Preserving Our Past

Combining unseen footage with highlights from his programmes over the years, this series looks at the many sides of Fred Dibnah - engineer, steeplejack, artist, craftsman, steam enthusiast and inventor - and celebrates his contribution to our knowledge and appreciation of Britain's architectural, industrial and engineering heritage. Fred is often associated with the iconic footage of the demolition of Britain's old industrial chimneys, but in truth this was the job he liked the least. What he really liked was restoring engines and chimneys, and one of his greatest triumphs was his steam traction engine, lovingly restored over 27 years and two marriages. Fred also had a great appreciation for the scores of volunteers and workers up and down the country who dedicate their lives to preserving our past.