WEAPONS THAT MADE BRITAIN

PROGRAMME 1: THE SWORD

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

00.00 – 01.14

An introduction to the series by the presenter, Mike Loades. He gives us a preview of the five weapons featured in the series and poses key questions about the significance of such weapons.

01.15 – 03.04

We see a montage of films showing swords being used, and Mike stresses how deadly this weapon is.

03.05 – 05.23

The Battle of Barnet is introduced. (It will feature regularly in this programme.) Mike shows us a long sword and explains its key features.

05.24 – 07.02

We meet the 10 students who will be learning medieval sword manoeuvres.

07.03 – 09.07

An outline of the War of the Roses and the build-up to the Battle of Barnet.

09.08 – 10.21

Back at sword school, we hear comments from the students.

10.22 – 17.53

A swordsmith shows us how medieval swords were made in order to be strong but flexible.

17.54 – 19.03

We see an amazing 14th-century sword at the Kelvingrove Museum in Glasgow.

19.04 – 23.13

The next instalment of the Battle of Barnet. We learn that a combination of mist and gunpowder dust forced the men to fight hand-to-hand with swords. We also see original medieval fight manuals, which taught young men how to use swords.

23.14 – 29.26

At the sword school, students learn horseback skills and how to fight if they lose their sword.

29.27 – 38.14

The battle tale is in full swing now. Knights would have dismounted and fought in close combat in full armour. What effect would a sword have on plate armour and what damage could a sword do to an armoured knight? At the Royal Military College of Science, the effect of swords on armour is tested.

38.15 – 44.41

At sword school one student tries fighting two opponents in full armour and a timer is used to see how long he can keep going.

44.42 – 46.35

The dramatic conclusion to the tale of the Battle of Barnet.

46.36 – 47.44

The follow-up to the Battle of Barnet and a summary of the role of the sword in medieval warfare.