Blackadder Empire in 1453, predating the events in the episode by 33 years); this dramatic licence would continue in the subsequent "Blackadders". The filming of the series was highly ambitious, with a large cast and much location shooting. The series also featured Shakespearean dialogue, often adapted for comic effect; the end credits featured the words "Additional Dialogue by William Shakespeare". "Blackadder II" is set in England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558–1603), who is portrayed by Miranda Richardson. The principal character is Edmund, Lord Blackadder, the great-grandson of the original Black Adder. During the series, he regularly deals with
Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal of a diameter silver disc with, on the obverse, the words "ELIZABETH II DEI GRA. REGINA FID. DEF." (Latin abbreviation for "Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith") surrounding an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, symbolising her role as fount of honour. On the reverse is a crown atop a wreath that contains the words "THE 25th YEAR OF THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II 6 February 1977" in six lines. The Canadian version was identical, except that the medal was slightly thicker, the crown on the Queen's effigy was more upright, and the reverse