The Christmas Riot

This is the final story from Season 14.

## Synopsis

Christmas Day 1066. The Tardis arrives in London for the Doctor and Elise to witness the coronation of William the Conqueror. However the pair soon find out the infamous riot that takes place by the civilians hasn’t taken place. Elise decides to riot on Christmas Day to fix history back into place.

## Story

The Tardis finds itself landing in London 1066 as the Doctor decides to take Elise back to see Christmas Day during the transition from Anglo-Saxon England to Norman England. More so because the Doctor wants to see the famous coronation of William The Conqueror who is often seen as the first major King of England following the Battle Of Hastings in October 1066.

The Doctor and Elise find themselves wandering around much of the city of London with the Doctor explaining what life was like for the Saxon people of the time and also the significance of this coronation in itself for both the good and bad reasons. However they soon realise the day itself has suddenly become very tense and atmospheric as the Norman soldiers arrive through the city gates of London with William being accompanied by his entourage soon enough. The Doctor could tell something was brewing and he decides its time that he and Elise make their way to Westminster Abbey.

The Doctor uses his psychic paper to gain access into the Abbey under the guise of Wadard, a nobleman and companion of the king, however in the rush of dignitaries being moved to their seats by the more notable companions of the king, the Doctor finds himself getting separated from Elise. Elise is left to wait outside and view the Coronation with the Anglo-Saxon people.

Its during this time of trying to find a way into the Abbey when Elise meets Byrne and Hild, two Anglo-Saxons who are with the crowd patiently waiting to see what is going on. They had heard rumours of King Harold being killed in a battle far from London but they thought it was just hearsay so they are quite surprised to see the Normans turning up with William and his entourage.

The Coronation begins with both English and French being spoken out of respect for the Normans and Anglo-Saxons in attendance as well. However very early on in the service, the Doctor notices something isn't right. As a result, he finds himself being able to sneak into the back of the Abbey and disguise himself as a Monk where he uncovers something more disturbing. He begins to notice non-human tracked movement covering the faces of the Anglo-Saxons outside who are being made to believe everything is being done to suit them and their ideals for a Coronation and in return, the same happening for the Norman soldiers outside awaiting new orders.

Eventually after finding a gateway out, the Doctor is able to meet Elise with Hild and Byrne. He tells them that history isn't sticking to its correct path and they must begin cheering when the time is right in order to begin the riot. Hild and Byrne question why must they and the Doctor explains its all down to difference in languages and unfortunately whilst the Tardis remains in London, the telepathic circuits will enable both Saxons and Normans to understand each other without the language barrier being an issue.

In an instant, the Doctor decides to run back to the Tardis and therefore thinks if he can leave the time they are in, the telepathic circuits will revert back for those in 1066. By doing this however, he manages to leave Elise on her own with Hild and Byrne now not being able to understand the French language they once understood five minutes ago. Elise had been told what should happen and its then when she decides to be responsible for what she calls "The Christmas Riot".

With help from Hild and Byrne, Elise is able to get the Anglo-Saxon people to cheer in proclaiming William as their rightful king of England. After having it not working a few times, at the last ditch attempt, it finally works and the Norman soldiers begin to cause violence after believing there had been an assassination attempt in the Abbey. And just like that, history clicks back into itself again with Elise somewhat relieved albeit now keen to get back to the Tardis as soon as she can and avoid getting killed by the Norman soldiers.

With help by Hild and Byrne, Elise manages to get herself to the outer city walls by Aldgate where as she arrives, she sees the Tardis arriving in time to pick her up. The Doctor apologies for ditching her in 1066 but says it was the only way to get rid of the temporal anomaly that the Tardis was creating. Given how language was so important to creating the riot, the Doctor explained his actions to Elise and assures that his decision wasn't taken lightly. But he is pleased she has managed to keep history in check.

## Cast

The Doctor - Adrian Lester

Elise Jackson - Francesca Henry

William The Conqueror - Simon Farnaby

Matilda - Faye Marsay

Byrne - Jason Momoa

Hild - Gemma Whelan

William of Évreux -

Geoffrey de Montbray -

Robert, Count of Mortain -

William Malet -

Bishop Geoffrey of Coutances -

## Behind The Scenes

We have never been this far back in history for a Christmas Special so why not make it a first?

When coming up with an idea for a festive special, showrunner Andy Wilkins wanted to make this an opportunity like nothing seen before. The setting in Norman/Saxon England would be a unique one.

Wilkins casted Simon Farnaby after his depiction as William The Conqueror in Horrible Histories.

## Continuity

* Little snippets of the upcoming Series 15 would be aired in a short trailer after this episode aired.\*\*\*