For Grown-Ups: Our Top Five Period Dramas

After a long, hard day, there's nothing better than putting your feet up and watching a period drama. 

We love history, and although it's great to get your little ones interested, this post is just for our parents, collectors and grown-ups. You deserve to enjoy a new show! 

We've collected our favourite period dramas, focusing on eras that would have coincided with our Historical Girl collection and the Marchmont family. 

1. Tudor era: Wolf Hall (grown-ups only)

This BBC series is based on two novels (Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies) by one of our favourite authors: Hilary Mantel.

Wolf Hall takes place in the scandalous Tudor court of King Henry VIII. It tells the story from the perspective of Thomas Cromwell, the chief advisor to the king in 1534 until he was beheaded for treason in 1540. 

The show stars multi-award winning actress Claire Foy who plays the beautiful, intelligent and ruthless Anne Boleyn (Henry VIII's second and most notorious wife). 

Wolf Hall won Best Miniseries or Television Film at the 73rd Golden Globes. Why not give it a try?

This series provides a sneak peek into the crazy world of the Tudor Court. Learn more with Matilda, Your Tudor Girl.

2. The Elizabethan Era: Shakespeare in Love (grown-ups only)

Although not historically accurate, Shakespeare in Love is a period drama classic. 

The film follows a handsome William Shakespeare who is suffering from writer's block. 

Luckily, the young Shakespeare meets Viola de Lesseps (played by Gwyneth Paltrow), inspiring him to write Romeo and Juliet (one of his most famous plays). He also writes several of his best-known sonnets (a type of poem), including the famous line 'shall I compare thee to a summer's day?' (Sonnet 18). 

The film itself was a roaring success, winning seven Oscars. Surprisingly, Judi Dench won 'Best Supporting Actress' after only eight minutes of screen time, playing a fearsome Queen Elizabeth I. 

To learn more about Elizabeth, check out our worksheet.

3. Regency era: Pride and Prejudice 

Based on the classic novel by Jane Austen, the TV adaptation of Pride and Prejudice is the ultimate period drama. 

The series follows the tale of the hard-nosed Elizabeth Bennet and the mysterious Mr Darcy. Based in 1797, it's a great introduction to the Regency era's balls, society, and class prejudice. 

Although it's a little more family-friendly than some of the other dramas on our list, the scene with Colin Firth as Mr Darcy  emerging from a lake swim on his estate is one of the most iconic TV moments of all time.

There is also an excellent film version starring Keira Knightley and Matthew McFadden if you don't want to commit to six episodes.

Dive further into the Regency period with Helena, Your Regency Girl. 

4. 1940s era: The Durrells 

The Durrells is the TV adaptation of the youngest child's (Gerald Durrell) autobiographical books. The show details the hilarious family's four years on the Greek island of Corfu following their father's death.

The series tells the heart-warming story of a British family exploring the natural paradise of the island in the tumultuous late 1930s. 

Starring Keeley Hawes and Josh O'Conner (whom you might recognise from The Crown), the show has been nominated for several BAFTAs. 

Discover more about the 1940s in Clementine's diary.

5. 1940s & 1960s era: The Crown (grown-ups only) 

One of the most expensive television shows in history, The Crown is an international sensation and a must-watch. 

The show follows Queen Elizabeth I from the beginning of her reign at the young age of twenty-five to the early 1990s. 

The fictional series follows actual events in the lives of prominent members of the British royal family and other famous figures such as Prime Ministers Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher. 

Despite receiving criticism for its historical inaccuracy, The Crown's stunning cinematography, locations and score have received immense praise. It also won two Golden Globes for Best Television Drama Series. 

Learn more about Britain's swinging-sixties in Sam, Your 1960s Girl's secret diary.

Enjoyed this article? Why not get to know us better with a 'behind the scenes' look into our brand NEW doll Helena, Your Regency Girl