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Newport to Clevedon/Yatton/Bristol Channel

Michael Portillo discovers the birthplace of British aviation in Bristol and prepares an Airbus 380 for a smooth landing at Filton.

Steered by his early 20th-century Bradshaw's guide, Michael discovers the birthplace of British aviation in Bristol and prepares an Airbus 380 for a smooth landing at Filton. In Newport, he uncovers the heroism of a young boy who rescued a workman from a dock disaster in which many died. Michael admires the Albert Medal awarded to the brave Tom Lewis, now in the proud possession of his great grandson, the 385th Mayor of Newport.

Michael discovers the home of a forward-thinking Edwardian family at Eagle House in Batheaston. Frieda Roberts remembers the suffragettes who campaigned for votes for women in the early 20th century and found refuge at the house after their release from prison.

And in the Somerset town of Clevedon, Michael goes to the movies in a perfectly preserved cinema dating from 1912 and hears about the first film to be shown there, in aid of survivors of the Titanic disaster.

29 minutes

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Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Michael Portillo
Series Producer Alison Kreps
Director Titus Ogilvy
Production Company FremantleMedia

Broadcasts

Steam railway programmes on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ iPlayer

A collection of programmes from the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ archives on the beauty of steam locomotives.