The Lost Centuries

"The Lost Centuries" was an eight-part television series made in 1968 by Anglia Television, and written and presented by Dr Brian Hope-Taylor, focusing upon British history between the departure of the Romans and the arrival of the Renaissance. It was broadcast in 1971 by ITV in a fixed early evening slot (6:30pm), and episodes were of a 25 minute duration.

Episode Guide

1. Into Darkness (TX: 18 July 1971)

"The decline of the Roman Empire. Modern parallels."

2. The Enemies (TX: 25 July 1971)

"The frontiers of the civilised world, what lay beyond. The Limes, Germany - the Saalburg Roman fort - Schleswig, North Germany - Rome."

3. A Dream of Arthur (TX: 8 August 1971)

"The post-Roman enigma. 'Arthur's Seat', Edinburgh - Tintagel castle, Cornwall - South Cadbury Hillfort (Alcock excavation)"

4. A Star in the East (TX: 15 August 1971)

"The rise of Christianity. The Catacombs, Rome - Sancta Sophia, etc, Constantinople."

5. A Golden Age (TX: 22 August 1971)

"Saxon Art. Lindisfarne, Northumberland - Durham - East Anglia."

6. Mahomet - in Europe (TX: 29 August 1971)

"Impact of the Islamic Empire on Europe."

7. The Fury of the Northmen (TX: 5 September 1971)

"The Vikings. The Oseburg ships, Norway - York - etc."

8. Towards a New World (TX: 12 September 1971)

"The approaching Renaissance."

Availability today

The entire series can viewed for educational purposes through the online academic archive, Film and Sound Online - within the Anglia Television Library collection. This archive is available to teachers and students in UK Further and Higher Education institutions possessing Athens accounts.