We all know that the Battle of Hastings was fought in 1066, London's 'one big burning blaze' tore through the capital in 1666 and that Britain declared war on Nazi Germany in 1939, but many of us remember the most important moments in our history by the folk stories which are attached to them. So we remember Henry VIII for his wives rather than the Reformation and Charles II for climbing a tree rather than the Civil War. But if we set aside these stories, do we really know what happened when, and why it's so important? Which came first, the Bronze Age or the Stone Age? Why did the Romans play such a significant role in our past? And how did a nation as small as Britain come to command such a vast empire? Here, Tim Taylor and the team of expert historians behind Channel 4's Time Team, answer these questions and many more, cataloguing British history in a way that is accessible to all. This book will give you and your family a clear and concise view of what happened when, and why.

"Great Britain and Ireland are home to some of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Stonehenge, Hadrian's Wall and Ironbridge are familiar to us all and each year thousands flock to witness their spectacular beauty. But what can these fascinating sites tell us about the lives and times of our ancestors? Now, Channel 4's perennially popular Time Team take us on an archaeological sight-seeing tour of Britain and Ireland. Region by region, they select the most interesting and important sites which are open to visitors, some familiar to all, others relatively unknown. Each is treated with the inimitable no-nonsense Time Team style. This book is like having Tony, Mick, Geo-Phys and the gang in the back seat of your car - sharing their specialist knowledge and fascinating historical insights wherever you travel in the British Isles..."

This title is a companion to Channel Four's programme, Time Team and includes all the sites excavated up to the publication date. These sites and the archaeological treasures they have yielded serve as a starting point for a quirky, yet fascinating view of British history.

For the times when you’re driving past a lumpy, bumpy field and you wonder what made the lumps and bumps; for when you’re walking between two lines of grand trees, wondering when and why they were planted; for when you see a brown heritage sign pointing to a ‘tumulus’ but you don’t know what to look for… Entertaining and factually rigorous, Hidden Histories will help you decipher the story of our landscape through the features you can see around you. This Spotter’s Guide arms the amateur explorer with the crucial information needed to ‘read’ the landscape and spot the human activities that have shaped our green and pleasant land. Photographs and diagrams point out specific details and typical examples to help the curious Spotter ‘get their eye in’ and understand what they’re looking at, or looking for. Specially commissioned illustrations bring to life the processes that shaped the landscape - from medieval ploughing to Roman road building - and stand-alone capsules explore interesting aspects of history such as the Highland Clearances or the coming of Christianity. This unique guide uncovers the hidden stories behind the country's landscape, making it the perfect companion for an exploration of our green and pleasant land.

Recent surveys have shown that, as a nation, our knowledge of British history is sketchy at best. A 2001 poll found that 30% of 11-18 year olds thought that Oliver Cromwell fought at the Battle of Hastings and a similar number had no idea in which century the First World War occurred. And the rest of us are no better. Many of us remember important dates and events only if there is a handy rhyme - 'In 1492 Colombus sailed the ocean blue' - or a charming folk story to accompany them. As a result Henry VIII is remembered for his wives rather than the Reformation and Charles I, who was publicly executed during the Civil War, is famous for climbing a tree!Here, in What Happened When, Tim Taylor and the expert archaeologists and historians behind the hit Channel 4 series Time Team will set us straight. Each member of the team will select the events they believe had a major impact on our society and set out to justify their choices. Sixty key events will be discussed with 15 given 'star status'. Key technologies will be featured, together with photographs from Chris Bennett and illustrations from Time Team's own Victor Ambrus. So, whether you want a quick foray into the past or a definitive guide to British history, this book will give you and your family an accurate chronology of the events that shaped our society and a clear picture of exactly what happened when.

The 'Time Team Dig Book' explains all the key skills the budding archaeologist needs to know. From gaining permission for your dig and surveying the landscape, to locating and excavating your first trench; from identifying pottery, to your final report and the legacy of your dig.

This book is centred around an innovative idea. It follows the development of the imaginary British town of Timechester from prehistory to the modern age, taking as its inspiration the wide variety of British towns which have hosted Time Team digs. As you turn the pages you will see the town grown and change, yet still with some elements remaining. The Team provide a commentary on the gradual development of the town in their familiar style, along with illustrations by the series' resident artist. Victor Ambrus.