Uncovering The White Queen's Norman Castle | Time Team | Timeline

Groby Old Hall in Leicestershire was once home to the legendary White Queen: Elizabeth, the wife of Edward IV. The Team are here to help the new owners, who have saved the house from dereliction, to find out what has gone on in their garden over the centuries.
It's full of tantalising glimpses of archaeology: a medieval wall with a window, carved stones and what looks like the remains of a Norman castle. Sorting this lot out is the kind of challenge the Team can't resist.
Over three days they discover this remarkable piece of land contains over 600 years of archaeology. It may seem run down now but it once belonged to one of the most powerful families in medieval Britain, the Greys.
Monumental walls and grand manors emerge from the trenches as Tony is joined by historian and international bestselling author Philippa Gregory to piece together the intriguing tale of this power-hungry family.
He discovers a dynasty that arrived with William the Conqueror and went on to produce two queens of England: Elizabeth and Lady Jane Grey.
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[@TimelineChannel]

Use code 'timeline' and enjoy 3 months of History Hit for $3 bit.ly/TimelineWatchMore

[@emorel48]

As a Whaley descendant from the Swordbearer Whaley, who fought with the Conqueror, I am thrilled to watch as history is revealed. Even though I am 73, I still would love to visit England and France! Wonderful video!

[@petedavid9946]

With my surname definitely tying into this part of England’s history I couldn’t resist taking a trip to GB just to look into castles. Although I did learn quite a bit, such as Windsor Castle is actually “Norman Castle”, I quickly realized that two weeks was just long enough to really pique my interest more. The people we met on our trip were the kindest and most hospitable people ever! Hopefully I will be able to afford to go back before I get too much older and unable to make the adventure. I can’t recommend the trip to England enough!

[@Caninecancersucksrocks]

As a Canadian, living in a relatively “new” province (Alberta) and indeed entire country (re: Europeans), I truly cannot grasp what it must be like to live somewhere that you literally trip over history every time you step out your garden door! I know some find it annoying, but I would be in absolute heaven! Oh, if only those stones could speak! 😊

[@historyfreak6591]

ME TOO! I live in Alberta too and I would love to go to England and see all the history

[@mangot589]

Me three! I’d love it. I’d be day tripping every weekend😃.

[@lalalisa1648]

British Columbian here and I couldn’t agree more 😍

[@ErinReviews]

I feel you on that point. I live in Ontario and I think the oldest thing I've ever found was an arrow head and even that I was shocked considering where I located it had almost no history of indigenous groups or anything where arrows would have been used. A mystery.

[@namegoeshereorhere5020]

I'm sure the indigenous peoples would beg to differ, we seem to be tripping over it far too often for their tastes.

[@bonnieelaineennis5665]

Elizabeth Woodville was my 16th great-grandmother. It is so fascinating to see these buildings emerge and learn about her home.

[@weswall7302]

That's really awesome

[@jlp6869]

I am unsure if I am on this line but so far I have 3 lines going back really far to royal lines as well as I do have someone born under the name Gray but no clue if it's under that. Currently working on other lines but yes, this was very fascinating and truly wish there was more.

[@aroseinwinter7719]

It was her first husbands home. She didnt live there long. And then went on to become queen. If your related to her and the childeren she had with the king you are Princes Bonnie

[@middleagecrazy4234]

The only person I am connected to is Elvis lol too bad I can’t sing.

[@michellebaker6302]

Hey there, cousin! She's my great...grandmother, too! Through her granddaughter Princess Mary's children with Brandon.

[@jodyshepard9482]

Thank goodness there are UK folks who will save these wonderful pieces of history for the rest of us! So many, many Americans are initially from the UK. Thanks much!

[@BanksterSlayer]

What a treat to have Philippa Gregory on the show! I loved every minute of this episode. Cheers from Arizona.

[@motorcop505]

This was awesome to get her for this episode!

[@doncunningham5242]

It's a trip.

[@jessesquer4204]

Lol I'm just moving back to Az next week.

[@beckyblack2333]

Love her.

[@motorcop505]

I love Mick’s old school hippy hat with all its pins and his sweater with hands. He’s like a hobbit.

