Digging for Britain episode 5: Travelling east, Alice discovers a Roman barn conversion, unearths a Tudor fort and finds intricately carved 10,000-year-old weapons. As Alice ventures eastward, she stumbles upon a striking architectural marvel: a barn that has undergone a Roman-inspired conversion. This age-old structure, beautifully restored, pays homage to the grandeur of ancient Rome, bringing its aesthetic into the modern world. Her journey of exploration does not end there; she also unearths an age-old relic of English history – a fortified Tudor structure, preserved with impeccable care.
This stronghold, steeped in tales of warfare and diplomacy, takes her back to the epoch of kings, queens, and courtly intrigue. However, the most astonishing discovery lies yet ahead. She stumbles upon an incredible artifact, a weapon, intricately carved, dating back to an astonishing 10,000 years. The detailing on the weapon reflects the advanced craftsmanship of prehistoric humans, making it a timeless testament to the survival instincts of our ancient ancestors.
Digging for Britain episode 5
Roman occupation of Britain
The Roman occupation of Britain was a period of history when a large part of the island of Great Britain was under the control of the Roman Empire. The occupation lasted from AD 43 to AD 410 and had a significant impact on the culture, language, geography and architecture of Britain.
The first invasions
The first attempts to invade Britain were made by Julius Caesar in 55 and 54 BC as part of his Gallic Wars. He wanted to exploit the natural resources of Britain, such as gold, tin and iron, and also to prevent the Britons from aiding his enemies in Gaul. However, he faced fierce resistance from the native Celtic tribes, who used chariots and woad to intimidate their enemies. Caesar managed to establish a temporary foothold in southern Britain, but he did not conquer the island and returned to Gaul.
The conquest under Claudius
The Roman conquest of Britain began in earnest in AD 43 under Emperor Claudius, who wanted to gain glory and prestige by adding a new province to the empire. He sent four legions, about 20,000 soldiers, to invade Britain and restore the exiled king Verica over the Atrebates tribe. The Romans defeated the Catuvellauni, the dominant tribe in southern Britain, and captured their capital Camulodunum (modern Colchester). They then proceeded to subdue the rest of southern Britain by building roads, forts and towns.
The expansion under Agricola
The conquest of Britain continued under the command of Gnaeus Julius Agricola, who was appointed governor of Britain in AD 77. He expanded the Roman territory as far as Caledonia (modern Scotland) and built a network of military roads and forts along the frontier. In AD 84, he faced the army of the Caledonians, led by Calgacus, at the Battle of Mons Graupius. The Romans won a decisive victory, killing about 10,000 Caledonians and losing only 360 men. However, Agricola was recalled by Emperor Domitian soon after and the Romans did not pursue their conquest further north.
The end of Roman rule
The Roman occupation of Britain lasted for almost four centuries, during which time the province enjoyed peace and prosperity. The Romans introduced many aspects of their civilization to Britain, such as law, administration, religion, art and literature. They also built impressive structures such as Hadrian’s Wall, Bath Spa, London Bridge and villas. However, by the late third century AD, the empire was facing internal and external crises that weakened its authority and stability. In AD 410, Emperor Honorius withdrew his troops from Britain and told the inhabitants to look after their own defence. This marked the end of direct Roman rule in Britain and the beginning of a new era.
Tudor era in Britain
The Tudor era in Britain was a period of significant political, religious and cultural change that spanned from 1485 to 1603. It was marked by the reign of five monarchs from the House of Tudor: Henry VII, Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I. Each of them had a distinct impact on the history and society of Britain.
Henry VII (1485-1509)
Henry VII was the first Tudor king and the founder of the dynasty. He came to power after defeating Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field, ending the Wars of the Roses that had plagued England for decades. He consolidated his authority by marrying Elizabeth of York, uniting the rival houses of Lancaster and York. He also strengthened the royal finances by imposing heavy taxes and fines on the nobility, and by promoting trade and commerce. He was a cautious and pragmatic ruler who avoided foreign wars and maintained a stable government.
Henry VIII (1509-1547)
Henry VIII was the second Tudor king and one of the most famous and controversial monarchs in history. He is best known for his six marriages and his break with the Roman Catholic Church, which led to the English Reformation. He sought to annul his first marriage with Catherine of Aragon, who had failed to produce a male heir, in order to marry Anne Boleyn. When Pope Clement VII refused to grant him a divorce, he declared himself the supreme head of the Church of England and dissolved the monasteries. He also waged several wars against France and Scotland, and expanded the royal navy. He was a charismatic and extravagant ruler who patronized arts and learning, but also executed many people for treason and heresy.
Edward VI (1547-1553)
Edward VI was the third Tudor king and the only son of Henry VIII. He became king at the age of nine and died at the age of fifteen. His reign was dominated by the regency of his uncle Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, and later by John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland. They continued the Protestant reforms initiated by Henry VIII, but also faced rebellions and wars with France and Scotland. Edward was a devout and intelligent boy who showed promise as a scholar and a reformer, but his early death prevented him from fulfilling his potential.
Mary I (1553-1558)
Mary I was the fourth Tudor queen and the eldest daughter of Henry VIII. She became queen after overthrowing the attempt by Northumberland to place Lady Jane Grey on the throne. She restored Catholicism as the official religion of England and repealed the religious laws passed by her father and brother. She also married Philip II of Spain, hoping to produce an heir who would continue her policies. However, her marriage was unpopular and childless, and her attempts to persecute Protestants earned her the nickname “Bloody Mary”. She also lost Calais, England’s last possession in France, to the French. She was a devout and determined ruler who faced many challenges and oppositions.
Elizabeth I (1558-1603)
Elizabeth I was the fifth Tudor queen and the second daughter of Henry VIII. She became queen after the death of her half-sister Mary I. She established a moderate Protestant settlement that balanced the interests of different religious factions. She also faced several threats from abroad, such as the Spanish Armada, the Irish rebellions, and the plots by Mary Queen of Scots. She also fostered a golden age of culture and exploration, patronizing writers such as Shakespeare and Marlowe, and explorers such as Drake and Raleigh. She was a skillful and popular ruler who maintained a strong and stable government.
