Episode 1. Power and freedom: Introduction – 1714 to 1785

In Episode 1, Dr Robin Eagles (History of Parliament), discusses the development of power and freedom in Britain and Ireland from the reign of Queen Anne to the beginning of the Georgian Age.

This was a period of strict hierarchy where the monarchy and aristocracy retained significant control over both Parliament and the state. It was, however, also a period where figures from Britain’s colonial, merchant, business and middling classes increased their influence and status, foreshadowing changes to come.