Severn

JB Gill journeys along a 12-mile stretch of the River Severn in Shropshire to discover the ways civilisations have lived and worshipped along its banks since the dawn of man. Starting in the shadow of the magnificent Ironbridge, he finds out how the family that constructed the bridge and kick-started the Industrial Revolution were guided by their strong Quaker faith, a religion that is still popular in those parts to this day. After a spot of coracling on the water, he stops at the ruins of the magnificent Buildwas Abbey and meets a modern day monk to find out how their penitent lifestyles have changed since the structure was in its prime. After sitting down for a chat and a cast-off with a self-styled ‘fishing vicar', JB visits the fascinating ruins of the Roman city of Wroxeter, before lending a helping hand at a local vineyard. As he heads towards his final destination in Shrewsbury, he stops off to admire the work of one of the UK's only living painters of religious icons, before arriving at the parish church of St Mary's, home of some of the UK's very finest stained glass windows.