Great British Railway Journeys

S09E03 Croydon to Shoreham-by-Sea

Guided by his Edwardian Bradshaw's manual, Michael Portillo reaches west Croydon, where he delves into the life of a once-famous, now-overlooked mixed-race composer with a surprisingly familiar name. With the current British rail system significantly smaller than its Edwardian counterpart, Michael is thrilled to witness a railway revival in Three Bridges. After touring a new depot and its fleet of Class 700 trains, he has the unique privilege of cleaning one. In Lewes, he visits Charleston, the stunning residence of artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, marveling at their beautifully adorned home. Finally, at Shoreham-by-Sea, Michael learns about the pioneering Edwardians who flew from the oldest licensed airport in the nation and takes to the air himself.