A History of Scotland

Seasons

2008

UK

8.2

A documentary charting the birth and growth of the Scottish nation.

Episode List

S1 • E1

The Last of the Free

Oliver reveals the mystery of how the Gaelic Scottish Kingdom - Alba - was born, and why its role in one of the greatest battles ever fought on British soil defined the shape of Britain in the modern era.

S1 • E2

Hammers of the Scots

Oliver charts the 13th century story of the two men who helped transform the Gaelic kingdom of Alba into the Scotland of today.

S1 • E3

Bishop Makes King

Oliver explores the role the Scottish church played in promoting Robert Bruce, the propaganda campaigns, both at home and abroad, and how the 1320 Declaration of Arbroath persuaded the Pope to recognize Scotland as an independent nation.

S1 • E4

Language Is Power

Scotland's infamous Highland/Lowland divide was the result of a family struggle that divided the kingdom. This is the story of how the policies of the Stewart royal family led to the Gaels being perceived as rebels and outsiders.

S1 • E5

Project Britain

While Mary Queen of Scots plotted to usurp Elizabeth I and seize the throne of England, her son James dreamed of a more radical future: a Protestant Great Britain.