Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Canterbury to Alexandra Palace

Beginning in Canterbury in Kent, Michael treads the boards as he uncovers the political message behind a play, published in 1936, inspired by the 12th-century murder of Archbishop Thomas 脿 Becket.

Steered by his 1930s Bradshaw鈥檚 guidebook, this week Michael Portillo explores the east of England in the interwar period.

Beginning in Canterbury in Kent, Michael treads the boards as he uncovers the political message behind a play, published in 1936, inspired by the 12th-century murder of Archbishop Thomas 脿 Becket.

In Maidstone, Michael learns of the international origins of the most British symbol of remembrance, before paying his respects at a war memorial based on London鈥檚 Cenotaph.

Outside Sevenoaks, Michael visits the country home of one of his political heroes, Sir Winston Churchill, and discovers how the 1930s were wilderness years at Chartwell, as Churchill warned against Nazi German appeasement.

As Michael enters the capital, there is a visit to the brand new London Bridge station before he heads to Alexandra Palace, the birthplace of television.

29 minutes

Clip

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Michael Portillo
Series Editor Alison Kreps
Production Company Boundless West
Director Titus Ogilvy
Executive Producer John Comerford

Broadcasts

Steam railway programmes on 成人论坛 iPlayer

A collection of programmes from the 成人论坛 archives on the beauty of steam locomotives.