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Join us on a voyage of discovery...
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Join us on a voyage of discovery...
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..as we follow the most spectacular
steam train journeys in Britain
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..as we follow the most spectacular
steam train journeys in Britain
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..as we follow the most spectacular
steam train journeys in Britain
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from above.
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We'll showcase these machines
in all their glory,
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We'll showcase these machines
in all their glory,
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travelling through the most
breathtaking landscape
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travelling through the most
breathtaking landscape
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the country has to offer...
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..the North Yorkshire Moors...
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the Highlands of Scotland...
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..the rolling hills of Somerset
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..the rolling hills of Somerset
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and Snowdonia,
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and Snowdonia,
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known today as Eryri.
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Our trains are time travellers...
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Our trains are time travellers...
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..transporting us back to the
golden age of steam
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..transporting us back to the
golden age of steam
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..transporting us back to the
golden age of steam
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to unravel the truth
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about Britain's
Great Railway Revolution.
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about Britain's
Great Railway Revolution.
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Sit back...
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..soak up the scenery
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and enjoy all the romance
and the thrill
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and enjoy all the romance
and the thrill
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of a steam train journey
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of a steam train journey
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like you've never seen it before.
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like you've never seen it before.
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In the time before Britain's
Great Railway Revolution,
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In the time before Britain's
Great Railway Revolution,
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most people did not travel
beyond their village...
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most people did not travel
beyond their village...
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..because the only way
to get around...
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..because the only way
to get around...
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..was to walk...
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..or if you were wealthy,
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..or if you were wealthy,
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to go by horse.
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But then, George Stephenson
invents a new form of transport
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But then, George Stephenson
invents a new form of transport
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But then, George Stephenson
invents a new form of transport
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that changed everything...
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..the steam railway.
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It changed our idea of distance,
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It changed our idea of distance,
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our understanding of geography
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our understanding of geography
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and our conception of time...
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and our conception of time...
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..and it unleashed a
technology revolution...
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..and it unleashed a
technology revolution...
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..that the corporate tycoons of today
are still pursuing.
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..that the corporate tycoons of today
are still pursuing.
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To unravel all of this...
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..we are following the
West Somerset Railway.
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..we are following the
West Somerset Railway.
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From the countryside to the coast,
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From the countryside to the coast,
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a magnificent steam train is about
to tell an extraordinary tale...
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a magnificent steam train is about
to tell an extraordinary tale...
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a magnificent steam train is about
to tell an extraordinary tale...
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..of human ambition
and wild vision...
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..of human ambition
and wild vision...
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..of grand success
and dramatic failure.
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..of grand success
and dramatic failure.
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It's the story of the greatest
tech giant of the age...
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It's the story of the greatest
tech giant of the age...
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..and the engineer
of this remarkable railway...
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..and the engineer
of this remarkable railway...
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..Isambard Kingdom Brunel...
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..Isambard Kingdom Brunel...
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..the mastermind of the world's
first high-speed railway...
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..the mastermind of the world's
first high-speed railway...
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..the mastermind of the world's
first high-speed railway...
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..and some of the first steam ships
to conquer the Atlantic.
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..and some of the first steam ships
to conquer the Atlantic.
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His iconic structures are often seen
as the building blocks
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His iconic structures are often seen
as the building blocks
85
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His iconic structures are often seen
as the building blocks
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of the modern world.
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But the real story is very different.
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But the real story is very different.
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Steaming through Somerset's
green and pleasant land,
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Steaming through Somerset's
green and pleasant land,
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the train is about to uncover
the mystery,
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the train is about to uncover
the mystery,
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the complexity,
94
00:03:55,800 --> 00:03:57,800
and the controversy
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and the controversy
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of the man who was determined
to become a great hero
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00:04:00,640 --> 00:04:02,640
of the man who was determined
to become a great hero
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00:04:02,680 --> 00:04:03,000
of the man who was determined
to become a great hero
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00:04:03,040 --> 00:04:04,760
of the Victorian Age.
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00:04:21,120 --> 00:04:23,120
But, desperate for fame,
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00:04:23,160 --> 00:04:23,400
But, desperate for fame,
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charismatic, convincing and
a maniacal workaholic,
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charismatic, convincing and
a maniacal workaholic,
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charismatic, convincing and
a maniacal workaholic,
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00:04:27,920 --> 00:04:29,920
would Brunel's unique personality
ultimately lead to his demise?
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00:04:29,960 --> 00:04:31,960
would Brunel's unique personality
ultimately lead to his demise?
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00:04:32,000 --> 00:04:33,440
would Brunel's unique personality
ultimately lead to his demise?
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00:04:50,960 --> 00:04:52,960
Brunel is revered for the
world-famous
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Brunel is revered for the
world-famous
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Clifton Suspension Bridge.
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00:05:00,120 --> 00:05:01,360
When it was built,
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00:05:01,400 --> 00:05:03,400
it was the highest
and longest bridge in the world.
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it was the highest
and longest bridge in the world.
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But the engineering feat
for which Brunel is best known
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00:05:08,600 --> 00:05:10,440
But the engineering feat
for which Brunel is best known
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turns out to be one
he never completed at all.
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turns out to be one
he never completed at all.
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The single span stretches
for over 200m...
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The single span stretches
for over 200m...
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..at a height of 75m.
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..at a height of 75m.
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Using the cutting-edge technology
of the time,
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Using the cutting-edge technology
of the time,
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the bridge is suspended
from giant metal chains
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the bridge is suspended
from giant metal chains
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between two towers.
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Brunel called it "my first child"
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Brunel called it "my first child"
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and it encapsulates his approach,
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and it encapsulates his approach,
131
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"Think big and dare to be different."
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"Think big and dare to be different."
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Brunel had begun his career
building a tunnel
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Brunel had begun his career
building a tunnel
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and he was a fanatical worker,
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and he was a fanatical worker,
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sometimes spending up to
36 hours underground
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sometimes spending up to
36 hours underground
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00:05:56,280 --> 00:05:57,640
in a single stretch.
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00:05:58,920 --> 00:06:00,920
At the age of 23,
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At the age of 23,
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00:06:01,240 --> 00:06:03,240
with no experience of
building bridges,
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00:06:03,280 --> 00:06:03,960
with no experience of
building bridges,
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Brunel decides to enter
a competition to design one
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00:06:06,040 --> 00:06:07,640
Brunel decides to enter
a competition to design one
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to cross the Avon Gorge in Bristol.
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00:06:09,720 --> 00:06:10,600
to cross the Avon Gorge in Bristol.
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After his first design
is deemed unsafe,
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00:06:14,400 --> 00:06:14,880
After his first design
is deemed unsafe,
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00:06:14,920 --> 00:06:16,920
he uses his charisma and charm
to win the jury round.
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00:06:16,960 --> 00:06:18,560
he uses his charisma and charm
to win the jury round.
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00:06:22,360 --> 00:06:24,360
And despite never being responsible
for engineering a bridge,
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00:06:24,400 --> 00:06:25,920
And despite never being responsible
for engineering a bridge,
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his design is declared the winner.
155
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his design is declared the winner.
156
00:06:32,960 --> 00:06:34,960
But as we shall see,
it's not the end of the story.
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But as we shall see,
it's not the end of the story.
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Meanwhile...
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ANNOUNCER:Good morning,
ladies and gentlemen.
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..deep in the heart of Somerset...
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Welcome to the West
Somerset Railway.
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..it's early spring
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and Bishops Lydeard Station
is a hive of activity.
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and Bishops Lydeard Station
is a hive of activity.
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and Bishops Lydeard Station
is a hive of activity.
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Here on platform two will be
the first departure of the day.
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Here on platform two will be
the first departure of the day.
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As passengers arrive,
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00:07:09,600 --> 00:07:11,600
a magnificent locomotive
is being shunted into place...
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a magnificent locomotive
is being shunted into place...
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..ready for its journey
to uncover the man
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..ready for its journey
to uncover the man
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00:07:21,760 --> 00:07:23,760
behind the engineering masterpieces.
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behind the engineering masterpieces.
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Brunel was an extraordinary
character,
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Brunel was an extraordinary
character,
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a maverick genius
whose unbridled ambition
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a maverick genius
whose unbridled ambition
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led him to a grand vision...
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led him to a grand vision...
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..to shrink the world.
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00:07:43,960 --> 00:07:45,960
George Stephenson had already created
some of the world's first railways...
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00:07:46,000 --> 00:07:48,000
George Stephenson had already created
some of the world's first railways...
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George Stephenson had already created
some of the world's first railways...
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..but Brunel believed he could
take them further and faster
186
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..but Brunel believed he could
take them further and faster
187
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..but Brunel believed he could
take them further and faster
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00:07:55,880 --> 00:07:56,880
than ever before.
189
00:08:02,760 --> 00:08:04,760
Brunel's first railway
was the fastest of its day...
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00:08:04,800 --> 00:08:06,120
Brunel's first railway
was the fastest of its day...
191
00:08:07,920 --> 00:08:09,920
..and his Great Western Railway
192
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..and his Great Western Railway
193
00:08:10,640 --> 00:08:12,640
still carries modern
high-speed trains.
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00:08:12,680 --> 00:08:13,280
still carries modern
high-speed trains.
195
00:08:15,960 --> 00:08:17,960
Brunel's racetrack of iron
broke the world land speed record
196
00:08:18,000 --> 00:08:20,000
Brunel's racetrack of iron
broke the world land speed record
197
00:08:20,040 --> 00:08:21,480
Brunel's racetrack of iron
broke the world land speed record
198
00:08:21,520 --> 00:08:23,520
and cut the journey time
from London to Bristol
199
00:08:23,560 --> 00:08:24,160
and cut the journey time
from London to Bristol
200
00:08:24,200 --> 00:08:26,200
from two-and-a-half days
201
00:08:26,240 --> 00:08:27,720
to two-and-a-half hours.
202
00:08:29,320 --> 00:08:31,320
When one of Brunel's contemporaries
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00:08:31,360 --> 00:08:31,920
When one of Brunel's contemporaries
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00:08:31,960 --> 00:08:33,960
expressed concern at
the length of the line,
205
00:08:34,000 --> 00:08:34,640
expressed concern at
the length of the line,
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00:08:34,680 --> 00:08:36,520
the great engineer replied,
207
00:08:36,560 --> 00:08:38,160
"Why not make it longer
208
00:08:38,200 --> 00:08:40,200
"and have a steamboat
go from Bristol to New York
209
00:08:40,240 --> 00:08:41,600
"and have a steamboat
go from Bristol to New York
210
00:08:41,640 --> 00:08:43,640
"and call it The Great Western?"
211
00:08:43,680 --> 00:08:44,120
"and call it The Great Western?"
212
00:08:48,600 --> 00:08:50,600
And that's just
what he set out to do.
213
00:08:50,640 --> 00:08:51,080
And that's just
what he set out to do.
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00:08:54,360 --> 00:08:56,360
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.
This is the final call.
215
00:08:56,400 --> 00:08:58,320
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.
This is the final call.
216
00:08:58,360 --> 00:09:00,360
But why did a man who was obsessed
with his plan to shrink the world
217
00:09:00,400 --> 00:09:02,400
But why did a man who was obsessed
with his plan to shrink the world
218
00:09:02,440 --> 00:09:02,720
But why did a man who was obsessed
with his plan to shrink the world
219
00:09:02,760 --> 00:09:04,760
bother himself with the minutiae
of a rural branch line?
