To Prove Myself a Villain? History, Controversy and the Ideas of Tyranny

This course examines five figures who have left dramatic and controversial marks on popular history: Richard III, Cromwell, Robespierre, Lenin, Mussolini. We will explore the historical realities behind the controversies.
Date created:
Course: Further details, online booking
Resources for this course
Type | Resource | Description | People | Full details |
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Coursework book |
A selection of exercises related to the course. |
Kate Watson | view |
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BBC History Podcast, Richard III Special |
BBC History Magazine, History Extra Podcast, Lin Foxhall, Phil Stone and Matt Elton, Richard III Special - on the finding of his body (first 47... |
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BBC History Podcast, Cromwellian Regicides |
BBC History Magazine, History Extra, Charles Spencer on Hunting the (Cromwellian) Regicides (first 32 mins) |
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Pathe News, Mussolini and the March on Rome |
March on Rome, ‘Italian Demonstration, Mussolini in Top Hat, March on Rome’ , 1922 |
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Putting Richard III on Trial |
Article by Stephen Cooper |
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The Richard III Society |
The famous society dedicated to the promotion of Richard's memory - not entirely objective perhaps! |
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Robespierre and the Reign of Terror |
A short video overview from the American broadcaster, the History Channel - some colourful scenes! |
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Lenin's Funeral, 1924 |
Billed as 'First and Exclusive' from Pathe News |
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BCW Project - British Civil Wars, Commonwealth and Protectorate |
Offers a vast range of material on the Civil Wars |
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Charles I's downfall from History Today |
Article on Charles I’s role in his own downfall, by Graham Goodlad, from March 2009 |
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The National Archives - Petition of Rights |
Transcript of the Petition of Rights, 1628, which played a key role in Parliament v. Charles I tensions, and his assertion of ‘Personal Rule’ |
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The Short Reign of Richard Cromwell |
Article By Richard Cavendish, from History Today Volume 59 Issue 5 May 2009 |
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John Thurloe, Cromwell’s Spymaster |
Short biog and portraits of Thurloe, from the Government’s art collection |
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Assessing Cromwell’s Legacy |
Article from the New Statesman, December, 2010 |
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Timeline: The War of the Roses |
A brief timeline showing the key phases of the War of the Roses |
Kate Watson | view |
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Timeline: Cromwell's Era |
A brief timeline showing the key phases of Cromwell's Era |
Kate Watson | view |
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The French Revolution: Ideas and Ideologies |
An overview of the ideological influences on the French Revolution. |
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Timeline:The French Revolution |
A brief overview of the key events of revolution from its causes to the downfall of the monarchy. |
Kate Watson | view |
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The Role and Reign of Louis XVI |
A biography of Louis XVI from BBC History |
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The Early Years of Marie-Antoinette |
Article by Richard Cavendish, from History Today, Volume 55 Issue 11 November 2005 |
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Robespierre and the Reign of Terror Timeline |
Timeline of key events in Robespierre's rise and fall |
Kate Watson | view |
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Russian Revolution timeline |
A timeline of key issues and events leading to the collapse of Tsardom and the February Revolution |
Kate Watson | view |
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Lenin's Rise to Power - key timeline |
A timeline showing key issues and events associated with Lenin's takeover of Russia |
Kate Watson | view |
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The Rise of Italy timeline |
Timeline of the key events leading to the creation of the Italian state. |
Kate Watson | view |
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Mussolini's Rise & Fall: Timeline |
Timeline of the key events leading to the rise of Mussolini and his policies and actions |
Kate Watson | view |