Queen Anne: The Mother of Great Britain

Investigate why Queen Anne’s powerful role in the forging of Great Britain has often been forgotten. Lucy Worsley shares the inside story of the salacious gossip about Anne’s love life that helped destroy her image and legacy.

Lucy describes Queen Anne’s first speech to parliament in 1702. One of her ministers described her as too clumsy and lame to be effective so expectations were low. With the help of Sarah Churchill, Anne arrived immaculately dressed and delivered an impressive speech which charmed both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Lucy takes us to Hampton Court Palace where Queen Anne lived. She gives us an insight into what life was like at the palace. Queen Anne was extremely ill and shy and kept herself to herself mainly in the company of her ladies. We also learn how powerful and influential her “favorite," Sarah Churchill, was and how she controlled access to the queen.

Queen Anne now has a new favorite. Her name is Abigail Masham and she attends to Queen Anne day and night. Sarah Churchill has found herself out in the cold. The close relationship with Abigail has caused a stir. A song commissioned by Sarah Churchill will damage the Queen’s reputation.