Episode 2

Nearly 200 years ago, Britain attacked the heartland of the United States. The President and his wife had just enough time to pack their belongings and flee the White House before the British army entered and set fire to the building. From here, the British army turned its sights to Baltimore.

Peter Snow tells the story of this extraordinary confrontation between Britain and the United States, the outcome of which inspired America's national anthem. Using eyewitness accounts, Peter describes the colourful personalities on both sides of this astonishing battle - from Britain's fiery Admiral Cockburn, to the cautious but widely popular army commander Robert Ross and the beleaguered President James Madison whose nation was besieged by a greater military force.

In episode two, the British invaders confront the American militia at Bladensburg, eight miles from the Capitol. The Americans are defeated and scattered. The road to Washington lies undefended.

Read by Jamie Parker

Producer: David Roper
A Heavy Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4.