This Sceptred Isle: The Dynasties, Volume Five: The Waldegraves, the Carringtons, the Norfolks, New Dynasties

The Sceptred Isle provided the definitive radio account of the British nation, from 55BC to the end of the 20th century. Now its attention turns towards the incredibly powerful families which have wielded power behind the scenes for the past 1,000 years. The Dynasties relates how the loyalties of this privileged elite, many of whom are older than the monarchy itself, were tested and rewarded; it also uncovers a multitude of murderous plots, bloody battles, adulteries, intrigues and shocking executions.In this fifth and concluding volume, the families examined include the Carringtons, friends of the royal family and influential in government since the late 18th century, the Waldegraves, who have been active in British politics and warfare since the 14th century and the Norfolks, who have long ruled over the regalia of successive English monarchs. There is also a look at the families who today continue the tradition of dynastical power at the highest levels.