If Walls Could Talk... Season 11 Episode 12 Getting a Handle on History

If Walls Could Talk... is a popular television series that showcases some of the most fascinating historical properties in the country. Episode 12 of season 11 is titled "Getting a Handle on History," and targets the importance of identifying architectural hardware from various periods of history.

In this episode, host Lucy Worsley uncovers how architectural features such as door handles and locks can provide a wealth of insights into the histories of buildings. Lucy visits various historical buildings, including stately homes, museums, and even an old prison, to examine periods of history ranging from the Tudor era to the present day.

The episode starts with Lucy taking a look at an ancient door-lock, believed to be more than 800 years old, in the historic Warwick Castle in Warwickshire. The lock is one of the oldest and most intricate in the UK, and Lucy explains how its design allows for multiple keys to be set at the same time. She stresses that the history of architecture is not just about the grand facades and ornate details but also the practicality of the design features.

Next on the show, Lucy visits the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, a beautiful modernist building designed by Sir Norman Foster. Here she examines the design of the building's distinctive door handles which are inspired by the Egyptian Ankh symbol, representing eternal life. Lucy talks to the building's original architect, Sir Norman Foster, to understand his idea behind incorporating historical symbols in a modernist building. She explains how the handles showcase Foster's unique style while reflecting cultural history.

Leeds Castle is another historic site that Lucy visits in this episode. Here she examines the 'beak-head' door handles, which are famous for their bird-like appearance. Lucy explains that these handles were typical of the Gothic era and were used to ward off evil spirits. She also reveals that people's superstitions and myths led to the creation of unique handles that reflect the social beliefs of that time.

The show's next location is at the Old Sessions House, an historic court building in Clerkenwell, London. Here Lucy examines a set of cast-iron door handles that are believed to date back to the 17th century. She wonders how these handles could form a part of court history and discovers that they were used to restrain prisoners during their trials in court. The Old Sessions House was called the Central Criminal Court in the late 18th century, and Lucy explains how the doors, locks, and handles in the court help her to understand how justice was practised in the UK centuries ago.

Towards the end of the episode, Lucy takes a look at some of the most decorative and intricate door handles in the country at the National Trust's Ightham Mote in Kent. Here she examines some delicate Elizabethan door handles, made of intricate metalwork and is amazed at the complex details on each handle. Lucy explains how these handles reflect the wealth, taste and privilege of the Tudor era.

Finally, Lucy explores how architects and designers are inspired by historical architecture to create contemporary designs, by visiting a door-handle manufacturer in Birmingham. She takes a look at modern handles that mimic traditional designs, discussed how the manufacturer had to go to great lengths to ensure that their modern pieces were stylistically accurate while retaining a modern edge.

Summing up, If Walls Could Talk... season 11 episode 12, is an engaging look into the history of architecture. The team has done an incredible job of uncovering the historical, social, and practical context of door-handle architecture. Episode 12 recognises the importance of various architectural features and how even the most subtle design aspects of the past can contribute to an enriching understanding of history.