these spaces served as symbols of power, status, and ultimately, vulnerability. By exploring the histories and meanings behind these spaces, Worsley and her team offer a unique perspective on the lives of some of our most famous rulers.

In addition to its fascinating subject matter, Tales from the Royal Bedchamber is also beautifully shot and expertly edited. There are lots of gorgeous shots of historic castles and palaces, as well as detailed close-ups of the various pieces of furniture and artworks that the historians examine.

Overall, Tales from the Royal Bedchamber is a delightful and informative documentary that is sure to appeal to anyone with an interest in history, art, or interior design. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for an engaging and well-produced documentary, this film is definitely worth checking out.

Tales from the Royal Bedchamber is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 59 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.