Episodes
| Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Beginnings | 20130429 | Episode 1 (of 5): Beginnings
The River Thames has run softly through Piers Plowright's largely unplanned life. In this five-part series, he visits different points along its course where his life has crossed the great river.
In this first programme he seeks out the river's source in a dry field in Gloucestershire and finds his way, meanderingly, to Lechlade, where he spent family holidays as a child. Along the route, he meets people who spend their lives by the river - and takes the occasional dip.
Produced by Alan Hall.
Piers Plowright begins his series by visiting the source of the River Thames. Piers Plowright visits points along the Thames where his life intersected with the river | |
| 01 | Beginnings | 20130429 | 20140915 (R4) | Episode 1 (of 5): Beginnings
The River Thames has run softly through Piers Plowright's largely unplanned life. In this five-part series, he visits different points along its course where his life has crossed the great river.
In this first programme he seeks out the river's source in a dry field in Gloucestershire and finds his way, meanderingly, to Lechlade, where he spent family holidays as a child. Along the route, he meets people who spend their lives by the river - and takes the occasional dip.
Produced by Alan Hall.
Piers Plowright begins his series by visiting the source of the River Thames. Piers Plowright visits points along the Thames where his life intersected with the river |
| 02 | Learning | 20130430 | Episode 2 (of 5): Learning
The River Thames has run softly through Piers Plowright's largely unplanned life. In this five-part series, he visits different points along its course where his life has crossed the great river.
In today's programme he returns to Oxford where, fifty years ago, he studied history. He swims in his favourite spot at Port Meadow, meets a retired boat builder and talks to Sarah, the lock-keeper at Godstow.
Produced by Alan Hall
Piers Plowright returns to Oxford where, 50 years ago, he studied history. Piers Plowright visits points along the Thames where his life intersected with the river | |
| 02 | Learning | 20130430 | 20140916 (R4) | Episode 2 (of 5): Learning
The River Thames has run softly through Piers Plowright's largely unplanned life. In this five-part series, he visits different points along its course where his life has crossed the great river.
In today's programme he returns to Oxford where, fifty years ago, he studied history. He swims in his favourite spot at Port Meadow, meets a retired boat builder and talks to Sarah, the lock-keeper at Godstow.
Produced by Alan Hall
Piers Plowright returns to Oxford where, 50 years ago, he studied history. Piers Plowright visits points along the Thames where his life intersected with the river |
| 03 | Pilgrimage | 20130501 | Episode 3 (of 5): Pilgrimage
The River Thames has run softly through Piers Plowright's largely unplanned life. In this five-part series, he visits different points along its course where his life has crossed the great river.
In this programme, Piers visits Ewelme, a small village in the scoop of the Chiltern Hills where his sister is buried across the way from Jerome K Jerome.
Produced by Alan Hall
Piers visits Ewelme, a small village in the Chilterns, where his sister is buried. Piers Plowright visits points along the Thames where his life intersected with the river | |
| 03 | Pilgrimage | 20130501 | 20140917 (R4) | Episode 3 (of 5): Pilgrimage
The River Thames has run softly through Piers Plowright's largely unplanned life. In this five-part series, he visits different points along its course where his life has crossed the great river.
In this programme, Piers visits Ewelme, a small village in the scoop of the Chiltern Hills where his sister is buried across the way from Jerome K Jerome.
Produced by Alan Hall
Piers visits Ewelme, a small village in the Chilterns, where his sister is buried. Piers Plowright visits points along the Thames where his life intersected with the river |
| 04 | Words and Flesh | 20130502 | Episode 4 (of 5): Words and Flesh
The River Thames has run softly through Piers Plowright's largely unplanned life. In this five-part series, he visits different points along its course where his life has crossed the great river.
Piers' journey brings him to Cookham and Maidenhead, where he views the river through the work of his favourite artist, the painter Stanley Spencer, and explores the town's racy reputation: 'Are you married or are you from Maidenhead?'
Producer by Alan Hall
In Cookham, Piers views the river through the work of his favourite artist Stanley Spencer Piers Plowright visits points along the Thames where his life intersected with the river | |
| 04 | Words and Flesh | 20130502 | 20140918 (R4) | Episode 4 (of 5): Words and Flesh
The River Thames has run softly through Piers Plowright's largely unplanned life. In this five-part series, he visits different points along its course where his life has crossed the great river.
Piers' journey brings him to Cookham and Maidenhead, where he views the river through the work of his favourite artist, the painter Stanley Spencer, and explores the town's racy reputation: 'Are you married or are you from Maidenhead?'
Producer by Alan Hall
In Cookham, Piers views the river through the work of his favourite artist Stanley Spencer Piers Plowright visits points along the Thames where his life intersected with the river |
| 05 | The Boat Is Waiting | 20130503 | Episode 5 (of 5): The Boat is Waiting
The River Thames has run softly through Piers Plowright's largely unplanned life. In this five-part series, he visits different points along its course where his life has crossed the great river.
Piers' pilgrimage along the river reaches its conclusion in south-west London, where the Thames becomes tidal and where he lived with his young family. He visits Eel Pie Island and meets Walter De La Mare's grandson.
Produced by Alan Hall
Piers's pilgrimage along the river reaches its conclusion in south west London. Piers Plowright visits points along the Thames where his life intersected with the river |