Time Team: Unearthing the Past

Martin Brown: Horrible Histories

In this episode we meet Martin Brown, the illustrator behind the gruesomely popular history books, famed for 'leaving the nasty bits in'. We'd like to think that Time Team shares some affinity with Horrible Histories, created at a similar time, in bringing the lives of the ordinary people from previous centuries back to life... At the heart of it all is a good story!

So we tracked the lead illustrator of the series, Martin Brown for a chat. The effortlessly charming Aussie shares his thoughts on a wide range of topics including: Time Team's resident artist, Victor Ambrus; the thousands of years of history that surround his home village in Dorset; his fantasy dig site; ensuring historic accuracy in reconstructing the past; finding the funny side of history; and the long tradition of cartoon strips and satire.

Suzannah Lipscomb: The Tudors

This week, we're joined by good friend and historian, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. Suzannah explains what she finds so fascinating about the Tudors and sheds light on the 'Holy Grail' document that all Tudor historians want to get their hands on.

We take a look back at Time Team's dig at Richmond Palace – the splendid, lost Thames-side royal residence where Queen Elizabeth I died. Suzie tells us more about her own experiences on the show and reveals her fantasy dig site, inspired by Henry VIII and a legendary international event that celebrates its 500th anniversary this year.

Philippa Gregory: White Queen

We catch up with old friend Philippa Gregory, historian and bestselling author of The Other Boleyn Girl and The White Queen. We discuss Time Team's dig to find Syon Abbey, Philippa's knack for uncovering the stories of fascinating women throughout history, her latest series including Tide Lands, and a fantasy dig at the site of the Battle of Tewkesbury – one of the decisive moments in the War of the Roses. This is one interview not to be missed!

Please note: This is an unabridged, audio-only version of a video interview original released on the Time Team Official YouTube channel.

Victor Ambrus: A Time Team Tribute

Time Team looks back at the life of an incredible man and great talent, Victor Ambrus, who passed away on 10th February 2021. Victor was not only Time Team's resident artist from its inception; he was also a prolific illustrator of over 300 books!

Victor was celebrated for humanising the past. Though a naturally quiet man, Victor's pictures spoke a thousand words and his legacy lives on in the huge catalogue of work he left behind.

We hear from many of Victor's colleagues and admirers, including Tim Taylor, Sir Tony Robinson, Sir Michael Morpurgo, Carenza Lewis, Stewart Ainsworth, Helen Geake, John Gater, Phil Harding, Suzannah Lipscomb, Jimmy Adcock, Jim Mower, Sue Breeze, Mick 'the Dig' Worthing, Neil Emmanuel, Philip Reeve, Martin Brown, Miles Russell.

Please note that many of the recollections featured here were recorded during interviews throughout the last 18 months. You can view some additional tributes from Time Team family and friends here.

 

Please note: This is an unabridged, audio-only version of a video interview original released on the Time Team Official YouTube channel.

Sir Michael Morpurgo: Spielberg's War Horse

We meet Sir Michael Morpurgo, bestselling author of War Horse (made into an award-winning film by Steven Spielberg) and Private Peaceful, for a fascinating chat that takes in the Isles of Scilly, Arthurian legends, the importance of physical finds and much more!

Please note: This is an unabridged, audio-only version of a video interview original released on the Time Team Official YouTube channel.

John Preston: Netflix 'The Dig'

We're delighted to be joined by John Preston, critically-acclaimed author behind the latest Netflix smash, 'The Dig'. The film that everyone's talking about reimagines the real-life discovery of one of England's most iconic archaeological sites – Sutton Hoo. It stars Ralph Fiennes as Basil Brown and Carey Mulligan as Edith Pretty. John is the real-life nephew of archaeologist Peggy Piggott, played in the film by Lily James.

John tells Tim Taylor, series producer of Time Team, about his personal inspiration behind the book and shares his own Time Team fantasy dig site. He also reveals one of more unusual finds to be discovered at Sutton Hoo.

Please note: This is an unabridged, audio-only version of a video interview original released on the Time Team Official YouTube channel.

Bernard Cornwell: The Last Kingdom

We're joined by bestselling historical novelist, Bernard Cornwell, mastermind behind the Napoleonic Sharpe series and the Saxon Stories. Bernard shares the lowdown on his upcoming novel, War Lord, his family connections to Saxon hero, Uhtred and much more!

Hear about the possible discovery of the location of the monumental Battle of Brunanburh, Bernard's fantasy dig sites, and the return of Richard Sharpe – famously brought to life on screen by Sean Bean.

Please note: This is an unabridged, audio-only version of a video interview original released on the Time Team Official YouTube channel.