The Devil's Crown

The Devil's Crown was a BBC limited series which dramatised the reigns of three medieval Kings of England: Henry II and his sons Richard the Lionheart and John.

Drama

Seasons

1. If All The World Were Mine

Air Date: 1978-04-30

Legend has it that the Plantagenets were descended from the Devil himself - a curse which does not deter the youthful Henry.

2. The Earth Is Not Enough

Air Date: 1978-05-07

Henry, with the Devil's luck, has married Eleanor of Aquitaine. The crown of England is also his - and now begins his fateful friendship with Thomas Becket.

3. A Rose, A Thorn

Air Date: 1978-05-14

As the friendship grows between Henry and Becket, so does the Queen's mistrust of them both. And then appears another threat - this time to her marriage.

4. The Hungry Falcons

Air Date: 1978-05-21

The quarrel between Henry and Becket has culminated in Becket's murder; and when Eleanor leaves Henry to establish her own court at Poitiers, the deserted king turns to his sons for love and support.

5. Before The Dark

Air Date: 1978-05-28

With Eleanor imprisoned at Salisbury and his sons plotting rebellion at Louis' court in Paris, Henry finds comfort in the arms of Alys - but Alys is Richard's young bride-to-be.

6. Richard Yea And Nay

Air Date: 1978-06-04

King Henry is dead - defeated, deserted. Long live King Richard, the glorious, golden Crusader.

7. Lion Of Christendom

Air Date: 1978-06-11

Inspired by Richard, his army moves south to the Holy Land for a new crusade. Eleanor has also journeyed south; her concern however, is not so much for souls, but to find a bride for Richard.

8. When Cage-Birds Sing

Air Date: 1978-06-18

Richard Coeur de Lion has married Berengaria of Navarre . . . but his Crusade has failed. Embittered, disillusioned, he turns his back on the Holy Land and begins the dangerous journey home.

9. Bolt From The Blue

Air Date: 1978-06-25

Released from captivity, Richard Is once more crowned King of England. Imprisonment has sapped both his vigour and his strength but, when war breaks out again in the Holy Land, he sees this as his long-awaited chance of glory - and so begins his final journey.

10. In Sun's Eclipse

Air Date: 1978-07-02

A chance arrow has extinguished the glory that was Richard. John, at last, is King of England - but his right to that crown is quickly challenged by his nephew, Arthur of Brittany.

11. The Flowers Are Silent

Air Date: 1978-07-09

John's impulsive marriage to the 12-year-old Isabella of Angouleme has brought rebellion in its wake, Arthur, attempting to kidnap Queen Eleanor, has been captured by John. His sentence is mutilation.

12. Tainted King

Air Date: 1978-07-16

The aged Queen Eleanor has died, John's murder of his nephew has caused the barons to desert him, his French lands are lost. Only Isabella remains and his right to choose the next Archbishop of Canterbury.

13. To The Devil They Go

Air Date: 1978-07-23

After six years, John has yielded to the Pope. The Interdict is lifted but the English barons remain discontented; they want a charter of rights.

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Rating

7.5/10

Release Date

1978-04-30

Episodes

13 (1 seasons)

Status

Ended

Cast

Production Companies

BBC

Télévision Française 1

Télécip