Two one hour specials highlight little known stories and history of iconic British institutions.
TWO NEW one-hour specials on PBS bring to light the secrets behind a pair of iconic British institutions. Secrets of Her Majesty’s Secret Service, airing Sunday, August 31st at 8pm, and Secrets of Westminster, airing a week later on Sunday, September 7th at 8pm, reveal some little known stories behind these emblems of British history and democracy through illuminating interviews and access to those with inside knowledge of some of Britain’s memorable milestones.
Secrets of Her Majesty’s Secret Service viewers promises to go behind the legendary spy agency MI6 (popularized by Ian Fleming’s James Bond) which was initially was set up before WW1 amid alarm at the growing power of Imperial Germany. In addition to outlining the exploits of some of Britain’s hidden army of spies and their clever gadgets, the program also reveals how the practice of recruiting agents from the upper classes proved damaging to the agency and threatened the “special relationship” between Britain and the United States.
Secrets of Westminster takes viewers into the hidden areas of the House of Commons, House of Lords and Westminster Abbey. Throughout its history, Westminster has embodied stories of power struggles and tradition.
As one of the world’s most famous churches, Westminster Abbey is steeped in Anglo-Saxon myths and legends dating back to the 11th century. Viewers are privy to a behind-the-scenes tour to one of the most memorable vantage points of this architectural masterpiece, the site of the coronations of every English monarch since 1066. The film charts the brazen heist of the Stone of Destiny, part of the famous Coronation Chair, first used by Edward the Confessor in 1296. The theft, on Christmas Eve in 1950, made international headlines. Scotsman Ian Hamilton reveals how he and others planned and carried out the theft, then returned the storied stone in time for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.
A tour of the iconic bell tower of Big Ben showcases this iconic symbol and explains the origin of its nickname and the mystery of its distinct tone. Victoria Tower holds priceless Acts of Parliament, documents that record 500 years of British history, including the Stamp Act that eventually led to colonial America’s rebellion. The film outlines the famous Gunpowder Plot, features footage of suffragette Emily Davison’s grim demise; and covers the career of Lady Astor, a southern Belle from Virginia who became the first woman MP in Britain to take her seat. Astor was not, contrary to common belief, the first woman MP elected in Britain. That honor goes to Constance Markievicz, elected to Westminster in 1918, but as an Irish Republican, she did not take her seat.
Secrets of Her Majesty’s Secret Service, airing Sunday, August 31st at 8pm; Secrets of Westminster, airing on Sunday, September 7th at 8pm. Check local listings for your PBS station.
