Villages by the Sea Catch up, Walberswick on BBC 2

Villages by the Sea

Walberswick

Archaeologist Ben Robinson discovers the surprising story of this former medieval port on the Suffolk coast.\n\nCoastal villages are often seen as remote places for retreat and relaxation. However, they have often been on the front line of history - from the arrival of Christianity to battles with neighbours and nature, from slave trading to the birth of modern tourism.\n\nToday, Walberswick is a favourite coastal retreat for writers, artists and day trippers. But for centuries, the village lurched from prosperity to poverty. In medieval times, it fought a bitter battle for supremacy against the neighbouring port of Dunwich and finally fell victim to politics, fire and the might of the sea.

Source: BBC 2

Most recent episodes of Villages by the Sea

Villages By The Sea

Series 3: Craster

Archaeologist Ben Robinson visits a small village in Northumberland to find out how the family and village who both share the name Craster have had their lives and fortunes inte ...

08-11-2026

BBC 2

All episodes

Villages By The Sea

Series 2: 1. Alnmouth

Archaeologist Ben Robinson visits Alnmouth on England’s north east coast and discovers the village’s historical role in feeding the nation.

06-10-2026

BBC 2

All episodes

Villages By The Sea

Series 2: 2. Arnside

Archaeologist Ben Robinson discovers how traditional boat building shaped the beautifully preserved village of Arnside on the banks of the River Kent in Cumbria.

01-10-2026

BBC 2

All episodes

Villages By The Sea

Series 2: 4. Charlestown

Archaeologist Ben Robinson visits the picturesque Georgian village of Charlestown on the south west coast of Cornwall and learns how it was\nshaped by the vision of one man.

24-09-2026

BBC 2

All episodes

Villages By The Sea

Series 4: 10. Johnshaven

Ben Robinson travels to Johnshaven, a once-important Scottish fishing village. When its skilled sailors were press-ganged into the Royal Navy in the late 18th century, it had to ...

10-09-2026

BBC 2

All episodes

Villages By The Sea

Series 4: 9. Greyabbey

Ben Robinson unearths the ancient past of Greyabbey, a small village on Northern Ireland’s beautiful Strangford Lough. The village name comes from Grey Abbey, its Cisterci ...

09-09-2026

BBC 2

All episodes

Villages By The Sea

Series 4: 8. Porthgain

Ben Robinson unearths the unique past of Porthgain, a small Pembrokeshire village built for its industry, first as a slate quarry, then exporting brickwork and finally producing ...

03-09-2026

BBC 2

All episodes

Villages By The Sea

Series 4: 7. Seaton Sluice

Ben Robinson travels to Seaton Sluice in Northumberland, home to the notorious Delaval family. These wealthy bottle makers were some of the greatest players on the Georgian part ...

02-09-2026

BBC 2

All episodes

Villages By The Sea

Series 4: 6. Beer

Ben Robinson heads to Beer, Devon, home to beer stone, which has been quarried since Roman times and used in many of the nation's cathedrals and landmark buildings, including We ...

27-08-2026

BBC 2

All episodes

Villages By The Sea

Series 4: 5. Solva

Ben Robinson discovers the impressive lime kilns in Solva, Wales. This picturesque 19th-century port is famous for producing quicklime, a vital ingredient in both agriculture an ...

26-08-2026

BBC 2

All episodes