Portillo's Hidden History of Britain
Season 1
Former British Secretary of State for Defence Michael Portillo visits abandoned, iconic locations around the UK that were at the centre of relatively unknown historical events but which are not open to the public.
Where to Watch Season 1
4 Episodes
- Orford Ness: Defence of the RealmE2
Episode 2Orford Ness: Defence of the RealmMichael Portillo unlocks the doors to four extraordinary abandoned locations. For almost a century, Orford Ness was owned by the MOD, a lens into a bygone era of secrets, spies and superpowers. When it closed in 1993, its buildings were still shrouded in secrecy. - Shepton MalletE3
Episode 3Shepton MalletMichael Portillo unlocks the doors to four extraordinary abandoned locations. Since it opened 400 years ago, Shepton Mallet prison has seen thousands of prisoners, numerous executions and countless escape attempts. It has been home to gangsters, and during the Second World War a safe house for Britain's most precious historic documents such as the Magna Carta. - Imber Village - The Wages of WarE4
Episode 4Imber Village - The Wages of WarIn 1943, the village of Imber on Salisbury Plain began to be used as a Second World War training ground. The residents were ordered to leave by the War Office and, despite promises to the contrary, have never been allowed to return.
