We Asked the Public Who the First Queen of England Was… | History's First 

Mary I was the first undisputed Queen to rule in her own right. You could argue that both the Empress Maud and Lady Jane Grey were Queens before her, but they never had complete control of the country, nor were they ever crowned

Given that we still count Edward V and Edward VIII as legitimate kings, despite them never having their own Coronations, it has to be Mathilda.

"As a gay man I do love my queens" 😂😂 As a straight woman, I love them too. Both kinds

Yes, Empress Matilda was my first guess, since at the time of Bodicea, England hadn't even begun to exist.

“Tore up London, a bit like I like to”

Stephen was NOT Matilda's uncle. He was her first cousin, the son of her father Henry the First's sister, Adela.

I regard Aethelflaed, King Alfred's daughter as the first queen of England, can't believe she wasn't mentioned in the program. She was a remarkable political and military leader, and played a huge part in defeating the Danes. She also oversaw the rebuilding of many towns after re-taking them from the Danes. With the re-taking of York, most of what is now England was under her control.

I wish our children were taught history by someone with this much enthusiasm and energy!

Before watching a minute: Ruling in her own right? Mathilda is my guess. Queen in title, not a clue.

Fun fact: Matilda's son Henry called himself Henry Fitzempress.

I'm an American, and I correctly guessed Empress Maud (Matilda) -- but mostly because I remember watching Cadfael's "One Corpse Too Many," and I had read Ken Follett's "Pillars of the Earth" (and watched the TV miniseries).

I understood the reason why Matilda wasn't crowned when she visited London for that purpose was she was so haughty and arrogant she turned too many important people against her. Even so she was definitely a queen because the accession to the throne takes place at the moment the previous king or queen dies. It is an English legal requirement that a coronation ceremony takes place some time after the accession, that all. That is also why Lady Jane Grey is nearly always included on lists of English monarchs.

I think another reason Matilda struggled to take power, besides sexism, was that she had a less advantageous power base compared to Stephen. She spent most of her early life abroad in the Holy Roman Empire. Whereas Stephen, had holdings in England and the county of Boulogne (through marriage) and was well known in the court of King Henry. Plus when Matilda came back to Henry's court, she got married off to the Angevin Duke. Where the Normans lords were rivals/somewhat hostile to the Angevins. Overall, it was the wrong time and wrong place. Had not her Dad die from eating too many Lampreys (possibly food poisoning) and that she wasn't located far away in Anjou. She know doubt would've been Queen, defacto over all England and beaten Stephen to the punch.

I love that Matilda won. I love that for her.

I was born and raised in Winchester, home of Alfred the great. He will always be the greatest in my eyes.

I agree with Matilda being the first Queen "of" England, with Boudica the first Queen "in" England, and Mary the first "crowned" Queen of England

"Elizabeth, played by the elf lady" Cate blanchett xD FUcking gold.

Mary I (Mary Tudor) Unless you are including the nine days (non crowned) Lady Jane Grey, or the Empress (never crowned) Matilda.

I want a whole series with this historian. She's hilarious lol

"I choose Matilda because men don't tell me what to do" - The most scholarly judgement that I've ever heard. BTW the overwhelming consensus is that Mary I was the first queen in own right.

Eleanor makes a rock solid argument, every avenue explored to reach a decision. If I ever have to go to court, she's my lawyer for sure 😂

Well, Boudicca was queen of an alliance of Britons , but way too early for it to be England. The Anglo-Saxons had yet to arrive. Still, gotta love her for her defiance of Rome. Tragic fate as well.

I am amazed how many British on the streets thought QE1 was first queen, and yet a guy with a non-British continental accent knew more than most people and then we had someone with a North American accent sort it out for us.