220
00:09:04,800 --> 00:09:06,800
bother himself with the minutiae
of a rural branch line?
221
00:09:06,840 --> 00:09:07,040
bother himself with the minutiae
of a rural branch line?
222
00:09:08,800 --> 00:09:10,800
Any passengers wishing
to travel on this service
223
00:09:10,840 --> 00:09:11,160
Any passengers wishing
to travel on this service
224
00:09:11,200 --> 00:09:13,200
if you could board the train
as soon as possible, please.
225
00:09:13,240 --> 00:09:13,960
if you could board the train
as soon as possible, please.
226
00:09:19,520 --> 00:09:21,520
The steam train's journey begins.
227
00:09:21,560 --> 00:09:22,160
The steam train's journey begins.
228
00:09:31,720 --> 00:09:33,720
After he experienced Britain's
first railways, Brunel said,
229
00:09:33,760 --> 00:09:35,720
After he experienced Britain's
first railways, Brunel said,
230
00:09:35,760 --> 00:09:37,440
"The time is not far off
231
00:09:37,480 --> 00:09:39,480
"when we shall be able to
take our coffee and write,
232
00:09:39,520 --> 00:09:40,800
"when we shall be able to
take our coffee and write,
233
00:09:40,840 --> 00:09:42,840
"while going noiselessly
and smoothly at 45mph.
234
00:09:42,880 --> 00:09:44,880
"while going noiselessly
and smoothly at 45mph.
235
00:09:44,920 --> 00:09:45,840
"while going noiselessly
and smoothly at 45mph.
236
00:09:47,560 --> 00:09:48,680
"Let me try."
237
00:09:54,640 --> 00:09:56,640
It's a typically adventurous
and forward-thinking response...
238
00:09:56,680 --> 00:09:58,320
It's a typically adventurous
and forward-thinking response...
239
00:10:02,920 --> 00:10:04,680
..and when Brunel did try...
240
00:10:09,520 --> 00:10:11,520
..the result
241
00:10:11,560 --> 00:10:11,760
..the result
242
00:10:11,800 --> 00:10:13,080
was spectacular.
243
00:10:27,320 --> 00:10:29,320
As part of the Great Western Railway,
244
00:10:29,360 --> 00:10:29,880
As part of the Great Western Railway,
245
00:10:29,920 --> 00:10:31,920
Brunel wanted to extend his line
into the South West of Britain
246
00:10:31,960 --> 00:10:33,960
Brunel wanted to extend his line
into the South West of Britain
247
00:10:34,000 --> 00:10:34,400
Brunel wanted to extend his line
into the South West of Britain
248
00:10:34,440 --> 00:10:36,440
to create a vast network
of branch lines
249
00:10:36,480 --> 00:10:37,720
to create a vast network
of branch lines
250
00:10:37,760 --> 00:10:39,760
that, he wrote, "would monopolise
all the West."
251
00:10:39,800 --> 00:10:41,680
that, he wrote, "would monopolise
all the West."
252
00:10:43,320 --> 00:10:45,320
The West Somerset Railway was
just one part of his master plan.
253
00:10:45,360 --> 00:10:47,160
The West Somerset Railway was
just one part of his master plan.
254
00:10:48,520 --> 00:10:50,520
Today, it starts at Bishops Lydeard
255
00:10:50,560 --> 00:10:51,360
Today, it starts at Bishops Lydeard
256
00:10:51,400 --> 00:10:52,840
and travels north.
257
00:10:58,040 --> 00:10:59,680
After meeting the Bristol Channel...
258
00:11:01,120 --> 00:11:03,120
..the line runs along the coast
to the harbour at Watchet.
259
00:11:03,160 --> 00:11:04,920
..the line runs along the coast
to the harbour at Watchet.
260
00:11:11,960 --> 00:11:13,760
For 1,000 years,
261
00:11:13,800 --> 00:11:15,800
Watchet had been engaged in a battle
with its coastal neighbours
262
00:11:15,840 --> 00:11:17,560
Watchet had been engaged in a battle
with its coastal neighbours
263
00:11:17,600 --> 00:11:19,600
to be crowned the principal port
along the Bristol Channel.
264
00:11:19,640 --> 00:11:21,640
to be crowned the principal port
along the Bristol Channel.
265
00:11:21,680 --> 00:11:21,880
to be crowned the principal port
along the Bristol Channel.
266
00:11:27,000 --> 00:11:29,000
By the mid-19th century,
Watchet's entrepreneurs
267
00:11:29,040 --> 00:11:30,440
By the mid-19th century,
Watchet's entrepreneurs
268
00:11:30,480 --> 00:11:32,480
had failed to secure the funds
for a railway many times.
269
00:11:32,520 --> 00:11:34,520
had failed to secure the funds
for a railway many times.
270
00:11:34,560 --> 00:11:34,840
had failed to secure the funds
for a railway many times.
271
00:11:34,880 --> 00:11:36,880
So, they turned to a
charismatic charmer
272
00:11:36,920 --> 00:11:37,640
So, they turned to a
charismatic charmer
273
00:11:37,680 --> 00:11:39,680
to get the project off the ground.
274
00:11:39,720 --> 00:11:40,280
to get the project off the ground.
275
00:11:42,960 --> 00:11:44,960
They believed Brunel's
reputation would be decisive
276
00:11:45,000 --> 00:11:46,160
They believed Brunel's
reputation would be decisive
277
00:11:46,200 --> 00:11:48,040
in raising the capital for a railway.
278
00:11:49,440 --> 00:11:51,440
They hoped it would realise the
lucrative potential of
the local iron ore
279
00:11:51,480 --> 00:11:53,480
They hoped it would realise the
lucrative potential of
the local iron ore
280
00:11:53,520 --> 00:11:53,840
They hoped it would realise the
lucrative potential of
the local iron ore
281
00:11:53,880 --> 00:11:55,880
and win their age-old battle
with their neighbouring ports.
282
00:11:55,920 --> 00:11:57,800
and win their age-old battle
with their neighbouring ports.
283
00:12:00,680 --> 00:12:02,480
And on the journey to Watchet,
284
00:12:02,520 --> 00:12:04,520
we'll discover if they were right.
285
00:12:04,560 --> 00:12:04,960
we'll discover if they were right.
286
00:12:11,760 --> 00:12:13,760
The locomotive steaming
into the countryside
287
00:12:13,800 --> 00:12:14,520
The locomotive steaming
into the countryside
288
00:12:14,560 --> 00:12:16,560
is a 20th-century descendant
of the engines of Brunel's day...
289
00:12:16,600 --> 00:12:18,200
is a 20th-century descendant
of the engines of Brunel's day...
290
00:12:20,760 --> 00:12:22,760
..and it showcases how
he designed his railways
291
00:12:22,800 --> 00:12:23,880
..and it showcases how
he designed his railways
292
00:12:23,920 --> 00:12:25,680
for gentlemen and ladies
293
00:12:25,720 --> 00:12:27,720
as a fast and comfortable
mode of transport
294
00:12:27,760 --> 00:12:28,520
as a fast and comfortable
mode of transport
295
00:12:28,560 --> 00:12:30,080
for the upper classes.
296
00:12:32,600 --> 00:12:34,240
In order to achieve this,
297
00:12:34,280 --> 00:12:36,280
he built his railway much wider
than ever before
298
00:12:36,320 --> 00:12:37,600
he built his railway much wider
than ever before
299
00:12:37,640 --> 00:12:39,640
on his so-called broad gauge.
300
00:12:39,680 --> 00:12:40,240
on his so-called broad gauge.
301
00:12:46,320 --> 00:12:48,320
He also chose scenic routes
302
00:12:48,360 --> 00:12:49,040
He also chose scenic routes
303
00:12:49,080 --> 00:12:51,080
so railways could appear like they're
travelling through the great estates
304
00:12:51,120 --> 00:12:53,120
so railways could appear like they're
travelling through the great estates
305
00:12:53,160 --> 00:12:53,400
so railways could appear like they're
travelling through the great estates
306
00:12:53,440 --> 00:12:55,400
surrounding grand country houses.
307
00:13:05,840 --> 00:13:07,880
He carefully planned gradients
308
00:13:07,920 --> 00:13:09,920
to make the route as level
and as straight as possible
309
00:13:09,960 --> 00:13:11,320
to make the route as level
and as straight as possible
310
00:13:11,360 --> 00:13:12,560
for high-speed travel.
311
00:13:14,040 --> 00:13:16,040
And he wanted large,
powerful and fast locomotives
312
00:13:16,080 --> 00:13:17,920
And he wanted large,
powerful and fast locomotives
313
00:13:17,960 --> 00:13:19,960
whose large wheels
give a more balanced ride
314
00:13:20,000 --> 00:13:21,160
whose large wheels
give a more balanced ride
315
00:13:21,200 --> 00:13:23,200
and large rolling stock
with a low centre of gravity
316
00:13:23,240 --> 00:13:24,960
and large rolling stock
with a low centre of gravity
317
00:13:25,000 --> 00:13:26,760
to make them more stable,
318
00:13:26,800 --> 00:13:28,800
especially at top speed.
319
00:13:28,840 --> 00:13:29,080
especially at top speed.
320
00:13:32,440 --> 00:13:34,440
On a platform next to the railway
321
00:13:34,480 --> 00:13:34,720
On a platform next to the railway
322
00:13:34,760 --> 00:13:36,760
lies this short section
of Brunel's broad-gauge track.
323
00:13:36,800 --> 00:13:38,600
lies this short section
of Brunel's broad-gauge track.
324
00:13:40,160 --> 00:13:42,160
The seven feet and a quarter inches
between the rails
325
00:13:42,200 --> 00:13:43,080
The seven feet and a quarter inches
between the rails
326
00:13:43,120 --> 00:13:45,120
were one-and-a-half times
as wide as the standard gauge,
327
00:13:45,160 --> 00:13:47,160
were one-and-a-half times
as wide as the standard gauge,
328
00:13:47,200 --> 00:13:47,480
were one-and-a-half times
as wide as the standard gauge,
329
00:13:47,520 --> 00:13:49,520
and the sleepers didn't run
across the track
330
00:13:49,560 --> 00:13:50,000
and the sleepers didn't run
across the track
331
00:13:50,040 --> 00:13:52,040
but directly underneath the rails.
332
00:13:52,080 --> 00:13:52,800
but directly underneath the rails.
333
00:13:54,240 --> 00:13:56,240
But the railway no longer runs
on the broad gauge...
334
00:13:56,280 --> 00:13:57,080
But the railway no longer runs
on the broad gauge...
335
00:13:59,960 --> 00:14:01,960
..and later, we'll discover
what that tells us
336
00:14:02,000 --> 00:14:02,960
..and later, we'll discover
what that tells us
337
00:14:03,000 --> 00:14:05,000
about the real
Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
338
00:14:05,040 --> 00:14:06,320
about the real
Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
339
00:14:14,720 --> 00:14:15,680
Next...
340
00:14:18,920 --> 00:14:20,920
..how did Brunel's quest to conquer
and control new railway territory
341
00:14:20,960 --> 00:14:22,960
..how did Brunel's quest to conquer
and control new railway territory
342
00:14:23,000 --> 00:14:23,640
..how did Brunel's quest to conquer
and control new railway territory
343
00:14:23,680 --> 00:14:25,600
spark The Gauge War...
