British Secrets Unveiled on PBS

Category: Television and Streaming

 

What do the Tower of London, Selfridges, and Scotland Yard have in common? They are each the subject of specials on PBS detailing their histories and their statuses today. 

 

Secrets of The Tower of London

 

This iconic landmark is more than a thousand years old. It has served as private residences, the safe for the Crown Jewels, a prison, a place of executions, and a tourist attraction. This special details the various activities that have taken place here and points out various rooms and sites that played a part in British history, including the chamber where Sir Thomas Moore stayed before being beheaded, the royal zoo housed here, the story of Anne Boleyn’s coronation and execution within the walls, the rack, and the armor housed here. The Tower is always under repair and is being guarded by the Yeoman Warders, aka Beefeaters. This is a self-contained community with apartments for the Yeoman Warders, a pub, a doctor, and a whole lot more. The stories in this film are interesting and will leave viewers with a deeper understanding of the tower both in the past and present day.

 

Secrets of Selfridges

 

If you are a PBS Masterpiece viewer, you might be hooked on the drama Mr. Selfridge. But that is only part of the story of this London institution. The story of Henry Selfridge is a rags to riches tale. He began working at Chicago’s Marshall Field department store before traveling across the pond to build his own store. Selfridges reinvented shopping. It turned shopping into an adventure and Selfridges the phrase “Only (fill in the blank) days until Christmas.”  This is a fascinating look at not only the history of the store, but also the history of shopping.

 

Secrets of Scotland Yard

 

When you hear Scotland Yard, you most likely think police department. This film looks at the officers known as “bobbies” and informs viewers what it is like as well as what it takes to be a top cop in Britain.

 

These three one-hour specials are filled with information and plenty of probably previously unknown facts for most viewers. They’re interesting and even entertaining. Secrets of The Tower of London premiers October 27, 2013, Secrets of Selfridges premiers November 3, and Secrets of Scotland Yard premiers November 17, all on PBS.