From the mid-1950s through to the late 1970s Sir Lew Grade’s company ITC (Incorporated Television Company) were quite possibly the most dominant force in British television. The earliest series from this new company were predominantly swashbucklers or, more accurately, historical action adventure shows. The Adventures of Robin Hood was the first of these shows, proving to be extremely successful both in the UK and USA.

It was soon followed by other shows of the same ilk. ITV channels in the UK quickly becoming dominated by not only Robin Hood, but other ITC programs including The Adventures of Sir Lancelot, William Tell, The Count of Monte Cristo, The Adventures of the Scarlet Pimpernel, The Buccaneers, Sword of Freedom and the last of ITC’s swashbucklers, Sir Francis Drake.