Great British Railway Journeys (2010)

S5E17 Ipswich to Chelmsford

Armed with his 19th-century Bradshaw's guide, Michael Portillo sets off on an adventure from Norwich to Chichester. His journey begins in Norwich, where he delves into the city's medieval core. At the historic Norman castle, he explores the Victorian era's macabre interest in crime and punishment, learning about reformers like Elizabeth Fry, a Norwich native dedicated to enhancing prisoner welfare. At the local livestock market, Michael discovers the art of calf auctioning with a deft flick of his guidebook. Continuing west to Thetford, he investigates the Brecks' rabbit warrens and the Victorian craze for rabbit fur that prompted the creation of special train services to London, dubbed Bunny Trains. After a challenging encounter with a polecat, he travels northwest to Brandon, renowned for its high-quality flint, and attempts flint-knapping.