1999

S1.E1 ∙ Episode #1.1

Sat, Jan 09, 1999

In the first episode in his affectionate survey of Britain, Bill hails a London cab driven by Stephen Fry before traveling to Liverpool to take a ferry across the Mersey and discuss Scouse humor with Alexei Sayle. Along the way his attention is caught by a proliferation of blue plaques, a forgotten tale of failed revolution, and a little-known subterranean kingdom.

6.4 /10

S1.E2 ∙ Episode #1.2

Sat, Jan 16, 1999

Bill salutes a uniquely British genius - the ability to fill any idle moment with a diversion, hobby or obsession. He meets the horn dancers of Abbots Bromley, caber tossers in Glenfinnan, ballroom dancers in Blackpool and a fell runner in the Lake District. Then, in a Bournemouth beach hut on a wet afternoon, he puts it all into perspective in conversation with Victoria Wood.

5.6 /10

S1.E3 ∙ Episode #1.3

Sat, Jan 23, 1999

Bill continues his journey with a search for the country's soul. Is it to be found in the capital, on a seaside pier, out in the country side, or on a mountain peak? Or must he leave the mainland to understand what is special about being British?

0 /10

S1.E4 ∙ Episode #1.4

Sat, Jan 30, 1999

The Japanese recognize the British genius for invention; they've calculated that sixty per cent of "the things we take for granted" came out of a British mind. Join Bill as he tries to understand what makes the inhabitants of this small island so good at innovation.

0 /10

S1.E5 ∙ Episode #1.5

Sat, Feb 06, 1999

"I'm not into dukes and earls - outside of jazz music", states Bill, who examines two very different views of the way in which heritage forms the backbone of Britain. From Blenheim Palace to a Glaswegian pub and on to a socialite who spends more on her clothes than a colliery band spends on their brass instruments, Bill observes Britain's heritage, north and south.

0 /10

S1.E6 ∙ Episode #1.6

Sat, Feb 13, 1999

In this final program, Bill returns to the spot in Britain that means the most to him, and travels from a south-coast geology lesson with adventurer Redmond O'Hanlon to the north most tip of mainland Britain - somewhere more remote and more beautiful than even John O'Groats.

0 /10