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Emperor Of The Seas PEGDVD1327 In July 1405, the Ming Emperor Yongle gave Zheng He command of the greatest armada the world has ever seen. His brief was to travel to the Western Ocean with some 300 ships and persuade the rulers of far flung lands to pay homage to the Emperor as the 'Son of Heaven'. There has been much debate as to the size of these treasure ships, and this film investigates the truth behind the claims. Between 1405 and 1433, Zheng He led seven vast expeditions to kingdoms as far afield as India, the Middle East and Africa, covering 25,000 miles of ocean. It is believed that a few years after his death, Chinese officials destroyed all records of the treasure ship voyages, and China was to then turn its back on the outside world. Now, six centuries later, the truth about Zheng He's story is being pieced together from what few scraps of evidence still remain. Who was this extraordinary man who led an armada half way around the world decades before Columbus was to set sail for the Americas? |
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Columbus' Lost Ships PEGDVD1326 Treasure hunters and scientists have for many years been looking for a shipwreck dating back to the time of the discovery of the Americas. Now they think it's been found just off the Panamanian coast. A wreck located at a depth of only a few metres, prompted American expert of Iberian shipbuilding, Professor Filipe Castro to say 'this is the oldest wreck ever discovered off the coast of the Americas'. Finds of cannons, wreckage and fragments support the theory that the wreck is of Spanish origin, which dates back to around the end of the 14th and beginning of the 15th century. This film traces the route of Columbus' fourth voyage to the Caribbean, which ended in disaster for him and his fleet. The contemporary diving expedition to the shipwreck, the scientific investigation of the ship and the story of the fourth voyage are all woven together throughout the fabric of this programme. |
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Richard The Lionheart Crusader King CROMDVD1196 The reign of Richard the Lionheart was one of the most eventful and colourful in England's long history. The third son of Henry II, Richard I devoted his life to defending both his faith and his lands in France - only five months of his ten year rule were spent in England. An outstanding and courageous solider Richard I lead his army on a holy quest, a savage and bloody page in the annals of time known to history as the Crusades. Featuring extensive authentic reconstructions and dramatised 'eye-witness' reports, this is the story of a born solider and a mighty king of England. Narrated by Terry Molloy |
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Henry VIII & His Six Wives CROMDVD1195 'Divorced, beheaded, died; Divorced, beheaded, survived' - This children's rhyme accurately depicts the sometimes gruesome outcome of Henry VIII's six wives, and is a catchy reminder of how a king at the height of his power manipulated the law for his own gratification. The iconic figure of Henry VIII conjures images of opulence and excess but also of a man with a vicious cruel streak that would send two of his wives to the executioner. However, as this DVD shows, he was also a caring and loving husband desperate for a male heir..desperate enough to kill. Narrated by Terry Molloy |
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Charles I The Royal Martyr CROMDVD1194 A deeply religious man, Charles I believed unquestionably in the 'Divine Right of Kings', that he was answerable to God and God alone. This view was deemed archaic and an attempt by the King to gain absolute power in England. His attempts to placate Parliament would throw England into civil war. The final years of the reign of Charles I saw England in a state of religious and political upheaval, arguably a direct result of his duplicity and procrastinating. Narrated by Michael Leighton |
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Oliver Cromwell Traitor Or Liberator? CROMDVD1193 Few historical characters have courted controversy as much as Oliver Cromwell: murderer of a monarch or revolutionary hero? From humble beginnings he rose to lead an army that would overthrow the British monarchy and gain himself the title of 'Lord Protector'. With comment from Tony Benn MP, this DVD examines the religious and political turmoil that would propel Cromwell to the pinnacle of his power, throw England into two civil wars and see Charles I sent to the block! Narrated by Graham McTavish |