Re: Jane Grey, it must be noted that Henry VIII had made his daughters Mary and Elizabeth bastards when he annulled his first marriage and ended his second by convicting his wife of treason. In two different Acts Henry displaced his daughters, while a third Act restored them to the line of succession after Edward and any legitimate children yet to be born to the King by his ultimate wife Katherine Paar, but before the descendants of the King’s two sisters, Mary Brandon and Margaret Stewart. When Edward VI lay dying on his own deathbed, he amended the order of succession in his own will to once again exclude his half sisters Mary and Elizabeth, naming the eldest granddaughter of his late aunt Mary Brandon as his successor - Lady Jane Dudley, born Jane Grey. This was registered as an official act and signed by every member of his Privy Council and several key bishops. When his death was announced, Jane’s ascension was proclaimed by the court heralds. Jane was moved to the Tower to await her coronation. Mary, however was already on the march towards London at the head of an enormous force prepared to lay siege to London and starve the entire city to death or submission not just to Mary, Queen of England, but to the Blessed Mary, Virgin Queen of Heaven. Catholicism was returning with a vengeance and at a high cost, therefore those placed within the gates of the city to hold it for Queen Jane instead unlocked the gates and held them open to welcome Queen Mary. At first Mary took pity on the girl and committed to spare her, but her father/in-law’s role in fomenting the Watts rebellion to remove Mary and restore Jane backfired and sealed the fates of both Jane and her husband, Guildford Dudley. So was Jane ever really Queen? According to the late king, his privy council, and several bishops of the Church of England she was; it wasn’t she who dismissed Mary and Elizabeth, it was the late Edward VI acting in his rightful capacity and with past precedent dating to the reign of Henry VIII to substantiate his decision to revert the succession to the original amendment as a means of protecting the Church of England from dissolution. What propelled Mary and jettisoned Jane was not a superior legal argument, but a superior show of manpower and dread of terrible consequences. If for no other reason than the role of pawn she was forced to play unwillingly, I think at the very least Jane is owed that distinction for the nine days she was forced to bear the ultimate responsibility and pay the ultimate price for the vicissitudes of kings and prelates who used women as chess pieces in a game of conflicting loyalty and ambition.

I'm going with Matilda. She kept Stephen on the run and naming her son as heir, was an admission she was the queen. showed she was the Queen. Yeah, Mary I is likely the candidate but with Matilda it was basically theft of the crown.

0:33 ah yes , Queen Cersei . That famous Queen of England.

regardless of the outcome, some thing stands completely true- Dr. Eleanor Jane completely rocks. Her ability to bring English history alive and make it digestible is awe inspiring.

I am comforted to learn that there are young people who know about more than just the Kardashians. There is hope for this country after all. Very interesting video.

Well, my guess is that it was Queen AElfthryth. Historically though it was Bloody Mary 1

Some of the Brits didn't know if Elizabeth I or Victoria came first. But it was an American expert who could answer the question.

'Men are crap'... it feels bad because it is not really based on facts, and if a man would use this type of argument for women, 'Women are crap'... something would explode.

Stephen (who was Matilda's first cousin not uncle) was not childless. His oldest son Eustace died before him but when Stephen died, Marie, William and Gervase were still alive and possible claimants. Henry FitzEmpress, however, had been named by Stephen, and had a better army, so he became Henry II. His father, Geoffrey of Anjou, had the broom plant as his emblem. The plant was called "planta genista" and it is from that that we get the name of the dynasty that ruled England until 1485, Plantagenet.

So, spontaneously my first guess was Mathilda, but I’m Swedish so what do I know - but not such a bad candidate after all! The credit goes to the Brother Cadfael crime novels, set in the period of war between Mathilda and Stephen 😊

I still miss Elizabeth II, almost every day.

I had answered Matilda when the question was first asked and I am sticking to it now as well. Mary was the first UNDISPUTED Queen of England but not the first Queen I feel.

As others pointed out, Stephen of Blois was Matilda's cousin, not her uncle. He also wasn't childless. His older son, Eustace, died, but William was still alive when Stephen died. England and Normandy and their ruling families had been so devastated by the civil war between Matilda and Stephen that Stephen and his brother, Henry, agreed to a peace treaty which named Henry FitzEmpress, Matilda's son, as Stephen's heir. (Also, as much as I enjoyed the liveliness of this exchange and the support for Matilda, Matilda probably didn't just agree to set Stephen free in exchange for the freedom of her half-brother, Roger, because she was "nice.") Because of the deeply ingrained sexism of the time, because of Matilda's perceived arrogance, because of his long-standing relations with important nobles, Roger was essential to her being able to keep nobles loyal to her in the ongoing civil war. She had to have him free to support her. It must have been a very tough exchange for both sides.

Loved the commentary and historical information given by Dr. Eleanor Janega. What a fun conversation.

It wasn't the Empress Matilda, either queen in her own right or queen consort, - the first queen at all was William I's (the Conqueror) queen, Matilda of Flanders. Empress Matilda (William's granddaughter) was never formally declared queen and was titled "Lady of the English."

The "first Queen Regnant"? By her dear papa's intention, then it'd be "the Empress Matilda", though she never ruled all England uncontested (though nor really did her opponent, her cousin, Stephen of Blois. Though he did have a coronation). The first Queen who did manage to do so was Henry VIII's eldest daughter, Mary I. By almost immediately supplanting her late brother's preferred heir, Lady Jane Grey, and ruling unchallenged for about 5yrs.

