What’s On BBC Four Today Wednesday 15 March 2023
A full run down of everything airing on BBC Four today.
19:00
Great British Railway Journeys
S11E07
Michael Portillo visits Cornwall’s county town, Truro
Michael Portillo visits Cornwall’s county town, Truro, heading to the historic estate of Trewithen, whose gardens were stocked from China by professional plant hunters commissioned by its owner. The Atlantic Coast branch line carries Michael north to Newquay, where he discovers a pioneering surfer and braves the waves on a belly board. In the nearby village of St Mawgan, Michael is introduced to the ancient Cornish sport of `wrassling”, which surged in popularity between the wars as part of a Cornish Celtic revival
19:30
The Yorkshire Dales
S01E02
Paul Rose explores Swaledale
Adventurer Paul Rose heads for Swaledale, joining farmers who look after rare upland hay meadows and enters the cake-making contest at Muker Show using a pressure cooker he has taken on a climb of Mount Everest. Paul also goes underground to try and find rare industrial artefacts left behind by lead miners in the 19th century and meets All Creatures Great and Small star Peter Davison
20:00
Chris Packham’s Animal Einsteins
S01E02
Animals with impressive communication skills
The presenter introduces a look at animals with impressive communication skills, discovering how white-throated sparrows use song to attract mates and the complex vocabulary of prairie dogs. The programme reveals how dolphins are able to address each other by name and chimpanzees use sign language, and also reveals species that communicate using ultrasound, vibrations and parts of the light spectrum beyond the ability of human sense to process
21:00
Six Wives with Lucy Worsley
S01E02
The rise and fall of Anne Boleyn in Henry VIII’s affections
Lucy talks about the impact of Anne Boleyn on Henry VIII’s affections, uncovering private moments that were reported by eyewitnesses or recorded in historical documents. The key moments during their marriage are recreated, as Anne falls from favour in court and is eventually executed, despite protestations of innocence regarding the rumours of her infidelity. As soon as Anne is dead, Henry marries Jane Seymour, who fulfils her most important role as Queen – giving birth to the healthy son that Henry has craved for so long
22:00
The Six Wives of Henry VIII
S01E03
The story of Jane Seymour, starring Anne Stallybrass
The story of Henry VIII’s marriages continues. The King is embroiled with the Reformation, and after the execution of Anne Boleyn he marries the kind and loving gentlewoman Jane Seymour. Will she provide him with the peace and comfort he needs – and more importantly, a male heir? Starring Keith Michell and Anne Stallybrass. From 1970
23:30
The Six Wives of Henry VIII
S01E04
Thomas Cromwell urges the widowed king to take Anne of Cleves as his new wife
Henry has been a widower for two years but political diplomacy and Thomas Cromwell urge the King to choose Anne of Cleves. Will the match prove a triumph or a disaster? Keith Michell, Elvi Hale and Wolfe Morris star. From 1970
01:00
Stephen: The Murder That Changed a Nation
S01E01
Documentary examining the death of Stephen Lawrence
Documentary examining the 1993 death of Stephen Lawrence, beginning with a look at events leading up to his murder and the police investigation that follows. As the suspects remain free, tip-offs from the community make his parents, Doreen and Neville, wonder why the authorities are not making arrests
02:00
Stephen: The Murder That Changed a Nation
S01E02
The Lawrences launch the first private murder prosecution in 150 years
The second police investigation reveals shocking surveillance footage of the gang alleged to have killed Stephen, and with the help of their lawyer Imran Khan, Doreen and Neville Lawrence launch the first private murder prosecution in 150 years. However, when it collapses, questions about the failure of the first police investigation mount
03:00
Stephen: The Murder That Changed a Nation
S01E03
A change in the law states the suspects can be retried
Final part of the documentary exploring Stephen Lawrence’s murder and the subsequent police investigation. The public inquiry leads to a change in the law meaning the suspects can be retried. Detective Clive Driscoll takes on the case, and with the help of advances in forensic science he arrests Gary Dobson and David Norris. But as justice seems to have finally been done, revelations that the police spied on the Lawrence family begin to surface
