Historical videos  produced by Cromwell production, Historical videos from Napoleon and the English Civil War to to the great Kings of England and Scottish history.

The Great Adventurers : Robert Falcon Scott - Scott of the Antarctic, The Race for the Pole.

The choices made by Robert Falcon Scott before and during his race across Antarctica are as much debated today as they were in that fateful year of 1912. The prize was the South Pole and the admiration of a nation. The story which unfolded was to propel Scott into the annals of history as a hero-adventurer…but it was also to claim his life. Featuring reconstructions, expert analysis, archive photography and comment from Sir Ranulph Fiennes, this DVD is an enthralling look at a man who was to become known simply as Scott Of The Antarctic. Narrated by Graham McTavish.

The Great Adventurers : Christopher Columbus and the New World.

Christopher Columbus would become known to history as the man who discovered the New World, and the story of how he accomplished his momentous feat is a tale of disappointment, exploitation, gold-fever and courage. Aboard the Santa Maria searching west in an attempt to circumnavigate the globe, Columbus would discover a remarkable series of islands, but would also leave a legacy which is still seen today. Expert analysis, extensive period imagery and dramatised re-enactments tell the story of one of the greatest discoveries in history. Narrated by Roy Cane.

The Great Adventurers : Sir Francis Drake - The Scourge of the Spanish.

A large thorn in the Spanish side, Sir Francis Drake proved an illusive foe in the latter half of the 16th Century. As empires and kingdoms expanded so the race for the dominance of sea lanes became an essential goal as gold, jewels and other goods required safe passage. Betrayed by the Spanish at an early age, Drake would never again trust the word of a Spaniard, and made it his lifes mission to cause havoc, plunder and seek revenge, culminating is the destruction of the 1588 Armada. Including footage shot onboard a seagoing replica of the Golden Hind, this DVD maps the life of Drake from his first journey as a master and commander, to his famous victory over the Spanish in 1588.

The Great Adventurers : Sir Walter Raleigh - One of Englands Finest Explorers.

Like his contemporary Sir Francis Drake, Raleigh held a contempt and loathing for the Spanish that he possessed from an early age. Unlike Drake however, Raleigh found himself deeply embroiled in court and royal politics that would ultimately restrict his ability for travel, exploration and adventure. A believer in the legend of El Dorado, Raleigh repeatedly travelled to South America in a bid for colonisation for his queen, trade routes for his country, and untold riches and fame for himself. Dramatised eye-witness accounts, reconstructions and period imagery help to convey the tale of one of Englands greatest heroes. Narrated by Michael Leighton.

The Great Adventurers : Dr David Livingstone and Stanley - Journey to the Heart of Africa.

Inseparably linked by history, Livingstone and Stanley could not have been more different. Livingstone was a devoutly religious man who dedicated his life to missionary work and ending slavery. Stanley was a colourful character to say the least, with a chequered past and a driving ambition to travel. Both would be remembered as much for their famous greeting, as they would for their groundbreaking journeys through the very heart of Africa. Extensive re-enactments and dramatised readings tell the story of these remarkable men and the golden age of the explorer. Narrated by Michael Leighton.

The Great Adventurers : Ernest Shackleton - To the End of the Earth.

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. Narrated by Michael Leighton.

Lost Treasures of the Ancient World - The Dark Ages.

Buried treasures, strange structures, mysterious buildings.. what clues do these offer us as we strive to learn more about this bleak period in English history?  Using state-of-the-art computer generated graphics and animation, discover the secrets of the famous Offas Dyke; the hidden treasures of the Sutton Hoo burial site; the technology behind the Viking longships; and the beauty of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.

Lost Treasures of the Ancient World - The Celts.

Long-buried treasures and newly discovered monuments have shed a new light on Celtic society.  Classical writers condemned what they saw as a barbarian Celtic society - a lifestyle built around dark religious rituals, bloody sacrifices, feasting and savage fighting.  However, as revealed in this informative and entertaining DVD, there also existed a rich and sophisticated element to Celtic culture.

Lost Treasures of the Ancient World - Ancient India.