I'm going for Aethelflaeda of Mercia. Lady of the Mercians. Depends on how you count Emma or Matilda as well.

I think if history had been taught at school in this way, I would have learned so much more. These two are so fab….

No contest, Matilda waltzed it! The Australians even wrote a song about her.

They even named a Tank after her, Matilda II which was referred to as the Queen of the Desert for its role in the North African campaigns with the 8th Army against the Italians and the German Afrika Corps

Boudicca for me! First trip to London with my dad to his office (clue: 1961) and then he took me to some of London's Roman remains. I thought he had arranged the marching centurions specially for me. but, no - 1900'th anniversary of the revolt. So much fun for a 5 year old!

Lol, did that guy say about Boudicca "She tore up London a bit like I like to?" I just don't see him burning and looting. But maybe I should be more afraid. I do respect that she is the only queen he recognizes.

🤣🤣 at 3.05, " biggest difference between a King and a Queen ." Reply, " Ooh thats a hard one. " ""CORRECT"" 🤣🤣 Sorry, couldn't resist it. Great videp. 👍

I’m impressed that people have this much knowledge.

The guest historian person did know her history well, but saying that "Men are crap" makes it difficult to take her seriously.

Boudicca was the Queen of one of the Celtic tribes, not the whole country, which was not even called England then. It was before the Angles and Saxons arrived.

My guess before watching: Boudicea?

When the post started I said Matilda and I still believe that the credit should go to her.

Eleanor Janega is such a vibe and I love her so much

Depends on what you mean by Queen, England and “in her own right.” If it’s “Queen of the English”, then it’s AElfgifu, first wife of Edmund I. If it’s first “Queen of England,” then it’s Emma of Normandy, wife of Cnut. If it’s “first Queen to rule in her own right,” then the disputed answer is Empress Mathilda/Maud, daughter of Henry I. If it’s “first acclaimed Queen regnant of England” then it’s Mary I, but as a good Catholic she ruled alongside her husband Philip II of Spain. Her half-sister Elizabeth was the first Queen Regnant to rule alone in her own right, although under the condition she never marry. Anne was actually the first married Queen of England to rule completely alone.

If you want to go back further, it's probably Æthelflaed. She was the first woman in England to be in a ruling position in her own right. She ruled Mercia, a large chunk of the middle of England, from AD 911 until her death.

I'd say Mary Tudor too. Matilda would have been the first English Queen to rule in her own right, had she been crowned in 1141. She was the first woman to be named as heir to the English throne and she fought fiercely for her succession. And as usual those that suffered most were the normal people.

Such fun. This is how history should be introduced to children. It is great to see women's history presented in such a positive way. So refreshing to see women in history being discussed in this way as people with their own power and agency. Brings women right into the spotlight.

Most interesting and informative video and well.presented. Many thanks for uploading.

Maybe not the first, but the best - Freddy Mercury rules

For me it is Empress Maud (Mathilda). I am Spaniard, but a History fan ;) I was surprised that many British do not know... English History is so exciting, besides that opens the door to understand several forms of art literature, notably Shakespeare's Theater; Fine Arts; etc. and some movies, there are movies and series about Maud.

Dr Eleanor Janega is marvellous! I would sit at her feet and learn history forever!!!!

What about Alfred the Great's daughter Aethelfled ? - the answer can only be after the battle of Brunanburh in 937 when the various 'Kingdoms' became united and known as 'England' as we know it today....... Answers on a postcard please.

I said to myself 'Matilda' at the very beginning and then looked it up. Wiki states that it was Mary Tudor. Wiki "Matilda would have been the first English Queen to rule in her own right, had she been crowned in 1141. She was the first woman to be named as heir to the English throne and she fought fiercely for her succession. As it happened, England wouldn't see a queen for another 400 years." Jul 19, 2021

Great video, thanks! Learnt alot and enjoyed the humour.

Æthelred died in 911 and Alfred the Great's daughter Æthelflæd then ruled Mercia as Lady of the Mercians.

Saying men are crap really devalues this video! Neither Men, nor Women are crap. Individuals though, they can be crap.

Boudicca or Buddug was a Brittonic Celt so that would exclude her from being an English Queen

I need this lady to do ALL the videos of history!

The expert knows the information. But hearing her say, “Steven was all… and then Matilda was like… So Steven says like… And Matilda says dude, like…” makes me cringe. Anyway, I do enjoy your format of posing a number of answers to the problem, and then revealing your answer.