344
00:14:27,560 --> 00:14:29,560
..and what would it mean
for the future
345
00:14:29,600 --> 00:14:29,840
..and what would it mean
for the future
346
00:14:29,880 --> 00:14:31,880
of the West Somerset Railway?
347
00:14:31,920 --> 00:14:32,080
of the West Somerset Railway?
348
00:14:50,640 --> 00:14:52,160
Deep in Somerset...
349
00:14:57,720 --> 00:14:59,680
..we're following a railway
350
00:14:59,720 --> 00:15:01,520
that's taking us back
351
00:15:01,560 --> 00:15:03,560
more than 150 years.
352
00:15:03,600 --> 00:15:03,960
more than 150 years.
353
00:15:10,560 --> 00:15:12,560
It's a journey that tells the story
of the railway revolution...
354
00:15:12,600 --> 00:15:14,200
It's a journey that tells the story
of the railway revolution...
355
00:15:15,480 --> 00:15:17,480
..and uncovers the mind of the most
celebrated engineer of his time...
356
00:15:17,520 --> 00:15:19,520
..and uncovers the mind of the most
celebrated engineer of his time...
357
00:15:19,560 --> 00:15:19,840
..and uncovers the mind of the most
celebrated engineer of his time...
358
00:15:21,200 --> 00:15:23,080
..Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
359
00:15:37,320 --> 00:15:38,800
By the 1850s,
360
00:15:38,840 --> 00:15:40,840
Brunel's unwavering ambition to
push the boundaries of engineering
361
00:15:40,880 --> 00:15:42,880
Brunel's unwavering ambition to
push the boundaries of engineering
362
00:15:42,920 --> 00:15:43,320
Brunel's unwavering ambition to
push the boundaries of engineering
363
00:15:43,360 --> 00:15:45,360
was landing many of his projects
in financial trouble.
364
00:15:45,400 --> 00:15:46,680
was landing many of his projects
in financial trouble.
365
00:15:52,080 --> 00:15:53,280
He wrote in his diary...
366
00:15:54,480 --> 00:15:56,480
"So many irons and none of them hot."
367
00:15:56,520 --> 00:15:58,160
"So many irons and none of them hot."
368
00:16:00,080 --> 00:16:02,080
20 years on from
winning the competition,
369
00:16:02,120 --> 00:16:02,760
20 years on from
winning the competition,
370
00:16:02,800 --> 00:16:04,800
Clifton Suspension Bridge
was still not built
371
00:16:04,840 --> 00:16:06,560
Clifton Suspension Bridge
was still not built
372
00:16:06,600 --> 00:16:08,600
and had stalled
due to a lack of funds.
373
00:16:08,640 --> 00:16:09,480
and had stalled
due to a lack of funds.
374
00:16:12,160 --> 00:16:14,160
The Great Western Railway
had gone wildly over budget
375
00:16:14,200 --> 00:16:15,880
The Great Western Railway
had gone wildly over budget
376
00:16:15,920 --> 00:16:17,920
from a cost of £300 million
377
00:16:17,960 --> 00:16:18,960
from a cost of £300 million
378
00:16:19,000 --> 00:16:21,000
to 700 million in today's money...
379
00:16:21,040 --> 00:16:21,840
to 700 million in today's money...
380
00:16:23,360 --> 00:16:25,360
..and the fear was
the same lack of concern
381
00:16:25,400 --> 00:16:26,200
..and the fear was
the same lack of concern
382
00:16:26,240 --> 00:16:28,240
for the financial viability
of his projects
383
00:16:28,280 --> 00:16:28,880
for the financial viability
of his projects
384
00:16:28,920 --> 00:16:30,920
would affect
the West Somerset Railway.
385
00:16:30,960 --> 00:16:31,600
would affect
the West Somerset Railway.
386
00:16:39,760 --> 00:16:41,760
The train has embarked on
a four-mile-climb
387
00:16:41,800 --> 00:16:42,520
The train has embarked on
a four-mile-climb
388
00:16:42,760 --> 00:16:44,760
towards the summit of the railway.
389
00:16:44,800 --> 00:16:45,040
towards the summit of the railway.
390
00:16:46,200 --> 00:16:48,200
It's a place with a
surprising tale to tell
391
00:16:48,240 --> 00:16:49,280
It's a place with a
surprising tale to tell
392
00:16:49,320 --> 00:16:51,320
about the rise to fame
of Britain's greatest pop group.
393
00:16:51,360 --> 00:16:52,800
about the rise to fame
of Britain's greatest pop group.
394
00:16:55,360 --> 00:16:57,360
On the 2nd of March 1964,
395
00:16:57,400 --> 00:16:57,880
On the 2nd of March 1964,
396
00:16:57,920 --> 00:16:59,920
a special charter train
travelled along this very railway...
397
00:16:59,960 --> 00:17:01,480
a special charter train
travelled along this very railway...
398
00:17:04,560 --> 00:17:06,560
..carrying John, Paul,
George and Ringo...
399
00:17:06,600 --> 00:17:07,480
..carrying John, Paul,
George and Ringo...
400
00:17:11,040 --> 00:17:13,040
..as Beatlemania swept
across Britain.
401
00:17:13,080 --> 00:17:14,360
..as Beatlemania swept
across Britain.
402
00:17:14,400 --> 00:17:16,400
What happened when the Beatles
reached the high point of the railway
403
00:17:16,440 --> 00:17:18,440
What happened when the Beatles
reached the high point of the railway
404
00:17:18,480 --> 00:17:18,720
What happened when the Beatles
reached the high point of the railway
405
00:17:18,760 --> 00:17:20,760
has gone down in pop music folklore.
406
00:17:20,800 --> 00:17:21,480
has gone down in pop music folklore.
407
00:17:34,360 --> 00:17:36,360
To make the West Somerset Railway
project credible,
408
00:17:36,400 --> 00:17:37,760
To make the West Somerset Railway
project credible,
409
00:17:37,800 --> 00:17:39,800
Brunel sought to convince investors
that it could be built in three years
410
00:17:39,840 --> 00:17:41,840
Brunel sought to convince investors
that it could be built in three years
411
00:17:41,880 --> 00:17:42,400
Brunel sought to convince investors
that it could be built in three years
412
00:17:42,440 --> 00:17:44,440
for a budget of £12 million
in today's money.
413
00:17:44,480 --> 00:17:45,760
for a budget of £12 million
in today's money.
414
00:17:50,360 --> 00:17:52,360
But in practice, his determination
415
00:17:52,400 --> 00:17:52,640
But in practice, his determination
416
00:17:52,680 --> 00:17:54,680
to stick to his idealistic vision
of a broad-gauge railway
417
00:17:54,720 --> 00:17:56,720
to stick to his idealistic vision
of a broad-gauge railway
418
00:17:56,760 --> 00:17:57,160
to stick to his idealistic vision
of a broad-gauge railway
419
00:17:57,200 --> 00:17:59,200
meant that if his rails were
one-and-a-half times as wide,
420
00:17:59,240 --> 00:18:00,920
meant that if his rails were
one-and-a-half times as wide,
421
00:18:00,960 --> 00:18:02,960
his embankments were taller,
422
00:18:03,000 --> 00:18:04,920
his cuttings were deeper,
423
00:18:04,960 --> 00:18:06,840
his bridges were wider,
424
00:18:06,880 --> 00:18:08,880
and the railway,
a financial headache.
425
00:18:08,920 --> 00:18:09,680
and the railway,
a financial headache.
426
00:18:12,120 --> 00:18:14,120
In addition,
there was another obstacle,
427
00:18:14,160 --> 00:18:14,960
In addition,
there was another obstacle,
428
00:18:15,000 --> 00:18:17,000
landowners demanding
excessive sums for their land
429
00:18:17,040 --> 00:18:18,720
landowners demanding
excessive sums for their land
430
00:18:18,760 --> 00:18:20,760
before any building work could begin.
431
00:18:20,800 --> 00:18:21,400
before any building work could begin.
432
00:18:33,560 --> 00:18:35,560
Meanwhile, the train is approaching
the railway's first station,
433
00:18:35,600 --> 00:18:37,600
Meanwhile, the train is approaching
the railway's first station,
434
00:18:37,640 --> 00:18:37,880
Meanwhile, the train is approaching
the railway's first station,
435
00:18:37,920 --> 00:18:39,320
Crowcombe Heathfield...
436
00:18:41,840 --> 00:18:43,840
..and in Crowcombe village nearby,
there's an impressive country manor
437
00:18:43,880 --> 00:18:45,880
..and in Crowcombe village nearby,
there's an impressive country manor
438
00:18:45,920 --> 00:18:46,160
..and in Crowcombe village nearby,
there's an impressive country manor
439
00:18:46,200 --> 00:18:47,840
that harks back to a dispute
440
00:18:47,880 --> 00:18:49,880
Brunel was having
with a rich local landowner.
441
00:18:49,920 --> 00:18:51,080
Brunel was having
with a rich local landowner.
442
00:18:53,120 --> 00:18:55,120
Crowcombe Court was the seat
of Captain Carew.
443
00:18:55,160 --> 00:18:56,720
Crowcombe Court was the seat
of Captain Carew.
444
00:18:58,600 --> 00:19:00,600
Once revered as one of the
finest houses in Somerset,
445
00:19:00,640 --> 00:19:02,120
Once revered as one of the
finest houses in Somerset,
446
00:19:02,160 --> 00:19:04,160
its owner, Captain Carew,
had more than enough money
447
00:19:04,200 --> 00:19:05,320
its owner, Captain Carew,
had more than enough money
448
00:19:05,360 --> 00:19:07,240
to stand his ground with Brunel.
449
00:19:08,760 --> 00:19:10,760
Brunel was already at loggerheads
with the Lethbridges,
450
00:19:10,800 --> 00:19:12,360
Brunel was already at loggerheads
with the Lethbridges,
451
00:19:12,400 --> 00:19:14,400
who were asking for £450 per acre,
452
00:19:14,440 --> 00:19:15,680
who were asking for £450 per acre,
453
00:19:15,720 --> 00:19:17,720
four times what was considered
to be a normal price.
454
00:19:17,760 --> 00:19:19,640
four times what was considered
to be a normal price.
455
00:19:19,680 --> 00:19:21,680
Captain Carew wanted over £2,000
for his land.
456
00:19:21,720 --> 00:19:23,640
Captain Carew wanted over £2,000
for his land.
457
00:19:25,960 --> 00:19:27,960
As the disputes rumbled on
for month after month,
458
00:19:28,000 --> 00:19:28,960
As the disputes rumbled on
for month after month,
459
00:19:29,000 --> 00:19:31,000
construction work
could not even begin.
460
00:19:31,040 --> 00:19:31,680
construction work
could not even begin.
461
00:19:42,360 --> 00:19:44,360
What made life worse for Brunel
462
00:19:44,400 --> 00:19:44,640
What made life worse for Brunel
463
00:19:44,680 --> 00:19:46,680
was his plan to start building
the line at this long cutting,
464
00:19:46,720 --> 00:19:47,960
was his plan to start building
the line at this long cutting,
465
00:19:48,000 --> 00:19:50,000
just outside Crowcombe Heathfield
Station.
466
00:19:50,040 --> 00:19:50,520
just outside Crowcombe Heathfield
Station.
