A CONTROVERSIAL historian once branded “Britain’s rudest man” by a tabloid newspaper, is to give a lecture on Elizabeth I at Ryde School this month.

David Starkey will deliver the talk, entitled ‘Elizabeth I, Problems and Survival’ during a visit on Tuesday, November 26, as part of his ongoing series on the Tudor period of 1485 and 1603.

Speaking to the County Press, he said: “Elizabeth I was the first successful attempt at a female monarch, managing to define herself against a man-made world.

“Queen Mary took us fully back to Rome during her short reign from 1547 to 1553, and Elizabeth I broke us from it.”

Dr Starkey has previously visited the Island to share knowledge and define his position on historical subjects, most recently appearing at Shanklin Theatre in 2018 to explore the idea that Henry VIII invented British uniqueness and the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty, drawing comparisons between the Reformation and Brexit.

Renowned for his right-wing views, Dr Starkey said: “Henry VIII and Elizabeth I effectively instituted the first Brexit, breaking with the Roman Catholic church.

"In many ways Nigel Farage is Elizabeth I without a skirt.

“Regarding matters local to the Isle of Wight, the Solent was pivotal in the role of developing the English fleet, something integral in Elizabeth I’s reign.

“I consider my account on Elizabeth I to be the best of my books, taking readers into the world of the woman, and offering an effective starting point for those interested in learning about her.”

The lecture, organised by the Historical Association IW branch, takes place at Ryde School on November 26, at 7pm.

Tickets are available for free to any sixth form students from around the Island.

Other tickets are £9.50, available from trybooking.co.uk/7902 or phone 884198.