We use cookies and other technologies to enable you to watch films. Continued use of this site indicates acceptance, as part of our Privacy policy.
Your cookies are disabled - you'll need to enable them to play any film. Find out how in our Privacy policy.
This film is part of Free
Crowds of thousands came to see a stadium-sized theatrical spectacle.
Non-Fiction 1906 25 mins Silent
Unfolding across a whole week, and with 2000 performers, this was a gargantuan spectacle. The Warwick Pageant's ten episodes, as compressed here, saw men, women, and children re-enact significant events in the histories of Britain and the local area. Episode IV tells the tale of Guy of Warwick, the hero who slayed the monstrous Dun Cow - whose massive head we see wheeled in, eyes rolling and breathing smoke.
The early 20th century found Britain in the throes of 'pageant fever' thanks to one man: Louis Napoleon Parker. A similar event organised by Parker for Sherborne the previous year had captured public imagination, and after Warwick, other towns wanted in on the action too. Whether it's the Roman battles or the Elizabethan costumes, this drama is immersive, and the castle grounds offer a suitably mythical backdrop. This field bears the name of the Warwick Pageant to this day.
Drama 1913 54 mins Silent
Johnston Forbes-Roberston gives his famous performance of Hamlet in this ambitious early Shakespeare feature
Travelogue 1925 12 mins Silent Location: Stratford-upon-Avon
A picturesque portrait of Stratford-on-Avon in the 1920s, evocatively photographed by British cinema pioneer Cecil Hepworth.
Non-Fiction 1957 5 mins Silent Location: Hampton Lucy
Shakespeare's Warwickshire - home of the half timbered heritage trail and the place that will be forever linked to its most famous son.
Travelogue 1940 10 mins Silent Location: Stratford-upon-Avon
A tour of Stratford-upon-Avon's houses and hamlets, stomping ground of a young William Shakespeare.
Non-Fiction 1926 1 mins Silent Location: Stratford-upon-Avon
"O for a muse of fire" - or not, as Shakespeare's Memorial Theatre in Stratford is gutted by flames.
Non-Fiction 1915 1 mins Silent Location: Stratford-upon-Avon
Proud locals hold a double celebration in Shakespeare's home town.
Amateur film 1934 7 mins Silent Location: Matlock
Join Sydney Bligh and his fellow delegates as they tour Derbyshire spa towns, visit castles and cathedrals and still have time to see the animals at Whipsnade Zoo
Travelogue 1908 2 mins Silent Location: Warwick
A bygone Warwick with its impressive castle and idyllic River Avon shines in this charming early short.
Travelogue 1910 5 mins Silent Location: Royal Leamington Spa
Elegantly attired men and women while away a sunny afternoon on the banks of the River Avon in this idyllic Edwardian travelogue.
Documentary 1937 34 mins Silent Location: Houses of Parliament
Follow working narrow boats as they make their 60-hour trip from London to Birmingham along Britain's longest industrial waterway.
Travelogue 1947 17 mins Location: Warwick
Tourist promo film extolling the delights of Birmingham and the Midlands, with a sprinkling of arch one-liners.
Amateur film 1967 20 mins Silent Location: Warwick
World renowned landmarks, the country's most famous author and traditional farming culture meet in the centre of England.
Comedy 1919 35 mins Silent
A protective father masquerades as an automatic doll in this bonkers interwar comedy.
1937 11 mins Silent
May Day – a significant day for the labour movement – is covered by the cameras of the Film and Photograph League.
Performance 1986 55 mins
An exploration of the life and work of the controversial British composer.
1935 9 mins
Let it bleed? This exemplary education film gets to the heart of the matter.
Non-Fiction 1935 12 mins Silent
Punchy political film capturing mass protests against unemployment.
1937 15 mins Silent
A spirited satire on the coronation of George VI made by members of the Film and Photograph League.
Do you recognise a place, building or location in this film?
Help us populate the Britain on Film map by spotting and plotting the street or location you know. This is a BFI project and anyone can help.
Go to our Britain on Film crowdsourcing site and contribute to our mapping mission – to identify locations within our archive films.
Add a location
