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M1: The Modernist Marvel

Poet John Hegley reflects on the M1, Britain's first motorway in 1959, and still its transport backbone. From November 2009.

Poet and musician John Hegley shares his reflections on Britain's first major motorway which opened in 1959, with a poetic meditation.

With his mandolin in tow, John slows down, turns off and seeks out the overlooked sights and sounds of the M1 - the 200-mile stretch of road that's the transport backbone of Britain.

John learns why there is no Junction 3, discovers how a scientific formula for loo breaks determined how far apart service stations should be built, and admires the road for the glimpse on the modern world it offers us.

Producer: Simon Jacobs

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2009.

30 minutes

Last on

Tue 23 Jul 201901:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra

Broadcasts

  • Wed 4 Nov 200911:00
    BBC Radio 4
  • Fri 1 Apr 201606:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 1 Apr 201613:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 1 Apr 201620:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Sat 2 Apr 201601:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 22 Jul 201906:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 22 Jul 201913:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 22 Jul 201920:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 23 Jul 201901:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra