Digging for Britain

In the series Ice and Stone, archaeologist Alice Roberts delves into the lives of our Stone Age forebears, examining the evidence that shapes our understanding of early humanity. She then journeys to Jersey to join a research team aiming to illuminate new aspects of Neanderthal existence.

Ice and Stone is a programme presented as a single episode, centred on the work of a well‑known presenter who investigates humanity’s deep past. The title hints at the frozen world and the hard material that shaped early peoples, and the episode follows a clear, focused structure that keeps the viewer’s attention on the investigative journey. In this installment, the presenter, Alice Roberts, deepens her knowledge of our Stone Age forebears. She sets off for the island of Jersey, where she joins a group of researchers who are hoping to bring fresh insight to the story of the Neanderthals. The trip is framed around her desire to understand how these ancient relatives lived, and the team she meets is actively seeking evidence that could reshape current thinking about them. The Jersey visit forms the core of the episode, with Roberts engaging directly with the specialists on site. Their collaboration aims to uncover new information that might illuminate aspects of Neanderthal life that have remained obscure. By the end of the programme, viewers are left with a clearer picture of how the combined efforts of Roberts and the Jersey team contribute to a more nuanced view of our prehistoric ancestors.