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New series: The Story of Wales

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91Èȱ¬ Wales History 91Èȱ¬ Wales History | 11:24 UK time, Friday, 23 December 2011

We're all very excited at 91Èȱ¬ Wales History as we look forward to a new year, and a stunning new series from 91Èȱ¬ Cymru Wales - The Story of Wales.

Paviland, from The Story of Wales

Telling the story of the nation from 30,000 years ago, the six-part series is presented by the incomparable Huw Edwards, who has overseen a few series for us, including one on the story of the Welsh language.

This trail is our first glimpse of the programme - the recreation of the first known burial in western Europe, that of the Red Lady of Paviland. As it turned out, she wasn't a woman at all but a man, buried with some ceremony at a time when mammoths, rhinos and hyenas roamed the land. The loss of this single human life counted for something even then.

We think you'll agree that even this small glimpse at the footage reveals we're all in for a treat in the new year.

The Story of Wales is packed with heroes and triumphs, grand dreams and great endeavours. From a land of story-tellers, this is the story of the land itself and of the people who've shaped it.

Huw himself has said that making the programme was "a dream come true for me. How could any Welsh broadcaster not be energised by the challenge of telling the nation's story?"

It's the first time in a generation that 91Èȱ¬ Cymru Wales has tackled the story of our history - the last major series to do so was The Dragon Has Two Tongues which aired in the mid-1980s. And an awful lot has changed since then.

We can't tell you exactly when The Story of Wales will start in the new year, but we can promise you a compelling tale, packed with dramatic reconstructions and impressive CGI. Keep an eye on the programme site and on 91Èȱ¬ One and 91Èȱ¬ Two Wales for news.

Comments

  • Comment number 1.

    "It's the first time in a generation that 91Èȱ¬ Cymru Wales has tackled the story of our history - the last major series to do so was The Dragon Has Two Tongues which aired in the mid-1980s."

    Ahem - 'The Dragon Has Two Tongues' was actually produced by HTV Wales.

  • Comment number 2.

    CA Jones thanks for your comment. 'The Dragon Has Two Tongues - A History of the Welsh' was a 13-part series produced by HTV Wales and broadcast on Channel 4 in 1985.

  • Comment number 3.

    Really looking forward to this series. I've mentioned it on my history blog

  • Comment number 4.

    Hello

    I come from Llangynwyd in Mid Glam. I live in Bromley, Kent

    So my comment/question is: wiil this series be shown in England on any channel I can access? I have a freeview box

  • Comment number 5.

    Hi Alun,

    The series will be available on iPlayer and outside Wales on Freesat 964, Sky 972 or Virgin Media 864.

    Hope this helps.

    Wales History

  • Comment number 6.

    Hi
    Name is Ron and live in KIDWELLY very close to the CASTLE.
    I enjoyed the first program on Monday and looking forward to the
    one on Thursday,and the complete series
    By the way I was born Ehglish but now WELSH by the grace of GOD

  • Comment number 7.

    I hope Mr Edwards will bring some objectivity to the series and not use it as a vehicle for his nationalist views. My country is a very small player on the world stage and always has been. I am proud of my Welsh identity but unlike Mr Edwards, it does not blind me to the fact our influence on world history and culture as been negligable. It was laughable when he compared the society which produced the Mold Golden Cape with the glories of Ancient Egypt !

  • Comment number 8.

    7 What is the difference with Mr Edwards pursuing as you say, in your view his 'Nationalistic' views. To you criticising it because of your obvious Socialist views.

    I say that because it seems that Socialists can't accept that Wales had a legitimate History before the Industrial Revolution and they criticise it as being Nationalistic. Why?

  • Comment number 9.

    This is a wonderful series particularly the medieval content. The music is very striking. What is it and is it available as a CD?

  • Comment number 10.

    I saw the latter half of the series and really enjoyed it. Huw Edwards is someone I really enjoy listening to. I am also interested in the above exchange (see comments 7 & 8). I consider myself to be Pro-Welsh Language but against the dangerous devolution project. I had prepared myself (but this has nothing to do with Huw Edwards) for insinuations that we owe what is good about Wales to Plaid/Labour/Devolution etc but I found the comments about the Conservative Party's record on the Welsh Language to be fair and objective. Even with devolution, despite no opponent being interviewed, he did atleast acknowledge that turnout on devolution related matters has been low.

  • Comment number 11.

    I have just watched the brilliant first episode of The Story of Wales, made even more compelling by Huw Edwards wonderful presentation. I was particularly amazed to learn how much more has been excavated in Caerleon, my home town. No longer where I live, sadly, but it was where I grew up and my brother and I used to take visitors around the amphitheatre etc. I have ordered the book and am looking forward to the later episdes very much indeed. Well done Huw Edwards and the production team! I wish I could talk to you!

  • Comment number 12.

    Brilliant series - many thanks 91Èȱ¬ and Huw Edwards

  • Comment number 13.

    Hi
    Is this series currently available to buy? I'd very much like to have a copy and so would several other people I know....I enjoyed it immensely....and have to say congratulations to Huw and the production team - excellent work!

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