Oldest Road In Britain | Britain's Ancient Tracks (Archaeology Documentary) | Timeline

Tony Robinson explores the mysteries and legends of the Icknield Way's prehistoric mines, hidden caves, demonic dogs and mysterious ley lines, as he travels from the Norfolk coast to Bedfordshire's hills.
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[@TimelineChannel]

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[@roywilliams6764]

Phil harding accent is a black country accent useley west Brom near birmingham

[@joanneclarke771]

When Tony says “why do I like it so much? Because it was dug by a friend of mine”, he imbued the word “friend” with such warmth that I was expecting to hear Phil’s voice. And I agree, that Tony has a bit of that joy in mystery that Mick was so good in inspiring.

[@oPeRa1923]

Tony Robinson is the only person that made me interested in watching an entire documentary about a road. 😂

[@dennistravers8392]

It's "documentary", Orpah.

[@oPeRa1923]

@@dennistravers8392 thank you! Already edited. 😊 and it's 'Opera', Bob. 😉

[@charlestorruella8591]

Wbat a couple of dumbasses

[@davidambro5271]

I know. I hate sll the computer generated voice overs.

[@aaronjaben7913]

Roads are interesting. I think Robinson is unwatchable

[@rupertmiller9690]

Sir Tony was so lucky to have Prof. Mick Aston in his life for so long, his influence is like a twinkle in Tony's eyes.

[@supercooled]

Mmmmm twinkies.

[@bazza945]

Mick, like Phil, Tony and the test of the Time Team over the years, were like old friends.

[@daveshrum1749]

Rip Mick and Robin🥺. I miss them both.

[@Russia-bullies]

Tony called Mick “prof. Dumbledoor.”.😀

[@Adalwolf17]

That moment when Tony says about a friend digging that site and you hear Phils voice

[@Frank-mm2yp]

Great to see Phil Harding again. Too bad Tony did not just happen to run into Carenza Lewis......

[@forresta65]

You know that friend has to be Phil.

[@ElsieDreamWorld]

You kind of know it’s going to be him. Oh how I miss that team!

[@joshschneider9766]

What he modestly sets aside is the humongous contribution to human understanding of Neolithic man and flint tool making those seasons were. You know how many hundreds of thousands of times his field reports have been cited by college students writing papers? It's insane what that man has contributed. Just remarka ble

[@lorettakos2584]

YES!!!!!!!

[@MikoYotsuya292]

This man is in his 70's and still enthusiastic about world history. Give him a medal!

[@planescaped]

Well he _was_ knighted...

[@rimmersbryggeri]

Tony is a great guy. From blackadder forward and he is a very good narrator aswell.

[@ilonabaier6042]

this known as knowledge,wisdom and culture transfer

[@dennistravers8392]

Or at least a chest to pin it onto!

[@robinhood4640]

I don't know about a medal, give him the biggest turnip that ever existed.

[@MWhaleK]

It's Phil!! I love listening to Phil talk, his accent is so charming and earthy.

[@kleinweichkleinweich]

and with the new hat his accent has grown stronger

[@dnr2089]

klein weich He has a new hat?!

[@punkinholler]

@@dnr2089 you can see his hat hanging on the metal rail around the mine entrance. It's brown and doesn't seem to have an enormous stain on it so it seems to be new 😀

[@JamesWilliams-gp6ek]

Like taking a walk with an old friend. Thank you Tony.

[@ebybeehoney]

That is beautifully perfect.

[@daydreambeliever6603]

It was wonderful to see Phil. In his flinty element. Bless him🥰

[@zorkwhouse8125]

love watching Tony in these shows, but to see Phil show up as well is just a blessing :-)

[@DK640OBrianYT]

And Phil "Get off moy land" Harding is there. My eyes got moist from pure joy. Excellent succession from Time Signs and Time Team. Thanks so much.

[@liviia305]

I had the exact same reaction.

[@mariansmith7694]

This is a wonderful episode. All of my ancestors came from UK, Wales, Ireland, Scotland and yes...England. I watch your programs to get a sense for my ancestral homeland and this episode is especially interesting because it spans the island bringing much culture with it. So interesting. Brilliant, thank you Tony.

[@deborahking1215]

I totally relate (pardon the pun) to what you've said Marian.

