In the 18th century, European powers combed the South Seas, searching out unexplored lands, treasures, and people. British ships, commanded by celebrated navigators, such as Captain James Cook, led the way. British sea power led to discoveries that would lay the foundations for its empire.

Then in the 18th and 19th centuries British plant hunters spread out across the world trading plants, transforming landscapes and building a commercial empire based on products such as tea, cotton and rubber.

The Industrial Revolution occurred in Britain first and it then exported products that the world wanted; railways, locomotives, steamships and the telegraph.

Britain’s empire was also one of conquest and credit; an empire based on money, on violence, and on the ability to employ large numbers of troops to fight.

In this episode of Empire Builders, we explore 10 sites that made history, and chart the rise and fall of the British empire.

Credits

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narrator

ROBERT BLYTHE

titles & graphics

MARTINA DEO

CGI artist

SIMON ROSS

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camera

CHRIS BAIRSTOW

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facilities

GUILTFREE POST

dubbing mixer

CHRIS MORRIS

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editor

HELEN WALKER

online editor

DANNY DAVIS

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title music

PAUL MOUNSEY

music by

PAUL MOUNSEY

JON WYGENS

SITTING DUCK

COLIN WINSTON FLETCHER

MALCOLM LAWS

NAINITA DESAI

MICHAEL CONN

NINA MILES

IAN RITCHIE

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post production coordinators

DJAVAN SILVA

EMILIO REY

production accountant

RASHIDA PATEL

production manager

TARA BENSON

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executive producer

IAN CROSS

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produced and directed by

IAN CROSS

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Produced by Pilot Film and TV Productions

 © Pilot Productions MMXVII