麻豆社

Armed with his early 20th century Bradshaw鈥檚 Guide, Michael Portillo embarks on a new journey through Britain鈥檚 industrial heartland in the footsteps of King George V. Starting at what was then the gateway to Lancashire - Warrington - Michael discovers this was no ordinary royal tour. He learns how it began with huge excitement among townsfolk, whose mayor Dr George Joseph received the royal party in the parlour of Warrington鈥檚 magnificent town hall.

Following the royal route, Michael heads to Huyton to the seat of the Stanley family, Knowsley Hall, where he finds King George V and Queen Mary were accommodated and entertained in grand style by the 17th Earl of Derby. His great-grandson, the 19th earl, takes Michael behind the scenes.

Travelling on to Leyland, Michael visits the Hutton and Howick Women鈥檚 Institute, the first to be created in Lancashire, to learn about its suffragette origins and founder Edith Rigby. Michael helps to make some pink fabric flowers, then joins the chorus for women鈥檚 suffrage.
Michael arrives in Preston at one of his favourite railway stations and heads for Preston North End鈥檚 Deepdale football stadium, where he discovers the origins of one of Britain鈥檚 earliest and most successful women鈥檚 football teams, the Dick Kerr Ladies.