Introduction
In Search of the Dark Ages is a BBC television documentary series, written and presented by historian Michael Wood, first shown between 1979 and 1981.
It comprises eight short films across two series, each focusing on a particular character from the history of England prior to the Norman Conquest, a period popularly known as the Dark Ages. It is also the title of a book written by Wood to support the series, that was first published in 1981.
Outline
Starting at a Victorian statue of Boadicea and Her Daughters, Wood seeks evidence of Boudica, Queen of the Iceni. He describes the bloody and destructive revolt she led. Starting with the Iceni presence around present day Norfolk, he finds little evidence of their settlements but much more of their metalworking. At Jesus College, Oxford, he examines a manuscript by Tacitus revealing some of the background to the revolt. At Colchester he looks at colonial life and the increased threat of revolt. He traces the revolt from vaults of the Temple of Claudius, to Londinium, Watling Street, Manduessedum (the likely battle site), Lunt Roman Fort and Venta Icenorum.
In Search of the Dark Ages Series
You can find a full overview and index of In Search of the Dark Ages here.
Production & Filming Details
- Released Date: 11 March 1980.
- Running time: 35-45minutes.
- Rating: Unknown.
- Country: UK.
- Language: English.
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