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M1: The Modernist Marvel

Poet John Hegley reflects on the M1, Britain's first motorway in 1959, and still its transport backbone. From November 2009.

Poet and musician John Hegley shares his reflections on Britain's first major motorway which opened in 1959, with a poetic meditation.

With his mandolin in tow, John slows down, turns off and seeks out the overlooked sights and sounds of the M1 - the 200-mile stretch of road that's the transport backbone of Britain.

John learns why there is no Junction 3, discovers how a scientific formula for loo breaks determined how far apart service stations should be built, and admires the road for the glimpse on the modern world it offers us.

Producer: Simon Jacobs

First broadcast on ±«Óãtv Radio 4 in November 2009.

30 minutes

Last on

Tue 23 Jul 2019 01:30
±«Óãtv Radio 4 Extra

Broadcasts

  • Wed 4 Nov 2009 11:00
    ±«Óãtv Radio 4
  • Fri 1 Apr 2016 06:30
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  • Fri 1 Apr 2016 13:30
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  • Fri 1 Apr 2016 20:30
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  • Sat 2 Apr 2016 01:30
    ±«Óãtv Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 22 Jul 2019 06:30
    ±«Óãtv Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 22 Jul 2019 13:30
    ±«Óãtv Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 22 Jul 2019 20:30
    ±«Óãtv Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 23 Jul 2019 01:30
    ±«Óãtv Radio 4 Extra