Great British Railway Journeys S5E16 backdrop
Great British Railway Journeys poster

Great British Railway Journeys (2010)

S5E16 Norwich to Brandon

Jan 27, 2014 Season 5 Episode 16 Documentary

Armed with his 19th-century Bradshaw's guide, Michael Portillo sets off on an exciting journey from Norwich to Chichester. His adventure begins in Norwich's historic center, where he delves into the city's Norman castle, revealing the Victorian era's gruesome intrigue with crime and punishment. He learns about Elizabeth Fry, a Norwich native, who campaigned for prison reform. At the local livestock market, Michael practices the art of calf auctioning with a clever flick of his guidebook. Continuing west to Thetford, he investigates the Brecks' rabbit warrens and uncovers the Victorian demand for rabbits, leading to special "Bunny Trains" to London. After a challenging encounter with a polecat, he travels northwest to Brandon, famous for its high-quality flint, and tries his skills at flint-knapping.