[@pfranks75]

That’s we’re all of my ancestors came from too!

[@lorrainemagarian7697]

I hate to break it to you but we don't keep getting recycled like trash. How miserable it would be never to having any resolution or pease. So tragic to be stuck in an ever revolving door. Ugh! The Word of God says:. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9: 27, 28). Now that's good news!

[@fergusontea]

marian smith - My ancestors are all from Netherlands but I enjoy UK history! I think it’s because I’m a Canadian and we grew up learning all things British. 😊

[@corlyssd]

@@lorrainemagarian7697 Speaking of retreads, how do you explain your obsession with a book whose text hasn't changed since the 4th century? Religion is fine for spiritual health, but we don't live in the spiritual realm alone. We live in a physical world formed by history, geography and culture. They fix you presence in the physical world. If you dont know where you came from, you don't know who you are.

[@g3heathen209]

Roads go ever ever on, Over rock and under tree, By caves where never sun has shone, By streams that never find the sea; Bilbo Baggins

[@takayama1638]

Eh to, J.R.R. Tolkien....

[@mosart7025]

I was just going to quote one of the road poems from Tolkien!

[@biskit9114]

ROOTS? ORIGINS? AND THEIR BLENDING EVITERNALLY!

[@SNP-1999]

The translation of Icknield Way into "Ox Way" seems to be more historically correct as such trackways for driving cattle to the nearest or largest market towns can be found all over Europe - I live next to one just north of Hamburg in Germany, an ancient ox track originating in Denmark that led to the great ancient and medieval market towns in Germany. But apart from that, isn't it good to see Tony and Phil together again in a documentary ! 😋😋😋

[@LilyGazou]

SNP1999 😁

[@electrictroy2010]

ICENI way is probably a better translation since the Iceni Tribe ruled the area .

[@a.westenholz4032]

@@electrictroy2010 That may simply be a coincidence- of their tribal name sounding similar to the road name and having nothing to do with it. I have had that happen to me too often in linguistics before not to be cautious. However, since the meaning of the name of Iceni itself might possibly also derive from the old Welsh for oxen it is possible that the two are related. So whether the road was named after the tribe that was named after oxen or whatever, or was just named after oxen in an area coincidentally held by a tribe that might also be named after oxen are equally possible.

[@henrymann8122]

This bloke is my favorite historian/archeologist.

[@hectorsmommy1717]

I think it is because he is like so many of us. He loves history and archaeology but does not try to be more of an expert than he is. He is enthusiastic but defers to the experts as needed.

[@ElusiveMonk47]

I love Tony ive watched probably almost every Time Team episode twice over

[@Pinzpilot101]

Agree...He started humbly on silly childrens programmes...But The Man..I do not like...He is a leftist, an ardent supporter of communists, and traitors, were he American he would be a trump hater....and would be working to undermine government.

[@AnnaHerrick]

Henry Mann I think he is pretty awesome!

[@kokeshkokesh]

And best Baldrick. He knows his way around turnip.

[@s1nb4d59]

Was great to see phil and tony together again.

[@NobodyWhatsoever]

"They used a deer antler pick!" (He holds up an antler with the rays cut off except one, very much resembling the design of tools we've been forging and casting since we've worked metals, through today) It's really amazing how some designs of tools seem to be eternal. Granted, it's a very practical shape for the purpose.

[@anneteller3128]

Tony is the professor you always wanted when obtaining your university degree. He is ripe with years and experience, but still very excited and passionate about his profession, giving new meaning to words, "master of the arts." He truly brings artform to his work.

[@pippinrocks]

Tony Robinson is so calming and I live that I learn while I’m at it

[@paulstan9828]

Thank you Sir Robinson. I always enjoy your history narratives. Including Time Team.

[@TheJennick13]

A very lovely program- I love how Tony speaks with such respect & emotion during these walks, I get very emotional myself just from listening to him speak!! Thank you for the upload!!

[@bocconom]

I am from the U.S. and I just came across this series via this episode. Absolutely fascinating! Now I'm watching two to three episodes a day. My ancestry is rooted in these lands and I am so very grateful to see the past come alive with such enthusiasm and care.

[@KatieReadsKoziesAndMore]

Inspiring. I’ve found an old poet and a young folk singer in this episode.

