How to Get Ahead at Medieval Court

Producer and Director

Executive Producer: Basil Comely
Commissioner: Mark Bell
Editor: Jude Robson

Writer, broadcaster and arts correspondent Stephen Smith looks back at the Medieval Age to find out what it took to get ahead at the court of Richard II.

Richard presided over the first truly sophisticated and artistic court in England. Painters, sculptors, poets, tailors, weavers and builders flocked to the court to make their fortunes. But these were dangerous times. Being close to Richard brought many a courtier to a sticky end. Featuring David Tennant and Clarissa Dickson Wright in her final TV appearance.