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This weekend marks the anniversary of the Grand Opening of the Gloucester and Berkeley Canal. Planned in 1792, Gloucester expected much from its canal link to the sea. For 34 years the city endured frustration, financial stress and the promise of a new economic future while a series of engineers failed to live up to promised opening dates.

Using eyewitness accounts and glorious illustrations Tony Conder , one of Britain’s leading experts on canals and waterways, tells the story of the frantic preparations and dizzy excitement of the opening day as Gloucester became ‘the emporium of the West’.

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Battered by the Vikings, succeeded by King Alfred, the great Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia (AD 630-918) encompassed today’s Gloucestershire and powered the rise of England. Bestselling archaeologist and historian Max Adams explores the golden age of Mercia – its landscapes, peoples, conflicts and power struggles.

He tells the thrilling story of King Offa, described by Alfred as ‘the vigorous king who terrified all neighbouring kings’, explores the building of his great Dyke and reveals the equal status Offa afforded his wife Cynethryth, making them the first real power couple of early Medieval England.

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This year marks the 400th anniversary of the death of James I. Beginning with the mysterious murder of his father in 1567, his life encompassed kidnapping, witchcraft trials, his mother’s beheading, poison, espionage, brothels and a passionate love affair with the Duke of Buckingham.

James I biographer Gareth Russell discusses his extraordinary life and loves with historian Lucy Hughes-Hallett author of the dazzling and acclaimed biography of Buckingham, The Scapegoat. Chaired by Jo Durrant.

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Hallie Rubenhold’s bestselling The Five explored the lives of Jack the Ripper’s unknown Victorian victims.

Now she joins us for an epic re-examination of the historical true-crime story of infamous wife-murderer Dr Crippen in Edwardian England, brought to justice by an extraordinary group of strong women. Chaired by HistoryExtra Content Director David Musgrove.

“A unique combination of sleuthing, storytelling and compassion.”  -Lucy Worsley

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Master stonemason Andrew Ziminski has worked on the greatest Cathedrals in the land from Salisbury to St Paul’s. Church Going, his bestselling handbook to Britain’s glorious medieval parish churches has become a phenomenon, described by Tony Robinson as ‘joyous and Illuminating.’

Grab this rare opportunity as he shares the compelling stories of some of our greatest church art and architecture including the medieval wall paintings at Kempley and the grotesques and gargoyles at Winchcombe.

“Ziminski is a rare and wonderful voice.” – Rory Stewart

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We all know Edward II was murdered at Berkeley Castle in 1327 and buried in Gloucester Cathedral – or was he? Leading historian and bestselling author of The Time Traveller’s Guide to Medieval England, Ian Mortimer is undertaking exciting new research on the faked death of Edward II.

In this unique event he reveals what really happened to Edward II during that fateful visit to Gloucestershire and whether he does in fact lie in a tomb in Gloucester Cathedral.

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The Old Judges House on Maverdine Lane (the former home of Winfield Seeds at 26 Westgate Street) is the finest Tudor facade in the entire country. It revealed its amazing secrets for the first time during recent restoration work. Festival President Janina Ramirez was lucky enough to climb the scaffolding for a rare and exclusive glimpse of its splendours and took a film crew with her!

Today she reveals what she saw and shares the filmed footage for the very first time. She’s joined by top Historic England Architect Chris Miners and leading local historian Phil Moss to tell the intriguing story of this beautiful ancient gem. Chaired by the BBC’s Vernon Harwood.

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Celebrated art historian Bendor Grosvenor, co-presenter of the BBC’s Britain’s Lost Masterpieces and Fake or Fortune? joins us for an outspoken reappraisal of the history of British Art.

This country has produced some of the world’s most famous artists and paintings but what made British art ‘great’? Was it the individual genius of artists like Hogarth, Turner and Constable or were their careers shaped by a distinctly ‘British’ society, culture and history? In a dazzling illustrated talk he offers some radical new answers.

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Full prisons, long court case waiting lists, increased fraud and shoplifting, overturned Post Office convictions and an overwhelmed immigration system. Has trust in the rule of law at home broken down? And is it being replaced internationally by a new norm: ‘might is right’?

Former Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Alex Chalk, now a barrister again, joins former Gloucester MP Richard Graham for a frank discussion, spilling the beans about the realities of Westminster decision-making and the shortcomings we face. Introduced by Mark Cummings.

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How has the world changed since Trump came to power? What are the security implications of a new relationship between America and Russia? And what useful parallels can we draw from 20th century history?

David Omand is Britain’s top intelligence guru, former Head of GCHQ and Home Office Permanent Secretary. Russia and Ukraine expert Uilleam Blacker is Professor of Ukrainian and Eastern European Studies at University College London and historian Sinclair McKay, author of St Petersburg, is an expert on the history of 20th century Europe. They join the BBC’s Vernon Harwood to assess current events, reflect on how we’ve got here and what the future may bring.

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Famed for his extravagant style, celebrity interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has always taken inspiration from the art, architecture and gardens of 18th century Rococo and Baroque.

He joins Janina Ramirez for a hugely entertaining hour exploring the highs and lows of a life lived to the max. They celebrate the Rococo love of hedonism, pleasure and gorgeousness sharing some brilliant design ideas we can take from the past and use today.

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In 1135 Stephen of Blois usurped the throne sparking the Anarchy, a bitter 19-year Civil War. On the one side was Empress Matilda, daughter of Henry I and rightful heir to the throne, on the other Matilda of Boulogne wife of Stephen and fighting to see her own son inherit the English crown.

Join leading medieval historian Sharon Bennett Connolly, author of Women of the Anarchy, for the dazzling tale of two extraordinary cousins who shaped the English monarchy, and the intriguing role of Robert of Gloucester.