The Real White Queen And Her Rivals

Acclaimed author Dr Philippa Gregory presents this two-part documentary series revealing the powerful true stories of three remarkable women who inspired BBC One’s current historical drama The White Queen.

The White Queen is Elizabeth Woodville, her rivals Margaret Beaufort and Anne Neville. The three lived through the treason and bloodshed of the dynastic conflict known as the Wars of the Roses. Gregory claims it is impossible to understand this pivotal moment in English history without understanding the women at the heart of the family feuds that tore the nobility apart.

The White Queen is Elizabeth Woodville. Gregory recounts how Elizabeth saw her family murdered, her children endangered and she was labelled a witch, but survived and thrived in the midst of war and conspiracy. Gregory also brings to vivid life the rivals of White Queen. Margaret Beaufort was a stalwart of the House of Lancaster, a child bride who devoted her life to the cause of her son Henry Tudor. Gregory captures a woman driven by religious piety and power politics who survived terrible hardship.

The final character is Anne Neville, privileged daughter of the most powerful noble in the land, the Earl of Warwick. Gregory describes how Anne becomes a crucial figure in the dynastic alliances that changed the nation’s history. For Gregory, the fact that this era was known as the Cousins' War at the time reveals just why the women were so important. This was a battle between kin, not countries, and the loyalties, rebellions, plots and betrayals of these women were decisive in shaping the history of England.

Publicity contact: LdS/VAA