A British History in Weather

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A British History in Weather: 7. Rain

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7. Rain

BBC Radio 4 - A British History in Weather, 7. Rain

Alexandra Harris tells the story of how the weather has shaped the culture of Britain.

Why does British rain fall on British people? Alexandra Harris tells the story of the weather’s role in our cultural life.

Alexandra Harris tells the story of how the weather has written and painted itself into the cultural life of Britain. Why does British rain fall on British people?

Imagine a history told in rain. From King Offa's Mercia, to Saint Swithin, Milton and Dr Johnson. 

How do they feel? Do they go indoors? Does the rain they see an ill omen or a blessing? 

It never rains in the same way twice, and even in the same shower, no two people see it in the same way.
 
The shipping forecast takes us on a ritual tour of rain as it falls in darkness on the sea. Images form of places we have probably never been. Listening, we think of others listening. Rain, then showers. Moderate, occasionally poor.

Music by Jon Nicholls.

Producer: Tim Dee

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2016.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Alexandra Harris tells how the weather has been reflected in British culture.

Alexandra Harris tells the story of how the weather has written and painted itself into the cultural life of Britain. With music by Jon Nicholls.

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A British History in Weather

7. Rain

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