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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/q/4408
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

I find the writing style of the show Merlin to be very good, and much better than current/modern English usage. Details about the show can be found at [IMDB's Merlin page](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1199099/), and [Wikipedia's entry about the Merlin TV series](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merlin_%28TV_series%29).

Can someone tell me what this type/style of English is called, and from what time period it is from? Does anyone have any references, links etc. which will give details on this style of writing?

_ **Update 1:** _

Here's one sample dialogue:

> _Uther:_ Let this serve as a lesson to all. This man, Thomas James Collins, is adjudged guilty of conspiring to use enchantments and magic and- pursuiant to the laws of Camelot- I, Uther Pendragon, have decreed that such practices are banned on penalty of death. I pride myself as a fair and just king, but for the crime of sorcery there is but one sentence I can pass. (Uther raises his hand and Thomas is executed) When I came to this land, this kingdom was mired in chaos but, with the people's help, magic was driven from the realm. So I declare a festival to celebrate twenty years since the Great Dragon was captured and Camelot freed from the evil of sorcery. Let the celebrations begin!

More example dialogue can be found at [Wikiquote's Merlin page](http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Merlin_%28TV_Series%29#The_Dragon.27s_Call_.5B1.1.5D).

Original score: 3