Yorkshire's Hidden History - Castles, Chocolate, and Curious Traditions

Discover the art and challenge of historic building restoration as we revive ancient castles and medieval homes across England. See how original features are brought back to life! In this episode of Project Restoration, we journey to Herefordshire, Worcester, and Kent to follow passionate homeowners and skilled craftsmen tackling ambitious restoration projects. Watch as urgent sandstone repairs are made to Wilton Castle, a breathtaking site that combines a Victorian farmhouse, Tudor manor remains, and a 13th-century castle. Learn how Alan and Sue Parzlow carefully balance modern updates, like installing glazed windows, with historical accuracy while racing to meet their deadline. In Worcestershire, John Bevan uses traditional carpentry skills and locally felled oak to save his cruckhouse’s medieval kitchen, preserving original timbers and employing age-old joinery techniques. Meanwhile, in Kent, Glen Beamsen and a restoration expert reveal the painstaking process of stripping away decades of gloss paint to unveil the natural beauty of 15th-century oak beams. Throughout the video, you’ll gain insight into the restoration techniques that safeguard our architectural heritage, from lime mortar repairs to honest restoration practices that respect

The Hidden Viking City Beneath York | Britain's Most Historic Towns | Season 1 Episode 2 examines the specific people, events and evidence presented in this documentary. Britain's Most Historic Towns takes viewers on a fascinating journey through the hidden history of Britain’s oldest and most remarkable towns. Presented by historian Alice Roberts, the series explores the stories behind historic streets, ancient landmarks, royal connections, battles, trade routes, and the everyday lives of people who shaped Britain’s past. From Roman settlements and medieval towns to the Tudor era and the Industrial Revolution, each episode uncovers how Britain’s towns evolved through centuries of change. By exploring historical sites, speaking with local experts, and revealing forgotten stories, the program brings the past to life in a unique and engaging way. Discover the rich heritage of the United Kingdom through Britain's Most Historic Towns, a captivating history documentary series covering British culture, ancient cities, royal history, architecture, wars, traditions, and the fascinating events that transformed the nation. Follow the journey through time and uncover the secrets hidden within Britain's most historic places.

Join American-born Viscountess Julie Montagu on an exclusive journey into the British countryside to tour the magnificent, historic gardens of Britain's elite stately homes. From the award-winning Italian sunken gardens at Mapperton House to the stunning 7,000-tulip festival at Constable Burton Hall and the 10-acre walled wonderland of Blair Castle, discover how centuries of aristocratic heritage, royal traditions, and architectural pageantry are preserved today. Meet the current custodians uncovering secret grottoes, centuries-old archives, and the magnificent challenges of keeping British history alive. 💚 Join the Absolute History club to get access to exclusive member benefits! 📺 You can now become a History Hit member right here on the original video platform! Join for access to a new exclusive documentary every week, and access to over 160+ of our documentaries presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, Eleanor Janega, Tristan Hughes, Mary Beard, Matt Lewis and more.

Step back in time as we uncover the secrets of medieval Plimpton! Join us as we dig beneath the streets to reveal 700-year-old mysteries and forgotten buildings. In this fascinating episode, the Time Team investigates the medieval origins of Plimpton, Devon, starting from the iconic motte and bailey of Plimpton Castle. Watch as archaeologists and historians race against the clock to uncover the original layout, boundaries, and high-status buildings of this Norman town, using geophysics, excavations, and historic maps. From discovering ancient fireplaces and timber beams to reconstructing the grand medieval marketplace, we reveal how much of the 12th- and 13th-century town still lies hidden beneath modern Plimpton. Explore the process of dating buildings with dendrochronology, analyze pottery and glassware from the trenches, and see how architectural clues inside ordinary homes help piece together a bustling medieval community. We also investigate the town’s unique burgage plots, ancient boundary lines, and the possible remains of a deer park, all while unearthing stories of the powerful Dredvers family and the town’s strategic role in Devon’s history. Whether you’re passionate about medieval archaeology

Step into Britain’s past and discover how archaeology uncovers the secrets of our earliest ancestors, from million-year-old tools to mysterious Bronze Age treasures. Join us on an epic journey through the landscapes of prehistoric Britain as archaeologists dig up the clues that reveal who lived here, how they survived, and the cultures they left behind. From the windswept shores of Orkney to the submerged shipwrecks off Devon, this video follows real-life excavations, analyzing ancient tools, skeletons, and artifacts to piece together a complex jigsaw of our shared history. Witness the meticulous process of dating fossils and sediments, the thrill of finding Ice Age art in Creswell Crags, and the emotional resonance of uncovering burial rituals and personal items left behind by our distant ancestors. Explore how the first humans braved Ice Age climates, see the earliest farming settlements in Orkney, and learn about the dramatic spread of the Beaker culture across the British Isles through groundbreaking scientific analysis. Marvel at the discovery of Bronze Age gold and tin, revealing ancient trade routes and the rise of powerful chieftains. The video

Step inside the Colosseum as its hidden history is revealed during a massive restoration, uncovering ancient secrets and the real stories of Rome’s legendary gladiators. Discover how Rome’s iconic Colosseum, the world’s most famous monument, is being meticulously restored to its former glory through an unprecedented public-private partnership. This video takes you behind the scaffolding as experts strip away centuries of grime, revealing original colors, architectural marvels, and lost details. Learn about the political intrigue, engineering genius, and social spectacle that shaped this ancient arena - from its construction on Nero’s former palace grounds to its pivotal role in Roman society as the heart of “bread and circuses.” We explore not just the Colosseum’s dramatic past, but also its impact on modern Rome, the controversial sponsorships funding its preservation, and the sophisticated restoration techniques being used today. Hear from archaeologists, historians, and those spearheading the multi-million euro facelift, and follow the evolution of gladiatorial combat from early funeral rites to the star-studded spectacles that captivated an empire. Plus, delve into the lives of real gladiators, their rise to celebrity status