In January 1649, England beheaded its king and became a republic.

We know the republic ended with the restoration of the monarchy 11 years later, but those

living through this time of hopeful revolution and constitutional experimentation had no

such knowledge.

Everything was contingent and exciting.

This existing in this heady decade were also not the drab dull kill joys often depicted.

They were inhabitants of a dynamic rather chaotic age who sought to create a new world, but

each had different ideas of what that world should look like.

Today's guest has brought this fizzing tumultuous decade to the page and now brings it to us.

Formerly curatorial director of the English heritage, she is Dr Anna K OBE, director of

the landmark trust.

She's a trustee of the Royal Collection, a visiting professor at Birmingham City University

and a recipient of an honorary doctorate from UAE in addition to her own PhD in history

from Queen Mary University of London.

Her previous books include The Last Royal Rebel about James Duke of Monmouth and the Magnificent

Monarch about Charles II, but her latest book, a really wonderful read that's been shortlisted

for the Bailey Gifford Prize for Nonfiction, goes back to the 1650s.

It is The Restless Republic, Britain Without a Crown.

Dr K Anna, welcome to not just the tutors.

Hi, congratulations on this wonderful book.

It is a fantastic read.

Why did you want to write about the 1650s and why did you want to write in this way?

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