A House Through Time

BBC2, 9pm

Now on its fourth series, David Olusoga’s (right) social-history show has proved itself to be a clever and captivating way of delving into Britain’s past by focusing on the microcosmic history of just one home.

For this four-part run the focus is a house built in Headingley, Leeds, in 1849, and Olusoga’s pacy storytelling rattles through the first three sets of occupants, each with their own fascinating story. A young lawyer, William Bruce, who rented it with his wife was a vocal campaigner for the poor and also appealed against the death sentence for several condemned men – allowing Olusoga to reveal their dramatic cases.

Then we learn about the harsh realities of mercantile Victorian society, and the way in which the gods of business smiled fondly on one family who lived in the house – while another found themselves facing financial ruin.