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Fred Dibnah's World of Steam, Steel and Stone

2006 - 2006

The Industrial Landscape

Episode 1

Fred explores the industrial world of 1940's and 1950's. In this programme he looks back at some of the sites he visited over eight years, plus there is comment from friends, family, experts and academics.

Back Street Mechanic

Episode 2

The late Lancastrian steeplejack Fred Dibnah traces the development of industrialisation in Britain. Dibnah described himself as a backstreet mechanic and believed he was awarded his MBE and honorary doctorates for this reason. His garden was all assembled from scrap and the cast offs from old mills and factories, but it was probably the finest working example of a steam-powered engineering workshop in the country. The mechanical and engineering skills he demonstrated in his garden combined with his ability to explain how things worked opened up the world of engineering history to a wide audience.

The Machines That Changed the World

Episode 3

Fred Dibnah traces the development of industrialisation in Britain. The Industrial Revolution was a time when Britain led the world. It was one of the most important periods in our history, but it has never really had the attention it deserves. Fred's passion and enthusiasm for the machines of the past helped raise public awareness about the way they worked and their importance in history.

Men of Iron

1st August 2006

Episode 4

Fred's heroes were the great engineers of the Victorian age. In this programme, we show Fred's great interest in their work and his belief in the values of hard work and enterprise that drove them on and led us to a greater appreciation of their significance and achievements.

The Victorian Gentleman

8th August 2006

Episode 5

Fred Dibnah was, by his own admission, a man born out of his time. His era should have been the 19th century. It is the age he admired and the time he would have liked to have lived and worked. This shows how Fred's love for the Victorian age led us to a greater appreciation and understanding of the engineering, architectural and decorative skills of the age.

Preserving Our Past

15th August 2006

Episode 6

Fred is often associated with the iconic footage of the demolition of Britain's old industrial chimneys, but in truth this was the job he liked the least. What he really liked was restoring engines and chimneys, and one of his greatest triumphs was his steam traction engine, lovingly restored over 27 years and two marriages.

All Steamed Up

22nd August 2006

Episode 7

From a very young age, Fred had a passion for steam-powered engines and machinery and he spent a large part of his life studying their construction and history.

Riches Beneath the Earth

29th August 2006

Episode 8

Fred's fascination with mining led him not just to dig his own coal mine in his back garden but was also used to make viewers aware of the skills of miners and engineers, and the dangers and hardships faced by miners throughout history.

Changing the Landscape

5th September 2006

Episode 9

Celebrating Dibnah's contribution to our appreciation of Britain's industrial heritage. A look at his fascination with the skills of road and rail engineers.

Great British Builders

12th September 2006

Episode 10

Fred, who served his apprenticeship as a joiner, shows a great appreciation for the skills of the men who built Britain's great castles, palaces and country houses, and offers real insights into the building techniques of the past. In this episode, we see Fred giving a number of demonstrations, including the hilarious falling down arch.

Masters of their Trade

19th September 2006

Episode 11

This edition focuses on his appreciation for the skills of craftsmen and women of the past.

A Good Day's Work

26th September 2006

Episode 12

In this last programme in the series, Fred pays tribute to the hard-grafting workers without whom nothing would have been possible. To illustrate his point, Fred visits Warwick Castle, Workington Steel Works, Kilhope Lead Mining Museum, Ely Cathedral and Culzean Castle.

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Series which looks at the many sides of Fred Dibnah - engineer, steeplejack, artist, craftsman, steam enthusiast and inventor - and celebrates his contribution to our knowledge and appreciation of Britain's architectural, industrial and engineering heritage.

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