It is not arguable that the WASP culture began with the British. And, I freely admit that I heavily admire their old world style and tradition. However, the upper-crust elite class has almost vanished from Britain today, and the royal family is nothing more than a tourist attraction. However, there was once a day that the privleged elite truly ruled the empire, and there are many of these rulers to look at and read about. This brings me to my question, "who is your favorite English Monarch?" My choice is Elizabeth I, daughter of Henry VIII and his beheaded queen Ann Boleyn. Who is your favorite?
15 comments:
Are you going to give some reasons?
Henry the VIII (I'm 'Enry VIII I am, 'Enry the VIII I am, I am). The first WASP. ;-)
Probably Henry II, though his sons Richard (Lionheart) and John (of Magna Carta fame) were perhaps more colourful figures. Henry greatly developed common law and helped define the role of the Church, even if a few of his knights killed Thomas Becket and began the occupation of Ireland.
Henry spoke French most of the time (English was evolving) but his reign formed much of we now consider English culture. In Plantagenet times kings were real men who literally led their armies into battle. There's something to be said for that.
I do so enjoy your learned commentaries on contemporary Britain, Sir Richard. Keep it up!
Those sausage-eating Georges, all of whom I believe were Electors of Hannover.
Best Regards,
Ulrich von B.
Not a bad choice, but I would have guessed you'd go with Edward II.
James I, but I'm biased since he's my ancestor.
Not me; Scots-Irish, and my fathers side was kicked out of France for horse stealing, so the story goes.
Alfred.
She is my favorite for many reasons, but I suppose it was the length of her dominance along with her ability to overcome her sister Mary and defeat the Spainish.
The Monarch butterfly doesn't really exist in England, so I must say King Richard.
Other nations such as France and Spain had much livelier royalty.
Let them eat cake.
Any Monarch prior to Henry VIII is not a WASP... so my favorite monarch is Henry VIII (he truly is the first WASP) and my second favorite Is Elizabeth II (through a changing world she has remained constant)...cherrio for her
Richard III
My favorite is edward vi the son of henry viii and jane seymour, half brother of elizabeth i and four years younger than her. Became king when he was still a child at 9 years old which is cool!
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