[@ghomerhust]

what do you suppose he had for second breakfast and elevensies?

[@MRFLESHSTORM]

he was such a good man

[@ellenmarch3095]

Hobbit Mick!!

[@beckettman42]

History documentaries hosted by Tony are Britain's primary export

[@derekm3180]

The thing that always sticks with me after these digs: No matter how important you are, or think you are, in a few hundred years' time, you amount to nothing more than a few stacked stones and a scribble on a piece of paper. Better make the most of it while you're here...

[@TimelineChannel]

Hi all, apologies again for the title and description mix up, there was a fault on our system but we can promise this definitely won't happen again. Enjoy the House Of The White Queen!

[@billie-jobenway8658]

PLEASE list the season and episode in the titles so people can follow in sequence. You do a great disservice to people when you show them out of sequence. Also, many specials, digs, lives exist and some are related to episodes shown on the regular show and showing these without listing episode by season and episode confuses issues. If you need to see it done right refer to these two people who have done this long before you and did it right. They set the standard and you fall far short of it! Also, they do it with a minimal one ad per episode at most. Until you do better by your viewers I will continue to post these two people's links to your viewers. They deserve the credit until you do better. Reijer Zaaijer kzbin.info/door/G6L225D2o0af7jdbnS2TxA Fillask kzbin.info/door/MXfL7HNKKwngFN2Jozg1qQ

[@dirtypure2023]

@@billie-jobenway8658 They don't necessarily have license for every episode, and are probably just uploading episodes as they obtain the right to do so. They're doing no disservice whatsoever, in fact quite the opposite. You get to watch for free, you have no right to complain. If you want to watch them in series then purchase the DVD or Bluray box sets.

[@frankrshirer8851]

The ink pen found in the tower stairwell is a Parker "T-ball Jotter." It was produced in the 1960s by the Parker Pen Company. The top was made from aluminum and the blue bottom was plastic. I owned several of them during the 60s and 70s.

[@gerriallen3966]

I am sure most people did. I once dated a Parker of Parker pens.

[@googlethis313]

43:54 How neat would it be to get that masons marks out to other masons and possibly find an ancestor who worked all that stone? I know I would want to know!

[@pa8315]

This documentary has been an absolute joy to watch. My passion is History and everything to do with it. Fascinating how the team is able to date as well give a visual on how it looked. Thanks from Canada

[@googlethis313]

40:30 12th century new word Clipped: the practice of cutting bits of the silver coins edges off to keep for personal use/spending. Ergo; the reason the edges of coins now have ridges! Fascinating! I love learning new things but new words?! Even their slang usage?! 🤯🥰 European history is amazing. To just have 🏰 castles in your back yard and find coins and pottery from 8-9 centuries ago?! Wow!! Thank you for sharing this! ❤️, A Dorothy In Kansas

[@ingridakerblom7577]

Well it really isn't that common to have & stumble over something, just like that in your garden.. the site in this episode is also known & probably well recorded & therefore rhe excistens known at any sale of the property.. To find something unknown, that can be of historical & archaeological meaning, atleast where I live, means you will loose access to that piece of land for it to be excavated & then you can be forbidden to do anything with it (exept to sell).. There was a recent court case were a landowner had use a big digger on a site of huge arceologically significans. Like graves from the stoneage, he got stopped & sued, he was proven guilty in court bcs he knew about it all, but didn't care.. So it isn't always fun, bcs it can hinder you completly to do anything with or on that piece of land, or you will have HUGE fines to pay...

[@CharmEng89]

Mick's collection of handknitted garments is lovely! Love his rainbow gear. Oh yes and fascinating show, as well!

[@billie-jobenway8658]

Originally he wore darker shirts and sweaters until the producers asked him to brighten up and this was the result:) There is even a Mick doll with him wearing his striped sweater. It shows up sitting on desks in a couple of episodes.

[@CharmEng89]

@@billie-jobenway8658 aha! How sweet, i should watch more of these :)

[@peg7981]

It would be great to revisit this site to continue the dig to find more evidence of the previous buildings and life of the Gray family. What about the Woodville family home?

