Great Britons

Episode 1

The Top 100

Although the BBC's original ranked list has been removed from their web server and what remains is only an alphabetical list of the Top 100, several other sources have preserved the original ranked list.

Episode 2

Brunel

Jeremy Clarkson follows in the footsteps of the great engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel whose designs for bridges, railways, steamships, docks and buildings revolutionised modern engineering. But his boldness and determination to succeed often led him to repeatedly risk his own life. Jeremy Clarkson discovers for himself just how terrifying that was.

Episode 3

Darwin

Andrew Marr explores the life and work of pioneering Victorian scientist Charles Darwin. Ultimately, Darwin's theories have indelibly changed accepted views about human evolution.

Episode 4

Diana, Princess of Wales

Episode 5

Cromwell

1st Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland. Commander of the New Model Army during the English Civil War against King Charles I.

Episode 6

Nelson

Naval commander, famous for his service in the Royal Navy, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars. His victory during the Battle of Trafalgar was significant in preventing Napoleon's planned invasion of the United Kingdom.

Episode 7

Shakespeare

Actress Fiona Shaw explores the life of William Shakespeare, Britain's famous playwright and poet.

Episode 8

Elizabeth I

Queen of England and Ireland (1558–1603). Brought a period of relative internal stability, and led England to victory over the Spanish Armada during the Anglo-Spanish War. Her reign is known as the Elizabethan era.

Episode 9

Newton

Physicist, mathematician, astronomer, theologian and natural philosopher. Originator of universal gravitation and laws of classical mechanics and laws of motion. His Principia is one of the most influential works in the history of science.

Episode 10

Lennon

Pop/rock singer-songwriter, musician, activist and member of music group The Beatles. One of the most famous, successful, influential, covered and admired pop artists of all time. Hailed for his highly personal and experimental music, rebellious free-spirited attitude and peace activism.

Episode 11

Churchill

Prime Minister (1940–1945, 1951–1955). Historically ranked as one of the greatest British prime ministers. Led the nation during World War II, when the country defended itself against a planned German invasion. He was an important figure in post-war national and international politics. Received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953.

Episode 12

The Greatest of Them All