Watch She-Wolves: England's Early Queens

She-Wolves: England's Early Queens is a historical documentary series released in 2012, written by historian and author Helen Castor. The show consists of three parts, each exploring the lives and reigns of four influential English queens from the 11th to the 16th century.

The first episode delves into the lives of Matilda of Flanders, wife of William the Conqueror; Eleanor of Aquitaine, queen consort of Henry II; and Isabella of France and Margaret of Anjou, both of whom were involved in the Wars of the Roses. The second episode focuses on Lady Jane Grey, Mary I, Elizabeth I, and Mary, Queen of Scots, exploring their reigns and impact on English history. Finally, the third episode is devoted to the queens of the Tudor dynasty: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, and Catherine Parr.

The show offers a fresh and compelling perspective on the stories of these powerful women who faced immense challenges in a male-dominated society. The show sheds light on how they navigated the political landscape, fought against patriarchal systems and carved their own paths in history.

Throughout each episode, Helen Castor takes the audience on a journey through time, examining the reigns and political maneuverings of each queen, as well as the societal and cultural pressures they faced. She intersperses the historical context with rare footage of historical sites and stunning medieval artwork, providing viewers with a visual connection to the era.

In episode one, Castor begins with Matilda of Flanders and her efforts to support her husband's conquest of England. The episode highlights how Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the most powerful women of the medieval period, played an important role as both a queen consort and a queen mother. The episode concludes with the story of the Wars of the Roses as seen through the eyes of Isabella of France and Margaret of Anjou, two queens who fiercely fought for their own dynasties.

In episode two, Castor explores how the reigns of Lady Jane Grey, Mary I, Elizabeth I, and Mary, Queen of Scots, changed the course of history. The episode emphasizes how Lady Jane Grey inherited the crown of England but was unable to hold onto it due to her gender. Mary I's reign was marked by her attempt to reverse her father's reforms and bring England back to Catholicism. Her successor, Elizabeth I, navigated a treacherous political landscape to establish herself as one of England's most consequential monarchs. The episode concludes with the story of Mary, Queen of Scots, an exceptional queen who struggled for control over her own destiny.

Finally, in episode three, Castor examines the queens of the Tudor dynasty, who played an integral role in the success of their husbands' reigns. She highlights how Catherine of Aragon's failure to produce a male heir led to her divorce from Henry VIII, while Anne Boleyn's execution ended her tumultuous reign. Jane Seymour, the third wife of Henry VIII, is spotlighted as the mother of his long desired, male heir, while Catherine Parr, his sixth and final wife, is celebrated for her political and intellectual contributions.

Overall, She-Wolves: England's Early Queens is a captivating and informative series that offers a fresh take on English history. Through Helen Castor's careful examination of each queen's life, the show underscores the importance of these remarkable women in the timeline of European history. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in English history or gender studies.

She-Wolves: England's Early Queens is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between March 7, 2012 and on Acorn Media