Battlefield Britain
| Battlefield Britain | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Documentary |
| Presented by | Peter & Dan Snow |
| Country of origin |  United Kingdom |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 8 |
| Production | |
| Running time | 60 minuntes |
| Original release | |
| Network | BBC 2 |
| Release | 6 August, 2004 |
| Related | |
| 20th Century Battlefields | |
Battlefield Britain is a 2004 BBC television documentary series about famous battles in the history of Great Britain. It was presented by Peter Snow and his son, Dan Snow. There were eight 60-minute episodes made, each focusing on a different battle.
Introduction
The series tells the story of eight key battles fought on and over British soil. From Boudicca's destructive rebellion against the Romans to the incredible feats of The Few who saw off the Luftwaffe, these battles all had wide-reaching consequences and implications for the future of these isles.
The series is presented by father and son team Peter and Dan Snow with Peter explaining the battleplans of the generals while Dan explores the sites to give the perspective of the common soldier, sailors and airmen.[1]
The episodes also featured "interviews" with soldiers from both sides, re-enactments of the battles and computer generated scenes with bird eye views and blocks to show troop movement.
Production
Dan Snow has admitted publicly that he was told which battles to discuss by the BBC, rather than being free to select engagements about which he had gained some knowledge from his undergraduate studies.
Media information
A companion radio show Battlefield Ramblings was broadcast weekly on BBC Radio 4 to accompany the series. Each week a guest would join the presenter Muriel Gray for a walk in areas linked to the people and events featured in the TV show.[2]
Companion book
- Snow, Peter & Dan (Jul 29 2004). Battlefield Britain. BBC Books. ISBN 978-0563487895.
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DVD release
- Battlefield Britain: The Complete Series (3-disc box-set), Region 2 (PAL), BBC Worldwide, Oct 23, 2006
Reception
The series became known for historical inaccuracy, the presentation as fact of wild speculation unsupported by historical evidence and gimmicks such as footage of Dan Snow at rugby practice. This does however explain certain elements of life and military strategies which are difficult to explain to people without knowledge of history.
It won Best Visual Effects at the BAFTA craft awards in 2004.
Episode listing
Episode 1: Boudicca's Rebellion Against The Romans
Find out what really happened when Boudicca stood up against the mighty Roman Empire in 60AD.
Episode 2: Medieval Warfare At The Battle of Hastings
Heralding the beginning of the Norman Conquest, the Battle of Hastings in 1066, when William the Conquerer faced King Harold on the south coast, was one of the bloodiest and most important battles ever fought on British soil.
Episode 3: Owain Glyn Dwr And The Battle For Wales
A look at the Battle for Wales in 1403 and the leader of the Welsh rebellion, Owain Glyndwr.
Episode 4: The Spanish Armada
Britain’s defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 was a victory against one of the great sea-going nations. The dramatic events helped seal the British reputation as a seafaring people.
Episode 5: Routing The Royals: The Battle of Naseby
The Battle of Naseby in 1645 saw Oliver Cromwell's New Model Army win the decisive battle of the English Civil War, effectively bringing an end to the absolute power of the monarchy.
Episode 6: A Clash Of Kings: The Battle Of The Boyne
The story of the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 - the effects of which are still having consequences in everyday life in Ireland today.
Episode 7: Culloden: The Jacobites' Last Stand
The Battle of Culloden in 1746 was the last pitched battle on British soil and brought an end to Bonnie Prince Charlie's rebellion, securing the crown of Britain for the House of Hanover.
Episode 8: Their Finest Hour, The Battle Of Britain
The final instalment looks to the skies for the Battle of Britain and the RAF's struggle to prevent a Nazi invasion in the darkest days of World War II when Britain stood alone.
See also
References
- ^ BBC Press Office. "BBC Two: Spring & Summer highlights 2004". Retrieved May 16.
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{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameters:|accessdaymonth=,|month=,|accessmonthday=, and|coauthors=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ BBC Press Office. "Battlefield Britain by Peter and Dan Snow". Retrieved May 16.
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