Britain Afloat

Mary-ann Ochota travels the waterways of Britain discovering how boats have shaped our lives in this new six-part series.

The archaeologist and anthropologist found her passion for boats at the age of eight when she fell in love with narrow boats. Here she explores how objects and technology shape the way we live and each episode looks at a different design, from the modest coracle – whose shape was adapted to suit individual rivers across Britain – to the imposing Thames sailing barges, which are the subject of the first programme. ■

Today, BBC2, 8pm