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
This month, BBC Education celebrates 100 years of education programmes. Our interactive timeline goes back to where it all began and takes a peek into the future. -
Voice of the Monarch
The voice of a UK monarch was first heard on the BBC in April 1924. To mark the moment our interactive timeline recalls the impact of broadcasts by the monarch over the last 100 years. -
Waggoners' Walk episode 1 - April 1969
Did you know that Radio 2 once had its own soap opera? Waggoners' Walk was an urban drama set in north London. Upbeat and optimistic, it reflected young people's lives at the time. Find out more here. -
Objects of the BBC
Drama series such as Waggoners' Walk made effective use of 'spot effects' equipment such as this panel for creating different walking noises. Read more about how radio drama producers never need leave the studio to create realistic settings and atmospheres. -
Faces of the BBC
Radio stars from the 40s to the 80s would have been very familiar with manually created spot effects. Wildfred Pickles was no stranger to the rich technique of radio. Find out more about him on our Faces of the BBC page. -
Marconi at 150
Marconi historian Tim Wander examines the radio pioneer's extraordinary BBC legacy. Described as "the father of the wireless", Guglielmo Marconi was born 150 years ago, in April 1874. -
Share your Memories
Tell us your recollections of favourite programmes and seasons, and let us know what you would like to see more of in the future. -
Timeline
Our timeline brings together a selection of the BBC's best-known programmes and an overview of some of the many milestones that have shaped the corporation 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. -
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.