[@MelissaThompson432]

Sam Lee sang "The Wild, Wild Berry" on GOT....

[@monjiaitaly]

Lovely to see Phil and Tony again :). Really enjoyed this, thank you.

[@spookerredmenace3950]

i like the lad who sing the folk songs... very nice!

[@Tararsupport]

Beautiful country love to be there one day from Pakistan

[@ihateregistrationbul]

It's green because it rains so much.

[@CraigLYoung]

Tarar Support : Beautiful country with the most friendly people you'll meet east of the Atlantic but take good rain gear. I spent two weeks in England and only saw the sun four times.

[@shirleynitka5030]

Tony is the energizer bunny. He keeps going & going.

[@redj59]

did my heart good to see Tony interviewing Phil.

[@Buttfudgie]

I miss Time Team. 😭😢

[@49short]

Same! I got so excited when Phil showed up! This is only the second episode of this series I’ve watched but I would love to see some other Time Team members (i.e. Carenza Lewis, Helen Geake, Raksha Dave, etc) show up in other episodes!

[@Buttfudgie]

49/short well the show was on for 20 years, so plenty of opportunities!

[@Liz-sc5dg]

I so look forward to watching this after work tomorrow. Thank you Tony and Timeline!

[@LQOTW]

What an interesting special - I love all of the Timeline/Time Team historical programs. And Tony Robinson is brilliant.

[@shanefindscomics]

This music blows me away. I get choked up at parts.

[@laurenlanterns4376]

He’s Sir Tony now! Congrats!

[@deserthunter8363]

Thank You for posting, love these....

[@sophiaantropova5874]

Brilliant documentary ❤👏 "...but the dead returning lightly dance" that really got to me Also, Tony Robinson is a treasure

[@carmenbartholomew4709]

:'-}

[@philiptownsend4026]

Yes soldiers who die in war remain forever young and carry no loads. They are free to soar. I was thinking about that earlier today and you reminded me to share it.

[@teresaarcangel1102]

That poem brought tears to my eyes.

[@justinangle3494]

Love the historical Britain. Thank you so much.

[@traveler804]

Nice to see good ol' Phil, he's definitely a kindred spirit.

[@colleenhahn7205]

Thanks again, Tony for a fabulous and informative video!

[@philschuler9674]

What an excellent documentary. Thank you for the upload.

[@kaioliverbohnke7294]

A fantastic report ! Seldom to see such good quality.

[@margietucker1719]

The beautiful roadside plant that he called "hogweed" looks remarkably just like what we call "Queen Anne's Lace".

[@ziploc2000]

We called it Cowparsley when I was a kid.

[@MelissaThompson432]

They look very similar. Queen Anne's Lace is wild carrot, and hogweed is also commonly called cow parsley; there are plants that look similar that are very poisonous, however, so if you're going to eat wild, make sure you know what you're eating. Queen Anne's Lace smells, naturally, like carrot.

[@lacritzer3070]

Queen Anne’s lace is wild carrot, it’s edible and smells like carrot, hogweed is a toxic look alike, as is hemlock and wild parsley

[@christinaatwell6338]

Yarrow is also one of the plants that look similar.

[@queensisterserenaloveday7118]

I read that hogweed can cause terrible skin reactions. I'm surprised that they are touching it.

[@pedrovitsch]

Thank you once again, Tony, for taking me with you on that wonderful journey!

[@kacy940]

It was fascinating.

[@berndrohlfs7397]

It is great to see all these episodes. I crossed England and Wales a number of times just on a bicylcle. In this time I was also a member of the National Trust to get lower entrance fees to see some interesting historic places. I still love to remember all this. I did not know that there was just a fine show in British television and I enjoy all this episodes. It is an excellent team encouraging to learn and think about history and how people lived in the times before us. Thank you for uploading! It is sad that the show is not going on.

[@qiviutqueen5705]

Really enjoyed this, thank you so much !

[@badgerpa9]

Nice to see Tony and Phil you should come across the pond again.

[@briansturdy592]

Tony Robinson makes these type of travel road shows very interesting the way he combines history with folklore . Not only that but he also motivates me to get out and walk for fitness and enjoyment. There he is with hiking boots and day pack on walking an adventure during each episode. Hope you continue this way Tony......