467
00:19:53,160 --> 00:19:55,160
It's a tradition of Victorian
railway engineering
468
00:19:55,200 --> 00:19:56,080
It's a tradition of Victorian
railway engineering
469
00:19:56,120 --> 00:19:58,120
that building begins by digging
a cutting to create the spoil
470
00:19:58,160 --> 00:20:00,160
that building begins by digging
a cutting to create the spoil
471
00:20:00,200 --> 00:20:00,440
that building begins by digging
a cutting to create the spoil
472
00:20:00,480 --> 00:20:02,360
to build an embankment.
473
00:20:02,400 --> 00:20:04,400
The problem was
Captain Carew owned the land.
474
00:20:04,440 --> 00:20:06,280
The problem was
Captain Carew owned the land.
475
00:20:10,120 --> 00:20:11,760
Brunel's motto was
476
00:20:11,800 --> 00:20:12,800
"Never despair."
477
00:20:14,000 --> 00:20:16,000
But this meant he was not prepared
to compromise his vision.
478
00:20:16,040 --> 00:20:17,480
But this meant he was not prepared
to compromise his vision.
479
00:20:23,400 --> 00:20:25,400
With an act of Parliament behind him,
480
00:20:25,440 --> 00:20:25,680
With an act of Parliament behind him,
481
00:20:25,720 --> 00:20:27,720
Brunel imposed compulsory
purchase orders on the landowners,
482
00:20:27,760 --> 00:20:29,760
Brunel imposed compulsory
purchase orders on the landowners,
483
00:20:29,800 --> 00:20:30,040
Brunel imposed compulsory
purchase orders on the landowners,
484
00:20:30,080 --> 00:20:32,080
but at a very high cost.
485
00:20:32,120 --> 00:20:32,480
but at a very high cost.
486
00:20:35,360 --> 00:20:37,360
The future of the
West Somerset Railway
487
00:20:37,400 --> 00:20:37,880
The future of the
West Somerset Railway
488
00:20:37,920 --> 00:20:39,480
was thrown into jeopardy.
489
00:20:49,400 --> 00:20:51,240
Passing through Carew's cutting,
490
00:20:51,280 --> 00:20:53,280
the train glides into
Crowcombe Heathfield Station.
491
00:20:53,320 --> 00:20:54,280
the train glides into
Crowcombe Heathfield Station.
492
00:20:59,760 --> 00:21:01,760
The Beatles were so popular
that they'd get mobbed everywhere.
493
00:21:01,800 --> 00:21:03,800
The Beatles were so popular
that they'd get mobbed everywhere.
494
00:21:03,840 --> 00:21:05,840
So, the remote spot was ideal
for filmmakers
495
00:21:05,880 --> 00:21:07,240
So, the remote spot was ideal
for filmmakers
496
00:21:07,280 --> 00:21:09,280
to capitalise on their fame
by recording their first movie.
497
00:21:09,320 --> 00:21:11,320
to capitalise on their fame
by recording their first movie.
498
00:21:11,360 --> 00:21:11,680
to capitalise on their fame
by recording their first movie.
499
00:21:15,360 --> 00:21:17,360
Ringo had come up with the title
A Hard Day's Night,
500
00:21:17,400 --> 00:21:19,120
Ringo had come up with the title
A Hard Day's Night,
501
00:21:19,160 --> 00:21:21,160
recalling a tough all-night
studio session
502
00:21:21,200 --> 00:21:22,240
recalling a tough all-night
studio session
503
00:21:22,280 --> 00:21:24,280
and as the film crew
had set out to record
504
00:21:24,320 --> 00:21:24,600
and as the film crew
had set out to record
505
00:21:24,640 --> 00:21:26,640
a fictionalised typical day
in the life of the group,
506
00:21:26,680 --> 00:21:27,800
a fictionalised typical day
in the life of the group,
507
00:21:27,840 --> 00:21:29,440
the train stopped here
508
00:21:29,480 --> 00:21:31,480
to record one of the most
memorable moments in the film.
509
00:21:31,520 --> 00:21:32,680
to record one of the most
memorable moments in the film.
510
00:21:36,720 --> 00:21:38,480
A Hard Day's Night succeeded
511
00:21:38,520 --> 00:21:40,520
in establishing the cheeky confidence
of the four Beatles
512
00:21:40,560 --> 00:21:41,920
in establishing the cheeky confidence
of the four Beatles
513
00:21:41,960 --> 00:21:43,960
and helped to boost the massive
industry that built up around them.
514
00:21:44,000 --> 00:21:45,880
and helped to boost the massive
industry that built up around them.
515
00:21:47,200 --> 00:21:49,200
Within a decade, the Fab Four
had sold 21 million records in the UK
516
00:21:49,240 --> 00:21:51,240
Within a decade, the Fab Four
had sold 21 million records in the UK
517
00:21:51,280 --> 00:21:52,760
Within a decade, the Fab Four
had sold 21 million records in the UK
518
00:21:52,800 --> 00:21:54,800
and many millions more worldwide...
519
00:21:54,840 --> 00:21:55,480
and many millions more worldwide...
520
00:21:57,960 --> 00:21:59,960
..and their journey on this railway
521
00:22:00,000 --> 00:22:00,360
..and their journey on this railway
522
00:22:00,400 --> 00:22:02,400
was a stepping stone
to becoming global superstars.
523
00:22:02,440 --> 00:22:04,080
was a stepping stone
to becoming global superstars.
524
00:22:15,960 --> 00:22:17,960
As the train restarts
its grand adventure
525
00:22:18,000 --> 00:22:18,720
As the train restarts
its grand adventure
526
00:22:18,760 --> 00:22:20,720
through the Somerset countryside...
527
00:22:23,360 --> 00:22:25,360
..it leaves behind some fascinating
remains of Brunel's railway.
528
00:22:25,400 --> 00:22:27,400
..it leaves behind some fascinating
remains of Brunel's railway.
529
00:22:27,440 --> 00:22:28,000
..it leaves behind some fascinating
remains of Brunel's railway.
530
00:22:29,440 --> 00:22:31,440
This short section
of broad-gauge track,
531
00:22:31,480 --> 00:22:32,520
This short section
of broad-gauge track,
532
00:22:32,560 --> 00:22:34,560
one-and-a-half times as wide
as the standard gauge,
533
00:22:34,600 --> 00:22:36,280
one-and-a-half times as wide
as the standard gauge,
534
00:22:36,320 --> 00:22:38,320
illustrates Brunel's determination
to be different.
535
00:22:38,360 --> 00:22:40,200
illustrates Brunel's determination
to be different.
536
00:22:45,160 --> 00:22:47,160
He said, "When I have formed
a decided opinion...
537
00:22:47,200 --> 00:22:48,800
He said, "When I have formed
a decided opinion...
538
00:22:50,120 --> 00:22:52,120
"no fear of the consequences
ever prevents my expressing it."
539
00:22:52,160 --> 00:22:53,880
"no fear of the consequences
ever prevents my expressing it."
540
00:22:56,320 --> 00:22:58,040
And the train is about to discover
541
00:22:58,080 --> 00:23:00,080
how his obsession with
his broad-gauge vision
542
00:23:00,120 --> 00:23:01,560
how his obsession with
his broad-gauge vision
543
00:23:01,600 --> 00:23:03,600
led him into a battle with
his railway rival,
544
00:23:03,640 --> 00:23:05,640
led him into a battle with
his railway rival,
545
00:23:05,680 --> 00:23:05,920
led him into a battle with
his railway rival,
546
00:23:05,960 --> 00:23:07,920
known as The Gauge War.
547
00:23:10,800 --> 00:23:12,800
It wasn't fought
with soldiers and guns,
548
00:23:12,840 --> 00:23:13,280
It wasn't fought
with soldiers and guns,
549
00:23:13,320 --> 00:23:15,120
but iron and steam...
550
00:23:16,520 --> 00:23:18,520
..between Brunel and George
Stephenson's son, Robert.
551
00:23:18,560 --> 00:23:20,560
..between Brunel and George
Stephenson's son, Robert.
552
00:23:20,600 --> 00:23:20,800
..between Brunel and George
Stephenson's son, Robert.
553
00:23:27,160 --> 00:23:29,160
Stephenson's 4ft, 8.5in gauge,
554
00:23:29,200 --> 00:23:30,800
Stephenson's 4ft, 8.5in gauge,
555
00:23:30,840 --> 00:23:32,840
was based on the width of wagons
pulled by horses
556
00:23:32,880 --> 00:23:34,280
was based on the width of wagons
pulled by horses
557
00:23:34,320 --> 00:23:36,320
in the collieries of
North East England.
558
00:23:36,360 --> 00:23:36,960
in the collieries of
North East England.
559
00:23:37,000 --> 00:23:39,000
Brunel's vision was to have a new
gauge for a new technology...
560
00:23:39,040 --> 00:23:41,040
Brunel's vision was to have a new
gauge for a new technology...
561
00:23:41,080 --> 00:23:41,280
Brunel's vision was to have a new
gauge for a new technology...
562
00:23:45,960 --> 00:23:47,960
..to replace horses with steam.
563
00:23:48,000 --> 00:23:48,680
..to replace horses with steam.
564
00:23:52,360 --> 00:23:54,360
But he didn't properly
consider the consequences
565
00:23:54,400 --> 00:23:55,760
But he didn't properly
consider the consequences
566
00:23:55,800 --> 00:23:57,800
of his gauge's incompatibility
with lines already built elsewhere.
567
00:23:57,840 --> 00:23:59,840
of his gauge's incompatibility
with lines already built elsewhere.
568
00:23:59,880 --> 00:24:00,680
of his gauge's incompatibility
with lines already built elsewhere.
569
00:24:03,000 --> 00:24:05,000
The truth is that Brunel's jealousy
of Stephenson's success
570
00:24:05,040 --> 00:24:07,040
The truth is that Brunel's jealousy
of Stephenson's success
571
00:24:07,080 --> 00:24:07,560
The truth is that Brunel's jealousy
of Stephenson's success
572
00:24:07,600 --> 00:24:09,600
was part of his conviction to
take a radically different approach
573
00:24:09,640 --> 00:24:11,120
was part of his conviction to
take a radically different approach
574
00:24:11,160 --> 00:24:12,600
to railway engineering.
575
00:24:16,920 --> 00:24:18,920
Brunel himself conceded in his diary
576
00:24:18,960 --> 00:24:19,400
Brunel himself conceded in his diary
577
00:24:19,440 --> 00:24:21,440
that his weakness was
"my self-conceit and love of glory."
578
00:24:21,480 --> 00:24:23,480
that his weakness was
"my self-conceit and love of glory."
579
00:24:23,520 --> 00:24:24,280
that his weakness was
"my self-conceit and love of glory."
580
00:24:26,120 --> 00:24:28,120
So, when the steam train
reaches the coast,
581
00:24:28,160 --> 00:24:28,880
So, when the steam train
reaches the coast,
582
00:24:28,920 --> 00:24:30,920
we'll discover that The Gauge War
had only one winner.
583
00:24:30,960 --> 00:24:32,960
we'll discover that The Gauge War
had only one winner.
584
00:24:33,000 --> 00:24:33,360
we'll discover that The Gauge War
had only one winner.
585
00:24:39,400 --> 00:24:40,360
Next...
586
00:24:48,520 --> 00:24:50,520
..the train arrives at the
Bristol Channel.
587
00:24:50,560 --> 00:24:51,080
..the train arrives at the
Bristol Channel.
