Wed, Aug 10, 2011
Dover Castle is the setting for the opening pro-gramme. King Henry II's magnificent castle will take centre stage as well as the huge array of secret tunnels cut into the White Cliffs underneath it. These tunnels were where the Dunkirk rescue mission was masterminded from and they housed a fully functioning hospital, barracks and secret telecommunications hub.
Wed, Aug 17, 2011
Live from the majestic HMS Warrior in Portsmouth, Dan Snow and Sian Williams continue their series celebrating the best in British history. They experience what life was really like on board a nineteenth century warship, whilst Masterchef's Gregg Wallace investigates the ingenious recipes that were cooked up during rationing in the Second World War. Plus, Joe Crowley makes a remarkable discovery in a two thousand year old Roman grave.
Wed, Aug 24, 2011
Dan Snow and Sian Williams continue to bring history to life - live to the nation's living rooms. This week, the team are in Stratford-upon-Avon at an archaeological dig at Shakespeare's home. This is an impressive dig excavating the foundations of the New Place, a grand townhouse that Shakespeare bought and lived in for the last six years of his life. Dan and Sian get their hands dirty as they bury a time capsule, intended as a gift for the archaeologists of the future. In a lively mix of film reports, a team of reporters and the nation's favourite celebrities reveal some of the country's most mysterious, surprising and compelling stories. Tonight, Ruby Wax explores the history of psychiatry and learns whether the first Victorian asylums were the hotbeds of sadism and cruelty that gothic tradition suggests.
Wed, Aug 31, 2011
'Dan Snow' and 'Sian Williams' visit the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu. They get hands-on with some of the most luxurious and elegant cars ever made, whilst special guest 'Larry Lamb' takes a trip down memory lane with a visit to the world's oldest surviving music hall. Also, Xanthé Mallett explores the incredible treasure trove of surviving documents from the original police investigation into Jack the Ripper.
Wed, Sep 7, 2011
In the final episode of the series, 'Dan Snow' and 'Sian Williams' broadcast live from Erddig House in North Wales, where they get a glimpse of what life was really like for Victorian servants. Peter the Wild Boy (a feral child), a royal pet, a Georgian celebrity and a resident of Kensington Palace: Peter the Wild Boy was one of the most extraordinary characters of 18th century Britain. Lucy Worsley, tells his remarkable story, visiting some of the places he lived and showing some of the images and objects associated with him. Special guest Sheila Hancock looks at the changing face of the female spy, whilst Michael Douglas meets the extraordinary World War II veteran whose torpedoes sank the Bismarck.