The story of India is one of fabulous dynasties of kings, timeless belief systems and golden ages of culture.  This fascinating programme journeys through the centuries to demonstrate how glories such as the Taj Mahal and the Ajanta Caves reflect the character of a unique people.

Lost Treasures of the Ancient World - Ancient China.

Man has constructed many remarkable monuments but only one that can be seen clearly from outer space; the Great Wall of China.  It remains the most soaring architectural achievement of the Chinese people but is by no means the only one.  The Terracotta Army, Beijings Forbidden City and the simple pagoda are all examined here and explained clearly, using expert views and impressive computer animation.

Lost Treasures of the Ancient World - Samurai Japan.

Japanese history had been shrouded in mystery from mythical beginnings until it embraced modernism in the late 19th century.  A nation of traditions and customs, this DVD examines some of ancient Japans architecture, the famous samurai code of Bushido, the Tea Ceremony and also gives an in-depth background to the eminent Japanese dynasties.  A people who were once identified for their fearsome warriors but are now perhaps better known for balance, order and calm.

Lost Treasures of the Ancient World - Empires of the Americas.

Following the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus in 1492, news of a new world filled with riches beyond any mans dreams rapidly intoxicated the imagination of explorers from far and wide.  The arrival of conquistadors such as Cortez and Pizarro would eventually spell the end of two great ancient civilisations, the Aztecs and the Incas.  

Untamed Earth : Ferocious Floods.

Witness the fury of nature unleashed with this visually stunning DVD from the Untamed Earth series. Featuring on-the-scene footage from some of the worlds worst natural disasters and powerful testimony from actual survivors Ferocious Floods takes you inside this lethal phenomenon like never before. Youll see the devastating effects of flash floods, and experience the inspiring tales of the survivors and their heroic rescuers. Youll learn the latest techniques used by scientists and everyday people in their battle against natural catastrophes from Texas to China.

Untamed Earth : Avalanche.

Against a montage of cascading snow hurtling down from jagged mountains tops, we are reminded that avalanches are among the most lethal weapons in natures arsenal. Avalanches of glowing red lava and hot ash erupt from volcanoes, swirling with noxious fumes that poison the atmosphere. Avalanches of rock rush like water, destroying everything in their path. With the use of stunning footage and harrowing personal tales, this DVD reveals the mechanisms by which these forces of nature wreak havoc.

Untamed Earth : Wild Winds.

Few natural sights compare to the awesome display of power seen when a tornado touches down and causes mayhem through a field or town. With the force to toss cars like childrens toys and relocate a house in minutes, hurricanes and tornadoes produce the fastest winds on earth. This DVD explains how these freaks of weather are formed and what scientists know about them. Extensive footage from storm chasers, interviews with eyewitnesses and home-video make compelling viewing as winds up to 300mph tear across the screen.

The Third Crusade

From the Line of Fire Series

Run time 48mins.  Order code 667.  Price £13.99.

The Crusades - The Holy Wars

For nearly two centuries, knights from England and western Europe marched to battle with the Saracen armies occupying the Holy Land.

Run time 55mins. Order code HW018. Price £13.99.

Boudicca of the Iceni

Her name has passed into legend, her deeds have become part of national folk lore. How did Queen Boudicca, of the Iceni tribe, unite the warring Celtic people to face the common foe - the mighty legions of the Roman Empire? And how did they so nearly succeed in defeating the soldiers of the most fearsome war machine on earth?

Run time 55mins. Order code MBH002. Price £13.99.

The Franco Prussian War

A new era marked by huge advances in infantry and artillery weaponry.  The ineptitude of the French commanders contrasted sharply with the brilliance of the Prussians.

Run time 55mins.  Order code HW023. Price £13.99.

Hoplite Warfare

The long drawn out struggle between Athens and Sparta is covered in detail by a combination of atmospheric reconstructions, illustrated maps and leading specialists in the field.

Run time 55mins. Order code HW026H. Price £13.99.

Hannibal at War

The centuries long struggle between Rome and Carthage for control of the Mediterranean.  The rise of Hannibal and his invasion of Italy is included as are the long naval stages of the war.

