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Great British Railway Journeys
E18 of 20
About
Episode Guide
Series 6 - Episode 18
Abergavenny to Hanborough
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Summary
Michael Portillo begins underground at Big Pit coal mine in Blaenavon, where he discovers how Victorians toiled night and day to power the Industrial Revolution. On the River Usk, he learns about 19th-century developments in angling before heading to Ascott-under-Wychwood in Oxfordshire - once the scene of a farm labourers' dispute that ended in rioting. Michael concludes this leg of his journey at Blenheim Palace.
Cast & Crew
Presenter
Michael Portillo
Executive Producer
John Comerford
Series Producer
Alison Kreps
Education
Lifestyle
Full Episode Guide
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Michael Portillo rides the rails in India: "For once I felt quite understated in my attire"
In Great Indian Railway Journeys, the former politician explores the foothills of the Himalayas and the Ganges' fertile plains - and enjoys a rose petal bath
Michael Portillo rides the rails through the history of the US and Canada
The most scenic great continental railway journeys
Michael Portillo on going from politics to riding the rails
Michael Portillo is dwarfed by Niagara Falls: "You have that frisson that you may be dashed to pieces at any time”
5 epic train journeys
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