588
00:24:53,800 --> 00:24:55,800
As Brunel's pursuit of dozens
of engineering projects
catches up with him...
589
00:24:55,840 --> 00:24:57,840
As Brunel's pursuit of dozens
of engineering projects
catches up with him...
590
00:24:57,880 --> 00:24:58,240
As Brunel's pursuit of dozens
of engineering projects
catches up with him...
591
00:24:59,320 --> 00:25:01,320
..could the West Somerset Railway
survive?
592
00:25:01,360 --> 00:25:01,960
..could the West Somerset Railway
survive?
593
00:25:20,680 --> 00:25:22,680
In the rolling Somerset
countryside...
594
00:25:22,720 --> 00:25:22,960
In the rolling Somerset
countryside...
595
00:25:26,720 --> 00:25:28,720
..we're following a steam train
596
00:25:28,760 --> 00:25:29,040
..we're following a steam train
597
00:25:29,080 --> 00:25:31,080
that's taking us into the mind
of the greatest engineer
of the railway age...
598
00:25:31,120 --> 00:25:33,120
that's taking us into the mind
of the greatest engineer
of the railway age...
599
00:25:33,160 --> 00:25:33,840
that's taking us into the mind
of the greatest engineer
of the railway age...
600
00:25:35,520 --> 00:25:37,520
..Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
601
00:25:37,560 --> 00:25:37,720
..Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
602
00:25:40,480 --> 00:25:42,480
But Brunel's ego, relentless energy
and inability to delegate
603
00:25:42,520 --> 00:25:44,520
But Brunel's ego, relentless energy
and inability to delegate
604
00:25:44,560 --> 00:25:45,960
But Brunel's ego, relentless energy
and inability to delegate
605
00:25:46,000 --> 00:25:48,000
led him to doggedly pursue
dozens of engineering projects.
606
00:25:48,040 --> 00:25:50,040
led him to doggedly pursue
dozens of engineering projects.
607
00:25:50,080 --> 00:25:50,360
led him to doggedly pursue
dozens of engineering projects.
608
00:25:52,440 --> 00:25:54,440
Overstretched and overworked,
609
00:25:54,480 --> 00:25:55,040
Overstretched and overworked,
610
00:25:55,080 --> 00:25:57,080
as Brunel's health deteriorated...
611
00:25:57,120 --> 00:25:57,440
as Brunel's health deteriorated...
612
00:25:58,960 --> 00:26:00,960
..there was a catastrophe brewing
for the West Somerset Railway.
613
00:26:01,000 --> 00:26:02,800
..there was a catastrophe brewing
for the West Somerset Railway.
614
00:26:26,120 --> 00:26:28,120
The train is heading for the
second stop along the line,
615
00:26:28,160 --> 00:26:29,280
The train is heading for the
second stop along the line,
616
00:26:29,320 --> 00:26:30,720
Stogumber Station.
617
00:26:33,320 --> 00:26:35,320
Brunel's competitors placed stations
618
00:26:35,360 --> 00:26:35,800
Brunel's competitors placed stations
619
00:26:35,840 --> 00:26:37,840
as close as possible to the
villages and towns they passed
620
00:26:37,880 --> 00:26:39,880
as close as possible to the
villages and towns they passed
621
00:26:39,920 --> 00:26:40,360
as close as possible to the
villages and towns they passed
622
00:26:40,400 --> 00:26:42,400
to maximise passenger traffic.
623
00:26:42,440 --> 00:26:42,600
to maximise passenger traffic.
624
00:26:44,080 --> 00:26:46,080
But Brunel was driven
by the engineering,
625
00:26:46,120 --> 00:26:46,920
But Brunel was driven
by the engineering,
626
00:26:46,960 --> 00:26:48,960
a broad-gauge track that was
as direct and flat as possible.
627
00:26:49,000 --> 00:26:51,000
a broad-gauge track that was
as direct and flat as possible.
628
00:26:51,040 --> 00:26:51,840
a broad-gauge track that was
as direct and flat as possible.
629
00:26:57,160 --> 00:26:59,160
At Stogumber, this had a
seemingly crazy consequence,
630
00:26:59,200 --> 00:27:01,200
At Stogumber, this had a
seemingly crazy consequence,
631
00:27:01,240 --> 00:27:01,680
At Stogumber, this had a
seemingly crazy consequence,
632
00:27:01,720 --> 00:27:03,720
that the station is over
a mile away from the village.
633
00:27:03,760 --> 00:27:04,880
that the station is over
a mile away from the village.
634
00:27:11,960 --> 00:27:13,960
Passengers can just make it out
across the valley
635
00:27:14,000 --> 00:27:14,640
Passengers can just make it out
across the valley
636
00:27:14,680 --> 00:27:16,680
with its church
and sprawling rooftops.
637
00:27:16,720 --> 00:27:17,080
with its church
and sprawling rooftops.
638
00:27:21,120 --> 00:27:23,120
Brunel sited Stogumber Station
halfway up a hill
639
00:27:23,160 --> 00:27:25,160
Brunel sited Stogumber Station
halfway up a hill
640
00:27:25,200 --> 00:27:25,640
Brunel sited Stogumber Station
halfway up a hill
641
00:27:25,680 --> 00:27:27,680
to ensure the track is on the
most direct path to the coast
642
00:27:27,720 --> 00:27:29,640
to ensure the track is on the
most direct path to the coast
643
00:27:29,680 --> 00:27:31,680
and follows an even gradient.
644
00:27:31,720 --> 00:27:32,000
and follows an even gradient.
645
00:27:37,520 --> 00:27:39,040
Leaving Stogumber,
646
00:27:39,080 --> 00:27:41,080
the train plunges downhill
towards the coast.
647
00:27:41,120 --> 00:27:42,240
the train plunges downhill
towards the coast.
648
00:27:46,360 --> 00:27:48,360
After years of delays,
hope was on the horizon
649
00:27:48,400 --> 00:27:49,880
After years of delays,
hope was on the horizon
650
00:27:49,920 --> 00:27:51,920
and the belief was that construction
could get back on track.
651
00:27:51,960 --> 00:27:53,720
and the belief was that construction
could get back on track.
652
00:27:56,920 --> 00:27:58,920
Brunel's force of personality
653
00:27:58,960 --> 00:27:59,200
Brunel's force of personality
654
00:27:59,240 --> 00:28:01,240
meant it was hard to imagine how the
line could be completed without him.
655
00:28:01,280 --> 00:28:03,280
meant it was hard to imagine how the
line could be completed without him.
656
00:28:03,320 --> 00:28:03,520
meant it was hard to imagine how the
line could be completed without him.
657
00:28:12,760 --> 00:28:14,760
As it glides towards Doniford Halt...
658
00:28:14,800 --> 00:28:15,160
As it glides towards Doniford Halt...
659
00:28:19,640 --> 00:28:21,440
..the train reaches
the Bristol Channel...
660
00:28:25,760 --> 00:28:27,760
..and turns west along the coast.
661
00:28:27,800 --> 00:28:28,040
..and turns west along the coast.
662
00:28:35,920 --> 00:28:37,920
Brunel had always been
a fanatical worker.
663
00:28:37,960 --> 00:28:38,480
Brunel had always been
a fanatical worker.
664
00:28:39,840 --> 00:28:41,840
Slaving away on the Great Western
Railway, he said,
665
00:28:41,880 --> 00:28:43,160
Slaving away on the Great Western
Railway, he said,
666
00:28:43,200 --> 00:28:45,200
"I am rarely under 20 hours a day
at it."
667
00:28:45,240 --> 00:28:46,280
"I am rarely under 20 hours a day
at it."
668
00:28:52,160 --> 00:28:54,160
He invented a custom-built
horse-drawn carriage
669
00:28:54,200 --> 00:28:55,000
He invented a custom-built
horse-drawn carriage
670
00:28:55,040 --> 00:28:57,040
nicknamed The Flying Hearse,
671
00:28:57,080 --> 00:28:57,320
nicknamed The Flying Hearse,
672
00:28:57,360 --> 00:28:59,360
so he could work and sleep
on his journeys
673
00:28:59,400 --> 00:28:59,640
so he could work and sleep
on his journeys
674
00:28:59,680 --> 00:29:01,720
between the multifarious projects
675
00:29:01,760 --> 00:29:03,760
he was responsible for
at any one time.
676
00:29:03,800 --> 00:29:04,280
he was responsible for
at any one time.
677
00:29:06,600 --> 00:29:08,600
But his relentless commitment
to his work
678
00:29:08,640 --> 00:29:09,520
But his relentless commitment
to his work
679
00:29:09,560 --> 00:29:11,560
had a dramatic impact on his health.
680
00:29:11,600 --> 00:29:11,880
had a dramatic impact on his health.
681
00:29:19,640 --> 00:29:21,640
In Bristol, 50 miles up the coast,
682
00:29:21,680 --> 00:29:23,000
In Bristol, 50 miles up the coast,
683
00:29:23,040 --> 00:29:25,040
Brunel was desperately trying to
keep his most ambitious projects
684
00:29:25,080 --> 00:29:27,080
Brunel was desperately trying to
keep his most ambitious projects
685
00:29:27,120 --> 00:29:27,520
Brunel was desperately trying to
keep his most ambitious projects
686
00:29:27,560 --> 00:29:28,560
steaming ahead.
687
00:29:33,720 --> 00:29:35,720
At the centre of these was
the Great Western Railway
688
00:29:35,760 --> 00:29:37,240
At the centre of these was
the Great Western Railway
689
00:29:37,280 --> 00:29:39,280
and his vision of providing a route
from London to New York,
690
00:29:39,320 --> 00:29:41,320
and his vision of providing a route
from London to New York,
691
00:29:41,360 --> 00:29:41,840
and his vision of providing a route
from London to New York,
692
00:29:41,880 --> 00:29:43,880
for which he had built
one of the first steamships
693
00:29:43,920 --> 00:29:44,640
for which he had built
one of the first steamships
694
00:29:44,680 --> 00:29:45,840
to conquer the Atlantic.
695
00:29:53,640 --> 00:29:55,640
In Bristol Harbour,
Brunel's steamship,
696
00:29:55,680 --> 00:29:56,360
In Bristol Harbour,
Brunel's steamship,
697
00:29:56,400 --> 00:29:58,120
the SS Great Britain
698
00:29:58,160 --> 00:30:00,160
was the world's first iron ship...
699
00:30:00,200 --> 00:30:00,480
was the world's first iron ship...
700
00:30:01,800 --> 00:30:03,480
..and the largest of her day.
701
00:30:04,520 --> 00:30:06,520
It revolutionised sea transport.
702
00:30:06,560 --> 00:30:07,120
It revolutionised sea transport.
703
00:30:09,400 --> 00:30:11,360
Brunel's iron masterpiece
704
00:30:11,400 --> 00:30:13,400
was also sending passengers
to America.
705
00:30:13,440 --> 00:30:14,240
was also sending passengers
to America.
706
00:30:15,360 --> 00:30:17,360
He had realised his grand vision
to shrink the world.
707
00:30:17,400 --> 00:30:18,680
He had realised his grand vision
to shrink the world.
708
00:30:21,240 --> 00:30:23,240
But just as Brunel was
at the height of his powers,
709
00:30:23,280 --> 00:30:24,080
But just as Brunel was
at the height of his powers,
710
00:30:24,120 --> 00:30:25,720
disaster strikes.
