The British (TV series)
The British is a British television series produced by Sky Atlantic.[1] It comprises seven fifty-minute episodes. It covers several major events in the history of Britain throughout the years[2] 43 AD[3] to 1953. Including the Norman Conquest, Industrial Revolution and the Queen's Coronation. It stars Russell Brand, Jessie J, and Dame Helen Mirren,[4] and is narrated by Jeremy Irons.[5] It premiered 6 September 2012 on Sky Atlantic.[6]
Episodes
Episode 1, Treasure Islands
The episode opens in the year 58 AD, depicting a Roman party being ambushed by Britons in a forest located in Wales. General
The north of England is explored as a major food source for the Roman empire, and elaborate villas are constructed with central heating and functional sewers. Hadrian's Wall is shown, separating England from Scotland. The Picts attack the Roman soldiers at Hadrian's Wall and are successful. The Roman Empire is challenged throughout Europe, and in the UK, markets slow and no new coins are sent to Britain. Rome then withdraws from Britain. A man is shown burying his wealth, hoping to protect it for the future on the hopes the Roman empire will return to Britain.
The emperor Constantine the Great is shown dying, with his dying wish to be baptised, making the Roman empire a Christian one. A man named Patrick is seen at a coastal settlement, and is kidnapped and enslaved by Irish pirates. He escapes slavery and spreads Christianity throughout Ireland and later becomes Saint Patrick. He and his followers spread Christianity into Great Britain from Ireland.[7]
Episode 2, People Power
The episode opens in 1066 with William the Conqueror taking the throne after the death of King Harold. A town in north Yorkshire is shown resisting the new rule, refusing the Normans right to rule. Norman men are sent north to suppress resistance with force if necessary. The inhabitants of the town are slaughtered. 150,000 people died or fled during these slaughters. Their land is torched. Norman influence is shown, with structures such as forts and castles built around Britain. The Normans claim land from Britons, taking it from private owners. To demonstrate ownership and make taxing more efficient, Domesday Book is written recording every person living in Britain and everything they own. Effects of this are seen in investments such as large cathedrals and their architecture is described.
In 1315, one of Britain's worst storm halves crop yield and half a million die as a result. Thus, the price of crops increase driving many to hunt illegally. Two hunters are shown hunting in royal forests, a criminal offence. It is noted that all men must be skilled bowmen ready to fight for their king if called upon. The hunters are shown being chased by the king's foresters and are caught and arrested and spared due to their skills in archery. This sparks the legend of Robin Hood.
A merchant ship is shown carrying black rats carrying the
Due to the lowered population, there is a food excess which is sold for profit which creates a new middle class and a more prosperous nation. A baker is shown being demanded more tax from their lords and subsequently a resistance occurs; the
Episode 3, Revolution
This episode takes us from the Tudors and the Stuarts right through to the parliamentary revolution. The episode opens in 1539, at
Episode 4, Dirty Money
This episode explores how money shaped the transformation of modern Britain. The episode opens with historian
Episode 5, Superpower
This episode highlights how the
Episode 6, Tale of Two Cities
This episode concentrates on the events of the period from 1851 to 1891. With
Episode 7, War and Peace
This episode talks about the coronation of
References
- ^ "The British Tribe Next Door sparks Ofcom complaints over racial discrimination". Radio Times. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
- ^ "The British: how insularity and the weather shaped our national identity". www.telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
- ^ BBC http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/overview_roman_01.shtml
- ^ Digital Spy http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/news/a401009/russell-brand-helen-mirren-in-sky-atlantics-the-british-video/
- ^ "Jeremy Irons Narrates 'The British' on SKY Atlantic". 5 October 2012.
- ^ Digital Spy http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/news/a401009/russell-brand-helen-mirren-in-sky-atlantics-the-british-video/
- ^ "Sky Atlantic – The British, Treasure Islands"
- ^ "Sky Atlantic – The British, People Power"
- ^ "Sky Atlantic – The British, Revolution"
- ^ "Sky Atlantic – The British, Dirty Money"
- ^ "Sky Atlantic – The British, Superpower"
- ^ "Sky Atlantic – The British, Tale of Two Cities"
- ^ "Sky Atlantic – The British, War and Peace"
External links
- The British at IMDb
- The British at Sky