Watch Michael Wood's Story Of England

Michael Wood's Story Of England is an engrossing documentary series produced by PBS, which first aired in 2010. The show focuses on the history of England, as told within the context of one small town. Michael Wood and Carenza Lewis take viewers on a journey spanning 2,000 years of English history, with a particular emphasis on the everyday lives of people.

Throughout the eight-part series, Michael Wood explores the history of Kibworth, Leicestershire. This town is the perfect microcosm for Wood to illustrate how English society has evolved over the centuries. Viewers are taken on a dynamic journey, moving from demonstrations of ancient farming techniques in the medieval era to the more recent history of the construction of the M1 motorway.

At the heart of Michael Wood's Story Of England is the idea of 'history from below'. Michael Wood and his team of experts use a variety of historical sources to piece together the lives of ordinary people who lived in Kibworth, including those who were often excluded from the recorded history. Throughout, the show emphasizes the social and human implications of historical events, from the Black Death in the fourteenth century to the industrial revolution.

One of the most striking features of Michael Wood's Story Of England is its innovative approach to storytelling. The show makes excellent use of handheld cameras and a variety of cinematic techniques to bring the history of Kibworth to life. Alongside traditional interviews with historical experts, the show also includes reconstructions and impressions of daily life in various eras. Viewers see actors dressed in traditional clothing and using tools from the past. These reconstructions bring the history of Kibworth alive and help to anchor viewers in the past.

Another unique element of the series is the way it engages with contemporary issues in England. Throughout the series, Michael Wood highlights how contemporary issues are connected to the past. For example, during the show's exploration of medieval farming, it's noted that the medieval system of common land can help inform contemporary debates about public access to green spaces. Additionally, the series touches on issues of immigration, multiculturalism, and the role of the monarchy in modern Britain, thereby bridging the gap between the past and present.

One of the show's standout features is the participation of the town's residents. Michael Wood and his team made a concerted effort to involve residents of Kibworth in the project. This involvement ranges from simply including interviews with residents to working with local archaeological groups to uncover the town's past. The residents of Kibworth provide insightful commentary on the history of their town.

Overall, Michael Wood's Story Of England is a fascinating and insightful documentary series. The show reflects on the complexity and diversity of English history, while also emphasizing the importance of the ways histories are told. The series makes complex historical narratives accessible to a broad audience, while also prompting viewers to reflect on the present by analyzing the past. The show provides a poignant reminder of the fragility of human life and how the forces of politics, economics, and society can shape individual lives. Through the story of Kibworth, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of English society, and of the forces that continue to shape the country today.