Two Men in a Trench Online

My wife and I look forward to our weekly dose of "Two Men In A Trench" on the SBS2 network in Australia. This show traces the old battles of England and Scotland through archaeology and historical research. The men's enthusiasm is high as they pursue nuances and detail that date back 400 to 1300 years.

A very engaging show for history buffs and a great learning experience for those who thought high school history was too dry or boring.

This show looks at the real lives of the combatants and the locals of the hinterlands at the time.

The other part of the show that "gets one in" so to speak is the linking of modern life with the narrative of the past.

I never knew old battlefields were so fascinating. Tony Pollard and Neil Oliver finding all sorts of bits of rusty metal that turn out to be gun barrels, belt buckles and saddle irons have my teenage daughter glued to the screen. We all share their excitement when they find the ubiquitous musket balls. What could be a dry and boring subject (to us girlies, anyway)is transformed by their enthusiasm and the sight of two very educated blokes happily acting out historical battle scenes dressed in army gear through the ages like two boys. If history had been like this when I was at school I might not have fallen asleep quite so often.