Series 1
8 episodes · Apr 7, 2022
Season Videos
0/8 watched
Swipe a row to mark watched · long-press to mark up to there
S1E1Lights in the Darkness
Apr 7, 202258mEpisode one immerses us in the turbulent era that followed the Roman occupation of Britain. After the Romans leave, waves of invasion reshape the Isles and their cultures: from glittering jewellery to carved stones to intricate manuscripts. Battles over identity and faith play out in art and culminate in the rise of a new vernacular language.
S1E2Revolution of the Dead
Apr 14, 202259mEpisode two traces an alternative history of the Black Death of the Middle Ages. From the chaos of the Black Death comes creative renewal; survivors finding their voice through satire and a revived literature in English, including breakthrough works by women, and through new craft in cathedral building and stained glass.
S1E3Queens, Feuds and Faith
Apr 21, 202259mEpisode three looks at the story of the 16th century religious revolution, as England and other parts of the British Isles turned to Protestantism.
S1E4To Kill a King
Apr 28, 202258mA splintering of politics and religion in the British Isles under the Stuart kings leads to more questioning art, new science and architecture.
S1E5Consumers and Conscience
May 5, 202258mIn the 18th century, trade and conquest funds an explosion of creativity, and art stirs a growing social conscience.
S1E6Rise of the Cities
May 12, 202258mWith the industrial revolution transforming the British Isles, cities and country are divided and artists respond to the upheaval to lives and the landscape.
S1E7Wars and Peace
May 19, 202259mThe world wars force artists to grapple with destruction and savagery, challenging conventions and the old imperial order, while those fleeing war bring new ideas to Britain.
S1E8Brilliant Isles
May 26, 202259mIn the final episode of the series, an explosion of new voices from across the British Isles reinvents the arts, creating a richer, more diverse culture.