[@aroseinwinter7719]

I thought this was the woodville home😢

[@jerryumfress9030]

I've seen many of these episodes but I have to say that this episode is my favorite. I'm not sure why but, it has captivated my imagination possibly because of the older buildings on the sight and the fact that the same family owned the property for over 6 centuries

[@Chantwizzle]

OOh I love Dr.Gregory. All her books are just awesome. And I love the TV adaptations too. I've just started re-watching The White Princess.

[@historyfreak6591]

I am obsessed with her books and the TV adaptations of the White queen and the White Princess

[@Axel-ll2jp]

Chantal Said same here

[@susannahfox7188]

@@historyfreak6591 According to other historical authors, they say that she is not always that accurate and is embellishing too much on historical facts, probably to sell more books.

[@susierosido790]

I absolutely love these shows. Thank you.

[@JuliahistoryLover]

Tony & team should start a travel Company for people who want to learn history while they travel

[@PtolemyJones]

Phil is the star for me, but I am really growing to appreciate Stewart's craft, it really requires a lot of lateral thinking.

[@helenamcginty4920]

I always liked Stewart. I am a lover of landscape archaeology.

[@helenamcginty4920]

He came more and more to the fore over the years. Mick Aston was, of course, the original team leader.

[@Ravenbastet21]

So thrilled to have found this wonderful program is still around! I used to watch this years ago! Please keep up the good work!!!

[@jonbettson7435]

It ended in 2014.

[@DavidHukill]

Time Team is truly a nation treasure! I’m an American, can I say that? 😉

[@lorahassani7728]

Loved hearing from Phillipa!! I enjoy her books so much. Some of my family ancestry tracks back to to Leicestershire.

[@cabbking]

Thank you! I would love to help discover. What a great profession! Lessons from the past to keep us humble.

[@michaelkurz9067]

I just love English history: )

[@deborahsmith5742]

Are you certain it isn't European history you love, but get to learn more about English history than the histories of other countries due to the language barrier? I love German history, but have to translate it to read it.

[@Karrenola]

Yes indeed Michael, Baldrick makes it all so exciting doesn’t he? 💖

[@michaelkurz9067]

@@deborahsmith5742 European history it is:)

[@s.o.s.exploration2412]

I do too. Grew up and living in states its interesting and intriguing however 3 flippin days!?! Good lord man half the English take 3 days to get out of their house let alone give out the most of a significant find and/or contribute a reasonable amount of information. History isnt a race if u ask me.

[@dirtypure2023]

@@s.o.s.exploration2412 This program ran for 20 years and uncovered hundreds of sites and helped piece together thousands of years of history. I think the 3 day model worked out quite well for these purposes.

[@4urluvjones155]

What a "Groby" Time Team!! I was really "digging" it...

[@Rose-ej4lb]

Thank you for this ,Elizabeth was my ++++~~ grandmother ♡ very interesting.

[@tiffanysanchez9184]

Rose Sombre BS

[@Rose-ej4lb]

@@tiffanysanchez9184 No need for bs been working on my family tree for quite a long time now. She is my 17th great grandmother

[@zimmergameszimmerc6077]

Can you do a full documentary on King Edward IV !!!

[@amandahugginkiss55]

Yes! Edward, his brothers and parents. I would watch that!

[@TheShootist]

can who do a full documentary? Time Team has been gone for years

[@joshw9037]

How do propose this happen?

[@jeanneamato8278]

Love British history and adored you in Blackadder.

[@sacroyalty]

Great episode! I love what they can deduct from the dig and corresponding documents. Super cool.

[@amys2650]

Oh how I wish I could go there. Elizabeth Woodville is my 15th, 16th and 17th maternal great grandmother. Through both sides of my moms family. Sounds weird I know . Her daughter Elizabeth of York is my 16th mggm Her daughter Cecily Plantagenet is my 14th mggm. Ahh I want to visit my homeland so bad. Being a direct descendant and not being able to walk there is heartbreaking

[@teshara]

I want all that guys knitting patterns. Fantastic show.

[@georgerounsaville1809]

It seems that they are almost made up motifs; it is the wonderfully colorful treatment that makes it all "sing". Google Kaffe Bassett for inspiration.....

