Best monarch ever? Who would be your choice?

[Papyrophile]

Nominating Henry VII, the first Tudor. Sorted taxation, prohibited private armies. Created peace.

Elizabeth I - ruled as the Virgin Queen, stable for many years, calmed down the whole “who’s a heretic, then??” see-saw

I saw your thread title and was going to say Henry 7th before I read your op! In addition to the pros you listed, he also ended the Wars of the Roses and adored his wife. A shame he spawned the horror that was Henry 8th.

History is written by the victors apparently so were they good or just written that way? Annoy the Monarch and his family/descendants and your life might be difficult. It's only in the last 50 years have critical books been written/published

Arguably, Henry VII prolonged the Wars of the Roses by two years, as there wasn’t any other Lancastrian challenging RIII.

Fair point.

Just read ‘Unruly’, by BBC David Mitchell. Interesting book about the kings of Britain, right from the start.

I quite like Tsar Alexander I. When he died, a rumour spread that he faked his own death and became a hermit monk in Siberia. Completely untrue but a fascinating story.

British monarchs would be William IV because he rarely get a look in, sandwiched between George IV and Victoria. Also, Queen Anne because I just enjoy that period.

Henry II. Indefatigable Medieval king. Made many improvements to the justice system that were good for all, not just the rich. Wanted to stop criminals claiming benefit of clergy (though he was unable to realise this). His energy and forward thinking were highly in his favour.
His soft spot for John was a bit of a mistake though.

Athelstan was pretty impressive.

Henry II for making justice royal and not wholly dependant upon your lord.

Downhill from there!

None of them.
There has been good politicians amongst monarchs, like Victoria's husband and herself or Elizabeth I, who pushed their countries forward and sorted issues within the country.
Most of them had hundreds or thousands of people killed in endless wars to protect their right to sit on a bigger chair in a warmer palace....
It is only very recently in history that they have become a diplomatic asset serving the country. I think we should move to elected diplomatic chief, instead of inherited. I am fed up of Harry and Megan and Andrew....

Elizabeth I

Boudica. Because an angry, middle aged woman gets shit done.

She was more of a tribal leader than a monarch but that might be being overly pedantic.

I admire her for leading a rebellion against the Romans and her victories in battle but the massacre at Colchester was horrific and unforgivable.

Elizabeth for the dresses

Queen Anne for the stoicism

Can we have Alexander the Great? Specifically the Mary Renault version.

I’m going to say George IV because he amply demonstrated everything that is wrong with the hereditary principle and children growing up as ‘royals’.

Otherwise, I’m going to revert to the Whiggish thinking of my childhood and say James I. To me he’s one of the most human monarchs. Very intelligent, very flawed, completely broken by the death of his eldest son. Imagine watching the car crash that was Charles I approaching the succession and knowing you couldn’t do a thing about it. Also imagine being the monarch under which Shakespeare wrote his most extraordinary work, the first to see Macbeth for example. I like to wonder who he would have been if not a king; a leader of another sort I think.

Queen Elizabeth 2 for her stoicism, loyalty, diplomacy, sense of humour, devotion and sheer hardiness!

And he wasn’t very nice to his wife, Eleanor…

In terms of achievement I would put him at #3, after Elizabeth I and Henry VII.

None of them.

Also covered up for her Paedo son.

She was technically a queen, just before there was a singular monarch.

Doubt she knew the full truth (I am hoping not!). Andrew probably spun her a tale she fell for because he was apparently the favourite child.

I am currently part way through a podcast which ranks all English and Scottish Monarchs (and their consorts)

Athelstan could be a contender 😃

https://www.rexfactorpodcast.com/