711
00:30:28,560 --> 00:30:30,560
While conducting a site visit
to an even larger steamship
712
00:30:30,600 --> 00:30:32,160
While conducting a site visit
to an even larger steamship
713
00:30:32,200 --> 00:30:34,200
that was due to travel to Australia,
714
00:30:34,240 --> 00:30:34,440
that was due to travel to Australia,
715
00:30:34,480 --> 00:30:36,320
his most ambitious project ever...
716
00:30:40,760 --> 00:30:42,760
..Isambard Kingdom Brunel
had a stroke,
717
00:30:42,800 --> 00:30:44,080
..Isambard Kingdom Brunel
had a stroke,
718
00:30:44,120 --> 00:30:46,080
aged just 53.
719
00:30:50,440 --> 00:30:52,440
Not only was his death a tragedy
for his family, his friends
720
00:30:52,480 --> 00:30:54,400
Not only was his death a tragedy
for his family, his friends
721
00:30:54,440 --> 00:30:56,440
and the millions who had marvelled
at his engineering projects...
722
00:30:56,480 --> 00:30:57,880
and the millions who had marvelled
at his engineering projects...
723
00:30:59,760 --> 00:31:01,760
..it was a potential catastrophe
for the West Somerset Railway.
724
00:31:01,800 --> 00:31:03,800
..it was a potential catastrophe
for the West Somerset Railway.
725
00:31:03,840 --> 00:31:04,200
..it was a potential catastrophe
for the West Somerset Railway.
726
00:31:13,320 --> 00:31:15,320
A key part of the vision for the line
727
00:31:15,360 --> 00:31:16,200
A key part of the vision for the line
728
00:31:16,240 --> 00:31:18,240
and to make it successful,
729
00:31:18,280 --> 00:31:18,520
and to make it successful,
730
00:31:18,560 --> 00:31:20,560
was to build a new harbour
at Watchet.
731
00:31:20,600 --> 00:31:20,920
was to build a new harbour
at Watchet.
732
00:31:26,440 --> 00:31:27,840
Without Brunel,
733
00:31:27,880 --> 00:31:29,880
the three-year construction deadline
came and went,
734
00:31:29,920 --> 00:31:31,160
the three-year construction deadline
came and went,
735
00:31:31,200 --> 00:31:33,200
costs continued to spiral
736
00:31:33,240 --> 00:31:33,440
costs continued to spiral
737
00:31:33,480 --> 00:31:35,480
and just half the shares were sold.
738
00:31:35,520 --> 00:31:35,920
and just half the shares were sold.
739
00:31:38,200 --> 00:31:39,960
To save the project,
740
00:31:40,000 --> 00:31:42,000
the directors of the railway were
forced to turn to another company
741
00:31:42,040 --> 00:31:43,360
the directors of the railway were
forced to turn to another company
742
00:31:43,400 --> 00:31:45,400
to complete the construction
of the line.
743
00:31:45,440 --> 00:31:45,680
to complete the construction
of the line.
744
00:31:50,160 --> 00:31:52,160
Over the centuries,
the harbour had been improved,
745
00:31:52,200 --> 00:31:53,440
Over the centuries,
the harbour had been improved,
746
00:31:53,480 --> 00:31:55,480
but it was unsuitable
for the demands of the railway.
747
00:31:55,520 --> 00:31:56,040
but it was unsuitable
for the demands of the railway.
748
00:31:58,320 --> 00:32:00,320
Brunel's plan was to use breakwaters,
749
00:32:00,360 --> 00:32:01,160
Brunel's plan was to use breakwaters,
750
00:32:01,200 --> 00:32:03,200
long walls stretching out
into the sea,
751
00:32:03,240 --> 00:32:04,120
long walls stretching out
into the sea,
752
00:32:04,160 --> 00:32:06,160
to protect the harbour and its ships.
753
00:32:06,200 --> 00:32:06,680
to protect the harbour and its ships.
754
00:32:09,040 --> 00:32:10,360
Before he died,
755
00:32:10,400 --> 00:32:12,400
overworked by too many
engineering projects...
756
00:32:12,440 --> 00:32:13,080
overworked by too many
engineering projects...
757
00:32:14,360 --> 00:32:16,360
..Brunel recommended the use of wood
as a cost-saving measure.
758
00:32:16,400 --> 00:32:17,920
..Brunel recommended the use of wood
as a cost-saving measure.
759
00:32:21,360 --> 00:32:23,360
But would his decision to use wood,
not stone, for the breakwaters,
760
00:32:23,400 --> 00:32:25,400
But would his decision to use wood,
not stone, for the breakwaters,
761
00:32:25,440 --> 00:32:25,920
But would his decision to use wood,
not stone, for the breakwaters,
762
00:32:25,960 --> 00:32:27,640
stand the test of time?
763
00:32:34,720 --> 00:32:36,480
At first, all looked well.
764
00:32:37,520 --> 00:32:39,520
With the harbour finally complete,
765
00:32:39,560 --> 00:32:41,560
the grand opening of
the West Somerset Railway
766
00:32:41,600 --> 00:32:42,280
the grand opening of
the West Somerset Railway
767
00:32:42,320 --> 00:32:44,320
was celebrated with a special train
to Watchet.
768
00:32:44,360 --> 00:32:45,040
was celebrated with a special train
to Watchet.
769
00:32:48,160 --> 00:32:50,160
As a local army regiment
provided stirring music,
770
00:32:50,200 --> 00:32:51,760
As a local army regiment
provided stirring music,
771
00:32:51,800 --> 00:32:53,800
a great shout of welcome
greeted the train.
772
00:32:53,840 --> 00:32:54,600
a great shout of welcome
greeted the train.
773
00:32:59,920 --> 00:33:01,920
Despite the death of Brunel,
all the delays and mounting costs...
774
00:33:01,960 --> 00:33:03,960
Despite the death of Brunel,
all the delays and mounting costs...
775
00:33:04,000 --> 00:33:04,200
Despite the death of Brunel,
all the delays and mounting costs...
776
00:33:05,440 --> 00:33:07,440
..the National Rail network had
finally penetrated deepest Somerset.
777
00:33:07,480 --> 00:33:09,480
..the National Rail network had
finally penetrated deepest Somerset.
778
00:33:09,520 --> 00:33:10,280
..the National Rail network had
finally penetrated deepest Somerset.
779
00:33:24,880 --> 00:33:26,880
But Brunel's bold plan to build a
safe haven for the shipping trade
780
00:33:26,920 --> 00:33:28,920
But Brunel's bold plan to build a
safe haven for the shipping trade
781
00:33:28,960 --> 00:33:29,320
But Brunel's bold plan to build a
safe haven for the shipping trade
782
00:33:29,360 --> 00:33:31,360
that was so critical to
the prosperity of the town
783
00:33:31,400 --> 00:33:32,400
that was so critical to
the prosperity of the town
784
00:33:32,440 --> 00:33:34,440
lasted just four decades.
785
00:33:34,480 --> 00:33:35,040
lasted just four decades.
786
00:33:36,360 --> 00:33:38,360
As the 20th century dawned,
a huge storm battered the harbour.
787
00:33:38,400 --> 00:33:40,400
As the 20th century dawned,
a huge storm battered the harbour.
788
00:33:40,440 --> 00:33:41,360
As the 20th century dawned,
a huge storm battered the harbour.
789
00:33:41,400 --> 00:33:42,920
The western breakwater,
790
00:33:42,960 --> 00:33:44,960
which Brunel had built from wood
rather than stone...
791
00:33:45,000 --> 00:33:46,240
which Brunel had built from wood
rather than stone...
792
00:33:49,000 --> 00:33:50,960
..completely gave way
793
00:33:51,000 --> 00:33:53,000
and the heavy bulks of timber
wreaked havoc.
794
00:33:53,040 --> 00:33:53,640
and the heavy bulks of timber
wreaked havoc.
795
00:33:55,160 --> 00:33:57,160
Just three ships escaped
the destruction.
796
00:33:57,200 --> 00:33:58,560
Just three ships escaped
the destruction.
797
00:34:01,240 --> 00:34:03,240
Unable to fork out £1.6 million
in today's money
798
00:34:03,280 --> 00:34:05,280
Unable to fork out £1.6 million
in today's money
799
00:34:05,320 --> 00:34:05,600
Unable to fork out £1.6 million
in today's money
800
00:34:05,640 --> 00:34:07,360
to finance the repairs,
801
00:34:07,400 --> 00:34:09,400
the harbour was taken over by
the local council,
802
00:34:09,440 --> 00:34:10,280
the harbour was taken over by
the local council,
803
00:34:10,320 --> 00:34:12,320
but it took them over a century
to pay off the debt.
804
00:34:12,360 --> 00:34:13,720
but it took them over a century
to pay off the debt.
805
00:34:19,120 --> 00:34:21,120
But the journey is not over yet.
806
00:34:21,160 --> 00:34:21,640
But the journey is not over yet.
807
00:34:22,800 --> 00:34:24,800
Reaching out beyond Watchet station,
the track continues.
808
00:34:24,840 --> 00:34:26,680
Reaching out beyond Watchet station,
the track continues.
809
00:34:28,600 --> 00:34:30,600
The train is about to discover
810
00:34:30,640 --> 00:34:30,840
The train is about to discover
811
00:34:30,880 --> 00:34:32,880
if Brunel's railway revolution
812
00:34:32,920 --> 00:34:33,560
if Brunel's railway revolution
813
00:34:33,600 --> 00:34:35,600
would have a more enduring legacy.
814
00:34:35,640 --> 00:34:36,080
would have a more enduring legacy.
815
00:34:47,640 --> 00:34:48,600
Next...
816
00:34:49,920 --> 00:34:50,920
..the last leg.
817
00:34:53,240 --> 00:34:55,240
We discover how the fashion for
railways has gripped the country.
818
00:34:55,280 --> 00:34:57,280
We discover how the fashion for
railways has gripped the country.
819
00:34:57,320 --> 00:34:58,200
We discover how the fashion for
railways has gripped the country.
820
00:34:58,240 --> 00:35:00,240
The wealthy and famous are trying
to jump on the bandwagon
821
00:35:00,280 --> 00:35:01,920
The wealthy and famous are trying
to jump on the bandwagon
822
00:35:01,960 --> 00:35:03,960
and have a stake
in the new technological future.
823
00:35:04,000 --> 00:35:06,000
and have a stake
in the new technological future.
824
00:35:06,040 --> 00:35:06,240
and have a stake
in the new technological future.
825
00:35:23,800 --> 00:35:25,800
On Somerset's ancient coastline...
826
00:35:25,840 --> 00:35:26,080
On Somerset's ancient coastline...
827
00:35:29,920 --> 00:35:31,880
..a magnificent steam train
828
00:35:31,920 --> 00:35:33,920
is about to embark on the final leg
of its grand adventure.
829
00:35:33,960 --> 00:35:35,960
is about to embark on the final leg
of its grand adventure.
830
00:35:36,000 --> 00:35:36,560
is about to embark on the final leg
of its grand adventure.
