About

Dominating the landscape for centuries, Britain's ancient cathedrals and abbeys reflect her turbulent history through their significant heritage and architectural grandeur. Intriguing stories of kings and queens, and the huge religious and social upheaval brought about by the English Reformation, wreath these magnificent landmarks in tales of mystery, love, faith and conviction.

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Episodes

1. The Cornerstones: York Minster & Canterbury Cathedral

Encompassing the north is the hugely popular York Minster, home to the seat of the Archbishop of York, and the largest cathedral in Britain. To the south-east, Canterbury - the oldest cathedral in England, and mother church of the world-wide Anglican communion. These two great monuments of the Anglican Church have stood the test of time, playing a significant role throughout England's history.

2. London: St Paul's Cathedral & Westminster Abbey

London - a collision of culture and ancient history. We explore two of the city's wildly different iconic landmarks, St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. Abundant in history, tradition and Royal connections, we take you deep inside these much-loved institutions that continue to play a living, vital role in the heart of the British capital.

3. Salisbury Cathedral & Wells Cathedral

The highest tower in the UK, Salisbury Cathedral is a powerful sight, visible for miles around. Discover its beauty from the top of the winding tower, down into the depths of its foundations. Then reveal one of the UK's best kept secrets - Wells Cathedral. Situated in England, Wells Cathedral casts a glowing, poetic picture standing alongside an impressive Bishop's Palace.

4. Bath Abbey & Gloucester Cathedral

Throughout this episode, we explore Bath Abbey, sitting alongside the famous hot springs in the old Roman city, and then move on to its foundational sister, Gloucester Cathedral, whose striking turrets stand tall upon the rural skyline. We discover the common thread tying these two magnificent, and wildly different buildings together, with a shared history going back as early as the 7th century.

5. Durham Cathedral & Lincoln Cathedral

Towards the north, we explore two of the country's greatest, most well-loved cathedrals. In Scotland, the striking towers of the Durham Cathedral silhouette the skyline, harboring the bones of not one, but two famous saints. Daring in its medieval structure, Lincoln Cathedral showcases some of the most innovative and experimental architecture in English cathedral history.

6. Worcester Cathedral & Tewkesbury Abbey

With foundations dating back to 680AD, Worcester Cathedral is wreathed in ancient history, and showcases incredible architectural styles. Then discover one of England's greatest hidden treasures -Tewkesbury Abbey. Standing tall in the heart of the town, the parapets of the Abbey have witnessed the rise and fall of princes, known the blood of battle, and felt flood-waters lap at its doors.

7. Wales: St. David's, Brecon, St. Asaph and Bangor Cathedrals (Tintern Abbey & Strata Florida)

Stepping across the border of England and into Wales, we take a journey to the far reaches of the north - exploring along the way the incredible cathedrals, abbeys and ancient ruins pocketed in the green valleys and rocky contours of this magnificent country. A country of vast beauty, Wales holds an impressive collection of Cathedrals and Abbeys that easily rival its larger neighbor England.

8. Ely Cathedral, Peterborough Cathedral & King's College Cambridge

In place of a cathedral, the city of Cambridge has the truly magnificent King's College Chapel – the foundation stone of which was laid by King Henry VIII in 1146. Moving further afield, we wind our way across Cambridgeshire to take in the county's two great medieval cathedrals. To the north, Peterborough Cathedral, and amongst farmlands to the west, sits Ely – the ship of the Fens.

Extended Details

SeriesSecrets of Britain's Great Cathedrals

Closed CaptionsEnglish

Artists

Peter J. BeveridgeDirector