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A sea battle with the Dutch should mean victory. But Sam thinks that celebrations might be premature. Starring Kris Marshall and Katherine Jakeways.

Sam goes to Greenwich Park to see if he can hear gunfire, now that Britain is at war with the Dutch. Then an injured sailor comes to tell him of the battle, and Sam takes him to tell his story to the King. People want to believe in a British victory - bonfires are lit and fireworks let off. But Sam is concerned that such celebrations are premature. He's soon proved right. Elizabeth's brother, Balty, returns from sea with a tearful tale. Adapted by Hattie Naylor.

Theme music: Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May, words by Robert Herrick and music by William Lawes, sung by Bethany Hughes. Lute, baroque guitar and theorbo played by David Miller. Violin and viol by Annika Gray, and recorders by Alice Baxter.

Historical consultant: Liza Picard
Sound by Catherine Robinson

A BBC/Cymru Wales production, directed by Kate McAll.

15 minutes

Credits

RoleContributor
Samuel PepysKris Marshall
Elizabeth PepysKatherine Jakeways
WillJohn Biddle
Lord BrounckerTim McMullan
King CharlesEwan Bailey
BettySophie Thompson
BaltyMatthew Gravelle
DirectorKate McAll
ProducerKate McAll
WriterHattie Naylor

Broadcasts

  • Thu 9 May 201310:45
  • Thu 9 May 201319:45
  • Thu 25 Sep 201414:30
  • Fri 26 Sep 201400:30

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