The Last Sacrifice delves into the real-life 1945 witchcraft killing of Charles Walton—the terrifying event that inspired The Wicker Man and birthed the folk horror genre. This unsettling true-crime interrogation probes into the eerie, enigmatic cultural undercurrents that shaped 1970's folk horror genre, leaving an indelible mark on cinema and public psyche. The Last Sacrifice uncovers an unflinching portrayal of Britain's profound identity crisis, both during the tumultuous early 1970s and the resurgence of folk horror today, ominously coinciding with yet another national descent into madness. Its conclusion: The Wicker Man is more fact than fiction.
Suranne Jones investigates the most infamous witch trials in history. In Pendle in Lancashire, she uncovers the story behind a notorious mass execution for witchcraft. She also visits Germany, the epicentre of European witch trials 400 years ago, and Salem, Massachusetts, home of the most infamous witch trial ever, whilst drawing parallels with contemporary witch hunts.
Philomena Cunk is on a festive mission to track down the true meaning of Christmas, and find out exactly what it wants. It's an insightful documentary which takes her on a journey from pagan winter festivals and the nativity story, via 'Sir Charles Dickings', all the way up to today's obsession with Santa. Along the way Philomena will be grilling a variety of experts, trying to expose the truth about Christmas, such as why people still put up with 'brussels sprouts'.
Enthusiastic historian and academic Professor Ronald Hutton takes viewers on a journey visiting the unsung gems of British museums.
In the middle of the 17th century, Britain was devastated by a civil war that divided the nation into two tribes - the Roundheads and the Cavaliers. In this programme, celebrities and historians reveal that modern Britain is still defined by the battle between the two tribes. The Cavaliers represent a Britain of panache, pleasure and individuality. They are confronted by the Roundheads, who stand for modesty, discipline, equality and state intervention. The ideas which emerged 350 years ago shaped our democracy, civil liberties and constitution. They also create a cultural divide that influences how we live, what we wear and even what we eat and drink. Individuals usually identify with one tribe or the other, but sometimes they need some elements of the enemy's identity.
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