Renaissance and Reformation in Britain

Under the Tudor monarchs Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, the Reformation was introduced in England; Protestantism also spread to Scotland by the end of the 16th century. In these episodes we will examine the intertwined development of religious, philosophical, and scientific ideas in Britain during this period (with an occasional look back to thinkers of the 15th century who paved the way). A highlight of this series will be a group of episodes centered on the plays of Shakespeare, with forays into broader related issues like witchcraft and individualism, using Macbeth and Hamlet as a way into these topics. Scholasticism will continue to be important in our story too, especially with our coverage of John Mair and his circle. We'll also look at British humanists like Thomas More, George Buchanan, and Andrew Melville, and scientists like William Gilbert, John Dee, and the members of the Northumberland Circle. As always, women will be highlighted too, with an episode on Margery Kempe, Anne Locke, and other female authors of devotional literature.