Britain's Most Historic Towns Season 1 Episode 3 Norman Winchester

In the third episode of Britain's Most Historic Towns season 1, titled "Norman Winchester," host Alice Roberts takes viewers on a journey to Winchester, a city full of history and culture. Winchester was once the capital of England and was an important city during the Anglo-Saxon and Norman periods.

As the title suggests, the episode focuses on the Norman period, which lasted from 1066 to 1154 AD. The Normans were French-speaking descendants of Vikings who had settled in Normandy, a region in northern France. They invaded England in 1066 and changed the course of British history. One of their most significant contributions was the construction of castles and cathedrals all over the country. In Winchester, they built a magnificent cathedral, which became the largest church in Europe at the time.

Alice begins the episode by standing outside Winchester Cathedral, the centerpiece of the city. She explains that Winchester was an important religious center, and the cathedral played a crucial role in shaping the city's identity and history. She explores the cathedral's stunning architecture and tells the stories of the people who built it.

Alice then visits Wolvesey Castle, which was built by the Normans as a royal palace. She explains that castles were not only military fortifications but also centers of power and administration. The Normans used them to maintain control over the English population and to protect themselves from rebellions. Alice explores the castle's ruins and tells the story of the legendary Empress Matilda, who fought her cousin King Stephen for the English throne in the 12th century.

Next, Alice visits the Westgate Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of medieval armor in the country. She explains that armor was not just a means of protection but also a symbol of wealth and status. Knights and lords wore elaborate suits of armor to show their power and authority. Alice tries on a suit of armor and experiences firsthand how heavy and uncomfortable it was.

Alice also explores the Norman undercroft, a series of underground chambers that were used by the Normans for storage and as a water source. She explains that the Normans were excellent engineers and built sophisticated systems of water management that are still in use today.

Throughout the episode, Alice brings the Norman period to life by telling fascinating stories of the people who lived in Winchester during that time. She highlights the achievements and innovations of the Normans and shows how they left a lasting mark on British history and culture. From the grandeur of the cathedral to the modesty of the undercroft, Alice showcases the many facets of Norman Winchester and brings viewers on a captivating journey through time.