Ep 16. Britannia Royal Naval College (1)

In season 33 episode 16 of Antiques Roadshow UK, the show heads to the Britannia Royal Naval College for a special episode. The college, located in Dartmouth, Devon, has been the training ground for generations of British naval officers since 1863. The Antiques Roadshow team sets up shop in one of the college's grand halls and is greeted by hundreds of eager locals hoping their treasures will have a fascinating story and a high valuation.

Presenter Fiona Bruce and the experts are touched by the stories and anecdotes of the items brought in for evaluation. Among the unique items is a rare Ming dynasty vase, which was once owned by a sailor who picked it up from the Forbidden City during his service in China. Another sailor brought in a saber that was a prize from a successful mission in the Far East during the Second World War. A porcelain dish from a ship in the Battle of Trafalgar, still bearing the marks of the firing can also be seen.

The episode also features a fascinating collection of memorabilia from the naval career of Admiral Sir Charles Madden, including his admiral's uniform and the silver quill he used to sign the treaty at the end of World War I. An unusual item brought in is a signal cannon from a captured Spanish ship, thought to be one of the pieces in Nelson's legendary signal chain during the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

As always, the Antiques Roadshow team provides insightful historical context for each item and offers details about the significance of the pieces in British naval history. They also offer expert opinions on the value of each treasure, leaving the owners surprised and sometimes delighted by the results.

This special episode is a must-see for history buffs and those interested in the fascinating cultural and military history of Great Britain. The setting of the Britannica Royal Naval College provides the perfect backdrop for the episode and adds an extra layer of interest for viewers. The Antiques Roadshow team is at their best, bringing ancient treasures to life with their wealth of knowledge and expertise. Overall, season 33 episode 16 of Antiques Roadshow UK offers an enthralling look into the rich and fascinating history of the British Navy.