Episode 2

Tristram Hunt tells the story of architectural change in Britain over 60 years, tracing the country's changing idea of itself through three controversial public building projects.

In 1961, London's Euston Station and its famous Arch faced demolition. A landmark building in the history of railway architecture, battle raged over Euston's future. Prime Minister Harold Macmillan was lobbied, banners were unfurled and British Rail architects drew up plans for a new, more modern station.

As he looks back at Euston's troubled reinvention, Tristram dissects the furious debates sparked by the demolition and asks what Euston tells us about the changing value of Britain's past and our enthusiasm for the future.