[@davidmicheletti6292]

Such a wonderful and enlightening production

[@georgehenry76]

I love these. Time team forever!

[@Eyologist1]

Completely delightful! Thank you!!

[@chriscross9505]

I grew up 200 yards from The Icknield Way. About 15 miles or so further on from were this video ends. It is asphalted now and quite a busy road. I enjoyed this video.

[@alanhowitzer]

Did you know its history?

[@chriscross9505]

@@alanhowitzer I grew up being told (1960's/70's) that it was "the oldest Roman road in England" and was used to move goods and Roman troops. However I personally didn't know that it was still a dirt track for most of it's length and not a tarmac road as it was close to my house. In retrospect I had my eye more on the future than the past back then with the moon landing and the new colour TVs and watching Top of the Pops etc. I was surrounded by history and in all honesty took it for granted. I grew up in a town that was recorded in The Doomsday Book and just took it for granted. To learn more would have involved endless hours in the library and we were too busy with looking forward not backward. I feel completely differently now.

[@primitivetechnologypast3966]

Awesome video!

[@stevenbrown6277]

Thank you. Wonderful documentary.

[@kcsunshine4008]

I so enjoy watching Sir Tony’s presentations- 20 years of Time Team completely changed how he is viewed by the non intellectual majority of history/ archeology buffs. You’ve come so far Mr R.

[@dumerkoff]

Thank God Phil is here, we're all saved.

[@Metaphix]

Ah, good times. I absolutely loved Time Team. Got addicted and went on a mega binge a couple years back.

[@normanterrault397]

The bloke singing folk songs is brilliant !

[@DavyBrando]

He is isn't he! He sang the theme in the Guy Ritchie King Arthur movie.

[@mirandamom1346]

I have a teeny tiny crush going on

[@phillipatkinson4932]

As always Tony makes great viewing.

[@THEtodd_83]

One of the best for documentaries

[@NikaBoyce]

Im so thankful this series exists. Time Team tantalizes, endlessly, always with little closure. This video.. it knits together a lovely whole that I really appreciate - especially the ending - my mom recently died and the essential message about The Road - while not "happy" - is very much something she would have loved. The ephemeral against the "ancient" is an important meditation. Thank you.

[@user-dz4cq8qp1v]

Very interesting. Love Timeline

[@goldtopgrandeur6935]

This is only 1 of thousands of reasons why I wish I could live in England. At 48, it's tough and expensive to move to the other side of the world...but I am going to try to make it happen. I owe it to my British Blood and my strange feelings that I've lived there before...

[@deniseg-hill1730]

Where do you live now and what skills do you have. There are so many wonderful places to live but it's not cheap to live in a nice area. Were one of your parents British if so you can get a British Passport.

[@electrictroy2010]

My ancestors came from Germany but I have zero interest moving there (or any part of the EU Tyranny). I am perfectly happy to stay in the free United States .

[@lorrainemagarian7697]

I hate to break it to you but no one lived any past lives. What a miserable idea that we would come back again and again and never have any resolution or peace. Who wants to be recycled over and over like trash - ugh! The Bible states very clearly:. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement:. So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9: 27,28). Now that's good news!

[@Blackadder75]

@@lorrainemagarian7697 your bible is a collection of fairy tales, just like that idea of reincarnation that you don't believe in. When we die, our brain stops and our 💓 stops. Our body decomposes and we cease to exist. It sounds scary but it's not as there won't be a 'you' to be scared. Just like it was not scary to not exist before you were born.

[@Blackadder75]

They don't want foreigners:. Brexit

[@jantruitt9241]

Personally I would have loved to see more about that huge tree at the very beginning and watched the whole program and never saw it again... are there more episodes?

[@usedscar]

Yes awesome tree!

[@leasybinky]

Yeah... WTF? False advertising?

[@dinahjackson8146]

REALLY AWESOME !!! ❤☺😍

[@christosvoskresye]

I *KNOW* I'm not the only one who thought this was going to be an episode of Time Team I had somehow missed.

[@lukybell3693]

Haha....soooo true😄😄😄

[@usedscar]

Tony's face becoming one of the most iconic of all time. You can start to see all the places he's been etched in his visage.