831
00:35:44,160 --> 00:35:46,160
We're about to discover how railway
mania gripped the country,
832
00:35:46,200 --> 00:35:48,200
We're about to discover how railway
mania gripped the country,
833
00:35:48,240 --> 00:35:48,920
We're about to discover how railway
mania gripped the country,
834
00:35:48,960 --> 00:35:50,960
with the wealthy and famous trying
to jump on Brunel's bandwagon
835
00:35:51,000 --> 00:35:53,000
with the wealthy and famous trying
to jump on Brunel's bandwagon
836
00:35:53,040 --> 00:35:53,520
with the wealthy and famous trying
to jump on Brunel's bandwagon
837
00:35:53,560 --> 00:35:55,560
and have a stake in the excitement
of a new technological age,
838
00:35:55,600 --> 00:35:57,600
and have a stake in the excitement
of a new technological age,
839
00:35:57,640 --> 00:35:58,920
and have a stake in the excitement
of a new technological age,
840
00:35:58,960 --> 00:36:00,560
just as they do today.
841
00:36:20,000 --> 00:36:21,800
Brunel's original vision
842
00:36:21,840 --> 00:36:23,840
to generate the most money
for the West Somerset Railway
843
00:36:23,880 --> 00:36:25,000
to generate the most money
for the West Somerset Railway
844
00:36:25,040 --> 00:36:27,040
was to run it along the coast
to Somerset's first holiday resort,
845
00:36:27,080 --> 00:36:29,080
was to run it along the coast
to Somerset's first holiday resort,
846
00:36:29,120 --> 00:36:29,440
was to run it along the coast
to Somerset's first holiday resort,
847
00:36:29,480 --> 00:36:30,480
Minehead.
848
00:36:31,960 --> 00:36:33,960
But competition from rival railways
forced him to shelve the plan.
849
00:36:34,000 --> 00:36:36,000
But competition from rival railways
forced him to shelve the plan.
850
00:36:36,040 --> 00:36:36,480
But competition from rival railways
forced him to shelve the plan.
851
00:36:41,920 --> 00:36:43,160
After his death,
852
00:36:43,200 --> 00:36:45,200
one of the wealthiest landowners
in Somerset
853
00:36:45,240 --> 00:36:45,840
one of the wealthiest landowners
in Somerset
854
00:36:45,880 --> 00:36:47,880
came to the rescue by raising
a bucket-load of cash
855
00:36:47,920 --> 00:36:49,120
came to the rescue by raising
a bucket-load of cash
856
00:36:49,160 --> 00:36:51,160
to deliver Brunel's original plan...
857
00:36:51,200 --> 00:36:51,920
to deliver Brunel's original plan...
858
00:36:54,240 --> 00:36:56,000
..extending the line from Watchet
859
00:36:56,040 --> 00:36:58,040
ten miles along the coast
to Minehead.
860
00:36:58,080 --> 00:36:58,640
ten miles along the coast
to Minehead.
861
00:37:06,600 --> 00:37:08,600
George Luttrell arranged for the
railway to pass his own
magnificent home.
862
00:37:08,640 --> 00:37:10,640
George Luttrell arranged for the
railway to pass his own
magnificent home.
863
00:37:10,680 --> 00:37:12,480
George Luttrell arranged for the
railway to pass his own
magnificent home.
864
00:37:12,520 --> 00:37:14,520
Dunster Castle is perched
dramatically on top of a wooded hill
865
00:37:14,560 --> 00:37:16,560
Dunster Castle is perched
dramatically on top of a wooded hill
866
00:37:16,600 --> 00:37:17,080
Dunster Castle is perched
dramatically on top of a wooded hill
867
00:37:17,120 --> 00:37:19,120
with unbeatable views
of the coastline and the railway.
868
00:37:19,160 --> 00:37:20,320
with unbeatable views
of the coastline and the railway.
869
00:37:33,120 --> 00:37:35,120
On George Luttrell's track,
870
00:37:35,160 --> 00:37:35,520
On George Luttrell's track,
871
00:37:35,560 --> 00:37:37,560
the steam train sets out
for Minehead.
872
00:37:37,600 --> 00:37:38,360
the steam train sets out
for Minehead.
873
00:38:02,080 --> 00:38:04,080
Luttrell hoped his
newly inherited railway
874
00:38:04,120 --> 00:38:04,920
Luttrell hoped his
newly inherited railway
875
00:38:04,960 --> 00:38:06,960
would draw in wealthy tourists,
876
00:38:07,000 --> 00:38:07,280
would draw in wealthy tourists,
877
00:38:07,320 --> 00:38:09,320
transforming Minehead into a
well-heeled and prosperous
holiday hot spot.
878
00:38:09,360 --> 00:38:11,360
transforming Minehead into a
well-heeled and prosperous
holiday hot spot.
879
00:38:11,400 --> 00:38:12,040
transforming Minehead into a
well-heeled and prosperous
holiday hot spot.
880
00:38:15,120 --> 00:38:16,880
As the train picks up speed,
881
00:38:16,920 --> 00:38:18,920
it plunges down Cleeve Hill
and gallops towards George's castle.
882
00:38:18,960 --> 00:38:20,960
it plunges down Cleeve Hill
and gallops towards George's castle.
883
00:38:21,000 --> 00:38:22,080
it plunges down Cleeve Hill
and gallops towards George's castle.
884
00:38:35,520 --> 00:38:37,520
But first, the train disappears
885
00:38:37,560 --> 00:38:37,800
But first, the train disappears
886
00:38:37,840 --> 00:38:39,840
into the major engineering feature
of the line.
887
00:38:39,880 --> 00:38:40,840
into the major engineering feature
of the line.
888
00:38:48,720 --> 00:38:50,720
Bilbrook cutting is three quarters
of a mile long and 40ft deep.
889
00:38:50,760 --> 00:38:52,760
Bilbrook cutting is three quarters
of a mile long and 40ft deep.
890
00:38:52,800 --> 00:38:54,320
Bilbrook cutting is three quarters
of a mile long and 40ft deep.
891
00:38:57,520 --> 00:38:59,520
It was built by an army
of construction workers
892
00:38:59,560 --> 00:39:00,280
It was built by an army
of construction workers
893
00:39:00,320 --> 00:39:02,320
who were known as navigators.
894
00:39:02,360 --> 00:39:02,920
who were known as navigators.
895
00:39:02,960 --> 00:39:04,520
Shortened to navvies,
896
00:39:04,560 --> 00:39:06,560
the name reflects the skilled role
they played in building
897
00:39:06,600 --> 00:39:08,560
the name reflects the skilled role
they played in building
898
00:39:08,600 --> 00:39:10,600
first, the canals in the
18th and early-19th centuries,
899
00:39:10,640 --> 00:39:12,120
first, the canals in the
18th and early-19th centuries,
900
00:39:12,160 --> 00:39:14,040
and later, the railways.
901
00:39:16,360 --> 00:39:18,360
But the job was back-breaking,
dirty and dangerous.
902
00:39:18,400 --> 00:39:20,400
But the job was back-breaking,
dirty and dangerous.
903
00:39:20,440 --> 00:39:20,640
But the job was back-breaking,
dirty and dangerous.
904
00:39:21,960 --> 00:39:23,960
One worker died when they were
run over by a spoil waggon,
905
00:39:24,000 --> 00:39:25,480
One worker died when they were
run over by a spoil waggon,
906
00:39:25,520 --> 00:39:27,520
and many more were injured
in this cutting alone.
907
00:39:27,560 --> 00:39:28,640
and many more were injured
in this cutting alone.
908
00:39:33,080 --> 00:39:35,080
And without the success of an
experimental German explosive
909
00:39:35,120 --> 00:39:36,480
And without the success of an
experimental German explosive
910
00:39:36,520 --> 00:39:38,520
called lithofracteur
911
00:39:38,560 --> 00:39:39,240
called lithofracteur
912
00:39:39,280 --> 00:39:41,280
many more workers
would have been hurt.
913
00:39:41,320 --> 00:39:41,560
many more workers
would have been hurt.
914
00:39:43,120 --> 00:39:45,120
12 times as explosive as gunpowder,
915
00:39:45,160 --> 00:39:46,000
12 times as explosive as gunpowder,
916
00:39:46,040 --> 00:39:48,040
it created huge holes
that spared the workers' backs
917
00:39:48,080 --> 00:39:50,080
it created huge holes
that spared the workers' backs
918
00:39:50,120 --> 00:39:50,360
it created huge holes
that spared the workers' backs
919
00:39:50,400 --> 00:39:51,600
and their lives.
920
00:40:02,920 --> 00:40:04,920
Heading towards the coast once more,
921
00:40:04,960 --> 00:40:05,720
Heading towards the coast once more,
922
00:40:05,760 --> 00:40:07,760
the train enters a vast,
straight stretch of track
923
00:40:07,800 --> 00:40:08,960
the train enters a vast,
straight stretch of track
924
00:40:09,000 --> 00:40:11,000
that runs as far as the eye can see.
925
00:40:11,040 --> 00:40:11,400
that runs as far as the eye can see.
926
00:40:13,960 --> 00:40:15,960
As a young man toiling away,
building his first tunnel,
927
00:40:16,000 --> 00:40:17,960
As a young man toiling away,
building his first tunnel,
928
00:40:18,000 --> 00:40:19,960
Brunel wrote in his diary,
929
00:40:20,000 --> 00:40:22,000
"Be the first engineer
and an example for future ones."
930
00:40:22,040 --> 00:40:24,040
"Be the first engineer
and an example for future ones."
931
00:40:24,080 --> 00:40:24,480
"Be the first engineer
and an example for future ones."
932
00:40:26,440 --> 00:40:28,440
And he hoped his passion,
his energy and his ambition
933
00:40:28,480 --> 00:40:30,120
And he hoped his passion,
his energy and his ambition
934
00:40:30,160 --> 00:40:32,160
would inspire generation
after generation of engineers.
935
00:40:32,200 --> 00:40:33,960
would inspire generation
after generation of engineers.
936
00:40:37,720 --> 00:40:39,720
But, like the harbour
back at Watchet,
937
00:40:39,760 --> 00:40:40,240
But, like the harbour
back at Watchet,
938
00:40:40,280 --> 00:40:42,280
there was a dramatic sting
in the tail of Brunel's broad gauge.
939
00:40:42,320 --> 00:40:44,320
there was a dramatic sting
in the tail of Brunel's broad gauge.
940
00:40:44,360 --> 00:40:45,320
there was a dramatic sting
in the tail of Brunel's broad gauge.
941
00:40:49,720 --> 00:40:51,400
Just before Brunel died,
942
00:40:51,440 --> 00:40:53,440
the founding principle of his
railway revolution was obliterated.
943
00:40:53,480 --> 00:40:55,480
the founding principle of his
railway revolution was obliterated.
944
00:40:55,520 --> 00:40:56,960
the founding principle of his
railway revolution was obliterated.
945
00:40:57,000 --> 00:40:59,000
It was impossible to run a
national railway network
946
00:40:59,040 --> 00:41:00,160
It was impossible to run a
national railway network
947
00:41:00,200 --> 00:41:02,160
with incompatible gauges,
948
00:41:02,200 --> 00:41:04,200
and as nearly nine out of every ten
miles of track was standard gauge,
949
00:41:04,240 --> 00:41:06,240
and as nearly nine out of every ten
miles of track was standard gauge,
950
00:41:06,280 --> 00:41:06,760
and as nearly nine out of every ten
miles of track was standard gauge,
951
00:41:06,800 --> 00:41:08,800
the Royal Commission
for Railway Gauges
952
00:41:08,840 --> 00:41:09,240
the Royal Commission
for Railway Gauges
953
00:41:09,280 --> 00:41:11,280
outlawed any new broad-gauge lines.
