Portillo's Hidden History of Britain
Former British Secretary of State for Defence Michael Portillo visits abandoned, iconic locations around the UK that were at the centre of relatively unknown historical events but which are not open to the public.
- 2018-2018
- 2 seasons
- Documentary
Former British Secretary of State for Defence Michael Portillo visits abandoned, iconic locations around the UK that were at the centre of relatively unknown historical events but which are not open to the public.
Season 2 Episode Guide
5 Episodes 2018
Episode 1
Plastic Surgery Pioneers - Cambridge Military Hospital
45 mins
The series returns as Michael visits the former Cambridge Military Hospital in the garrison town of Aldershot, Hampshire to learn of the far-reaching legacy of the medical innovations that took place there.
Episode 2
Local Heroes - Manchester Fire Station
45 mins
Michael ventures inside the London Road Fire Station which was decommissioned in 1986. He learns how the devastating loss of life suffered by the brigade led to the profession being transformed.
Episode 3
Countdown to WW3
45 mins
A top secret Cold War stronghold and a decommissioned Soviet nuclear submarine reveal just how close we came to nuclear armageddon, and the British military's plans if it should come.
Episode 4
The Palace of Dreams
45 mins
Michael visits the abandoned shell of the New Victoria in Bradford, once one of the most impressive entertainment complexes in Britain with a 3,000 seat cinema, grand ballroom and state-of-the-art technology that even 'washed' the air.
Episode 5
Brighton - A Seaside Escape
45 mins
Michael ends his journey in Sussex at the popular seaside resort of Brighton. He examines the Victorian engineering keeping the ruined West Pier standing. He then joins Britain's oldest swimming club for a dip in the sea.