Great British Railway Journeys

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Documentary series in which Michael Portillo travels the country by train.

All aboard! Armed with his trusty Bradshaw's guide, Michael Portillo explores the UK the railways made. Uncover hidden gems and fascinating communities from across the nation.

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Michael Portillo

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Joseph Cunningham

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Great British Railway Journeys: Series 9: Episode 3: Croydon to Shoreham-by-Sea

Series 9

Episode 3

Episode 3: Croydon to Shoreham-by-Sea

Croydon to Shoreham-by-Sea

BBC Two - Great British Railway Journeys, Series 9, Croydon to Shoreham-by-Sea

Michael uncovers a once-celebrated, now forgotten composer with an uncannily familiar name

Michael Portillo arrives in west Croydon, where he uncovers a once-celebrated, now forgotten, mixed-race composer with an uncannily familiar name.

Steered by his Edwardian Bradshaw's guide, Michael Portillo arrives in west Croydon, where he uncovers a once-celebrated, now forgotten, mixed-race composer with an uncannily familiar name. With the modern British rail network now half the size of the Edwardian one, Michael is delighted to discover a railway renaissance in Three Bridges.

After inspecting a new depot and its fleet of new Class 700 trains, Michael is accorded the great honour of washing one down. Next stop Lewes, where Michael makes a beeline for Charleston, the beautiful home of the artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, where he finds every surface exquisitely decorated by the inhabitants. At Shoreham-by-Sea, Michael discovers that magnificent Edwardians in flying machines took off from the oldest licensed airport in the country. Michael takes to the skies.

Great British Railway Journeys: Series 9

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Michael Portillo embarks on a series of railway journeys through Edwardian Britain.

Michael Portillo fast tracks to the early 20th century to embark on a series of railway journeys through Edwardian Britain.

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Great British Railway Journeys

Series 9

Episode 3: Croydon to Shoreham-by-Sea

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