SECRET SOCIETIES: IN THE SHADOWS
13 October
Fridays 19h25
Around the world, and throughout history, secret societies have bubbled under the surface. In crypts and clubhouses, under lock and key and in the darkest corners of the internet they assemble for mysterious purposes. Each of the six episodes delves into the murky history of a secret society: the Knights Templar, the Freemasons, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, the Illuminati , the Skull and Bones, and Le Cercle. What were their origins, and their missions? Did they pull the levers of power, or aim to destroy those in charge? What rituals and oaths were taken by members, and which famous people were involved? Most importantly, what may be left of these organisations? Is it possible that some groups, however archaic, are still operating in the shadows?
Repeats: Mondays at 11h45
THE CURSE OF SKINWALKER RANCH S3
13 October
Fridays 20h15
The research team returns for their third year to investigate the high strangeness of Skinwalker Ranch, an area in Utah in the USA which is reputed to be the site of paranormal acti viti es. In this season 3 they fi nd new evidence of a mysterious anomaly in the sky one mile above the ‘Triangle Area’ that may be connected to something deep within the Mesa, they invite former members of the U.S. military connected to an infamous encounter to the ranch and work with a group of astronomy experts to conduct a telescope and rocket experiment.
Repeats: Mondays at 12h10
THE BOER WAR
22 October
Sunday 20h15
The Boer War was fought between the British and the Boers of the Transvaal and Orange Free State between 1899 and 1902. Journey back in time to this war which was a turning point in British military history and would revolutionise their tactics, battlefield strategy, equipment and training. The discovery of bountiful gold mines in the Transvaal in 1886 ensured that the control of southern Africa would become a keenly contested issue. Britain pressurised Paul Kruger’s Transvaal government to allow it a degree of control, backed up by the threat of war. In 1899 those threats were carried out. Discover how bands of Boer commandos, often comprising grandfathers, fathers and sons fighting side by side, fought against the might of Britain’s armed forces on the sun-baked veldts of Africa’s southern Cape, while the British army was forced to re-think tactics that had been used for centuries. It was a conflict that would claim tens of thousands of lives and leave both countries scarred and wounded. With rare archive footage, photographs and illustrations from the time, this incredible documentary reveals the full story of the Boer War as never seen before.
Repeat: Saturday 28 October at 21h05
WHY DOES EVERYONE HATE THE BRITISH EMPIRE?
28 October
Saturdays 20h15
In this ground-breaking, four-part series, Al Murray takes us on an insightful trip through some of the toughest parts of British Imperial History, including a road trip across South Africa accompanied by local comedian Loyiso Gola. In the first episode Loyiso hosts Al in South Africa, exposing brutal truths, modern day legacies and global impact of some of Britain’s greatest colonial conquests. Other countries that are featured include the Caribbean, Australia and India. Along the way, Al’s alter ego – the Pub Landlord – has his say too, giving his unique and highly controversial take on every topical issue before Al brings it back to the raw facts. This is colonial British history as it has never been told. At ti mes as humorous as it is heart-breaking. In each episode, experts and every day folk have their say as Al, with the help of his host, pieces together an honest account of what the British Empire really did in their country. How they did it. And who, if anyone, still cares.
Repeats: Sundays at 19h25
AFTER BRAVEHEART
29 October
Sundays 20h15
Have you ever wondered what happened aft er the epic events of the Battle of Bannockburn? This twopart docudrama series reveals the untold story of how a Scottish army tried to drive the English out of Ireland 700 years ago by bringing the harsh and violent medieval world to life. It features extensive dramatic reenactments and highlights little-known facts, such as that the last high king of Ireland was, in fact, a Scotsman.
Repeats: Saturday 4 November
& 11 November at 21h05