This is such an enjoyable program. Very “discovery”Chanel like. Excellent for experts and history lovers alike.

I’m a bit surprised that Isabella of France wasn’t mentioned. She was the wife of Edward II and was the regent of England from 1327 to 1330.

You always film near places I’ve worked or lived. How have I never been in a video 😂

Great to see two people who are so historically knowledgable . My first guess was Boudica but then I thought possibly Matilda . 🇬🇧

“Queen Victoria had a lot of cool black outfits.” The Goth Queen!

Got to be Matilda. If you discount her then you'll have to discount Edward V as he only "ruled" for a few months and start the reigns of the boy kings such as Richard II, Henry III & Henry VI when they achieved their majorities. Just because they were crowned didn't mean they ruled. Also, if you include Boudicca then you'd have to included Cartimandua as queen of the Brigantes - and she was queen before Boudicca too.

This was so much fun to watch! I want to be best friends with Dr. E... She is just so fun to listen to!

Loved the way this was explained. So entertaining and I learnt so much

Thank you Ken Follett. I am an American and knew the answer because of Pillars of the Earth.!

Sorry, but your expert is too caught up in her own opinion. It could NOT have been Empress Maud, because she was never crowned Queen Regnant of England and never recognized as the legitimate ruler. (Though Stephen lost the battles and Matilda's son became Henry II, she herself was never England's ruling queen.) Therefore, if your question means "since William the Conqueror," then, because Lady Jane Grey was proclained Queen but also never crowned, the only answer possible is Mary I. If, however, one ignores the fact that Matilda was never crowned, she did control England for a few months in 1141, so she could perhaps be said to have been the first Queen Regnant, but she is almost never included in lists of England's monarchs, so I am going to disagree with your expert and say that it was Mary I.

Really found this fascinating ….great history lesson

Brilliant video. Illustrates the fact that this type of question (like many historical conundrums) has a number of different answers and they can all be interpreted differently depending your point of view.

I feel a little disappointed by some of the inaccuracies that I noticed and I'm wondering how many others I missed. King Stephen did have a son, who died the year before his father when he was in his early twenties. Stephen was captured at the battle of Lincoln but Fitzroy was captured a couple of months later, by Stephen's wife queen Matilda's Army.

Lovely presentation of history of England.

My 1st thought was Matilda but I really could remember the full story. I remembered it had something to do with Normandy & Stephen so it was lovely to get the facts again. Thank you.

"The one the red hair and the movies with the Elf woman." 💀😆

So why was it it not Queen Ælfthryth? She was crowned and anointed as Queen consort as wife of King Edgar. When he died she was a dowager Queen but when Edward died (who she possibly murdered) she became Queen Regent the 'first ruling Queen of the English' between 978-984. Possibly because her name is harder to remember than Mary?

If not for Brother Cadfael even fewer would know.

The way she tells the stories, oh my God how entertaining. Great job!

My initial answer was Matilda, and despite the fact she was not given a coronation, she was a ligitimate designated queen by lineage sworn in by nobles and proven by her son becoming the rightful king.

I'd love to say Boudica, but there wasn't really an "England" then. So my money is on Matilda.

ELEANOR!!! She and Lucy are two of my favorite historians!! They really bring history to life for me! That being said, onto the video itself. Going into this video I said Mary I, because she was actually crowned. After watching this video and the strong arguments about some kings who never had a coronation yet are still called "king", I'm going with Matilda now. Thank you for a very interesting video! Oh, and I'll be hitting The Olde Mitre next time I make it to London!

Just read a book on all British Royals since 1066. It is written by an American woman. She omits both Matilda and Edward V.

No one seems to mention that council worker in high viz. NEVER judge a book by its cover. What an intelligent man. He is brilliant .

I love that the expert they consulted is an American.

Dr. Eleanor Janega Is very funny, which is refreshing for an academic😂

Love how the American puts a modern twist on it and makes you think about history differently. The homeboy cracked me up.

The Elf woman 😂😂

I am a bit confused by the expert who seems to just be going on about sexism which is not what historians should do at least in public. I think it's one of those unwritten rules about not using modern day values when talking about the past. I agree that Matilda should be considered the first queen of England on her own merit

How could Boudica be queen of England centuries before the angles "migration" to the British Isles?

I love that the first guy (who I presume is Scandinavian?) knew more about English history than most of the English people who were interviewed 😂

Love the American historian, with her fun colloquialisms