Ep 4. The Tudors

In the fourth episode of season 1 of Digging for Britain, titled "The Tudors," the show explores the archaeological discoveries of the Tudor era in Britain. The Tudor period lasted from 1485 to 1603 and includes the reigns of King Henry VII, his son Henry VIII, and their Tudor descendants.

Presenter Alice Roberts visits several archaeological sites across the country to reveal how Tudor society lived, worked, and interacted with the landscape. The episode begins with Alice visiting the ruins of Syon Abbey in London, where excavations have uncovered the remains of a Tudor pleasure garden. Alice speaks with the lead archaeologist, who explains how they pieced together the layout of the garden using historical documents, as well as other clues left behind in the dirt.

Next, Alice travels to Kent to explore the remains of Lullingstone Roman Villa, which was transformed into a Tudor manor house in the sixteenth century. Here, Alice discovers a hidden chamber in the cellar which was used to hide Catholic priests during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, when Catholicism was outlawed in England.

The episode then moves on to Tudor food and drink, with Alice visiting the kitchens at Hampton Court Palace, which was used as a royal residence by Henry VIII and his family. Alice speaks with the palace's head chef, who demonstrates Tudor cooking techniques, such as spit-roasting meat and brewing beer. Alice also visits an archaeological site in Bristol, where excavations have uncovered the remains of a Tudor pub. The team of archaeologists has found thousands of fragments of drinking vessels, which have been used to piece together what Tudor ale would have tasted like.

Finally, the show explores the Tudor era's fascination with magic and alchemy. Alice travels to the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, which was destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII. Here, Alice learns about the legend of the Holy Grail and the Tudor obsession with discovering the mythical object.

Throughout the episode, the show uses a combination of CGI reconstructions, historical documents, and expert analysis to bring the Tudor period to life. The discoveries made by archaeologists at various sites across the country help to piece together a better understanding of life in Tudor society. By the end of the episode, viewers will have a newfound appreciation for the Tudor period and the role that archaeology plays in deepening our understanding of history.