Dominating the landscape for centuries, ancient cathedrals and abbeys reflect Britain's turbulent history through their architectural grandeur-stories of its kings and queens and the religious and social changes brought about by the English Reformation, as well as many other tales of intrigue, love, faith and conviction. Secrets of Britain's Great Cathedrals explores ... Read all
Genre: Documentary
Cast:Simon Callow
Our opening episode takes us to the spectacular pillars and great cornerstones of the Church of England - York Minster and Canterbury 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.
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.