West Country

In Search of Medieval Britain – Season 1

Winchester cathedral was the birthplace of monastical polyphony music, a musical variation of the monotonous 'plainsong' in use 1000 years ago. This variation would lead to the development of a more entertaining type of music which would develop in style in the coming centuries. A visit to Glastonbury Abbey reveals the legend of King Arthur, and debates whether he ever existed. Dr Bovey continues her journey into cider country, including a visit to an ancient cider mill at Honiton, and discovers the extent of the spread leprosy through towns and villages as far west ...