Explore more than 100 years of the BBC’s history – click on our interactive timeline or investigate a topical anniversary, unpack the story of fascinating objects from our varied collections, or go in-depth via one of our long-form articles.
And tell us your memories of what the BBC means to you.
-
Anniversaries
Saturday morning television was a must for a generation of children, beginning with Swap Shop on October 2, 1976. Also on this day, this time in 1993, Live and Kicking was first seen - a similar mix of items for young people updated for the 1990s. -
100 years of the BBC Singers
Mendelssohn's Elijah was the first work to be performed by the BBC Singers in the Autumn of 1924. 100 years on, the singers celebrate with centenary concerts and appearances across the UK. -
Little Citizens
Emeritus Professor David Hendy explores the story of the pioneering television practitioners who wanted to make programmes that would help children become active citizens. -
Objects of the BBC
A badge that celebrates what parents did to encourage children during the Covid 19 pandemic, created for the hit children’s television series Hey Duggee - today's Object of the BBC. -
Faces of the BBC
The cat that swallowed a fish from a goldfish bowl - just one of the many charming drawings in giant felt-tip pen created by Tony Hart. Our Faces of the BBC page has more. -
Crimewatch at 40
In the Autumn of 1984 a new concept in crime-busting television was seen for the first time. Then called "Crimewatch UK" no one knew if anyone would even call the programme. BBC History marks its 40th birthday. -
Call the Midwife - calling all fans!
Costume wearing, baking vintage recipes, whatever you do as a fan of Call the Midwife we want to showcase what you do. Click to find out more. -
Share your Memories
Tell us your recollections of past BBC programmes. How have these shows or series informed or entertained you or a relative over the years? -
BBC Exhibitions
Look out for events and exhibitions showcasing BBC entertainment, science, and war programming, international broadcasting, and vintage radio and TV equipment. Image: Image: ffotoNant. -
Plaques
The BBC Heritage Trail brings together newly commissioned blue plaques and existing plaque schemes to celebrate the buildings used for broadcasting over the decades. Also featured are plaques installed as part of David Olusoga’s landmark series Black and British - A Forgotten History, and the BBC Music Day plaques created for BBC Local Radio.
Links
-
BBC Archive
Hand-picked and popular selections from the BBC archives. -
The Researchers
Features by academics from across the world looking at a wide range of BBC related subjects. -
BBC Programme Index
Explore the BBC’s historical listings information from 1922 to the present day. -
Connected Histories of the BBC
A University of Sussex-AHRC research project -
British Entertainment History Project
The UK's largest oral history collection of interviews with professionals from across the film, television, radio and theatre industries. -
BBC Memory Bank
Giving longstanding and retired staff the opportunity to write their part of the unofficial history of the BBC. -
BBC iPlayer from the Archive
The destination to discover the most distinctive content from the BBC's rich archive. -
Archive on Four
Brilliant stories told using archive from the BBC and beyond.
