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Review: David Starkey
To mark the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII's accession to the throne, our very own dockyard played host to 'An Evening with David Starkey' which packed out Action Stations down to the very last seat.
This was to prove a compelling lecture; not only on a fascinating subject but spiced with the captivating presence and distinctive voice of Dr Starkey.
With the anniversary only days away, David was in his element telling of the beginning of Henry's life and settling any preconceptions surrounding arguably England's most important monarch.
He did so by focusing on the 'different Henry' and steering us away from the image we know of the bloodthirsty tyrant, who stands squarely in Holbein's painting.
Over 90 minutes, David spoke about how, by being the second son, he was overlooked somewhat and was 'the spare, not the heir'.
But David wanted us to take a different approach to this figurehead; to learn of his foundations and to ponder the paradox of Henry's life.
David's descriptive and animated approach made this mini history lesson a pleasure.
I was impressed how, without the aid of any visuals and not a single note, David was able to reel Henry's life story to us easily as he happily sipped his red wine.
At the end of the talk, David welcomed any questions, one of which was how he thought Henry himself would want to be remembered.
'Famous' was the reply, which of course he undoubtedly is.
Full guide to Portsmouth Festivities 2009
Also see: Portsmouth Festivies Guide
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Weather for Portsmouth
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 14 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 15 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: East
