Britain's Outlaws

Britain's Outlaws (2015)

EndedDocumentary showHistory

Few figures in British history have captured the popular imagination as much as the outlaw. From gentleman highwaymen, via swashbuckling pirates to elusive urban thieves and rogues, the brazen escapades and the flamboyance of the outlaw made them the antihero of their time - feared by the rich, admired by the poor and celebrated by writers and artists.

In this three-part series, historian Dr. Sam Willis travels the open roads, the high seas and urban alleyways to explore Britain's 17th- and 18th-century underworld of highwaymen, pirates and rogues, bringing the great age of the British outlaw vividly to life.

Sam shows that, far from being 'outsiders', outlaws were very much a product of their time, shaped by powerful national events. In each episode, he focuses not just on a particular type of outlaw, but a particular era - the series as a whole offers a chronological portrait of the changing face of crime in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Sam begins with the arrival of a new breed of gentleman criminal out of the ashes of the English Civil War - the highwayman. Heavily romanticised in literature, these glamorous gangsters became a social menace on the roads and a political thorn in the side of the creaking British state - threatening to steal our wallets and our hearts. But underneath the dashing image of stylish robbers on horseback lay a far darker reality.

Network
Scheduleevery Monday at 21:00 (60 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E03Rogues GalleryDec 7, 2015
S01E02PiratesNov 30, 2015
S01E01Knights of the Road: The Highwayman's StoryNov 23, 2015
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

What was the date of the premiere of Britain's Outlaws?

The premiere of Britain's Outlaws was aired on November 12, 2015.

Who hosted the TV show 'Britain's Outlaws'?

Dominic Sandbrook hosted the TV show 'Britain's Outlaws'.

What is the main focus of the TV show 'Britain's Outlaws'?

The TV show 'Britain's Outlaws' focused on famous outlaws and rebels who have left their mark on British history.

What is the format of a typical episode of 'Britain's Outlaws'?

A typical episode of 'Britain's Outlaws' features stories of different outlaws and rebels, and how their actions impacted British history.

Who were some of the outlaws and rebels covered in 'Britain's Outlaws'?

Some of the outlaws and rebels covered in 'Britain's Outlaws' include Jack Cade, Wat Tyler, Robin Hood, and Boudicca.

How many episodes were there in the first season of 'Britain's Outlaws'?

There were three episodes in the first season of 'Britain's Outlaws'.

In which part of Britain was the first episode of 'Britain's Outlaws' based?

The first episode of 'Britain's Outlaws' was based in the North of England.

Who was Jack Cade and what did he do?

Jack Cade was a rebel who led a rebellion in Kent in 1450, protesting against King Henry VI's rule.

How long did Jack Cade's rebellion last?

Jack Cade's rebellion lasted for about two weeks, from early June to mid-June 1450.

What happened to Jack Cade after his rebellion was defeated?

Jack Cade was eventually caught and executed, along with many of his followers.

Who was Wat Tyler and what did he do?

Wat Tyler was a leader of the Peasants' Revolt in 1381, which was triggered by the imposition of poll taxes.

Cast

View all cast

Characters

View all characters

Also known as

  • Britain's Outlaws: Highwaymen, Pirates and Rogues

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
Elsbeth
Running

Elsbeth

Elsbeth follows Elsbeth Tascioni, an astute but unconventional attorney who utilizes her singular point of view to make unique observations and corner brilliant criminals alongside the NYPD. After leaving her successful legal career in Chicago to tackle a new investigative role in New York City, Elsbeth finds herself jockeying with the toast of the NYPD, Captain C.W. Wagner, a charismatic and revered leader. Working alongside Elsbeth is Officer Kaya Blanke, a stoic and ethical officer who quickly develops an appreciation for Elsbeth's insightful and offbeat ways.

Daredevil: Born Again
Running

Daredevil: Born Again

Matt Murdock finds himself on a collision course with Wilson Fisk when their past identities begin to emerge.

 

Chicago Med
Running

Chicago Med

An emotional thrill ride through the day-to-day chaos of the city's newest state-of-the-art trauma center and into the lives of the courageous doctors, nurses and staff who hold it all together. This is one of those days.

The Rookie
Running

The Rookie

The Rookie is inspired by a true story. John Nolan is the oldest rookie in the LAPD. At an age where most are at the peak of their career, Nolan cast aside his comfortable, small town life and moved to L.A. to pursue his dream of being a cop. Now, surrounded by rookies twenty years his junior, Nolan must navigate the dangerous, humorous and unpredictable world of a "young" cop, determined to make his second shot at life count.

Chicago P.D.
Running

Chicago P.D.

District 21 of the Chicago Police Department is made up of two distinctly different groups. There are the uniformed cops who patrol the beat and go head to head with the city's street crimes. And there's the Intelligence Unit, the team that combats the city's major offenses - organized crime, drug trafficking, high profile murders and beyond. These are their stories.

GenreDrama, Crime