954
00:41:11,320 --> 00:41:12,520
outlawed any new broad-gauge lines.
955
00:41:14,320 --> 00:41:15,440
For Brunel,
956
00:41:15,480 --> 00:41:17,480
it was a bitter pill to swallow.
957
00:41:17,520 --> 00:41:18,040
it was a bitter pill to swallow.
958
00:41:18,080 --> 00:41:20,080
The Stephensons had got there first.
959
00:41:20,120 --> 00:41:20,880
The Stephensons had got there first.
960
00:41:23,360 --> 00:41:25,360
The death knell of the broad gauge
came at a staggering cost.
961
00:41:25,400 --> 00:41:26,880
The death knell of the broad gauge
came at a staggering cost.
962
00:41:30,160 --> 00:41:32,160
The final bill to convert
the Great Western Railway
963
00:41:32,200 --> 00:41:33,360
The final bill to convert
the Great Western Railway
964
00:41:33,400 --> 00:41:35,400
back to the standard gauge was,
in today's money,
965
00:41:35,440 --> 00:41:36,800
back to the standard gauge was,
in today's money,
966
00:41:36,840 --> 00:41:38,840
over £100 million.
967
00:41:38,880 --> 00:41:39,400
over £100 million.
968
00:41:41,720 --> 00:41:43,720
Brunel's pioneering vision
was a commercial catastrophe.
969
00:41:43,760 --> 00:41:45,760
Brunel's pioneering vision
was a commercial catastrophe.
970
00:41:45,800 --> 00:41:46,280
Brunel's pioneering vision
was a commercial catastrophe.
971
00:41:54,680 --> 00:41:56,560
Three miles out from Minehead,
972
00:41:56,600 --> 00:41:58,600
the train is cruising along
the Somerset coastline.
973
00:41:58,640 --> 00:41:59,560
the train is cruising along
the Somerset coastline.
974
00:42:00,960 --> 00:42:02,440
A couple of miles inland,
975
00:42:02,480 --> 00:42:04,480
passengers can spot
George Luttrell's hilltop home,
976
00:42:04,520 --> 00:42:06,520
passengers can spot
George Luttrell's hilltop home,
977
00:42:06,560 --> 00:42:06,800
passengers can spot
George Luttrell's hilltop home,
978
00:42:06,840 --> 00:42:08,080
Dunster Castle.
979
00:42:15,160 --> 00:42:17,160
Originally built as
a medieval fortress
980
00:42:17,200 --> 00:42:17,520
Originally built as
a medieval fortress
981
00:42:17,560 --> 00:42:19,560
to repel invaders arriving by sea,
982
00:42:19,600 --> 00:42:20,640
to repel invaders arriving by sea,
983
00:42:20,680 --> 00:42:22,680
George inherited the castle
in the mid-19th century.
984
00:42:22,720 --> 00:42:23,840
George inherited the castle
in the mid-19th century.
985
00:42:25,120 --> 00:42:26,680
In the late 1860s,
986
00:42:26,720 --> 00:42:28,720
he transformed Dunster
into the type of fairy-tale castle
987
00:42:28,760 --> 00:42:30,760
he transformed Dunster
into the type of fairy-tale castle
988
00:42:30,800 --> 00:42:31,040
he transformed Dunster
into the type of fairy-tale castle
989
00:42:31,080 --> 00:42:32,600
the Victorians were fond of,
990
00:42:32,640 --> 00:42:34,640
with two new towers and battlements
to emphasise the medieval origins.
991
00:42:34,680 --> 00:42:36,680
with two new towers and battlements
to emphasise the medieval origins.
992
00:42:36,720 --> 00:42:37,680
with two new towers and battlements
to emphasise the medieval origins.
993
00:42:46,480 --> 00:42:48,480
Luttrell had inherited vast estates
and improved their prosperity,
994
00:42:48,520 --> 00:42:50,520
Luttrell had inherited vast estates
and improved their prosperity,
995
00:42:50,560 --> 00:42:51,640
Luttrell had inherited vast estates
and improved their prosperity,
996
00:42:51,680 --> 00:42:53,680
enabling him to embark on
his prestige project...
997
00:42:53,720 --> 00:42:54,320
enabling him to embark on
his prestige project...
998
00:42:55,960 --> 00:42:57,960
..the extension of the
West Somerset Railway.
999
00:42:58,000 --> 00:42:58,880
..the extension of the
West Somerset Railway.
1000
00:43:15,120 --> 00:43:16,640
On the final furlong,
1001
00:43:16,680 --> 00:43:18,680
the line runs dead straight
across flat coastal marshes
1002
00:43:18,720 --> 00:43:20,440
the line runs dead straight
across flat coastal marshes
1003
00:43:20,480 --> 00:43:21,880
towards Minehead.
1004
00:43:24,760 --> 00:43:26,760
Today, the West Somerset Railway
is the longest heritage line
in England...
1005
00:43:26,800 --> 00:43:28,800
Today, the West Somerset Railway
is the longest heritage line
in England...
1006
00:43:28,840 --> 00:43:29,280
Today, the West Somerset Railway
is the longest heritage line
in England...
1007
00:43:34,240 --> 00:43:36,240
..all 20 glorious miles of it.
1008
00:43:36,280 --> 00:43:37,000
..all 20 glorious miles of it.
1009
00:43:42,400 --> 00:43:44,400
On the 16th of July 1874,
1010
00:43:44,440 --> 00:43:45,160
On the 16th of July 1874,
1011
00:43:45,200 --> 00:43:47,200
nearly two decades after Brunel first
promoted the idea of a railway
to Minehead,
1012
00:43:47,240 --> 00:43:49,240
nearly two decades after Brunel first
promoted the idea of a railway
to Minehead,
1013
00:43:49,280 --> 00:43:50,760
nearly two decades after Brunel first
promoted the idea of a railway
to Minehead,
1014
00:43:50,800 --> 00:43:52,800
locals finally had cause
to celebrate.
1015
00:43:52,840 --> 00:43:53,720
locals finally had cause
to celebrate.
1016
00:44:04,360 --> 00:44:06,360
At 1pm, 800 passengers,
led by George Luttrell,
1017
00:44:06,400 --> 00:44:08,400
At 1pm, 800 passengers,
led by George Luttrell,
1018
00:44:08,440 --> 00:44:09,280
At 1pm, 800 passengers,
led by George Luttrell,
1019
00:44:09,320 --> 00:44:11,320
arrived on the first steam train
to reach Minehead.
1020
00:44:11,360 --> 00:44:12,680
arrived on the first steam train
to reach Minehead.
1021
00:44:17,440 --> 00:44:19,440
The train was met on the platform
by hundreds of children
1022
00:44:19,480 --> 00:44:20,560
The train was met on the platform
by hundreds of children
1023
00:44:20,600 --> 00:44:22,480
who'd been released from school...
1024
00:44:25,560 --> 00:44:27,560
..a tradition repeated in the 1960s
when the Beatles came to town.
1025
00:44:27,600 --> 00:44:29,600
..a tradition repeated in the 1960s
when the Beatles came to town.
1026
00:44:29,640 --> 00:44:30,480
..a tradition repeated in the 1960s
when the Beatles came to town.
1027
00:44:34,640 --> 00:44:36,480
By the early-20th century,
1028
00:44:36,520 --> 00:44:38,520
express trains raced down from London
1029
00:44:38,560 --> 00:44:39,400
express trains raced down from London
1030
00:44:39,440 --> 00:44:41,440
and Minehead Station issued
up to 44,000 tickets a year.
1031
00:44:41,480 --> 00:44:43,480
and Minehead Station issued
up to 44,000 tickets a year.
1032
00:44:43,520 --> 00:44:44,000
and Minehead Station issued
up to 44,000 tickets a year.
1033
00:44:45,600 --> 00:44:47,600
Brunel's West Somerset Railway
1034
00:44:47,640 --> 00:44:47,880
Brunel's West Somerset Railway
1035
00:44:47,920 --> 00:44:49,920
had proven to be
financially precarious,
1036
00:44:49,960 --> 00:44:50,520
had proven to be
financially precarious,
1037
00:44:50,560 --> 00:44:52,560
but his vision to take railways
further and faster than ever before
1038
00:44:52,600 --> 00:44:54,600
but his vision to take railways
further and faster than ever before
1039
00:44:54,640 --> 00:44:55,720
but his vision to take railways
further and faster than ever before
1040
00:44:55,760 --> 00:44:57,120
had carried through.
1041
00:45:01,120 --> 00:45:03,120
His Great Western Railway
became known as the Holiday Line,
1042
00:45:03,160 --> 00:45:05,160
His Great Western Railway
became known as the Holiday Line,
1043
00:45:05,200 --> 00:45:05,480
His Great Western Railway
became known as the Holiday Line,
1044
00:45:05,520 --> 00:45:07,520
and the seaside became
the destination of choice
1045
00:45:07,560 --> 00:45:08,080
and the seaside became
the destination of choice
1046
00:45:08,120 --> 00:45:10,120
for travellers across the country,
1047
00:45:10,160 --> 00:45:10,480
for travellers across the country,
1048
00:45:10,520 --> 00:45:12,520
transforming countless
coastal villages
1049
00:45:12,560 --> 00:45:13,480
transforming countless
coastal villages
1050
00:45:13,520 --> 00:45:14,760
and lives.
1051
00:45:24,960 --> 00:45:26,960
As the magnificent steam train
rests in Minehead Station...
1052
00:45:27,000 --> 00:45:28,680
As the magnificent steam train
rests in Minehead Station...
1053
00:45:31,440 --> 00:45:33,440
..it's time to take stock
of Britain's railway revolution...
1054
00:45:33,480 --> 00:45:35,080
..it's time to take stock
of Britain's railway revolution...
1055
00:45:37,040 --> 00:45:38,600
..from George Stephenson,
1056
00:45:38,640 --> 00:45:40,640
the man who created
the steam railway...
1057
00:45:40,680 --> 00:45:40,960
the man who created
the steam railway...
1058
00:45:44,320 --> 00:45:46,320
..to Isambard Kingdom Brunel,
1059
00:45:46,360 --> 00:45:46,880
..to Isambard Kingdom Brunel,
1060
00:45:46,920 --> 00:45:48,920
the man who shrank the world.
1061
00:45:48,960 --> 00:45:49,440
the man who shrank the world.
1062
00:45:53,360 --> 00:45:55,360
Together, the two iron giants
of the railways
1063
00:45:55,400 --> 00:45:56,880
Together, the two iron giants
of the railways
1064
00:45:56,920 --> 00:45:58,920
inspired the world
to follow in their footsteps.
1065
00:45:58,960 --> 00:46:00,320
inspired the world
to follow in their footsteps.
1066
00:46:04,920 --> 00:46:06,920
The technology revolution had begun
1067
00:46:06,960 --> 00:46:08,000
The technology revolution had begun
1068
00:46:08,040 --> 00:46:10,040
and it is still playing out today.
1069
00:46:10,080 --> 00:46:10,920
and it is still playing out today.
1070
00:46:17,320 --> 00:46:19,320
Subtitles by Red Bee Media
1071
00:46:19,360 --> 00:46:21,360
Subtitles by Red Bee Media
1072
00:46:21,400 --> 00:46:22,080
Subtitles by Red Bee Media
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