S01E01 Jane Austen
The broadcaster explores the life of the novelist and examines the locations that inspired her, as well as uncovering the real events behind some of her greatest stories.
In the Footsteps of... with Gyles Brandreth
S01E04: Hardy's Britain
With input from Hardy experts and celebrity fans, Gyles discovers that, although Wessex may be fictional, the locations Hardy describes are influenced by real places. Athelhampton Hall is the inspiration for Bathsheba’s Farm in Far from the Madding Crowd. Hardy’s own home at Higher Bockhampton is the inspiration for Under the Greenwood Tree. Casterbridge is a thinly disguised Dorchester and Stonehenge is the dramatic setting for the end of Tess of the D’Urbervilles. However, Gyles discovers it’s not only real-life locations that inspired Hardy, but real events too.
Overview
This four-part series tells the stories of the landscapes, towns and cities which inspired four of the UK's greatest writers - Jane Austen, Thomas Hardy, Charles Dickens and the Brontes.
Episodes
S01E02 Bronte's Britain
The broadcaster travels to the West Yorkshire moors, known as "Bronte Country." It is an area that shaped the Bronte sisters, and in turn, helped shape it. He explores some of the influences on their...
S01E03 Charles Dickens
Gyles Brandreth travels across Britain visiting the places that inspired one of Britain's most famous storytellers - Charles Dickens. Gyles unlocks the secrets behind the author's unforgettable novels, delves into their history and uncovers the...
S01E04 Hardy's Britain
With input from Hardy experts and celebrity fans, Gyles discovers that, although Wessex may be fictional, the locations Hardy describes are influenced by real places. Athelhampton Hall is the inspiration for Bathsheba’s Farm in Far...
Cast
Gyles Brandreth
Self - Presenter
