In Search of the Dark Ages (1979)
Synopsis
In Search of the Dark Ages was a television series, written and presented by Michael Wood, and first shown in 1979. It is also the title of a book written by Wood to support the series, which was published in 1981. The television series consisted of a series of separate programmes, hence the collective title is often written as In Search of ... The Dark Ages. It began with In Search of Offa, recorded in 1978 by BBC Manchester, and shown on 2 January 1979. Subsequent programmes in the first series were on Boadicea, King Arthur and Alfred the Great, shown with a re-run of Offa over successive nights in March 1980. The first series was such a success when shown in an off-peak slot on BBC Two that a second series was broadcast in 1981, with subjects including William the Conqueror, Ethelred the Unready, Athelstan and Eric Bloodaxe.
Network
BBC Two
Episodes
In Search of Offa
In the first episode, and effectively the pilot, for his "In Search of ..." series, TV historian Michael Wood learns more about the Mercian King Offa - whose 1200 year old earthwork "Offa's Dyke" effectively traces the border between England and Wales for 150 miles (240 km).
In Search of Boadicea
In part 2 of the series, pioneering TV historian Michael Wood, looks past the scythed war chariot and tries to discover the real Boadicea, her times and people.
In Search of Arthur
In this third part of the series. Michael Wood tries to separate fact from legend concerning King Arthur.
In Search of Alfred the Great
In part 4 of the series, Michael Wood reminds us that when asked to name the greatest Briton, Winston Churchill is often put forward. When Churchill himself was asked he had one clear answer "Alfred the Great". But who was this King and why was he so influential on the development of England?
Details
Original Title
In Search of the Dark Ages
Status
Ended
Seasons
2
Episodes
8
Production
BBC
