CROWN AND COUNTRY: THE CITY: HEART OF THE EMPIRE (TV)
Summary
One in this series which explores the history of the British monarchy through modern day tours to some of the most significant historical sites in Britain, hosted by Edward Wessex, third son and youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh. In this installment, Edward Wessex explores London's financial center. As narrator Philip Bosco notes, this square mile of London, known as "the city," is "the heart of the empire, a financial empire that is." He goes on to say that the city, "is steeped in money, power, and tradition." Wessex begins with the Corporation of London, the oldest center of government in the country, and its leader, the Lord Mayor of Sheriffs. He then talks about the complex relationship between the crown and London's financial and commerical center. John Keyworth, curator of the Bank of England Museum, explains that the Bank of England was founded as a result of the crown's own financial need to finance its war with France in 1694. Next, Wessex holds a 1000 pound note in his hands, the largest denomination ever produced. Interestingly, he also corrects a misconception about British currency and notes that Queen Elizabeth II is the only monarch to have ever appeared on a British bank note. Wessex explains that the appearance of the monarch on the notes was an attempt to prevent forgeries. In addition, Wessex also sheds light on the iconographic image of Britannia, emblem for the Bank of England, who Wessex reveals is a likeness of King Charles II's mistress, Francis Stuart. Next, Edward Wessex talks about the livery companies or city guilds, which controlled many areas of commerce, and began during the middle ages. Simon Newnes, a fish merchant at Billingsgate Market, describes how the list of twelve livery companies was compiled. Edward Wessex then visits Guild Hall, the oldest secular building in London, which has been the home of the Corporation of London for over eight hundred years. The Silence Ceremony takes place here, which is the ceremony that recognizes the incoming mayor. Lord Levene, the Lord Mayor of the City of London (1998-1999) talks about his responsibilities and duties as leader of London and the Mansion House, the residence of the Lord Mayor, is featured. Next, Wessex visits the College of Arms and speaks with William Hunt, the House of Windsor Herald of Arms, who talks of the beginnings of heraldry dating from 1170, with the earliest known coat of arms dated 1127. Wessex then visits the Royal Exchange, first conceived by Thomas Gresham in 1566 as a meeting place for all merchants. John Watts, curator of the Royal Exchange, explains how the Exchange got its name from Queen Elizabeth I. Wessex concludes by juxtaposing London's new modern buildings and the city's historical traditions which make the city "a place in contrasts." He notes that the city has undergone "growth and change, but in partnership with the crown."
The cataloging of this program was made possible by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, 2003.
Details
- NETWORK: PBS
- DATE: November 19, 2000 10:30 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:26:44
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T:75734
- GENRE: Public Affairs/Documentaries
- SUBJECT HEADING: London, England
- SERIES RUN: PBS - TV series, 1998-2000
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Jody Sheff … Executive Producer
- Edward Wessex … Executive Producer, Writer
- Caroline Allen … Associate Producer
- Edward Wessex … Host
- Philip Bosco … Narrator
- Thomas Gresham
- Elizabeth II, Queen of Great Britain
- William Hunt
- John Keyworth
- Lord Levene
- Simon Newnes
- Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
- Frances Teresa Stuart
- John Watts