BBC - How to Get Ahead (2014) Part 1 Medieval Court

In the fascinating three-part documentary HOW TO GET AHEAD, host Stephen Smith immerses himself in three of the most infamous courts in European history to discover what it took for a courtier to survive and prosper. Touching upon the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods, the program investigates incidents ranging from bribery to blackmail, sycophancy to sporting prowess, and partying to praying. Along the way, the series showcases the great paintings, sculptures and bejeweled treasures that unlock the secrets to life at court.

Ch1. At Medieval Court

Stephen Smith looks back at the Medieval Age to find out what it took to get ahead at the court of Richard II. Richard presided over the first truly sophisticated and artistic court in England. Painters, sculptors, poets, tailors, weavers and builders flocked to court to make their fortunes. But these were dangerous times. Being close to Richard brought many a courtier to a sticky end. Featuring David Tennant and Clarissa Dickson Wright.

Ch2. At Renaissance Court

Stephen Smith explores Renaissance Florence under the reign of Grand Duke Cosimo Medici. Cosimo's fledgling court prized the finer things in life and some of the greatest painters, sculptors and craftsmen in world history came to serve the Grand Duke. But successful courtiers had to have brains as well as brawn. The canniest of them looked to theorists like Niccolo Machiavelli for underhand ways to get ahead, whilst enlightened polymaths turned their minds to the heavens, and to ice cream.

Ch3. At Versailles

Stephen Smith explores the flamboyant Baroque court of the Sun King, Louis XIV. Louis created the Palace of Versailles so he could surround himself with aristocrats, artists, interior designers, gardeners, wigmakers, chefs and musicians. Hordes of ambitious courtiers scrambled to get close to the king, but unseemly goings-on in the royal bedchamber reflected the quickest path to power.

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