Secrets of Great British Castles (Channel 5, 8pm)

FOR history buffs, Lancaster Castle, often known as John O'Gaunt's Castle, is one of the most fascinating buildings in the country.

Its beginnings date back to Roman times when, from its commanding position on the hill overlooking the town and the River Lune, it stood as a bastion against the marauding forces of the ancient Picts and Scots tribes. Owned by The Duchy of Lancaster (Her Majesty the Queen is the Duke of Lancaster), the castle has witnessed scenes of significant historical, cultural and political impact throughout the centuries.

These include incidents of religious persecution, the trials of the "Lancashire Witches" and 200 executions for everything from murder to stealing livestock. In 1612, ten people convicted of witchcraft went to the gallows on the moors above the town, and between 1584 and 1646, 15 Catholics were executed for their faith.

Until 2011 Lancaster Castle was a fully functioning HM Prison and is still a working Crown Court. Today it is seen as a magnificent "living" monument, offering a glimpse into England's often dark past through tours and special events enjoyed by modern day visitors of all ages.

Dan Jones continues his intriguing exploration of the country's castles tonight with a look at the dark history of Lancaster Castle – and soon discovers it is one of the oldest and most fear-inspiring ever built.

The castle walls house many relics from its days as a prison. Heavy iron chains, "lunatic chairs", branding irons, musty windowless cells and ancient graffiti are just some of the reminders of the terrible treatment meted out to prisoners.

During his trip, Dan tries out a few of these, including a scold's bridle, a humiliating form of public torture once used to silence gossips, shrews and witches. A spike placed inside the mouth would lacerate the tongue of any wearer who attempted to speak.

The historian is also told the story of Jesuit priest Edmund Arrowsmith, whose severed hand is on display in a nearby church, and hears about the healing miracles are said to occur at its touch.

Finally, Dan meets Wendy Robinson, a retired prosecutor from Australia whose ancestors were sentenced to death at Lancaster Crown Court in 1817 for stealing sheep.

Countrywise (ITV, 8pm)

BEN Fogle and Liz Bonin present the series which sets out to inspire people to explore the beautiful British countryside – with its hidden gems, natural wonders and great escapes. Across the series Ben and Liz will be our guides to the great outdoors, along with some well-known faces who will share their love of their countryside.

The series also meets the people who call the countryside home – like mum of nine, bestselling author and shepherdess Amanda Owen, as she welcomes yet another new arrival down on her Yorkshire Dales farm.

In this week’s episode, Liz Bonnin enjoys one of Britain’s National Trails as she walks part of the Thames Path through Oxfordshire – meeting some of the people and animals who call the banks of this great river home. Ben Fogle is in Whitby on the Yorkshire coast to follow one of the nation's favourite dishes – fish and chips – from sea to

fork. And at Ravenseat Farm in the Yorkshire Dales, the family of shepherdess Amanda Owen celebrate husband Clive’s birthday.

Walliams & Friend (BBC1, 9.30pm)

SEEMINGLY estranged professionally speaking from Little Britain and Come Fly with Me sidekick Matt Lucas for the time being, David Walliams continues to partner with up alternative comic talent. Here, he and latest friend Harry Enfield appear as John Torode and a rather fussy Gregg Wallace in a MasterChef parody. They also portray a pair of ageing lotharios and take a look back at some of Harry's comedy characters that never saw the light of day – until a certain Mr Walliams got his hands on them. With Morgana Robinson, Mike Wozniak and Jason Lewis.

Viv Hardwick