History documentaries
Paradise Soldiers
As far back as World War One, through Vietnam and up to the present day, young Cook Islanders have served and sacrificed alongside New Zealand in military conflicts and combat. But their stories are largely untold. This fascinating documentary celebrates their contribution to various conflicts, acknowledges their sacrifice in battle and shares their personal stories of bravery and valor.
The Royals: A History of Scandals
In the last few years, the British Royal Family has been plagued by scandal. But, as Professor Suzannah Lipscomb reveals in this fascinating history documentary, the UK monarchy has always been mired in gossip and intrigue. The role that the media, government and the public have played in generating outrage and spreading scandalous royal rumors is delved into and regal secrets are shared.
History of Tanks
When tanks were first used during 1916’s Battle of the Somme to break the deadlock of trench warfare in World War I, military history changed forever. The introduction of the armored combat vehicle changed the course of the Great War. This documentary looks at the tank’s development, from basic early designs to technologically advanced models in the modern combat era.
Thomas Cromwell: A Very Modern Tudor
His life made gripping reading for millions through Hilary Mantel’s bestselling novel Wolf Hall. But who was the real Thomas Cromwell? Historian Tracy Borman presents this two-part documentary which focuses on King Henry VIII’s chief minister. From the son of a lowly blacksmith to one of the most powerful figures in Tudor history, his meteoric rise and spectacular fall are revealed.
Castles: Britain's Fortified History
Castles have always been romanticized, especially in Britain. They have been incorporated into folklore, witnessed bloody battles, played host to the great and the good, and been kept alive in the imagination by the world’s great writers and artists. Historian Sam Willis looks at Britain’s castles from weapons of conquest to fuel for literature and national identity.