Michael Wood studied Anglo-Saxon history at Oriel College, Oxford. He has since made over 60 films including most recently In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great for BBC-2, which was also a number one bestseller for BBC Books. He lives in London NW3 with his wife and two daughters.

Part 1 Myth and history: the Norman Yoke; King Arthur - lost again?; Glastonbury, the grail and the Isle of Avalon; merrie Englande - the legend of Robin Hood; when was England England?. Part 2 Manuscripts and mysteries: heritage and destructions - the troublesome journey and laborious search of John Leland; Alfred the Great - the case of the fenland forger; the lost life of King Athelstan; the story of a book. Part 3 Landscapes and people: the last bowl-turner of England; Tinsley Wood; a Devon house - to Domesday and beyond; Peatling Magna - August 1265; Jarrow and English history; epilogue - an English family.