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
2nd Parliament of Queen Elizabeth I 2nd Parliament of Queen Elizabeth I The 2nd Parliament of Queen Elizabeth I was summoned by Queen Elizabeth I of England on 10 November 1562 and assembled on 11 January 1563. The stated intentions of summoning the Parliament were similar to that of Elizabeth's first Parliament i.e. to resolve the religious issue (the Elizabethan Settlement passed by the previous Parliament had not so far been executed) and to approve funds for the defence of the realm (particularly the northern border with Scotland). Thomas Williams, sitting for Exeter, was elected Speaker of the House of Commons. A subsidy committee was set