[@georgerounsaville1809]

Sorry--it's Fasset. Can't type for beans!

[@karanfield4229]

Love TT!! 💕🌍🇳🇿 cheers from New Zealand

[@mariansmith7694]

Facinating indeed.

[@gabriellecrofts6664]

one of my extended ancestors I discovered on My Heritage site, and curious that since high school when I found out about her, I really admired her so much. As a grieving mother of 2 sons that died I can understand how much she was devastated to lose her sons in the tower. I always suspected Margaret Beaufort organized it to remove them from being obstacles to her son Henry being King.....

[@RoyalSnowbird]

I sure hope they do not fill this up again and that excavations continue on this site. . . The Grey family is historically important enough to preserve this!

[@jilllogan1288]

I agree, this is too great a find to just abandon it.

[@onsterfelijke]

You know this series were taken years ago? Time team is from 1990-2010 from memory so atleast 10 years ago.

[@RoyalSnowbird]

@@onsterfelijke I still hope they did not fill this up and someone found the funds to pursue this... It would have been a shame. . .

[@onsterfelijke]

@@RoyalSnowbird They always refill this as funds were only for 3 days. I think 2 episodes were so important they went to a week.

[@shannonpierre8714]

You're never supposed to completely excavate a site. Archaeology is inherently destructive, it's best practice to leave things untouched for future generations with better technology to come back to and look at later.

[@bosse641]

Love Time Team.

[@aquilatempestate9527]

Hail the ancestors!

[@tehanu00]

all hail your first comment

[@LabelsAreMeaningless]

I find it odd that people would demolish what was once a truly impressive building, before building a less impressive building. I know they keep saying they demolished to 'upgrade' but from the look of what they're uncovering..it seems more like they downgraded.

[@ivang97997]

rewatch this one in HD :) thank you!

[@kimmorrill7060]

Love these shows...Im descended from Sir Thomas Stanley who married Margaret Beaufort and Im also descended from William The conqueror. Im American and my ancestor was John Howland of the Mayflower. So many of my ancestors intertwined back to the Vikings.

[@lornadryden5650]

I just love Tony

[@PtolemyJones]

I would watch a show that did nothing but give brief versions of what these sites provided after the Time Team left.

[@Christianna73]

Thank-you :)

[@darlatc1169]

How Exciting ! l see my 14th G. G. Father's name (Sir Robert Wotton) from Boughton Place , Malherbe , Kent , England on the family tree that is Princess Diana's also , along with my 13th G. Aunt Margaret Wotton Grey and her granddaughter Lady Jane Grey - The 9 Day Queen . Such a Sad & Tragic History for an innocent young girl over Greed and Power . History goes on to tell that my first English Wotton (Dr. Thomas Wotton) came to Jamestown , VA. in 1607 with Capt. John Smith , as the first Doctor in America . His descendant (Dr. Thomas J. Wootton) (they added an extra O to the name), was possibly the first Doctor in TX. USA and was one of many of my family members that settled TEXAS along with Stephen F. Austin .

[@Kaytecando]

I wish I possessed half of Tony Robinson's energy.

[@Moonflower_Lasa]

I have many Grey/Gray ancestors !!

[@mmhthree]

I do, as well.. de Ferrers/Grey. Great Grandparents =)

[@shannoncrane4131]

I feel like such an idiot - I sat here for fifteen minutes going "wow, he sounds just like Baldrick from Black Adder!" before it dawned on me to look him up 🤦

[@NinjaTaco__]

I didnt even notice untill i saw this comment!

[@philipwebb960]

Wow, he really does sound like Baldrick. I wonder why.

[@twinsonic]

That was a cunning plan.

[@TheBadMoJoe]

I’d like to know what Mick was up to in the late 60’s and what music he was into.

[@weswall7302]

Love it

[@charlottar0403]

"In my neck of the woods, two stones are......(suspense) just two stones! hahahahahha!!! so funny

[@laurathornton1456]

You only get two stones equaling a Norman tower if they are particularly "cunning" stones.

[@GiGiGoesShopping]

"Just a couple of stones."

[@JohnVance]

Time team best team

[@ruthmeow4262]

I wish that was my back yard.

