Industrial Revelations

How can you understand where we are if you don't know where we came from? This series should be required viewing for all students who believe that everything manufactured comes from China to Wal-Mart. An astounding exposition of the sources of the modern industrial world and for examples of how the methods of construction and manufacture were once found by some brave individuals -- and by some unscrupulous ones -- in Britain. I cannot speak too highly of this series. To see the size of the machinery and constructions such as bridges, canals, railways, engines and factories which were built by extremely hard working men with often the simplest and crudest of tools should surely give pause to the most blasé of us. The sheer power of the steam engines built by the Victorians is stunning and their willingness to take physical and financial risks is an example of the best of the entrepreneurial spirit.

Congratulations to Mark Williams as the second series of 'Industrial Revelations' launches with more facts about the development of the Industrial Age in Great Britain.

As before, Mark presents in a very down-to-earth fashion and indulges in more hands-on activity - getting up close and dirty for that sense of realism.

His easy style and delivery is untypical of the usual 'historical' documentary presenter, however, the viewer still benefits from a concise narrative with delicious editorial asides to camera.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first series and this new second series has not disappointed with the two opening shows.

It would be nice if there was some detail of the locations of the sites visited. The programme is most informative and enjoyable and it would be interesting to visit some of the locations and buildings shown in the programmes. How about a small book or leaflet - available at a small extra cost - which gave basic information about locations and the possibility of visits? Some, like Blists Hill and Ironbridge are already well known, but others (e.g Cromford Mill) are not so well known. Location, hotels/guest houses in the area and the nearest tourist office would be useful, and I am sure local services would be pleased to help with advertising etc. This would make the programme even more useful and would assist the economy in the areas surrounding the sites of interest. And, of course, give added interest to those, like me, who are aficionados of our history and heritage. Peter Smith

Really interesting and well presented. If this had been on when I did my GCSE history, I would have done a lot better.

Mark Williams is a treasure. In this first of his multi-part historical series he presents the start and rise of the industrial revolution Great Britain. From mining operations that drove the need for steam power to the use of special canals all around Britain... he ties a series of facts and interesting information into a brilliant story.

He is a hands on presenter. Not a "see my face on camera and hear my voice" type, he gets right into things operating steam engines, making steel, piloting canal boats, and more.

Each episode begins with a basic premise but he manages to keep everything tied together show after show after show. Little items of info he brings up and explains in one show suddenly make even more sense three shows later when you get to see how they turn into something even bigger or newer.

And unlike many other presenters he seems genuinely enthusiastic about his subject matter. He is having fun making these shows and it really comes through. There is an amazing amount of information packed into a 10-part series. I believe I took away and will retain more information about the industrial revolution from this series than I ever received and remember from school (and I liked history!)

If all history could be presented like this, then more people would pay it the attention it deserves.