Walking Through History

★ 6 · 2013 · 60m · Documentary

Tony Robinson goes for a walk through some of Britain's beautiful and historic landscapes.

Episodes

▶1. The Birth of Industry60m · Appealing to history buffs and ramblers alike, in this new four-part series Tony Robinson embarks on spectacular walks through some of Britain's most historic landscapes in search of the richest stories from Britain's past. In each programme, Tony follows a bespoke route that allows him to explore on foot both the history of a particularly colourful historical period or event, and the spectacular landscape in which those events unfolded. The walks are proper expeditions, with each one taking Tony a week.▶2. Frontline Dorset60m · Tony's walk in this episode takes him back to 1940 when Dorset became the unlikely frontline in the war against Hitler. His five-day, 60-mile walk along the Jurassic coast reveals the county's hidden World War II story. Starting by the defences on Chesil Beach (still standing 70 years on), Tony's journey encompasses stunning scenery and amazing acts of ingenuity and bravery as he heads east towards Swanage and Studland Bay. He uncovers the strange part a world-famous swannery played in developing a secret weapon. He hears of the bravery of the man who won the Victoria Cross serving in Portland Harbour when it became one of the first places in Britain to be bombed by the Germans. He reveals the role Dorset had to play in protecting Britain from invasion, and in an emotional climax he meets one of the veterans who survived after landing on Omaha Beach on D Day.▶3. The Tudor Way60m · Tony sets off on a 45 mile hike through the beautiful countryside of the Weald in Kent and the Downs of East Sussex to discover the area's rich and surprising Tudor heritage. At the impressively preserved Penshurst Place, author Philippa Gregory helps Tony relish the fate of the Grand Duke of Buckingham at the hands of the young Henry VIII. From there, he travels up what used to be secret paths to Hever Castle. Henry's saucy courting of the Boleyn girls at Hever comes as perhaps no surprise, but Tony travels on to find out how the monarch's reign brought not just fame and disaster to the women who caught his eye, but also wrought huge social, political, and industrial change to the country - and especially this area.▶4. Battle in the Glens60m · Tony takes on a tough four-day trek through the Kintail region of the west Scottish Highlands to discover the story of the Jacobite uprisings of the early 1700s. On three occasions, Highland armies, assisted by the French and the Spanish, attempted to overthrow the King and put a Stuart back on the throne. What made the Highlands such a breeding ground for revolution and how did the unique character of this landscape shape the character of the Highlanders? Tony's journey of discovery starts in Shiel Bridge, at the mouth of Glen Shiel, where he heads to the site of the earliest known dwellings here, the 'skyscrapers' of the Iron Age. On to the village of Glenelg with its fantastic views over the Sound of Sleat to Skye... and the hulking remains of a British barracks built 200 years ago by George I to pacify and terrify the locals. Via the town of Kyle of Lochalsh, Tony reaches the stunning Eilean Donan Castle.

More Like This

The Railway: Keeping Britain On Track

2013 · ★ 9

Documentary series revealing the inner workings of Britain's railways, introducing the track-workers, train guards, drivers, police officers and management teams determined to keep the country moving.

More info →

HistoryMarche

2018 · ★ 10

HistoryMarche delves into the tactics, strategies, and impacts of historical battles, bringing them to life with detailed animations and creative storytelling. The channel balances education with engaging visuals, making complex military maneuvers accessible. With a focus on transparency, it highlights scholarly debates and speculative history, encouraging critical thinking. By blending storytelling and modern animation, HistoryMarche makes history dynamic, relevant, and visually compelling.

More info →

Countryfile

1988 · ★ 5.4

The people, places and stories making news in the British countryside.

More info →

The Machines That Built America

2021 · ★ 7.2

The stories behind innovations such as TV, radio, phones, airplanes, motorcycles and power tools as well as the inventors including Nikola Tesla, William Harley, Alexander Graham Bell, Duncan Black and Alonzo Decker.

More info →

Great British Garden Revival

2013 · ★ 7

Britain’s rich horticultural history is being lost. More and more front and back gardens are paved over - for development, for parking spaces, or because families don’t have the time or inclination to manage these spaces. The trend for easy-to-maintain lawns, patios and paving has also led to a decline in traditional gardens full of flowers, plants and trees to the extent that some of our most iconic flora and fauna have all but disappeared. Step forward the BBC’s most-loved gardening experts, who are determined to turn us back into a green-fingered nation once again.

More info →

Prehistoric Planet

2022 · ★ 8.3

Experience the wonders of our world like never before in this epic series from Jon Favreau and the producers of Planet Earth. Travel back 66 million years to when majestic dinosaurs and extraordinary creatures roamed the lands, seas, and skies.

More info →