Jay Blades: The Midlands Through Time

Jay Blades: The Midlands Through Time (2023)

EndedDocumentary showHistory

In Jay Blades: The Midlands Through Time, Jay travels through Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry and beyond to uncover the fascinating history of an area which has had a profound effect on the development of Great Britain.

Jay discovers just how much the nation owes to the West Midlands. Not only is it the home of Wedgwood but it's also the birthplace of the industrial revolution, the home of Wedgwood, the Olympic Games, the theory of Evolution and even the Balti. 

Network
Scheduleevery Wednesday at 21:00 (60 min)

Last Episode

Episode 3
Season 1Episode 360 min

Episode 3

In the final episode of this three-part series, Jay Blades takes us to his adoptive home, the West Midlands, to uncover the area's 20th Century history.

Jay is shocked to hear how badly Coventry suffered in WW2, targeted by Hitler due to its manufacturing might. In the half-destroyed cathedral, Jay hears about the woman who mobilised locals in the aftermath of the blitz, before discovering how the city rose out of the ashes, acting as an inspiration far and wide.

At the British Motor Museum Jay sees example after example of cars that were manufactured in the West Midlands, once the centre of the British motor industry. He learns about the design of the iconic Mini Cooper before he takes it out for a spin.

Jay hears the tragic story of the IRA bombing in Birmingham in 1974, which killed 21 people. Irishman Gerry Charity worked in the area at the time and tells Jay how the response to the attack affected the whole Irish community.

Jay meets the son of campaigner Avtar Singh Jouhl, to hear how he welcomed the controversial Black nationalism advocate Malcolm X to the unlikely town of Smethwick in 1965. Malcolm X came to witness the terrible racism and segregation that was prevalent in the area.

Back in Birmingham, Jay visits a restaurant in the famous "Balti triangle", discovering how the Balti dish was invented in Birmingham in the 1970s, and has a go in the kitchen himself.

Finishing his journey in Coventry, Jay has the honour of meeting original member of The Specials, Neville Staple and his wife Christine "Sugary", and being treated to his own personal performance of one of their old classics. The 2 Tone music genre originated in Coventry in the late 1970s, bringing a message of racial equality to Thatcher-era Britain.

Oct 25, 2023

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E03Episode 3Oct 25, 2023
S01E02Episode 2Oct 18, 2023
S01E01Episode 1Oct 11, 2023
View all episodesView all seasons

Cast

Jay Blades

Jay Blades

plays himself
View all cast

Characters

Jay Blades

Jay Blades

View all characters

Related Shows

Jay Blades: East End Through Time
Ended

Jay Blades: East End Through Time

Jay Blades: The West End Through Time
Running

Jay Blades: The West End Through Time

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
On the Case with Paula Zahn
Running

On the Case with Paula Zahn

Led by Emmy Award-winning journalist Paula Zahn, On the Case features in-depth interviews and original reporting that go beyond the headlines in search of fascinating mysteries from within our nation's justice system. Each episode is highlighted by Zahn's riveting exclusive interviews, which draw out different viewpoints from the people personally connected to tragedies that rocked their local community and the investigations that attempted to piece together the truth On the Case with Paula Zahn.

GenreDrama, Action, Crime
The Real Housewives of Orange County
Running

The Real Housewives of Orange County

These ladies show no signs of slowing down and although they may be enjoying the sunny SoCal lifestyle, replete with plastic surgery and frequent shopping sprees, real life still manages to find them, even in the land of excess and indulgence on The Real Housewives of Orange County.

Moonshiners
Running

Moonshiners

The secret and illegal world of moonshining stretches all across Appalachia raking in a pretty penny for those who choose to shine. Moonshiners will go to unprecedented extremes in their efforts to hide their still sites and cloak their distribution networks, some can hide in plain sight. With new styles of shine being tested and sold there is a king's ransom waiting for those bold enough to grab it. But those who enforce the law are wise to shiner deceptions and more determined than ever to catch them red handed and in the act of making Moonshine. The day of reckoning may be around the corner, but don't sell the Moonshiners short. Each has a keen understanding of how to stay one step ahead of the law in their region, and in this ongoing cat and mouse game you never know who will end up in the trap.

Mandy
Running

Mandy

Mandy is a woman with dreams. Big dreams. Most of all she dreams of breeding Doberman Pinchers. But there are hurdles to overcome before that dream can become a reality.

GenreComedy
The Bold and the Beautiful
Running

The Bold and the Beautiful

They created a dynasty where passion rules, they are the Forresters, the first name in Fashion. The Bold and the Beautiful, a world of fashion, glamor and romance. A place where power, money and success are there for the taking in a city where dreams really do come true. Follow the lives and loves of the Forresters on The Bold and the Beautiful...

GenreDrama, Family, Romance
* This is an affiliate link. If you click and purchase, we will receive a commission from the provider. This will not incur any additional costs for you and you will support our project. We thank you for your support!