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.
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.
New Year Anniversaries
From the first episode of The Archers, to the first national breakfast television service in the UK, there's a lot to celebrate in January 2026!
V-For-Victory!
85 years ago this month the BBC Belgian Service began a decisive on-air campaign which went on to become one of the defining symbols of resistance during the Second World War - the V-For-Victory campaign. Read more about this decisive moment here.
Bring in the New Millennium
In 2000 the BBC broadcast 28 hours of live global celebrations as people said farewell to the 1990s and embraced a new era. BBC History charts a marathon broadcast.
Objects of the BBC
The Archers began its national run on the BBC Home Service in January 1951 and here is the very first script! Read more about this and other Objects of the BBC here.
Faces of the BBC
During the Second World War, the BBC continued to provide not only coverage of major developments, but innovated with programme ideas that could lift the mood of the nation. In January 1942 Roy Plomley took to the air for the very first Desert Island Discs. Faces of the BBC has more.
BBC Timeline - our first 100 years
Our online BBC timeline brings together a selection of the BBC's best-known programmes and an overview of some of the many milestones that shaped its first 100 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: Showtown, Blackpool Museum Trust.
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.
