Rich Lives, Poor Lives

Documentary

An immersive history series in which Ruth Goodman and Rob Rinder explore Britain's defining historical events through the contrasting experiences of the rich and the poor. Blending expert insight, authentic locations and compelling real-life stories, the series reveals how wealth, class and resilience shaped everyday life across Britain's most dramatic moments in history.

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Episodes & Seasons

Browse episodes by season for this series.

Series 1

3 Episodes

This series, presenters Rob Rinder and Ruth Goodman delve into pivotal moments such as the Great Plague, the Great Fire of London, and the Blitz, uncovering how individuals from different social backgrounds experienced and responded to these crises.

EP 01

01.The Great Plague with Rob Rinder & Ruth Goodman

1h 7m

2025-07-10

01.The Great Plague with Rob Rinder & Ruth Goodman

1h 7m

Aired 2025-07-10

The duo explore the devastating impact of 1665's Great Plague on London's rich and poor.

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EP 02

02.The Great Fire of London with Rob Rinder & Ruth Goodman

1h 7m

2025-07-17

02.The Great Fire of London with Rob Rinder & Ruth Goodman

1h 7m

Aired 2025-07-17

Over three quarters of London was destroyed by the fire. But did it have the same impact on the rich and the poor? Rob and Ruth step into their shoes to discover the truth.

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EP 03

03.The Blitz with Rob Rinder & Ruth Goodman

1h 8m

2025-07-24

03.The Blitz with Rob Rinder & Ruth Goodman

1h 8m

Aired 2025-07-24

Rob and Ruth head back to wartime London to uncover how the Blitz was experienced by the rich and the poor. As the bombs rained down did your place in society keep you safe?

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