Sam goes to Greenwich Park to see if he can hear gunfire, now that Britain is at war with the Dutch. Then an injured sailor comes to tell him of the battle, and Sam takes him to tell his story to the King. People want to believe in a British victory - bonfires are lit and fireworks let off. But Sam is concerned that such celebrations are premature. He's soon proved right. Elizabeth's brother, Balty, returns from sea with a tearful tale. Adapted by Hattie Naylor.

Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter.

Historical consultant: Liza Picard
Sound by Catherine Robinson

A BBC/Cymru Wales production, directed by Kate McAll. Show less