Tony Robinson's History of Britain

Tony begins by looking at life during the reign of Tudor king Henry VIII. Tony talks about the role of executioner Thomas Grimes, and reveals how Richard Roose rose from pot washer to being the cook for the Bishop of Rochester.

Tony explores the lives of people from the Victorian era, including a 13-year-old girl who worked 14-hour shifts in a Bryant & May factory in London's East End, a woman who worked down a mine at Knowles Pitt near Bolton and a navvy who blasted tons of rock from the Highlands to help construct an ambitious water channel. Tony also hears the story of one of the first employees of Marks & Spencer.

Quirky real-life tales include a sailor's attempt to leave behind his scurvy existence for a Tahitian girl, and a gin entrepreneur who fell foul of the law. Plus, a hungry poacher has a cunning plan.

Babs's family were lucky to get out alive when Bethnal Green station was hit during the Blitz. Office boy James was called up to serve in France. Grocer's daughter Eileen worked with Princess Elizabeth in the ATS. Maisie's father was punished for his resistance in Guernsey. Joy married an American GI.