Secrets of Great British Castles
Historian Dan Jones explores the millennium of history behind six of Great Britain's most famous castles: Warwick, Dover, Caernarfon, the Tower of London, Carrickfergus, and Stirling.
- 2015-2016
- 2 seasons
- Netflix
- Documentary
- TV-PG
Historian Dan Jones explores the millennium of history behind six of Great Britain's most famous castles: Warwick, Dover, Caernarfon, the Tower of London, Carrickfergus, and Stirling.
Season 2 Episode Guide
6 Episodes 2016
Episode 1
Edinburgh
44 mins
Dan Jones visits the most besieged castle in Scotland: Edinburgh Castle. Included: how Edinburgh's iconic stronghold has shaped Scottish history; weathering numerous battles and sieges; how it served as a secure jail for prisoners of war and was a target for the world's first aerial bombing; and the 1440 double murder in David's Tower.
Episode 2
Cardiff
45 mins
Dan Jones is in the heart of Wales, exploring a stronghold that was built not just as an impenetrable fortress but also as a lavish fairy tale home: Cardiff Castle. Included: its history that spans over 2000 years; how the Bute family brought power and prosperity to Cardiff; and sheltering people during WW2.
Episode 3
York
45 mins
Built on the orders of William the Conquerer, York Castle has housed a regional seat of government, a royal mint and an infamous jail. It was the scene of the worst Jewish pogrom in British history and the martyrdom of Margaret Clitherow.
Episode 4
Leeds
45 mins
Dan Jones is in the south east of England to visit an idyllic castle once owned by medieval kings and queens, including Henry VIII, and a number of Lords and Baronets. Due to heavy death duties, the castle passed into private hands when it was sold to the Hon. Olive, Lady Baillie, the daughter of Almeric Paget (a British industrialist) and his first wife, Pauline Payne Whitney, an American heiress. Following her death in 1974, Lady Baillie left the castle to the Leeds Castle Foundation, a private charitable trust whose aim is to preserve the castle and grounds for the benefit of the public.
Episode 5
Lancaster
45 mins
One of Britain's oldest citadels, Lancaster Castle remains infamous for its long record of religious persecution, witch trials and grim executions
Episode 6
Arundel
45 mins
Dan Jones is in the heart of the English countryside at Arundel Castle. Included: the history of the Earls of Arundel; how knights would have fought in the 100 Year War with France; an insight into the realities of living in a castle; and how Arundel Castle would have prepared for Queen Victoria's visit in 1846.