Run time 55mins. Order code HW027.  Price £13.99.

The struggle between the Republicans and the Nationalists in the 1930's became an international cause celebre.

Run time 55mins.  Order code HW046.  Price £13.99.

The Greek and Persian Wars

The long and bitter wars fought between the Greek states and Persia, featuring the dramatic story of the brave Spartans who stood against the Persians at the pass of Thermopylae.

Run time 55mins.  Order code HW038.  Price £13.99.

The Gallic Wars

The story of the campaigns of 58 to 52 BC in which Julius Caesar and his Legions conquered Gaul.

Run time 55mins.  Order code HW049.  Price £13.99.

Women at War - Spies and Angels

The ultimately tragic spy, Mata Hari, was the archetypal "femme fatale", and the nun-like Florence Nightingale, the selfless field nurse.  In Spies and Angels we look at both of these iconic women, in addition to such formidable pioneers as medic Mabel Stobart and nurse Edith Cavell, famously executed during the Second World War for espionage.  As technology began to change the world around us, so women's roles adapted in both medicine and counter-intelligence.

DVD available.  Order Code DVD1085.  Price £13.99

Women at War - Aspects of War

Kate Adie looks at how women have been used as propaganda tools in war and examines their broader contribution to the cultural images of armed conflict through painting, poetry, photography and writing.  What images do women add to the chronicles of war? What do they go through to bring us their words and pictures?

DVD available.  Order Code DVD1087.  Price £13.99

Women at War - Workers Unite

Since the horrors of tribal assault and massacre, women have carved out an important wartime role, often having to fight their own male establishment as well as the enemy to do so.  More recently they have led protests against war.  How successful have women been in destroying the "no job for a woman" labels and how successful have they been in holding on to these roles when the guns fall silent?

DVD available.  Order Code DVD1086.  Price £13.99

Women at War - On the Battlefield

"On the Battlefield" tells the story of those women who have experienced battle at first hand.  Occasionally forced to masquerade as men, they fought in the conflicts which have shaped our world, from the American and English Civil wars, the Napoleonic battles and the two World Wars to Korea, Vietnam and the Middle East.  Whether a celebrated historical figure, such as Boudicca, or one of the many unsung fighters on the front line, each of their sacrifices made them worthy heroines.

DVD available.  Order Code DVD1084.  Price £13.99

Troy - Myth or Reality?

How much is truth, how much myth, in the strange world, reminiscent of Middle earth, which Homer created in the Iliad?  What really happened more than three thousand years ago during the Trojan Wars?  Did the beguilingly beautiful Helen of Troy actually live?  Can she really have fallen in love with Paris, the son of the King of Troy, supposedly the most handsome man of his time?  Could the people of Troy possibly have fallen for the trick of the great wooden horse?  The story of the siege of Troy is an irresistible combination of myth and legend.  but how much of this extraordinary story is spliced with fact?  It is time to ask the question - what really happened... was Troy myth or reality?

DVD available.  Order Code CDVD1081.  Price £13.99

Conquest of Everest 

Revisited 1953 - 2003

What drove men who risked and lost their lives to conquer the world's highest mountain for Britain?  Fifty years on, Penny Mallory, whose ancestor, George Leigh Mallory lost his life, tells the story of this extraordinary adventure, undertaken with primitive equipment in often terrifying weather conditions against an unstable, brooding and often lethal adversary - Mount Everest.  Did Mallory in fact reach the summit 29 years before Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay?  Mallory's frozen body was found in 1999.  Using authentic footage of the ascent we revisit this unique adventure fifty years on, alongside the men who pitted their wits and lives for the privilege of being the first to say that they had stood on the roof of the world.  Which of us could have climbed, persevered and ultimately stood beside them beneath the Union Jack on that glorious sun drenched May morning in 1953?

DVD available.  Order Code PDVD1122.  Price £13.99

Attack on the Scharnhorst by Ivan Berryman (AP)

A Walk in the Country by Spencer Coleman.

HMS Anson at Sydney Harbour, July 1945 by Ivan Berryman. (PC)