Measuring Monarchy

The British monarchy fascinates us, but why wouldn’t it? The list of kings and queens that we have been subjected to features a dazzling cast of characters, and we routinely debate over who deserves the title of greatest monarch in our long history. From William the Conqueror to Henry V, Elizabeth I, Victoria and latterly Elizabeth II – their lives tell the story of our nation. But what makes for a truly successful reign?

Measuring Monarchy provides a completely original outlook as to how to analyze British kings and queens and throws a revisionist Molotov Cocktail into our historical thinking. It puts forward, explains and make the case for five comparative metrics for all UK monarchs: their professional standing, their popular standing with the public, their impact on public finances, how they conducted foreign policy and their preparations for succession.

Tim Hames casts a forensic eye over each king and queen, determining whether their status has been overrated or underrated. What is revealed may surprise you, and some overlooked monarchs are returned to their rightful standing. Taking lessons of the past, Measuring Monarchy also provides insights into how future monarchs must act.

Tim Hames began his career as an academic, lecturing in Politics at Oxford University, before moving into journalism as an Assistant Editor and political columnist for The Times. He has published widely and is author of titles such a Modernising the Monarchy and The Times Guide to the House of Commons 2001 and 2005. More recently, he has been the co-author (with Dame Kate Bingham) of the Sunday Times Bestseller The Long Shot: The Inside Story of the Race to Vaccinate Britain.