Episode list

A History of Britain

Beginnings

Fri, Sep 29, 2000
Simon Schama begins his history of Britain at the miraculously preserved Stone Age cottages of Skara Brae in Orkney and then moves on to the world of Anglo-Saxon England.
8.1 /10
Conquest!

Fri, Oct 06, 2000
In nine short hours, William the Conqueror triumphed at the Battle of Hastings - and England was changed forever. Simon Schama recounts the saga of blood, betrayal and ambition that led up to this pivotal battle.
8.4 /10
Dynasty

Fri, Oct 13, 2000
The documentary series taking a comprehensive look at British history. Henry II built a great medieval empire - which was then torn apart by his scheming family.
8.6 /10
Nations

Fri, Oct 20, 2000
The story of Edward I - the Hammer of the Scots - whose attempts to force English rule on Scotland and Wales strengthened the identities of all the British nations.
8.3 /10
King Death

Fri, Oct 27, 2000
Simon Schama continues his look at British history with the Black Death, the horror of medieval Britain. Those it did not kill were condemned to suffer decades of anarchy and unrest, not least King Richard II.
7.8 /10
Burning Convictions
Simon Schama tells the story of the Reformation, from Henry VIII's love for Anne Boleyn to Bloody Mary's unsuccessful attempt to return England to Catholicism.
8.2 /10
The Body of the Queen
Simon Schama examines the long, tangled relationship between Queen Elizabeth I and her cousin Mary, Queen of Scots, who was executed by royal command in 1587.
8.7 /10
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