Hidden History of Britain

Built in the East End of London over two centuries ago and closed in 2013, the Royal London Hospital pioneered medical breakthroughs and healthcare for generations of people.

For almost a century, Orford Ness was owned by the MOD, a lens into a bygone era of secrets, spies and superpowers. When it closed in 1993, its buildings were still shrouded in secrecy.

Since it opened 400 years ago, Shepton Mallet prison has seen thousands of prisoners, numerous executions and countless escape attempts. It has been home to gangsters, and during the WWII a safe house for Britain's most precious historic documents.

Imber Village was evacuated in 1943 to be used as a WWII training ground. Despite promises that the residents could return, the village remains in the hands of the military today, and has been used for training against the IRA and the Taliban.

Michael Portillo unlocks the doors to more extraordinary abandoned locations. Michael shines a light on the Cambridge Military Hospital in Aldershot, an abandoned building that changed the face of Britain - literally.

Revealing the hidden history of Britain's emergency services. The officers of the London Road Fire Station stood guard over the people of Manchester for 80 years through war, civil unrest and serial killers.