Michael Leighton

For many Ernest Shackleton is the epitome of a courageous, resolute and determined adventurer, showing tenacity in the harshest of conditions. Like many explorers, Shackleton was drawn to the barren wastelands of the Antarctic, and to the honours, fame and fortune that would come from being the first person to reach the South Pole. The legacy he left would not be that of great discovery, but of survival, leadership and a journey of incredible human spirit. Rare photographs, dramatised re-enactments and expert commentary tell the story of a unique man, whose legend would inspire many an adventurer.

The Story of Brandy station, the largest cavalry battle ever fought on American soil. Gettysburg was the turning point of the American Civil War and is, perhaps, the most famous battle of that bloody and bitter conflict. However, only weeks before, the cavalry forces of North and South, had met in what would prove to be the largest cavalry engagement of the war, the Battle of Brandy Station. This is the dramatic story of that crucial battle, a fight which would dispel the myth of the "invincible" Confederate cavalry forever...This video features a magnificent reconstruction of the Battle of Brandy Station specially filmed in Virginia, the largest cavalry re-enactment ever staged in America. Also featuring superb dramatised "eye-witness" accounts, computer generated 3D mapping techniques plus delightful period imagery and photographs, this programme provides an unforgettable record of a vital day in the American Civil War.

In eleventh century Scotland, three witches foretell that Macbeth will become King, while Banquo will beget Kings. Macbeth accordingly has King Duncan slain, and is duly crowned in his place. But that's where his problems really begin...

Using dramatized re-creations, period imagery and expert commentary, this riveting documentary chronicles the story of Michel de Nostredame -- aka Nostradamus -- and his enduring prophecies.

The September of 1513 saw King James IV invade England with the largest and most confident army Scotland has yet seen. But within a few short days, nearly 10,000 of these proud warriors would be laying dead on Flodden Field. Among the hacked corpses would be the body of King James himself. This is the story of the most catastrophic military defeat in Scotland's history. For a turquoise ring and a foolish promise, James IV had risked, and lost, everything. This video includes dramatic and authentic battle re-enactments and the very latest in computer graphics to help tell this chapter in the bloody story of the conflicts between England and Scotland.

The reign of Richard the Lionheart was one of the most eventful and colourful in England's long history. The third son of Henry II, Richard I devoted his life to defending both his faith and his lands in France - only five months of his ten year rule were spent in England. An outstanding and courageous solider Richard I lead his army on a holy quest, a savage and bloody page in the annals of time known to history as the Crusades. Featuring extensive authentic reconstructions and dramatised "eye-witness" reports, this is the story of a born solider and a mighty king of England.