1. Number Stations and Crosswords

As a mathematician, Dr Hannah Fry specialises in understanding patterns of human behaviour.

Nowhere does the human factor smash headlong into the reality of numbers than in the secretive world of code-breaking.

In the first of three programmes, Hannah is delving into the BBC archives to present a fascinating selection of features all about codes, secrets and ciphers.

Plus insights galore from Hannah’s two experts who’ve got numbers and words covered: Maths teacher Bobby Seagull - author of ‘The Life-changing Magic of Numbers’ and Richard Rogan - editor of The Times Cryptic Crossword.

Featuring:

* THE LINCOLNSHIRE POACHER
Simon Fanshave delves into the creepy world of cold war number stations. [BBC Radio 4 2005]

* DAVID BADDIEL TRIES TO UNDERSTAND… Cryptic Crosswords [BBC Radio 4 2015]

Have a pen and paper handy, because Hannah's got a code for you to try and crack...

Producer: Kevin Core

Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in February 2020.