History of the BBC
Explore the history of the BBC since its foundation in 1922 to the present day
Explore the BBC’s rich history - uncover the stories behind topical anniversaries, delve into fascinating objects from our diverse collections, or take a deeper look through one of our long‑form articles.
And tell us your memories of what the BBC means to you.
Eurovision at 70
Eurovision is celebrating a milestone moment! 70 years of great songs, hilarious acts and larger than life performances. Join us for a journey through the archives.
The BBC and Europe
Dr. Alban Webb, Lecturer in Media and Cultural Studies, University of Sussex, explores how the BBC re-invented itself in a changing Europe - from the war years and into the 1960s.
Attenborough 100
Sir David Attenborough is 100, and, to mark the occasion, BBC History has opened up the BBC Archives to bring you some extraordinary insights into the life of the legendary natural history broadcaster.
The BBC and the General Strike
When the Trades Union Congress called for a General Strike in the UK 100 years ago, few thought of the BBC as a news organisation. David Hendy, Professor Emeritus, University of Sussex explores why that perception was about to change forever.
Faces of the BBC
This is a youthful Sir David Attenborough as seen in 1960, surrounded by cans of film. Faces of the BBC has more.
Building of the Week - Kingswood Warren
The BBC's R&D staff have been at the forefront of technical advances for Eurovision, HD television, DAB and countless other breakthroughs in the broadcast world. A lot of that pioneering work was undertaken at Kingswood Warren, a Gothic mansion completed in 1837. This is our building of the week.
Share Your Memories
Do you have a favourite David Attenborough or Eurovision moment? Which shows have brought you joy? What would you like to see more or less of? Share your memories here.
BBC Directors-General
Matt Brittin is the 18th Director-General of the BBC. Matt, former President Google EMEA, takes over the role on 18 May 2026. Our gallery explores the life and times of the leaders of the BBC.
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.
