Richard Wilson On The Road
Much-loved actor, Richard Wilson, most famously known for playing the grumpy retiree, Victor Meldrew in One Foot in the Grave, is touring the UK without the help of modern technology, and instead relying only on antique Shell travel guides.
Derbyshire
Today he’s in the landlocked county of Derbyshire and has the 1935 edition with him. In the heart of the countryside, he learns about the Kinder Scout uprising that led to the freedom to roam the Derbyshire Dales.
Durham
Tonight, the 1937 guide is helping him explore county Durham. Richard investigates the county’s history of coal and goes down the last surviving pit in Durham.
Dorset
With his 1936 guide on board, Richard is exploring the beautiful county of Dorset. Richard grew up on the banks of the Clyde and is always keen to be near water so his first stop off is to the coast at Studland.
Essex
Following the 1968 guide to Essex, Richard finds a very different Essex to the latter-day flashy stereotypical image of the county. He visits the historic town of Colchester to see an archaeological dig.
Devon
This week Richard is in Devon with the 1936 guide written by John Betjeman who went on to become the much-loved poet laureate and broadcaster.
Oxfordshire
In this episode Richard is following the Shell Guide to Oxfordshire, which excluded the famous city and concentrated on the wealth of other sights in the county on offer.