[@gregoryrollins59]

I think the building at the end. The square. That exactly what it is, a type of magic square. Three windows, two windows and corner window for diagonal. It represents .25% of a square.

[@lightofthejul]

Um ! Love the history and theses videos ! Brilliant to keep uncovering layers of our history and human drama but not to. E a negative Nelly , but who cleans up the yard and the landscape when they are done ? I know kind of a silly question but as a lady I am wondering how I would get my yard back when they are done ?????? 😊

[@darrellenglish2704]

Thanks for uncovering my Kins Home

[@danadmb41]

Can someone tell me, in case i missed it, how do these structure get covered and become mole hills?

[@Arandomperson_online]

I would like to know

[@thermalreboot]

When was this filmed? I used to love Time Team but it's been off the air for years.

[@Andvare]

It aired in April 2011, and it looks like it's spring, so early 2010 probably.

[@zeusathena26]

I love her novels, & I highly recommend them! If you love history, & want it to come alive, give it a read!

[@lizzy66125]

who s novels?

[@lillian-annwhitingmonkarel2774]

The family is I think larger than most think 🌞🎼🕯

[@matthewmann8969]

Very parallel to Jadis from Narnia

[@Axel-ll2jp]

Queen Elizabeth Woodville’s house🔥

[@robinandrews5478]

I love this guy Phil! He's a bulldog! How tall is he?

[@deankay8894]

all that noise in the background! major highway?

[@chareast9997]

i have a question about the complex ownership of the individual rooms and entire sections of the original building. what happened in regards to rights of ownership when the family decided to upgrade and build a new home?

[@isismccain915]

If only the Saxon infantry at Hastings hadn't taken the bait and gave chase down the hill the world might be a totally different place today. Was it King Harold that gave the order to give chase.....or was it something that happened without his command???

[@philipwebb960]

England would have been not only physically but very culturally isolated from the Continent and much the weaker for it and perhaps would have fallen in with the Scandinavians.

[@susannahfox7188]

@@philipwebb960 Hmmm.....weren't the Saxons from the Continent? And from Denmark? Close enough for Scandinavia. Oh, and by the way, Normans were definitely Scandinavian. Seems they already "fell in" with them. I see the problem more with the French influence. The Plantagenet dynasty was a joke. All they did was murder and connive. It was not a good time for England.

[@snoodles1234]

I have always wanted to see Lady Jane Greys Mott 😁

[@milliebanks7209]

I would love for the TT find a dungeon.

[@RandyWert]

Do you Lidar on any of your exploratory surveys before digging?

[@Daehawk]

Welp the only story I can tell is in high school I had a friend named John Grey :)

[@feidry]

Hey Timeline, you guys messed up the title and description again!

[@nickb7829]

Yeah, at least we got the episode they teased us with before, now we know what episode they'll put up soon. Doesn't help me choose what to watch now, but it really doesn't matter as I them all.

[@stannousflouride683]

The mot is here: North 52°39'50.5" by West 1°13'36.4" (GoogleTube won't let me post it any other way even though I am doing so from Google maps)

[@rodneyboblitt7595]

Is there a way to get that family tree shown on here of the de Ferrars? My husband's geneology goes back to this family...

[@sheilakethley5351]

“Archeological Theme Park”!

[@Shastasnow]

Poor guy is going to have a bunch of tourists in his backyard xD Guess it is worth it.

[@justanoldcowboy8326]

Oh dear, they appear to have dug up the old homestead.

[@kaybee6618]

That was her 1st husband's family property. She lived their until her first husband John died then she was evicted by her lovely mother in law. That is when she returned home to her parents. And that was the reason Elizabeth went to talk to the King, to have that property returned to her and her boys. Haha I was right I just got to the part of video where they said the castle belonged to the Gray family.

[@aryelangelramos7971]

❤❤❤❤

[@samhall3821]

Why only ever three days? Is that a legal or self imposed limitation?

[@gabriellecrofts6664]

oh nooo this is awful, they are my ancestors. I found out on my heritage site, how has this been able to happen historical significant buildings..why on earth would the Greys allow the building once so historically important to fall apart so heartbreaking to see its remains not restored

[@katerinakemp5701]

Prolly ran out of money for the upkeep, the taxes would have been horrendous no doubt.

