One of Britain’s best-known journalists and broadcasters Peter Snow takes us back to August 1814 when the US President and his wife fled the White House moments before it was entered by the victorious British army. The invaders were able to tuck into the President’s dinner before setting fire to the palace.

Snow recounts the fortunes of both sides in this war, explaining how the conflict led to the writing of the Star Spangled Banner, the far-reaching consequences for both sides, and how Britain and America decided never to fight each other again. It is also a tale of the colourful personalities at the heart of battle, including the fiery British Admiral Cockburn and the beleaguered American President James Madison and his courageous wife Dolley.

Snow was ITN’s diplomatic and defence correspondent between 1966 and 1979, presented BBC’s Newsnight between 1980 and 1997, and is a regular part of election night coverage. He has also covered military matters for more than 40 years.

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