Buildings That Shaped Britain

Buildings That Shaped Britain (2006)

EndedDocumentary showHistory

Buildings That Shaped Britain chronologically chart the most significant evolutions in British architecture, outlining the impact that this architectural history has had on the cultural, social and political development of Britain from The Dark Ages to the 21st century. Respected historian--and Chief Executive of English Heritage --Dr Simon Thurley goes on a compelling journey through Britain's architectural history. He paints an exhaustive and extremely interesting picture of the human ingenuity that has shaped our nation's structural past. Visiting Britain's groundbreaking buildings, Thurley shows how Britain has developed its own distinctive architecture over the last thousand years, observing that this tells us a great deal about who we are today. With the additional help of period specialists--historians, engineers, archaeologists and architectural historians --the series uncovers amazing stories and revelations about each building, revealing why and how certain structures have helped alter the architectural, social, political and geographical landscape of Britain.

Network
Scheduleevery Friday at 20:00 (60 min)

Last Episode

The Modern Age
Season 1Episode 860 min

The Modern Age

Historian Simon Thurley concludes this fascinating series with a look at 20th century architecture. The horrors of World War I stimulated a design revolution that turned its back on history and tradition and went instead for simplicity and functionality. The modernists 'intellectualised' building, indicating that if you lived in a house like this, your life would be better. World War II gave the architectural brutalists an opportunity to demonstrate on a massive scale as German bombing destruction demanded widespread rebuilding of British centres. But ugly high-density towers and modernist structures were clumsy and unworkable solutions.
Jul 21, 2006

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E08The Modern AgeJul 21, 2006
S01E07RevolutionJul 14, 2006
S01E06Countryside RevolutionJul 7, 2006
S01E05Birth of the MetropolisJun 30, 2006
S01E04The Country HouseJun 23, 2006
View all episodesView all seasons

Cast

Simon Thurley

Simon Thurley

plays himself
Anna Keay

Anna Keay

plays herself
Steven Parissien

Steven Parissien

plays himself
Eddie McCann

Eddie McCann

plays himself
View all cast

Characters

Presenter

Presenter

played by Simon Thurley
Presenter

Presenter

played by Anna Keay
Presenter

Presenter

played by Steven Parissien
Presenter

Presenter

played by Eddie McCann
View all characters

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