David Starkey

David Starkey David Starkey is a British historian, television presenter, and radio broadcaster. He is a leading authority on the history of the English monarchy and has written extensively on the subject. Starkey has presented several documentaries and series on BBC Television and Channel 4, and has written for various publications, including The Times and The Guardian. He is known for his engaging and accessible style, which has made him a popular figure in British media.

Early life and education

David Starkey was born on January 13, 1949, in Kendal, Westmorland, England. He was educated at Kendal Grammar School and later attended Peterhouse, Cambridge, where he studied history and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1970. Starkey was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy degree by Cambridge University in 1973 for his thesis on Tudor parliaments.

Academic career

Starkey began his academic career as a lecturer in history at Cambridge University, where he taught from 1973 to 1998. During this period, he was also a fellow of Trinity Hall, Cambridge, and later became a Reader in Tudor history. Starkey has written several books on the English monarchy, including "The Six Wives of Henry VIII" (1990) and "Monarchy: From the Tudors to the Stuarts" (2009). He has also contributed to various historical journals, such as The English Historical Review and The Journal of Modern History.

Media and public history

Starkey's media career began in the 1980s, when he presented a series of documentaries on BBC Radio 4. He later moved to BBC Television, where he presented several documentaries and series, including "The Six Wives of Henry VIII" (2000) and "Monarchy" (2004). Starkey has also appeared on various other television programs, including "The Daily Politics" and "The Andrew Marr Show". He has written for several publications, including The Times, The Guardian, and The Spectator.

Controversies and criticism

Starkey has been involved in several controversies throughout his career. In 2010, he sparked criticism for his comments on multiculturalism and Islam, which some interpreted as Islamophobic. He has also been criticized for his views on European integration and his support for Brexit. In 2014, Starkey was accused of misogyny and sexism for his comments on feminism and women's rights.

Personal life

Starkey is married to Julia Bailey, a novelist and biographer. The couple has two daughters, Amanda and Catherine. Starkey is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a Member of the British Academy. He has received several awards for his contributions to history and broadcasting, including a BAFTA TV Award and a Royal Television Society Award. Category:British historians Category:Television presenters Category:Radio broadcasters