Britain's Most Historic Towns Season 3 Episode 3 Naval Portsmouth

In season 3 episode 3 of Britain's Most Historic Towns, viewers are taken on a journey to the coastal city of Portsmouth, which has played a vital role in Britain's naval history for centuries. Host Alice Roberts explores the city's past, discovering how it has developed from a small fishing village to a bustling port city and naval base.

The episode begins with Roberts exploring the historic dockyard, which is home to the HMS Victory, the flagship of Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson during the Battle of Trafalgar. She delves into the history of the ship and its role in the battle, as well as the impact it had on the history of the Royal Navy. Roberts also visits the Mary Rose Museum, which houses the remains of the famous Tudor warship that sank in the Solent in 1545. She examines the ship's artifacts and learns more about life onboard during Tudor times.

Roberts then turns her attention to the city's fortifications, including the iconic Round Tower and the Spur Redoubt. She explains how these strongholds were designed to protect the city from invaders and how they have evolved over time. Roberts also visits the nearby Southsea Castle, which was built by Henry VIII to defend the coast against French invasion.

As well as exploring the city's military history, Roberts also delves into its cultural past. She visits the Portsmouth City Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from the city's past, including Roman and Saxon artifacts, as well as displays on Portsmouth's literary heritage. Roberts explains how Portsmouth was home to famous writers such as Charles Dickens and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and how their work has had a lasting impact on the city.

Throughout the episode, Roberts also meets with local historians and experts to gain a deeper understanding of Portsmouth's history. She learns about the city's role in the slave trade, as well as the impact of the World Wars on the city and its people.

Overall, Britain's Most Historic Towns season 3 episode 3 offers a fascinating insight into the history of Portsmouth. Viewers are treated to a wealth of information about the city's naval and cultural heritage, as well as its fortifications and literary connections. Roberts' enthusiastic and engaging presenting style brings the history of the city to life, making for an informative and enjoyable viewing experience.