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Local Heroes

Documentary
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1996
5 Seasons
42 Episodes
EN
Ended

About

Local Heroes is an award-winning science and history television programme in the United Kingdom, presented by Adam Hart-Davis. Made by Screenhouse Productions and directed by Paul Bader, it was first aired on the ITV regional network Yorkshire Television in 1991. In the show, Adam Hart-Davis, dressed in the pink and yellow cycling clothes that would became the show's trademark, rode around the YTV region on a matching pink and yellow bicycle, stopping in a particular area to tell the stories of scientists that lived or were born there. These stories were embellished by experiments, performed on the street by Hart-Davis, generally using bits of wood and junk from a trailer on his bike.

Cast

Episodes

Season 1

E1

South West

Jan 2, 1996

Tonight, he travels to Bristol and the south west of England where he pays tribute to the woman who invented a bed with built-in exerciser and a breakfast maker. He also discovers how lead shot was first produced, tries laughing gas in memory of Humphry Davy and, in Gloucestershire, wields the knife Edward Jenner used to perform the first smallpox vaccination.

E2

South

Jan 9, 1996

Tonight, Adam's journey takes him south, and in Chard, Somerset he recreates the world's first powered flight - which was made 50 years before the Wright brothers by John Stringfellow, an engineer in the lace trade. He also investigates the "perpetual mouse trap", which was a great success for its inventor Colin Pullinger, from Selsey in Sussex.

E3

Scotland

Jan 16, 1996

Tonight, Adam's journey takes him to Scotland, and includes the story of Neville Maskelyne, the man who weighed all the planets of the solar system from a bothy on a Perthshire mountain. Plus, John Napier, inventor of the calculator, the explanation of why ice takes so long to melt in whisky, and David Brewster, the croquet player who invented the kaleidoscope.

E4

Midlands

Jan 23, 1996

Tonight's stories of pioneering scientists and inventors come from the Midlands. Host Adam Hart-Davis investigates the Lunar Society of Birmingham, known as "lunaticks". Its members included James Watt and William Murdock, responsible for a copying machine, revolutionising the steam engine, and gas lighting. Plus the stories behind the gas turbine, the first British car and holography.

E5

Northern Ireland

Jan 30, 1996

Tonight's stories of pioneering scientists and inventors come from Northern Ireland. Host Adam Hart-Davis discovers that the pneumatic tyre, invented by Belfast vet John Boyd Dunlop, began life as a remedy for his son's sore bottom. He also finds out how the name Harry Ferguson became synonymous with the development of the tractor. Taking his bike underwater, Hart-Davis goes in search of the origins of the submarine and wet suit. And, in Armagh, he learns how a child poet and astronomer rocketed to fame.

E6

North West

Feb 6, 1996

The last in the series about pioneering scientists and inventors comes from the north west of England. Host Adam Hart-Davis discovers the connection between botany and Wordsworth the poet when he learns about his friend, John Gough, a local botanist who identified many rare plants despite being blind. A bicycle pump and a disgusting jelly help unearth the history of Lake Windermere. Adam climbs to the snowy summit of Helvellyn to try to reproduce John Dalton's weather forecasts. Finally, in Manchester, he learns about Joseph Whitworth, whose move to standardise the nuts and bolts of the engineering industry has endured to the present day.

Where does Local Heroes rank today?

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Watch Local Heroes Online Free — All Episodes in HD

If you've been searching for Local Heroes all episodes in HD, Bowood.TV has you covered. This talked-about English documentary title from 1996 is available to stream instantly — no ads to fight through, no paid subscriptions, no annoying redirects.

About Local Heroes

Local Heroes is an award-winning science and history television programme in the United Kingdom, presented by Adam Hart-Davis. Made by Screenhouse Productions and directed by Paul Bader, it was first aired on the ITV regional network Yorkshire Television in 1991. In the show, Adam Hart-Davis, dressed in the pink and yellow cycling clothes that would became the show's trademark, rode around the YTV region on a matching pink and yellow bicycle, stopping in a particular area to tell the stories of scientists that lived or were born there. These stories were embellished by experiments, performed on the street by Hart-Davis, generally using bits of wood and junk from a trailer on his bike. Across 5 seasons and 42 episodes.

Local Heroes Cast and Characters

The cast features Adam Hart-Davis (as Presenter). Their performances are a major reason Local Heroes has built such a passionate audience.

Where to Watch Local Heroes Online

Want to watch Local Heroes online without paying? Bowood.TV is the easiest way. Click play and the series starts in seconds. No popups, no "5 day trial that auto-charges" — just the show.

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Why People Are Watching Local Heroes

Local Heroes flies under the radar but it deserves your attention. What makes it work is a tone and style that's hard to find elsewhere. If you enjoy English storytelling that doesn't follow the same tired beats, this is the kind of show you'll end up recommending to friends.

Frequently Asked Questions about Local Heroes

Where can I watch Local Heroes online for free?

You can watch Local Heroes online free on Bowood.TV. Just open the page and hit play — no signup, no subscription, full HD streaming on phone, tablet, or desktop.

How many episodes does Local Heroes have?

Local Heroes has 42 episodes across 5 seasons. All episodes are available to stream right here on Bowood.TV.

Is Local Heroes good? What's the rating?

Local Heroes holds a 0.0/10 rating based on 0 reviews — a niche pick worth checking out.

Who is in the cast of Local Heroes?

The main cast includes Adam Hart-Davis.

Is Local Heroes available in English?

Yes — Local Heroes was originally produced in English and that's the version you'll stream here on Bowood.TV.

When was Local Heroes released?

Local Heroes first aired in 1996.

Do I need an account to watch Local Heroes on Bowood.TV?

No. Bowood.TV is free and you can watch Local Heroes without creating an account. Sign-up is optional — only useful if you want a personal Watchlist or to comment on episodes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I watch Local Heroes for free?

You can watch Local Heroes online for free on Bowood.TV. All 42 episodes across 5 seasons are available to stream in HD without a subscription, signup, or paywall. Just open the show page and press play.

How many seasons and episodes does Local Heroes have?

Local Heroes currently has 5 seasons and a total of 42 episodes. The series status is "Ended", so the episode count may grow as new seasons are released. You can browse the full episode list on Bowood.TV and continue watching from where you left off.

What is Local Heroes about?

Local Heroes is an award-winning science and history television programme in the United Kingdom, presented by Adam Hart-Davis. Made by Screenhouse Productions and directed by Paul Bader, it was first aired on the ITV regional network Yorkshire Television in 1991. In the show, Adam Hart-Davis, dressed in the pink an… It belongs to the Documentary genre.

In which language is Local Heroes originally available?

Local Heroes was originally produced in English. On Bowood.TV the show is available in its original English audio, which is the most authentic way to experience the dialogue, music, and performances. Check the player options on the watch page for available subtitle tracks.

When was Local Heroes first released?

Local Heroes first premiered on January 2, 1996 (1996). The series has since concluded its run.

All Seasons

Browse every season of Local Heroes5 seasons in total

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