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Celtic Legends - Scottish Lehends CROMDVD1124 This is the story of men who have inspired generations of Scots, and of places which are the cornerstones of a nation. Featuring authentic and atmospheric recreations, rare period imagery and the unique beauty of the Scottish countryside, these are the lives and times of heroic figures who became part of the history of their homeland. With comment and analysis from leading authorities on Scottish history, this DVD includes the legends of Robert the Bruce, William Wallace, Rob Roy and Bonnie Prince Charlie. |
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The Armada 1588 CROMDVD1073 'We have time to finish this game and beat the Spaniards too' Infuriated by English support for the revolt in the Netherlands and Sir Francis Drake's 'beardsingeing' operation at the harbour of Cadiz, Philip II built a huge armada to embark upon his 'enterprise of England'. It would prove to be a humiliating disaster, ruined and defeated by a combination of superior English seamanship and appalling weather. 'The Armada 1588' is the fascinating story of one of maritime history's greatest battles. Atmospheric reconstructions and re-enactments, period imagery and computer graphics combine for a vivid depiction of this epic naval encounter. Also included is footage from aboard the 'Golden Hind' and at the Mary Rose Museum in Portsmouth, and analysis from a team of top experts including author John Tincey. Narrated by John Nolan |
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Roman Invasions Of Britain CROMDVD1059 'Neither before or since has Britain ever been in a more disturbed or perilous state.' CORNELIUS TACITUS. In 55BC the ambitious Julius Caesar, Emperor of Rome, turned envious eyes towards the mysterious isle of Britain. Within a few short years, the mighty Roman war machine had tamed the Celtic tribal society and transformed it into a province of the Roman Empire. This is the story of the dark years of ancient Britain when the well-disciplined Roman Legions faced the fury of the united Celtic peoples of Britain. Expert comment and analysis by Dr David Chandler, the former head of War Studies at Sandhurst. Authentic battle reconstructions and re-enactments, narrated by Brian Blessed |
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The Zulu Wars 1879 CROMDVD1051 'Fix bayonets and die like British soldiers do!' ORDER TO BRITISH TROOPS. An authoritative account of the Zulu War of 1879. The Redcoat campaign in Zululand in 1879 holds a special place in the pantheon of military history. Its two most famous battles - the dreadful slaughter at Isandlwana and the heroic defence of Rorke's Drift still hold an enduring fascination. These epic encounters are laced with tales of courage and valour on both sides. The incredible determination of the Zulu warriors and the sheer professionalism and bravery of the British soldiers ensures that the Zulu Wars maintain their place in the popular imagination. Featuring footage from the movie 'Zulu Dawn' this video is a spectacular true record of the war against the Zulus. Exciting specially filmed reconstructions and re-enactments, plus dramatised eye-witness accounts combine with the very latest 3D mapping techniques and superb period imagery to tell the epic story of the momentous chapter in military history. Narrated by Robert Powell. Featuring expert comment and analysis by Dr David Chandler, the world's foremost military historian and former head of War Studies at Sandhurst. |
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Balaclava 1854 Charge of The Light Brigade CROMDVD1050 The infamous charge of the Light Brigade and the heroic courage of the Thin Red Line. The story of the Battle of Balaclava. It was one of the most famous battles in military history. The Battle of Balaclava was distinguished by three celebrated acts - the heroic courage of The Thin Red Line, the dashing bravery of the Heavy Brigade and, of course the utter disaster which befell the Light Brigade as it made it's infamous charge. It was a day during which the key players in the drama had a vital bearing on the outcome - the uncertain Raglan, the feuding Lucan and Cardigan, the excitable Captain Nolan. Featuring special dramatised eye-witness' accounts and reconstructions, period imagery and 3D mapping techniques, this video is a dramatic record of the notorious Charge of the Light Brigade. The programme also features extensive footage from the Tony Richardson masterpiece 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' to illustrate the ebb and flow of the fighting during a truly momentous day in the history of warfare. Narrated by Brian Blessed. Featuring expert comment and analysis by Dr David Chandler, the world's foremost military historian and former Head of War Studies at Sandhurst. |
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