Great British Railway Journeys

S05E14 Chippenham to Gloucester

Michael Portillo resumes his trip from Southampton to Wolverhampton, starting in Chippenham. At Lacock Abbey, he uncovers the process behind the creation of the world's first photographic negative and learns the art of printmaking. His journey continues to Bristol, where he explores the Victorian Clifton Zoo, encountering tigers and polar bears, also transported by rail. He then arrives at Severn Tunnel Junction in Wales, marveling at a remarkable Victorian engineering feat with a pump house that removes millions of gallons daily. Finally, Michael visits Gloucester, investigating the station's notorious history of lost luggage. At the cathedral, he meets a stonemason who encourages him to try his hand at carving.