Tony Robinson explores the grim realities of the 17th century, a period defined by the tumultuous events of the English Civil War, the Great Plague, and the Great Fire of London. Through a series of hands-on experiments, he uncovers the dangerous and often repulsive nature of the era's most essential, yet overlooked, professions. From the hazardous work of the saltpeter man, who processed urine to create gunpowder, to the perilous tasks of the plague searchers and the demanding role of the sedan chair bearer, the series offers a visceral look at the harsh conditions and societal pressures that shaped the lives of ordinary people during this transformative time in British history.