Fred Dibnah's Building of Britain - Mighty Cathedrals

Fred Dibnah's Building of Britain

Original version

BBC Four

Knowledge, arts, music and culture from the UK and the world.

BBC Four reflects arts, music and culture with an ambitious range of intellectually and culturally enriching programmes, taking an expert and in-depth approach to its subjects.

BBC 4

BBC Two England

England

Simulcast of network BBC Two in high definition.

BBC Two HD

BBC Two Scotland

BBC Two Northern Ireland

Until 03/01/2009 BBC Two Wales (analogue) was known simply as BBC Two Wales. BBC Two Wales (digital) was BBC 2W. From 03/01/2009 BBC Two Wales schedules on both analogue and digital became identical

BBC Two Wales

BBC Four HD

Fred Dibnah's Building of Britain: Mighty Cathedrals

Fred Dibnah's Building Of Britain - Mighty Cathedrals

Fred Dibnah

Fred Dibnah's Building of Britain: Episode 1: Mighty Cathedrals

Mighty Cathedrals

Episode 1

Episode 1: Mighty Cathedrals

BBC Two - Fred Dibnah's Building of Britain, Mighty Cathedrals

Fred looks at the 11th-century building programme of the Normans.

Series revealing the skills that went into the building of Britain over the centuries. Fred looks at the 11th-century building programme of the Normans.

Fred takes a look at the 11th-century building programme undertaken by the Normans which resulted in mighty fortress cathedrals like Ely and Peterborough. 

At Peterborough Cathedral, Fred reveals the secret weapon the Norman builders had at their disposal - the stone arch - and demonstrates just how the early stonemasons constructed them. At Ely, Fred climbs high up inside the building to examine the alterations and additions made by later builders. Inspecting this construction masterpiece sees Fred scaling rooftop ladders to examine the incredible octagonal lantern built in the 14th century, an amazing feat of early engineering. Fred also has the lowdown on exactly how this feat was accomplished.

Fred's final destination is Rochester, this time to examine a Norman castle rather than a cathedral. Here, he demonstrates how the tactics used all those centuries ago by attackers to try and destroy tall towers bear a startling resemblance to the way he used to pull down tall buildings.

BBC Two

Knowledge, drama, comedy and the arts for a broad adult audience.

BBC Two is a lively channel of depth and substance, carrying a range of knowledge-building programming complemented by great drama, comedy and arts.

Factual: History

Factual: Science & Nature

Factual: Science & Nature: Science & Technology

Fred Dibnah looks at Britain's architectural heritage.

Fred Dibnah travels across Britain to uncover the craft and engineering skills that form the nation's architectural heritage.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Fred Dibnah's Building of Britain

Episode 1: Mighty Cathedrals

Contributors

Genres

Series

BBC Four

About BBC Four