7.6 / 10 (based on 14 reviews)
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: Rob Bell, Robert Blyth, Ed Livett, Jane Sidell
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1 season, 4 episodes
Shows Most Like Rob Bell’s Bridges That Built London (2021)
Britain’s Greatest Bridges (2016)
8.6 / 10 (based on 43 reviews)
Engineer Rob Bell tells the story of some of the most iconic and interesting bridges in the UK. Showing how they were designed and built, how engineers and architects overcame obstacles and the hazards the workers building them faced.
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: Rob Bell
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1 season, 6 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
When Eagles Dare: Crystal Palace F.C. (2021)
7.7 / 10 (based on 412 reviews)
When Eagles Dare charts Crystal Palace F.C.’s remarkable resurgence from financial ruin and administration in 2010, to playing in the 2013 Championship Play-Offs for promotion to the Premier League. The docuseries tells the extraordinary tale of how Crystal Palace’s fans saved their club, as lifelong supporter Steve Parish formed a consortium to prevent it from going out of business. Time was running out and liquidation loomed; but a mass protest of thousands of fellow fans outside Lloyds Bank helped the consortium finalise a deal to buy their beloved club. Each 50-minute episode features never-before-seen footage from the 2012/13 season, when the club allowed unprecedented access to a film crew, whilst present day retrospective interviews with all the main figures help tell the tale of one of football’s greatest underdog stories. Interviewees include: The owner, Chairman Steve Parish, who found himself having to take over the club to save it from liquidation, and put up the money with three fellow supporters on the strength of a handshake. The series features extensive interviews with Parish, who shares fascinating insights into the challenges of steering a run-down club from impending doom to the most successful era in its history. The managers, including club legend Dougie Freedman, who helped the club into the promotion places before a dramatic mid-season departure to Bolton, and his replacement, the charismatic Ian Holloway, who arrested a late season slide to lead the club to the Play-Offs. The players who formed one of the most iconic squads in Palace’s history, from Academy stars Wilfried Zaha and Jonny Williams, to experienced pros who became club legends including Julian Speroni, Mile Jedinak and Kevin Phillips. “This is one of the most remarkable stories in Crystal Palace’s long history, and shows that if a club has the support of its fans and community, and the right blend of talent and determination, anything is possible,” said Parish. “The documentary provides unique insight into one of the most special groups of players and people I have worked with. I know that Palace fans have been desperate to see some of the footage captured in 2012/13 and will find the series fascinating. For fans of other clubs who dream of their team reaching the pinnacle of the English game, this is a story that shows that it really is possible.”
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: Steve Parish, Wilfried Zaha, Ian Holloway, Ben Bailey Smith
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1 season, 5 episodes
America’s Secret Slang (2013)
7.9 / 10 (based on 83 reviews)
Zach Selwyn takes viewers on a tour of the weird side of American English: slang, with man-on-the-street interviews; interviews with experts; and a great deal of humor.
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2 seasons, 14 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Der Bestatter (2013)
7.3 / 10 (based on 557 reviews)
A detective leaves the force to take over the family business as an undertaker at the same time as he is being investigated for murder. His close encounters with corpses and his earlier police training lead him to see things some of his ex-colleagues miss and he investigates the crimes he encounters in an unofficial capacity often to the dismay of he official police.
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Here Come the Gypsies! (2021)
5.5 / 10 (based on 21 reviews)
Documentary series revealing the hidden world of Gypsy and Traveller communities, delving into their unique traditions and codes to understand how this community continues to thrive.
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1 season, 6 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Drama Club (2021)
5.9 / 10 (based on 185 reviews)
Drama Club follows a group of middle schoolers as they shine a light on the inner workings of their school’s overlooked drama club.
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1 season, 11 episodes, 22.0-minute runtime
Walking Britain’s Lost Railways (2018)
8.5 / 10 (based on 79 reviews)
All over Britain there are fascinating lost railways waiting to be uncovered. Every week Rob Bell will explore the old railway lines around the country, experiencing the hidden landscapes, lost infrastructure and forgotten worlds.
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Great British Ships (2018)
7.5 / 10 (based on 53 reviews)
Engineer Rob Bell reveals the secrets behind some of the historic ships that shaped the history of our island nation.
Genre: Documentary, History, War
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2 seasons, 12 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
London, a city with a history as dense and complex as its urban structure, has always been a subject of fascination. Among the elements that define its iconic landscape, bridges stand out, not just as mere structures but as historical monuments that tell the story of London itself. “Rob Bell’s Bridges That Built London” (2021) offers a unique perspective on these engineering marvels, delving into their history, significance, and the role they played in shaping one of the world’s most famous cities. This article takes a closer look at the series, exploring what makes it a must-watch for history buffs and engineering enthusiasts alike.
