Around 800 BC, Britain entered the Iron Age. This era saw the gradual introduction of iron working technology, although the general adoption of iron artefacts did not become widespread until after 500-400 BC.

As the Iron Age progressed through the first millennium BC, strong regional groupings emerged, reflected in styles of pottery, metal objects and settlement types. Technological innovation increased and the population of Britain grew substantially, probably exceeding one million. This population growth was partly made possible by the introduction of new crops, including improved varieties of barley and wheat, and increased farming of peas, beans, flax and other crops.

Join bushcraft and survival expert Ray Mears in the third and final episode of our Ancient Britain series, as he explores the relics of Iron Age Britain. On his journey, Ray visits the magnificent forts at Malvern Hills and a recreation of an Iron Age village at Butser Ancient Farm in Chalton.