IS KING HENRY V'S MASSIVE MEDIEVAL SHIPYARD BURIED UNDER THIS FIELD? | TIME TEAM | CHRONICLE

Cinemavixion Review

This Chronicle documentary from Time Team ventures into the muddy fields of Smallhythe, seeking the ghost of a 15th-century royal shipyard. The narrative compellingly contrasts the modern, unassuming landscape with its vibrant past as a significant naval hub, once frequented by Henry V himself. Experts Ian Friel and Damian Goodburn lend their considerable knowledge, with Friel contextualizing the site's historical importance and Goodburn demonstrating traditional shipbuilding techniques. The use of geophysics by John Gater and Sue Ovenden to trace the lost riverbed adds a layer of scientific rigor, promising to uncover the true scale of the medieval enterprise. While the initial finds may seem sparse, the episode effectively builds anticipation for the revelations hidden beneath the soil, offering a fascinating glimpse into England's maritime history.