Lucy Worsley Investigates

Lucy Worsley investigates the tensions and turning points that led to America’s declaration of independence from Britain in 1776. With access to expert insights and original evidence, Lucy asks whether this explosive split could have been avoided.

Episode 2 uncovers how the war reverberated in Britain itself. At Portsmouth Royal Dockyard, Lucy investigates James Aitken’s shocking arson plot to cripple the Royal Navy. She traces Franklin’s secret mission to Paris to secure French support, while British spy Edward Bancroft fed intelligence back to London. Lucy explores Britain’s growing fears as France - and later Spain - joined the conflict and how Irish Volunteers forced Britain to lift trade restrictions between Ireland and America. Back in London, riots erupted and George III agonized over the possibility of losing the empire. By 1781, Britain’s campaign collapsed at Yorktown and two years later, Britain formally recognized American independence. Concluding her investigation at Grosvenor Square, the site of America’s first embassy in London, Lucy reflects on a revolution that created an independent America and reshaped Britain forever.

How did the Jack the Ripper case shape the way true crime is covered today? Lucy Worsley investigates how these shocking killings created a world of entertainment based on murder.

On November 5th 1605, a group of conspirators planned to blow up parliament. Lucy Worsley investigates the Gunpowder Plot, asking what drove them to this radical act of extremism.

Was winning the Battle of Hastings in 1066 all it took for William to become King? Lucy Worsley investigates the aftermath to reveal how he really conquered England.

Does 'Bloody Mary', England’s first crowned queen, deserve her reputation? Lucy Worsley investigates, asking whether Mary should be remembered as a pioneer or a tyrant.

What started Britain’s century of bloody witch hunts? Lucy Worsley uncovers the story of one supposed witch whose case lit the fuse for the state-sanctioned killing of thousands.

How did the Black Death change Britain? Lucy Worsley examines the latest science and explores how the huge death toll affected religious beliefs, class structure, work and women.

What really happened to the Princes in the Tower? Lucy Worsley uncovers the story of the two boys whose disappearance in 1483 has led to centuries of mystery and speculation.

How did George’s mental illness change Britain? Lucy Worsley uncovers Royal papers and explores how the attempt on his life by a mentally ill subject changed psychiatry forever.