Classic Time Team

Tony Robinson and the Time Team try to discover what remains of Matthew Boulton's Soho Manufactory, an important factory and home to the world's first steam-powered mint. The Soho Mint contained eight powerful machines, each capable of striking 70-84 coins per minute. It was the pinnacle of the Industrial Revolution at the time, and the uniform specifications made counterfeiting more difficult.

Several intriguing stone sculptures have been discovered in the graveyard of a 19th century parish church. No less than 30 of these large, intricately carved gravestones in two distinct styles, and they date back to the dark ages. Who was buried here? What type of society was responsible for the grave sites? What was the significance of these completely unique headstones?

The intrepid archaeological treasure hunters, led by Tony Robinson, head for Malton in North Yorkshire, where a swathe of nettle-infested jungle conceals 2,000 years of English history, including a Roman fort. Barry Scott, a bladesmith, makes a sword using traditional techniques, and the Conquest Society demonstrates hand-to-hand combat with authentic armor and chainmail.

The Time Team looks for a Roman villa that was first partially discovered 90 years earlier. Part of the site, a former army barracks, is covered in concrete, which at least protects what is underneath. As they don't know exactly where the villa is, it will slow down the dig considerably. Eventually, they find the bare outline of a substantial building, complete with central heating.