BSkyB - The British (2012) Part 6 Tale of Two Cities

The British

2,000 years of British history will be told in epic scale, The British tells the history of Britain and Ireland from the Roman invasion to the birth of TV and the Coronation of Elizabeth II in 1953. Spanning two thousand years in seven hours, the series will bring vividly to life through compelling drama and spectacular CGI the real and often surprising stories of the unsung heroes as well as the icons of history. A line-up of notable and influential celebrities will give their views on what the history of Great Britain means to them. The list of celebrities contributing to the show includes: Russell Brand, Lily Cole, Tracey Emin, Helen Mirren, Caitlin Moran, Lord Puttnam, Ben Kingsley and Robert Winston.

Part 6: Tale of Two Cities

The development of London during the Victorian era, as the city at the heart of the British Empire rapidly expanded - and social divisions became increasingly pronounced. The programme explores the grandeur of the period, including the building of the Crystal Palace, as well as sharp rises in vice and crime that prompted outrage among reformers including Charles Dickens and Josephine Butler. There is also a look at how football became increasingly popular.

BSkyB