Synopsis
With the help of Victorian steam enthusiasts across the country, historian Ruth Goodman and archaeologists Peter Ginn and Alex Langlands journey back in time to the era of steam which shaped modern Britain.
Episodes
Season 11
Episode 1The team of historians examine how the golden age of steam changed Britain in unexpected ways, starting with domestic life. From slate roof tiles to the coal fire the railways shaped peoples homes.60m2
Episode 2The team look at how the railways impacted on people, those who built them, the railway staff and industries across the country and at how the railway companies began to develop ways to transport people as well as goods.60m3
Episode 3The team look at how the railways transformed the British diet, reviving a nation that was struggling to feed itself. The mass transportation of fish, livestock and vegetables fed the nation's cities and spawned popular new dishes.60m4
Episode 4The historians take a trip on the legendary Flying Scotsman as they continue their exploration of the age of steam, discovering how the railways revolutionised communication with the transportation of mail.60m5
Episode 5The life of the branch line before Dr Beeching's cuts of the 1960s is examined. Peter finds out about life on the footplate, Ruth discovers the prosthetic limb workshop for GWR staff who lost a limb in accidents.60m6
Episode 6The team examine how a combination of increased leisure time and affordable rail travel opened up new freedoms for working-class Victorians, from trips to the seaside to fossil-hunters exploring Britain's prehistoric past.60m
Episode 1The team of historians examine how the golden age of steam changed Britain in unexpected ways, starting with domestic life. From slate roof tiles to the coal fire the railways shaped peoples homes.60m2Episode 2The team look at how the railways impacted on people, those who built them, the railway staff and industries across the country and at how the railway companies began to develop ways to transport people as well as goods.60m3Episode 3The team look at how the railways transformed the British diet, reviving a nation that was struggling to feed itself. The mass transportation of fish, livestock and vegetables fed the nation's cities and spawned popular new dishes.60m4Episode 4The historians take a trip on the legendary Flying Scotsman as they continue their exploration of the age of steam, discovering how the railways revolutionised communication with the transportation of mail.60m5Episode 5The life of the branch line before Dr Beeching's cuts of the 1960s is examined. Peter finds out about life on the footplate, Ruth discovers the prosthetic limb workshop for GWR staff who lost a limb in accidents.60m6Episode 6The team examine how a combination of increased leisure time and affordable rail travel opened up new freedoms for working-class Victorians, from trips to the seaside to fossil-hunters exploring Britain's prehistoric past.60mCast
