Episodes

HMS Victory: Nelson's Great War Ship

Rob discovers the incredible story of HMS Victory

Sunk: Mary Rose Secrets From the Deep

Who was really responsible for the sinking of the Mary Rose?

The Golden Hinde

Exploring the extraordinary story of the Golden Hind – the personal ship of England’s most notorious pirate, Sir Francis Drake.

The Cutty Sark

Rob clambers aboard to experience first-hand the beauty and superior design of this perfect sailing ship

SS Great Britain

Rob discovers what life was like on board for the thousands who set sail on this record-breaking ship

HMS Belfast

Rob Bell delves into the fascinating history of the WW2 cruiser HMS Belfast

The Golden Hinde

Rob explores the extraordinary story of the Golden Hind – the personal ship of England’s most notorious pirate, Sir Francis Drake. Bound on a secret mission to plunder Spanish ships in the Pacific, the voyage of this surprisingly modest vessel was packed with adventure: from witchcraft and attempted mutiny, to the supreme triumph of her most famous achievement - becoming the first English ship to sail around the world.

Rob climbs aboard the replica Golden Hind on London’s South Bank to get to grips with the human stories behind this remarkable vessel. He samples weevil-ridden sailors’ rations, gets a crash course in Tudor firearms and learns how a bitter betrayal would force Drake to execute one of his closest friends. And when it came to taking on formidable Spanish galleons, Rob learns how Drake put the Golden Hind’s small size to good use – using stealth and cunning to rob untold riches from unsuspecting enemy ships.

Most remarkably, Rob learns how Drake’s circumnavigation of the globe was not only an accident, but also initially a state secret that he might have taken to the grave – had it not been for the surprise intervention of Queen Elizabeth herself.

Credits
Producer & Director
for Channel 5
Distributed by DCD Rights