Miners' Strike 1984: The Battle for Britain

"If you are old enough to remember the strike, this was a painful but riveting reminder. If not, this is a first-rate education." ***** Five stars, The Times

"Tom Barrow directs this gripping three-part series exploring the lasting psychological and socio-political impact of the horrifically divisive miners' strike...The programme does a fine job of conveying that, for the strikers, their whole lives and identities were at stake." Guardian

"Bracingly good series." Radio Times

"This powerful new series of standalone stories recalls a defining year in British history through archive footage and first-hand accounts of those who were there." The Daily Mail

"Compulsive viewing for anyone who wants to understand why we are where we are politically and socially in this country today." Primal Scream

The 1984/85 Miners’ Strike opened a great wound in the soul of the nation. It divided communities, transformed the way we are policed and re-shaped the country with consequences that are still being dealt with today.

Packed with raw, emotional testimony and explosive archive, this landmark series of three powerful, stand-alone stories looks at the events of the strike through the eyes of those directly involved on the front line, on all sides.

The series has tracked down a wide range of people who were filmed during that tumultuous year – both striking miners and those who continued to work, as well as their families, and many are telling their stories for the first time.

In many ways, the series argues, the strike was a seminal event in modern British history: a fork in the road which has defined the lives of workers in Britain ever since.

“The Miners’ Strike is one of the seminal events in British history - the stories of those involved still feel raw and powerful in an extraordinary way. The dividing lines drawn in British society across class, politics and culture are still so resonant. I feel honoured to be working with Swan Films and a brilliant team to bring this important recent history to life.” Shaminder Nahal, Head of Specialist Factual, Channel 4

“The miners’ strike was a turning point in the recent story of this country. To understand where we are today it’s necessary to explore not just what happened to those involved, but what it felt like. We’re delighted to be working with Channel 4, and an incredibly talented team, on this important documentary series.” Joe Evans, Managing Director, Swan Films

Series Filmed and Directed by Tom Barrow

Producer/Director for episode 2: Christian Collerton

Series Producer: Zora Kuettner

Executive Producers: Neil Crombie and Joe Evans

Film Editors: Chris Nicholls and Sean Mackenzie

Archive Producer: Miriam Walsh

Senior Assistant Producer: Imogen Serwotka

Head of Production: Caroline Turner

Production Manager: Olivia Edwards

Junior Production Manager: Amy Brackenridge

Composer: Andrew Phillips

Additional Music: Daniel Sonabend