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
The BBC Radiophonic Workshop introduced generations of audiences to the possibilities of electronic sound and music and opened on April 1, 1958. Read more about the workshop here.
Women of the Workshop
Dr. David Butler, Senior Lecturer in Drama and Screen Studies, examines the work of the women who shaped the pioneering sound of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop.
80 years on
Letter from America marks its 80th birthday this month. Dive into the written archives of the series with Glenda Cooper and Howard Tumber of City St. George's, University of London. Image: Alistair Cooke, presenter of Letter From America.
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.
Objects of the BBC
Physical objects used to create a plethora of creative soundtracks were the raw materials of the Radiophonic Workshop for many years. Objects of the BBC has more.
Faces of the BBC
A very different radio personality from Alistair Cooke, but with an equally loyal following, was Annie Nightingale. The Radio 1 legend is just one of our Faces of the BBC.
Buildings of the BBC
In collaboration with the Google Cultural Institute and the Royal Institue of British Architects, these are the iconic BBC buildings that have made their mark on history.
BBC Exhibitions
Look out for events and exhibitions showcasing BBC entertainment, science, and war programming, international broadcasting, and vintage radio and TV equipment. Image: Dad's Army Museum, Thetford.
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.
