Ep 1. Episode 1

In the first episode of A Very British Romance With Lucy Worsley, the renowned historian and writer takes the audience on a journey through the history of courtship in Great Britain. She begins with the medieval period and provides glimpses of how the courtship principles evolved over time.

Lucy brings the audience inside a medieval castle and reveals the courtship practices during the period. During that time, a prospective groom would make his intentions known by proposing marriage to his chosen lady through a letter. The process was not without challenges as the lady could refuse the proposal if she felt she was not interested.

As the show progresses, Lucy moves on to the Georgian era and the onset of the social season. She explains how the event provided a platform for young debutantes to meet eligible bachelors and how passionate love was not considered essential to a successful marriage. Courtship during this time was intense, and parents or guardians orchestrated most of the marriages.

Next, Lucy explores the Victorian era and the pressure placed on Victorian women to find the right husband. The expectations included being virtuous, submissive, and obedient, and some of the means by which a potential couple could meet were novel, such as placing an advertisement in the newspaper. Lucy highlights how women fought for the right to be heard and how this affected courtship practices in the era.

The final period Lucy delves into is the modern age, where changing gender roles have affected courtship practices. She shows how technology has transformed the way people meet and highlights some new ways by which couples are coming together, such as dating apps.

Throughout the episode, Lucy interviews historians and gains insight into various romantic movements throughout Britain's history. She also showcases some of the artifacts used in the different periods of history to illustrate the courtship customs and rituals.

In the final section of the show, Lucy examines how the concept of romance continues to evolve. She provides a glimpse into what the future might hold in the digital age, where technology plays a significant role in how people form relationships.

The episode provides an engaging and informative overview of romance over the centuries in Britain. Lucy Worsley's expertise and passion for history are evident throughout the episode, making it a delight to watch, even for those who are not ardent history buffs. Viewers are sure to enjoy the insightful commentary and expert analysis, which provide fresh insights into how romance and courtship have evolved over the centuries.