Original version

BBC Four

BBC 4

BBC HD

BBC Four HD

Charles Colville

Chris Granlund

Helen McCrory

Roundhead or Cavalier: Which One Are You?

Documentaries

Factual: History

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media: Arts

15/05/2012

BBC Four - Roundhead or Cavalier: Which One Are You?

How Britain is still defined by the battle between metaphorical Cavaliers and Roundheads.

How modern Britain is still defined by the battle between Cavaliers (panache, pleasure and individuality) and Roundheads (modesty, discipline, equality, and state intervention).

In the middle of the 17th century, Britain was devastated by a civil war that divided the nation into two tribes - the Roundheads and the Cavaliers. In this programme, celebrities and historians reveal that modern Britain is still defined by the battle between the two tribes. The Cavaliers represent a Britain of panache, pleasure and individuality. They are confronted by the Roundheads, who stand for modesty, discipline, equality and state intervention.

The ideas which emerged 350 years ago shaped our democracy, civil liberties and constitution. They also create a cultural divide that influences how we live, what we wear and even what we eat and drink. Individuals usually identify with one tribe or the other, but sometimes they need some elements of the enemy's identity - David Cameron seeks a dash of the down-to-earth Roundhead, while Ed Miliband looks for some Cavalier charisma.

Featuring contributions from Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, AS Byatt, Julian Fellowes, Philippa Gregory, Anne Widdecombe and Clarissa Dickson Wright.

Are you a Roundhead or a Cavalier?

Knowledge, arts, music and culture from the UK and the world.

BBC Four reflects arts, music and culture with an ambitious range of intellectually and culturally enriching programmes, taking an expert and in-depth approach to its subjects.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Roundhead or Cavalier: Which One Are You?

Contributors

Genres

Formats

BBC Four

About BBC Four