S13 Episode 1
Biggin Hill to Ashdown Forest
Michael Portillo experiences a terrifying `victory roll' in a World War II Spitfire, high above the most famous aerodrome of the Battle of Britain, Biggin Hill. The 80-year-old aircraft is one of a fleet intensively maintained by a dedicated team.
29 mins · Mon, 17 May 2021
S13 Episode 2
Hassocks to Benenden
Michael makes his way to the beautiful Sussex village of Ditchling, where a Roman Catholic community of artists made their home; in the seaside town of Bexhill-on-Sea, Michael hears of the work of the wartime air raid precautions wardens.
29 mins · Tue, 18 May 2021
S13 Episode 3
Rye to Dungness
Michael Portillo follows his 1930s Bradshaw's guide to the unspoilt East Sussex Cinque Port of Rye. On the windswept harbour beach, he hears how, in 1928, a generation of lifeboatmen lost their lives in a tragic rescue attempt at sea.
29 mins · Wed, 19 May 2021
S13 Episode 4
Deal to Margate
Michael heads to the splendid Walmer Castle, home during the 1920s to Lord Beauchamp. Michael's guide, the founder of the LGBTQ working group for English Heritage, tells Michael of the lavish homosexual parties Lord Beauchamp held at the castle.
28 mins · Thu, 20 May 2021
S13 Episode 5
Herne Bay to Leeds Castle, Kent
Michael reaches the Kent seaside resort of Herne Bay, where he learns about a pioneering aviatrix who began her working life as a typist in Hull but whose epic achievements made her an international celebrity.
29 mins · Fri, 21 May 2021
S13 Episode 6
Chislehurst to Kennington
Michael continues his journeys in greater London. Beginning on its south-eastern fringe in the leafy and historic village of Chislehurst, Michael finds surprising imperial connections and a dark labyrinth beneath.
29 mins · Mon, 24 May 2021
S13 Episode 7
Hackney Wick to Oxford Circus
Michael explores Hackney Wick, which has transformed since the time of his 1930s Bradshaw's guide, when factories belched smoke and the Communist Party of Great Britain launched the daily worker.
29 mins · Tue, 25 May 2021
S13 Episode 8
Hampstead to Islington
Michael's Bradshaw's-inspired rail tour of London continues in Hampstead, where, shortly before the outbreak of World War II, a groundbreaking Jewish doctor found refuge. Sigmund Freud fled Vienna by train to escape the Nazis.
29 mins · Wed, 26 May 2021
S13 Episode 9
Dagenham to Battersea
Armed with his 1930s Bradshaw's guide, Michael is in London, where he tracks the River Thames from east to west. Michael is drawn to an industrial eastern suburb by the unexpected sound of pipes.
29 mins · Thu, 27 May 2021
S13 Episode 10
Park Royal to Westminster
Michael's rail journey through the interwar capital follows Harry Beck's map for the London Underground, embraced by Londoners since its launch in 1932. Michael finds out how persistence paid off for Beck after his design was initially rejected.
29 mins · Sat, 29 May 2021
