Watch Seven Wonders of the Industrial World

Seven Wonders of the Industrial World is a British television series that originally aired in 2003. The show explores seven awe-inspiring achievements of the industrial age, which were each considered revolutionary at the time they were created. The series is hosted and narrated by Robert Lindsay, and features a cast of respected British actors such as Ron Cook and John Walters.

Each episode looks at one of the Seven Wonders, beginning with the Bell Rock Lighthouse off the coast of Scotland. Ron Cook stars as the engineer responsible for overseeing the construction of the lighthouse. The episode explores the enormous challenges and dangers involved in building this structure on a rocky outcrop in the middle of the sea. It also delves into the social and political context of the time.

The second episode focuses on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York. John Walters plays the bridge's designer, John Roebling. The episode follows Roebling's struggle to convince skeptical New Yorkers of the feasibility of his vision, as well as the many dangers and setbacks involved in the bridge's construction. The end result was a stunning success that transformed the cityscape and allowed for faster and safer travel between Manhattan and Brooklyn.

The third episode looks at the SS Great Eastern, a massive ship that was considered ahead of its time when it was launched in the 1850s. Robert Lindsay plays the ship’s engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The episode explores the many innovations and technological achievements that went into building such a large and complex vessel, as well as the commercial and social forces that drove its creation.

The fourth episode focuses on the Panama Canal, which was completed in 1914 after decades of planning and construction. The episode delves into the political and financial machinations that led to the canal's creation, as well as the engineering challenges involved in cutting through mountains and lakes to link the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Ron Cook plays the canal's chief engineer, John Frank Stevens.

The fifth episode explores the Hoover Dam, which was built in the midst of the Great Depression as a way to create jobs and harness the power of the Colorado River. John Walters plays the dam's chief architect, Frank Crowe. The episode discusses the logistical challenges involved in building such a massive concrete structure in the middle of the desert, as well as the social and cultural impact of the dam on the American Southwest.

The sixth episode looks at the London sewer system, which was created in the mid-19th century to improve public health and combat the city's many sanitation problems. Robert Lindsay plays Joseph Bazalgette, the engineer responsible for devising the system. The episode explores the many scientific and logistical challenges involved in creating a network of tunnels and sewers to manage London's waste products.

Finally, the seventh episode focuses on the Transcontinental Railroad, which linked the eastern and western shores of the United States in the late 19th century. Ron Cook plays Theodore Judah, the engineer who first proposed the idea of such a railway. The episode discusses the political and social factors that made the railroad necessary, as well as the many difficulties involved in laying track over such a vast and difficult terrain.

Overall, Seven Wonders of the Industrial World is a fascinating exploration of some of the greatest achievements of the industrial age. The show is well-researched and expertly crafted, with a strong cast of actors bringing the historical figures to life. Whether you're a history buff, an engineering enthusiast or simply curious about the human ability to conquer seemingly insurmountable challenges, this series is well worth a watch.