By the Sword Divided

By the Sword Divided, which premiered in the autumn of 1983, is a captivating and visually striking BBC series that skilfully blends historical drama with swashbuckling action. Set during the turbulent years of the English Civil War, the show centres around the Lacey family of Arnescote Castle, whose lives are dramatically affected by the war between the Royalists, who support King Charles I, and the Parliamentarians, led by Oliver Cromwell. This ambitious two-series production provides an engrossing portrayal of a family torn apart by political allegiances, familial loyalties, and the chaos of a nation at war.

The series opens with the Lacey family in a period of relative peace, as they celebrate the weddings of daughters Anne (Sharon Maughan) and Lady Lucinda (Lucy Ashton), signalling a moment of domestic bliss. However, as tensions escalate between King Charles and Parliament, the fabric of this once-harmonious family begins to unravel. The political climate drags each family member into opposing camps: Sir Martin Lacey (Julian Glover), a staunch Royalist, clashes with his Parliamentarian relatives, and the Lacey women find themselves tied to the fate of the war through their marriages and alliances.

In its first series, By the Sword Divided distinguishes itself from many period dramas of the time by embracing action and adventure, adding a layer of excitement to what could have been a dry historical narrative. The battles at Edgehill and Naseby, the siege of Arnescote Castle, and the smuggling of silver to King Charles all contribute to a storyline brimming with high stakes and intrigue. This focus on adventure helped the series sustain a loyal viewership, and the solid writing from John Hawkesworth, Jeremy Paul, Alfred Shaughnessy, and Alexander Baron ensured that By the Sword Divided offered more than just political drama—it delivered thrilling moments and compelling character development.

For the production, the BBC enlisted Brigadier Peter Young to ensure authenticity in the battle scenes. As the founder of The Sealed Knot—a group of Civil War enthusiasts who re-enact battles and supplied the show with skilled "extras"—he brought firsthand experience, having himself ridden, and fallen, during a cavalry charge. "It would have been exactly like that in the 1640s," he told Radio Times. "The Cavaliers were not simply gentleman soldiers in plumed hats; most of them were town boys and tenant farmers. Few on either side, Royalist or Parliamentarian, truly understood the art of warfare. With no manuals to guide them, they had to rely on instinct, often catching one another off guard. These troops were unaccustomed to military discipline and horsemanship, so they frequently fell from their mounts—much like the riders here."

In the second series, which aired in 1985, the stakes grow even higher. With the Lacey family having lost Arnescote Castle to Anne's Parliamentarian husband, John Fletcher (Rob Edwards), the new episodes follow the aftermath of the Civil War, including the trial and execution of King Charles I and the rise of Oliver Cromwell. The show focuses on the Lacey family’s shifting loyalties and the resurgence of Royalist support, eventually culminating in the restoration of Charles II to the throne. The second series maintains the engagement of the audience as it explores the political and emotional repercussions of the Cromwellian regime.

One notable change in the second series was the absence of Julian Glover, whose character Sir Martin had been a cornerstone of the show. His departure could have been a significant loss, but By the Sword Divided managed to carry on without skipping a beat, with the focus shifting more towards Fletcher’s rise and the challenges the Lacey family faces under Cromwell’s rule. While the absence of Glover’s strong presence was felt, the dynamic between the remaining characters, especially Anne and John Fletcher, provided fresh intrigue.

The historical accuracy and attention to period detail were impressive, and the costumes featured in the series became an iconic part of its legacy. In fact, a public display of the series' costumes at Longleat House coincided with the broadcast of the first episode, adding an extra layer of engagement for viewers and allowing them to immerse themselves further in the world of By the Sword Divided.

A remarkable blend of historical drama, action, and family conflict, and while the second series might feel like a continuation of familiar themes, its strong character development, gripping plotlines, and excellent performances—particularly from the talented ensemble cast—ensure By the Sword Divided has its place as a standout piece of 1980s British television. Whether you're a history buff or simply a fan of dramatic storytelling, this series offers something for everyone, all while capturing the tumultuous spirit of the English Civil War.