archery-dvd

Apologies for the poor i-phone audio in a windy spot. This was taken back in March, when I was making my latest film for History Hit about the world’s longest surviving Alliance – between England and Portugal. It is an amazing story.This spot – Serra do Pilar in Porto – is where Sir Arthur Wellesley (later the Duke of Wellington) assembled his Anglo-Portuguese army before driving Napoleon’s forces out of Porto. It is one of those historical locations that has a special power and it was wonderful to stand there – having the same view that Wellesley did.The film encompasses a massive span of history. To give context, I begin the story with siege of Lisbon in 1147 (thousands of English knights assisted on the fight against the occupying Moors and in return received grants of land in Portugal, establishing an English community here.However it was during the 100-Years-War that the first formal Alliance was signed (1373). In part because of mutual strategic interests – England was at war with France and Portugal was threatened by its neighbour Castile. France and Castile became allies, triggering the need for Portugal and England to pledge an alliance of mutual aid. The battle of Aljubarrota, discussed in the film, is a surprisingly important and overlooked battle of the 100-Years-War. Anglo-Portuguese versus Franco-Castilian forces. The fate of England hung in the balance of its outcome. Longbows were involved.Napoleon’s armies invaded Portugal three times during the Peninsular War and Britian came to Portugal’s aid. Portugal’s mid-Atlantic islands – the Azores- were of critical importance to Britain during WWII, acting as a refueling, re-supply and repair base for the transatlantic convoys.Underpinning it all has been friendship and trade. Wool, fish, oranges, olive oil, and of course, wine have been staples. The story of port wine is especially interesting, and sparing no sacrifice to bring you good history, I was required to sample various vintage ports at 8 o’clock in the morning in Taylor’s magnificent port lodge on Porto. That afternoon involved more port intake as I explored the wonders of Porto’s famous factory House. It is a film that I think should have interest for everyone, though obviously more so if you are either Portuguese or British. (*note: original treaty was with England. However subsequent treaties were with Britain once that became a unified entity. I change the terms English and British according to the time-period being described.)The Longest Alliance – Portugal: England 650 should be released on the History Hit channel tomorrow, June 1st. Look out for it. It is full of surprises.www.historyhit.com ... See MoreSee Less

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