[@QuakerLady]

So exciting to see and hear Phil! And he has a new hat.

[@deanpapadopoulos3314]

Amazing!!!

[@virginiaswift7146]

Very much enjoyed this video ... I lived in Thetford in 1993, and frequently and unknowingly biked upon a small part of the Icknield Way. Thank You so much for the happy memories.

[@katherinebackus2158]

Love these videos by the time team, so soothing and interesting that for the past month I haven't even been listening to my normal sleep music by the half way mark of a second video or the end of a first video I'm asleep dreaming of places I've never been but feel like I'm there due to these wonderful videos and the people who helped make them

[@CraigLYoung]

Whoa! Phil got a new hat?

[@tripleransom4349]

New jeans too!

[@slainteron4027]

This was great.. I followed Tony on Google maps so see how much land he covered during certain scenes

[@ThatIsJustCrazyTalk]

When he said, “....on Platform 2....”. I could have sworn he said Platform 9 3/4 so had to rewind it, and he did indeed say Platform 2. How strange I am indeed.

[@kaytlinjustis5643]

Platform 9 3/4 is in London, I believe. ^^

[@Snowman366]

Gosh....what a very wonderful, and wonderfully interesting, story.

[@tweezerjam]

This is why I love the UK- such rich and fascinating history. One day I’ll get there.

[@coloringwithd]

very nice thank you for sharing ♥♥♥

[@dixgun]

This is a beautiful document.

[@laureldevine]

I LOVE these!

[@rosesandsongs21]

Fascinating, completely.

[@JenJessup1]

Love this! He was great in Man Down with Greg Davies too!

[@deehooper1025]

Loved the part with Sam Lee, great voice, and the idea of the road having edibles was fantastic.

[@MelissaThompson432]

"Sticky Willie" is cleavers or bedstraw where I live.... It can also be steamed or stewed like nettle, as greens.

[@baberoot1998]

Extraordinary documentary. To be able to walk in the path of ancestors, is to be able to live history. Hands on. Wish us Americans, had the same respect for history as the British. Here in America...we just tear down anything old and replace it. What makes Britian, (and Europe for that matter), so fascinating, is how they take care of their old buildings. It is just classy. Respectful. America has few relics from times past. Here...we live in a disposable world. I love the charm of Europe and Asia. Something America...has no concept of. A shame really.

[@Gator-fromOZ]

Ours is mostly plowed under , Bulldozed , & paved over😒

[@clairekos9197]

Very nice program. Thank you 🙂

[@scottkerlee4849]

Really enjoy your videos

[@afnannazir3756]

MAJESTIC

[@c.s.7266]

I'd give anything to backpack on these roads. So cool!

[@weyjosh5213]

One of my favourite historians :))

[@AAD2698]

I just finished watching all 20 seasons and all the specials for time team. I was missing it. then I watched this and realized that what I was really missing was Tony's voice. Do those of you in England realize how lucky you are to have the history you do???

[@philiptownsend4026]

Wherever you are, we are your history too. Our history is very much diluted and forgotten yhough these days.

[@mithunkartha]

Only if someone like him actually taught history.

[@jakemoeller7850]

For me, Mithun, Timeline episodes are history lessons. Love them!

[@mithunkartha]

@@jakemoeller7850 absolutely. Top notch stuff just that Baldrick is the icing on the cake 😊.

[@lorrainemagarian7697]

Indeed!

[@willackerman9557]

These are fantastic. Really feels like Tony is walking around the first few chapters of Fellowship of the Ring in and around The Shire/Crickhollow.

[@robertabarnum4786]

Tony is a very well informed person. He truly enjoy his work. His team that he works with loves history. And the big plus is he is so handsome.

[@ladyasleep2960]

Oh, dear Tony, you are great

[@MichelleLevasseur]

Oh my...a Tony Robinson video I haven't seen yet. Swoon.

[@pierson974]

Pretty cool to see Phil and Tony together on a program other than Time Team!

[@HerrGesetz]

Good old Phil

[@Larsanator]

Damnit! Another addition to my Bucket List.

[@timtraver7152]

Way to go Tony!!

[@scottdefrese9009]

I sure liked this video. I did not know about these roads.

[@BryonLape]

Good to see Phil again.

[@Retired_Gentleman]

Fabulous.