British History

	STONEHENGE Code V3 DVD Video - Duration: 15 minutes Filmed on location in England Support Material available for download Produced >20 years ago Suitable ages 11+ This video, made with the advice of Professor R.J.C. Atkinson, outlines the latest archaeological theories concerning the building of Stonehenge. Avoiding prevalent "new age" theories, the video presents students with the best established facts for the building phases and use of Stonehenge. Additionally, students are shown where the huge stones of Stonehenge come from, how they were transported to the site and how they were eventually secured in place. For prices, see our catalogue Back to top
	THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION Code V12 DVD Video - Duration: 23 minutes Filmed on location in England Produced >20 years ago Suitable ages 11+ The Industrial Revolution represents one of human history's great turning points. This program tells the fascinating story of the industrial developments that characterised this age and how these developments transformed cottage industries such as spinning and weaving into the great power driven mills of Victorian times. The video explores how this new industry was aided by previous developments, particularly the building of Britain's extensive canal system. This lowered transport costs and prompted industrialisation of the mining and steel-working industries. This, in turn, prompted developments in steam trains and a flourish of steel-bridge building which would eventually make the canals obsolete. Finally the video shows both the poverty and affluence that industrialisation brought to Britain. The video includes footage of early industrial machines working, as well as many of the architectural wonders built in Britain during this period. Combination Special This title is available at a reduced price when purchased as part of the British History Series (V18). See Specials and Discounts. For prices, see our catalogue Back to top
	VICTORIAN TIMES IN BRITAIN Code V13 DVD Video - Duration: 16 minutes Filmed on location in England Produced >20 years ago Suitable ages 11+ During the reign of Queen Victoria, Britain became the 'workshop of the world' as the advances of the Industrial Revolution translated themselves into a new way of life for the British. It was a life of contrasts with the new middle class enjoying unprecedented luxuries while the poor were either homeless or crowded into unsuitable housing. This program examines what Victorian life was like. It shows the home-life of the affluent as well as life for workers in the industrial towns. It shows the part played by the expansion of railways as 'railway mania' spread through Britain and how the use of steam engines revolutionised everything from cotton mills to agricultural work. It also looks at the beginning of the welfare system as wealthy and concerned individuals took pity on the hundreds of homeless children in Britain's cities and provided them with housing and some basic education. The effect of Lord Shaftesbury's Factory Act on child labour is also dealt with. Combination Special This title is available at a reduced price when purchased as part of the British History Series (V18). See Specials and Discounts. For prices, see our catalogue Back to top
	UNDERSTANDING SHAKESPEARE DVD Code V19 DVD Video Filmed on location in England Produced >20 years ago Suitable ages 11+ This DVD contains 2 programs Understanding Shakespeare: His Stagecraft (20 minutes) Understanding Shakespeare: His Sources (20 minutes) Program 1 UNDERSTANDING SHAKESPEARE: HIS STAGECRAFT This program begins by looking at the differences between modern and Elizabethan theatre, primarily in the area of stage design, lighting and sets. The program shows that, for the majority of people in Shakespeare's day, strolling players were as close as they got to a theatre while inhabitants in London had the choice of several purpose-built theatres on the Thames' south bank. It shows how these theatres copied aspects of local inns where the strolling players often performed by having galleries, windows and an inner stage. It also shows how Shakespeare managed to get around the fact that there were no sets or stage lighting in his theatres. The program then examines the running of an Elizabethan theatre showing the job of the Book Holder, the use of costumes and props and the fact that young men played female roles. It shows how Shakespeare was able to draw every bit of versatility from the Elizabethan theatre and how he used asides and soliloquies for dramatic effect. The program contains many excerpts from Shakespeare's plays to illustrate how the physical nature of the Elizabethan theatre influenced his work. Program 2 UNDERSTANDING SHAKESPEARE: HIS SOURCES This program begins by asking how it was that Shakespeare could write plays that dealt in detail with English folklore, different historical periods and different countries. To explore this question the program first shows his childhood in Stratford on Avon and the influence of the surrounding countryside, his teachers and the yearly visit of strolling players. With his retentive memory he picked up folklore from farm workers, themes and plots from the strolling players and an intimate knowledge of nature from the fields and forests of his native Warwickshire. The program then shows Shakespeare arriving in London which introduced him to a rich tableau of characters including the inhabitants of London's taverns and sailors from distant lands. Access to the library of the Earl of Southampton allowed Shakespeare to read historical works like those of Plutarch giving him the foundations of his historical themes. It also shows how he borrowed from rival authors, or as in the case of Hamlet, from traditional plays. Contains excerpts from his plays to illustrate these points. For prices, see our catalogue Back to top