Secrets of Great British Castles

- Season 2

(2016)

Historian Dan Jones continues his exploration of the turbulent history of some of Britain's most famous castles, commencing with Edinburgh Castle. He explores the history of the site from the Iron Age up to the present day.

Dan Jones explores the history of the Welsh capital's famous landmark, learning abut the many different incarnations of the castle over time and the many famous figures throughout history who've spent time within its walls.

Built on the orders of William the Conquerer, York Castle has housed a regional seat of government, a royal mint and an infamous jail. It was the scene of the worst Jewish pogrom in British history and the martyrdom of Margaret Clitherow.

Dan Jones is in the south east of England to visit an idyllic castle once owned by medieval kings and queens, including Henry VIII, and a number of Lords and Baronets.

One of Britain's oldest citadels, Lancaster Castle remains infamous for its long record of religious persecution, witch trials and grim executions

Dan concludes the second series with a visit to Arundel Castle in West Sussex, which has been the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk for over 850 years. He gains an insight into how Arundel prepared for the visit of Queen Victoria in 1846.