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Forces of Nature

A History of Britain by Simon Schama Series 3
Episode 1 of 4

The French Revolution sent shockwaves through Britain. While some watched transfixed, others were horrified.

Simon Schama explores why the British proved immune to the siren call of liberty, equality and fraternity.

7 months left to watch

59 minutes

Last on

Tue 26 May 2026 21:00
BBC Four

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Victoria and Her SistersSeries 3

See all episodes from A History of Britain by Simon Schama

Credits

Presenter Simon Schama
Executive Producer Martin Davidson
Producer Jamie Muir

Broadcasts

  • Tue 28 May 2002 21:00
    BBC Two except East, South East & Yorkshire
  • Fri 21 Jun 2002 22:00
    BBC Four
  • Sat 16 Nov 2002 20:00
    BBC Two except East, South East & Yorkshire
  • Fri 31 Dec 2004 10:00
    BBC Two except East, South East & Yorkshire
  • Sat 6 Apr 2013 10:00
    BBC Two HD, Wales, Scotland, England & Northern Ireland only
  • Thu 28 Aug 2014 21:10
    BBC Four
  • Fri 29 Aug 2014 02:55
    BBC Four
  • Wed 3 Sep 2014 00:00
    BBC Four
  • Tue 28 Mar 2023 21:00
    BBC Four
  • Wed 29 Mar 2023 02:25
    BBC Four
  • Tue 26 May 2026 21:00
    BBC Four

Quiz: How's your British history knowledge?

Quiz: How's your British history knowledge?

Quiz featuring seven key moments between 3000 BC and 1603 AD from the first series.

Quiz: Can you answer these seven history questions?

Quiz: Can you answer these seven history questions?

Quiz featuring seven key moments between 1603 and 1776 from the second series.