By the early 18th century the British had become, well, very materialistic, they craved exotic goods, sugar, porcelain, fine cotton, but it was tea that particularly took their fancy.

How this dream became a reality is one of the most fascinating adventures in British history.Cruickshank travels around Britain to introduce the idea and inventions of the Industrial Revolution that created the modern material world.

There were potholes big enough to drown in, highwaymen were a constant threat and the carriages themselves were heavy and lumbering boneshakers that made passengers sick as they juddered along the road.Cruickshank travels around Britain to introduce the idea and inventions of the Industrial Revolution that created the features of modern transportation.

In the mid-18th century Britons had one overriding personal concern, their health, with good reason, average life expectancy was 36 years.

There were trained doctors but without an accurate way to diagnose or cure illness your chances were limited.Cruickshank travels around Britain to introduce the idea and inventions of the Industrial Revolution that created the features of modern medicine.