David Starkey
David Starkey
Full Name and Common Aliases
David Robert Starkey is a British historian, television presenter, and author known for his work on medieval history.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: November 4, 1945
Died:
(Note: As of writing this biography, David Starkey is still alive)
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: British
Profession: Historian, Television Presenter, Author
Early Life and Background
David Starkey was born in 1945 in London, England. He grew up with a strong interest in history, which was encouraged by his parents. His early education took place at the independent boarding school Winchester College. After completing his A-levels, he went on to study History at Magdalen College, Oxford University.
During his time at Oxford, Starkey became fascinated with the Tudor period and developed a special interest in Thomas Cromwell. This focus would later become a hallmark of his work as a historian. In 1968, he graduated from Oxford with a BA (Hons) degree in History.
Major Accomplishments
Starkey's academic career began at the University of Liverpool, where he earned his PhD in 1976. His dissertation focused on Thomas Cromwell and the English Reformation. This work laid the foundation for many of his future projects.
Throughout his career, Starkey has written numerous books and presented several television documentaries. Some of his notable works include:
"Six Wives: The Queens of Henry VIII" (2002)
"Henry VIII" (2003)
* "The Real Tudors" (2010)
These programs have been widely acclaimed for their engaging storytelling and in-depth analysis.
Notable Works or Actions
Starkey's television career spans over four decades, with a focus on medieval history. He has presented documentaries on various networks, including BBC and Channel 4. His ability to bring complex historical events to life through engaging narratives has made him a favorite among audiences.
One of his most notable programs is "The Real Tudors," which explores the lives of Henry VIII's wives in greater depth than ever before. This series showcases Starkey's meticulous research and passion for history, making it an entertaining and educational watch.
Impact and Legacy
David Starkey has had a significant impact on the way we understand medieval history. His work has helped to humanize key figures from this period, making them more relatable to modern audiences. Through his documentaries and books, he has inspired a new generation of historians and enthusiasts alike.
Starkey's ability to communicate complex historical concepts in an engaging manner has also made him a sought-after speaker at conferences and events. His work continues to influence the way we think about and interpret history.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
David Starkey is widely quoted and remembered for his insightful analysis of medieval history, particularly the Tudor period. His television documentaries have been praised for their engaging storytelling and in-depth research. As a leading authority on this subject, he has inspired countless individuals to explore the world of history.
Starkey's work continues to be relevant today, providing valuable insights into the complexities of historical events. His passion for history is contagious, making him one of the most beloved historians of our time.
Quotes by David Starkey
David Starkey's insights on:
I've written on Apple Macs since the early 80s - they're lovely to use and beautiful to look at.
Academics aren't paid very much, but as a single gay man I was never badly off. You don't have kids. You don't have a non-working wife's insatiable demand for shoes or wallpaper.
I was born a cripple, with two club feet, and mild polio in the left leg. I was in orthopaedic boots right through to my teenage years and, unfortunately, the fashion then was for light shoes. I discovered very quickly that I had a sharp mind and an exceedingly sharp tongue.
Not to invent yourself is to be false. To follow preordained rules is a profound betrayal of what it means to be human.
I started school in the autumn term of 1949 when there was a tomato glut. We had tomatoes in every form known to God, man or beast - and they were all equally detestable. When you pushed them with your fork, a warmish liquid spurted forth. It was rather like sort of bursting a boil.
My mother had been an incredibly bright kid but her family couldn't afford for her to stay in education. So she lived through me. She was a very remarkable woman and I owe a huge debt to her. She was unashamed about delighting in the fact that I was intelligent, and she drove and pushed me. She was also completely indifferent to popularity.
Churchill may have made some horrendous mistakes - Gallipoli, for one - but he had a sense of the profundity and integrity of the English experience. By contrast, Blair believes he excised the past in 1997, though what no one on the left seems to have realised is that his historic mission was to destroy the Labour party, not the Tories.