[@chuckschillingvideos]

"You were looking after it on behalf of the nation" Then "the nation" should have bought it. The nation has no business "looking after" property it does not own. The Brits' contempt for the rights of property owners baffles me.

[@betsynace5615]

Do they re-bury the excavated buildings, etc when they're finished with them?

[@LanceHall]

Release Date: 20 March 2011 (UK)

[@Jean-yn6ef]

💚

[@gabriellecrofts6664]

De Ferrers are in my ancestry too wowowo

[@patrickmcshane7658]

Why was the tower taken down?

[@BobbyLCollins]

It is believed to have been "slighted," or torn down, by Henry II during or after The Great Revolt.

[@blackdog.6398]

I would do a Rod Iron gate there where the wood is or do the time mortise joint in bid wooden beams Maybe some Rock oak to use to do the windows and doors and support beams ,,,along the walls to support The whole thing. I don’t know what I’m talking about sorry ,, mates .. I wish I was there digging right beside you all I think we. Need to have the beer truck there with at least 6 taps on it and mmmmmm 3 Kagg s ,, of Beer 🍺,,,,woo mental detect the wall and inside the walls more than likely find gold ..! BDO Out!...

[@dickvarga6908]

plenty of archeological digging going on at oak island nova scotia, aledgedly the burial place of 16th and 17th century pirate loot, also rumours of 15th cty templar involvement, unlikely, the structure known as the money pit is about 90 feet deep and has several traps that allow sea water to flood the pit if disturbed, a dangerous dig, several people have been killed trying to excavate the pit, several groups of diggers have gone bankrupt trying to find pirate gold and to explain the construction of the pit and related structures.

[@AndreasJohanns]

At one level, fascinating; at another, frustrating. The presentation had competing interests: from empowering a lost "white queen," to unearthing medieval towers and wine cellars, and all connected to the battle of Hastings and a humble farmer who just recently bought this land--you guys needed three months, not three days!

[@giano427]

Geo Phys confirms that Tony's long locks of hair are not at this dig site.

[@sokyoul]

Why did they close the trench back up if they already uncovered ruins in the 60s?

[@truthteller50]

So why build the castle tower and then pile up dirt around the bottom third? What’s the point?

[@dinahjackson8146]

FAROUT !!! 😀

[@blackdog.6398]

That’s what I was looking for yes ,,,” I love the old stone buildings with the thick walls we have that here the old Farm Houses had 2-3feet thick windows this you could sit in the window Cills and they do make a nice nook where you could curl up with a book ,,, and the door 🚪 ways are shorter than a regular one ,, people back then must have Been littler or shorter like under 5’9”,,,,I would bump my head a lot most are 100 to 200. Year old farm 🏠,,, like dreary farms the stone masons where awesome then ,, I wanted to wright or publish a book on the old Churches ⛪️ here in my deices are witch happens to be in a fore state area where there happens to be a lot of little one with a big Oak tree growing up through it and the dirt is thought to be sacred with healing factors in it .wow ,, but then again I could be wrong ,,,, I don’t know what I’m talking about ...! Thank you 🙏 Blessings. Missions and one room Churches

[@debboralarson6509]

the white queens the ultimate

[@user-bu9rs8so6l]

Nanananananananananananana

[@cabbking]

I hope the current and future owners are not going to fill in all those excavations. How is this information going to be preserved?

[@rbzvncnt]

It is going to be preserved by filling it in again... there is a reason wherefore you have to dig to find remains, the soil cover is the best preservation against erosion by wind, rain, pollution etc. That is also why they document even the smallest finds so exactly, so that future excavators can square the old findings with their own as if they were still in place.

[@EXCIT3D]

Whether the Whit Queen or other historical figures - we can bring them all to life. Like Anne of Cleves, who can be placed on the floor in front of you and made to speak with our augmented reality app. Or you can see her as an animated 3D model in the video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJ6mqYJ_nLKkpNk

[@RealLifeWorthLiving]

This took place in the early Spring due to the blooms of Narcisis and Jonquils.