The Archers pilot - original cast
May 29th, 1950 - BBC Midlands Home Service broadcasts a new pilot programme, The Archers of Ambridge.
The producer Godfrey Baseley had previously worked mainly on agricultural programmes. He hoped that farmers would listen for the stories, but along the way pick up messages that would help them feed a Britain still subject to food rationing.
The cast are Daniel Archer (Harry Oakes), Doris Archer (Nan Mariott Watson), Philip Archer (Norman Painting), Christine Archer (Pamela Mant), Jack Archer (Denis Folwell), Peggy Archer (June Spencer) and Walter Gabriel (Robert Mawdesley).
Harry Oakes as Dan Archer
Thanks to David Lloyd, who paid tribute to The Archers on Twitter.
Find out more and listen to an Archers medley.
You can also hear a clip from the Archers in 1955 on the BBC's iWonder Guide to the History of the BBC
