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Coffee

A goat herder in 9th century Ethiopia finds a stimulating plant.

• 32 mins

Gardening

In medieval England, gardening brings an inquisitive monk closer to God.

• 32 mins

Cats

The world’s first cat lady is found living in Victorian London.

• 30 mins

Beer

Prohibition in America leads to the production of potentially deadly drinks…

• 33 mins

Beds

A bed proves fatal for three men in medieval France…

• 32 mins

The Medicine Cabinet

A radical apothecary causes a stir during the English Civil War...

• 31 mins

Carpets

A young girl’s innovation turns a small Georgia town into the carpet capital of the world.

• 31 mins

Hats

Napoleon Bonaparte causes a stir, by rotating his bicorne 90 degrees…

• 31 mins

Board Games

On the Isle of Lewis, a lost cow unearths the most famous chess pieces in history

• 31 mins

Ovens

In Mughal India, an emperor just can’t do without his favourite tandoori meals…

• 31 mins

Lawnmowers

Landscape gardening leads to the downfall of a powerful politician in 17th century France.

• 28 mins

Jewellery

In the Middle Ages, poison rings are used to covertly contaminate food and drink.

• 30 mins

Toilets

Pigs form an unlikely part of the sewage system in ancient China.

• 30 mins

Home Security

A gaggle of geese stands guard outside a whisky distillery in Scotland.

• 31 mins

Windows

A tax on windows leads to some interesting architectural solutions.

• 29 mins

Dinner Parties

At a feast in Norway, drunk Vikings engage in a rap battle.

• 30 mins

Pests

In Victorian London, a rat catcher turns his profession into street entertainment.

• 33 mins

Clocks

The most elaborate clock the world has ever seen is constructed in 11th-century China.

• 28 mins

Home Entertainment

On a windswept island in the Bristol Channel, radio is born…

• 30 mins

Heating

A king in dire financial straits institutes a controversial tax on fireplaces.

• 30 mins

Bread

Ryebread causes a devastating disease in medieval Germany.

• 31 mins

Neighbours

Villagers across Europe turn on each other with dangerous accusations of witchcraft.

• 32 mins

Bins

A whole city is built from waste in Neolithic Turkey.

• 29 mins

Laundry

The Ancient Romans use questionable substances to clean their clothes.

• 28 mins

Sheds

A boy scout assembles parts for the nuclear reactor he’s building in his mother’s shed.

• 27 mins