The Man Behind the Series
Rob Bell, an engineer and television presenter known for his engaging approach to history and science, leads the series. His passion for engineering and ability to break down complex concepts into digestible information makes him the perfect guide. Bell’s enthusiasm is infectious, drawing viewers into the narrative of each bridge’s construction and its impact on London’s development.
A Journey Through Time
The series is more than just a historical recount; it’s a journey through time, exploring the evolution of London through its bridges. From the ancient London Bridge, which was once the only crossing over the Thames, to the modern marvel that is the Millennium Bridge, each episode focuses on a different bridge, unraveling its story and the technological advancements it represents.
London Bridge: More Than Just a Nursery Rhyme
The series kicks off with perhaps the most famous bridge of all, London Bridge. Far from the simple structure immortalized in the nursery rhyme, the original London Bridge was a bustling thoroughfare, lined with shops and houses, and played a crucial role in the city’s defense. Bell dives into its construction, the materials used, and the engineering challenges faced by its builders, providing a vivid picture of medieval London.
Tower Bridge: The Victorian Marvel
Another highlight is the episode on Tower Bridge, a symbol of London’s ingenuity during the Victorian era. With its iconic towers and drawbridge mechanism, it’s a testament to the engineering prowess of the time. Bell explores the innovative solutions employed to allow the bridge to accommodate both road traffic and river navigation, highlighting the bridge’s significance in the context of the industrial revolution.
The Millennium Bridge: A Modern Tale
The series also covers the Millennium Bridge, a sleek, steel suspension bridge that contrasts sharply with the historical structures preceding it. Opened in 2000, it faced initial challenges due to unexpected swaying, leading to its temporary closure. Bell delves into the engineering adjustments made to stabilize the bridge, showcasing the continuous evolution of bridge construction techniques.
The Impact on London
Beyond the technical aspects, “Rob Bell’s Bridges That Built London” delves into the social and economic impact of these bridges. They were not just means of crossing the Thames; they were catalysts for urban development, trade, and cultural exchange. The series illustrates how each bridge played a role in shaping the neighborhoods around them, influencing everything from commerce to the daily lives of Londoners.
Bridging Communities
One of the recurring themes is how bridges served to connect disparate parts of the city, fostering a sense of unity and facilitating the growth of London as a cohesive metropolis. The series provides examples of how bridges like the Tower Bridge helped to integrate the city’s east and west, breaking down physical and social barriers.
The Role in Trade and Commerce
The strategic importance of bridges in supporting trade and commerce is another focal point. By facilitating easier access across the Thames, bridges like London Bridge were instrumental in establishing London as a bustling trade hub. The series highlights the economic ripple effects of bridge construction, from increased trade to the growth of markets and businesses in their vicinity.
Engineering and Architectural Insights
For those with a keen interest in engineering and architecture, the series offers a treasure trove of insights. Bell breaks down the architectural styles, construction materials, and engineering techniques used in each bridge’s construction. The series also touches on the challenges faced by engineers throughout history, from dealing with the Thames’ strong currents to adapting to new technologies.
Innovations and Failures
The series doesn’t shy away from discussing the failures and setbacks encountered in bridge construction. The story of the Millennium Bridge’s initial instability serves as a lesson in the importance of thorough testing and adaptation. These anecdotes serve to humanize the engineering process, showing that innovation often comes through trial and error.
Why Watch “Rob Bell’s Bridges That Built London”?
For anyone interested in history, engineering, or the city of London itself, this series is a compelling watch. It offers a unique lens through which to view the city, highlighting the bridges not just as physical structures but as living monuments to London’s past, present, and future. Bell’s storytelling brings the history of these bridges to life, making complex engineering feats accessible and engaging to a broad audience.
Educational and Entertaining
The series strikes a perfect balance between being educational and entertaining. Bell’s ability to weave together historical anecdotes, technical details, and personal insights keeps the narrative lively and engaging. It’s a testament to the fact that learning about engineering and history can be both informative and enjoyable.
A New Perspective on London
For locals and visitors alike, “Rob Bell’s Bridges That Built London” offers a new perspective on the city. It encourages viewers to look beyond the surface, appreciating the bridges not just for their functionality or aesthetic appeal but for their historical and cultural significance. After watching the series, crossing the Thames might never feel quite the same again.
Conclusion
“Rob Bell’s Bridges That Built London” is more than just a series about bridges. It’s a story about London, told through the lens of its most iconic crossings. Through Rob Bell’s engaging narrative, viewers are taken on a journey through time, exploring how these structures have shaped the city’s landscape, influenced its development, and stood as witnesses to centuries of history. Whether you’re an engineering enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone who loves London, this series is a captivating exploration of the bridges that built one of the world’s most remarkable cities.