History of the BBC
Explore the history of the BBC since its foundation in 1922 to the present day
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
Where does real power lie in UK government? Ministers? Civil servants? That tension was made clear to comic effect in Yes Minister, which made an immediate impact on audiences on this day in February 1980.
The BBC LGBT+ legacy
For LGBT+ History Month, explore our BBC timeline and find out how gay characters have been portrayed over the decades in BBC drama. Image: Myra Frances as Harvey and Alison Steadman as Jackie, exploring their relationship in James Robson's BBC TV drama "Girl", February 1974.
Jesus of Nazareth
The BBC marks a milestone in television history this month - the first time Jesus Christ was depicted in a drama for television. The 8-part series, Jesus of Nazareth was screened 70 years ago on what was then the BBC’s only television channel. BBC correspondent Paul Hayes takes a closer look.
The Archers at 75
Radio 4's contemporary drama in a rural setting has come of age! To mark 75 years of The Archers this month, Felicity Finch (Ruth Archer) reveals some of the lesser-known aspects of the series for the BBC Oral History Collection. Image: Felicity Finch as Ruth with baby Pip, 1993.
Objects of the BBC
Kenny Everett's giant foam hands are part of the BBC's collection of objects and being so large they take up a lot of space! They were used to hilarious effect in many of Kenny Everett's series.
Faces of the BBC
Less grit and more glamour than Arkwright and Granville - these are the Two Ronnies in our Faces of the BBC collection. Ronnie Barker took on numerous comedy roles during his career.
Building of the week
This is BBC Queen's House, London. At one time this was a hub of BBC activity, making radio programmes for English language learners all over the world. Read more about this and other BBC buildings here.
BBC Exhibitions
Look out for events and exhibitions showcasing BBC entertainment, science, and war programming, international broadcasting, and vintage radio and TV equipment. Image: The Radio Museum, Watchet, Somerset.
Links
BBC Archive
Hand-picked and popular selections from the BBC archives.
BBC Archive - Youtube channel
Hop aboard an audiovisual time machine, that will transport you back to the golden age of TV.
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.
