Professor appears on BBC2

On 17 March 2012, Department of History Professor Richard Drayton appeared on the first episode of BBC2's How God Made the English: A Chosen People?. The programme, presented by Diarmaid MacCulloch, explores both what it means to be English and what has shaped English identity, from the Dark Ages, through the Reformation to modern times. The first episode chronicles the roots of the idea that the English think themselves better than others and duty-bound to play a leading role in world affairs. Professor Drayton outlines the role of the British Empire in shaping English identity and discusses the self-perception of the Royal Navy as 'God's Policeman'.

For information and to view the episode online see BBC2.