Digging Up Britain's Past

Centuries ago, canals were the liquid highways of Britain, transporting raw materials and finished goods all over the country. Their arrival kick-started the Industrial Revolution, which was to turn Britain into a superpower. The very first water superhighway was the Bridgewater Canal, completed in 1761 to carry coal to Manchester from the mines in Worsley. Here, a team of archaeologists from Salford University roots out this industrial past, working with volunteers to excavate the very coal mine that inspired the creation of the canal.

Raksha Dave and Alex Langlands search for the remains of a First World War stable at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire, where thousands of horses would have been housed and trained for the front line. They join a team comprised of archaeologists and the military attempting to uncover the role this building played in the war effort. They also visit Britain's oldest cavalry regiment, examining tools that soldiers would have used to look after their steeds, and hear the story of Warrior, known as the horse the German's could not kill.

In 1592, Elizabeth visited magnificent Sudeley Castle for a three-day party, including the creation of a spectacular garden. Now a team of archaeologists hunt for this lost gem.