BBC2

A 15 part BBC2 series every weekday evening from 6th - 24th September 2010

In Climbing Great Buildings architectural historian Dr Jonathan Foyle gets closer to Britain's most iconic structures than any other television programme has done before.

It is only by climbing these great structures Dr Foyle can reveal the secrets of our nation's best-loved buildings and tell the story of how our architecture and construction has developed over 1,000 years.

This is no mean feat for Jonathan who has never climbed before. The opening episode tests the limits of his courage by rope-swinging and climbing 140ft to the top of the Durham Cathedral's Western Tower before braving a tightrope 80 feet above the nave floor.

Each episode in this 15 part BBC2 series will reveal a new perspective on an architectural masterpiece.

Dr Jonathan Foyle, already well-known to viewers of Time Team and The One Show, is joined on his vertical adventures by Britain's number one female climber Lucy Creamer, who offers climbing advice and support throughout the series, and 'Fearless' Climbing cameraman, Ian Burton who was principal cameraman throughout the whole series.

Other major structures range from St Paul's Cathedral to contemporary buildings such as the Imperial War Museum North in Manchester. Every structure - bridge, church, palace or castle - will illustrate different breakthrough moments, challenges and firsts in the evolution of construction, providing a unique insight and celebration of why Britain looks the way it does today.

Dr Foyle said:

  • "This is truly an exceptional journey for me and an amazing opportunity for viewers to see some of our finest architectural treasures in a whole new light. It has been a huge but rewarding challenge hanging from the top of some of our most beloved buildings and finding new ways to explore the great history of our nation".