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.
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Anniversaries
Some of the best remembered moments in broadcasting are when things go wrong! One such was the Coronation Fleet Review, broadcast on 20 May 1937, read on to find out more. -
Sir John Reith - a life
An on-air gaffe such as that heard in the Coronation Fleet Review, would have quickly come to the attention of John Reith, the BBC's Director-General until 1938. A rarely seen BBC Oral History Collection interview shines a light on this seminal figure. -
Objects of the BBC
Commentating on live sports matches or events such as the Coronation Fleet Review was very difficult before the advent of a specialist microphone. The now-familiar 'lip mic' was devised to solve the problem. -
Faces of the BBC
By the time of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, on 2 June 1953, commentating for radio and television was sounding more polished and professional. Richard Dimbleby was master of the art. -
Voices of the BBC
From life in the BBC as a telephone operator, to the pioneers of colour television and the BBC in the digital age, the BBC Oral History Collection has been recording the world of the corporation since 1972. Start your journey here through our themed collections. -
The road to restoration
Outside broadcast vans such as MCR21 (pictured), covered musical events such as coronations, sport and even drama. Charles Runcie, former Head of Sport, BBC English Regions, explores how this icon of broadcasting has been brought back to life. -
Share your Memories
Tell us your recollections of favourite programmes and seasons, and let us know what you would like to see more of in the future. -
Timeline
Our timeline brings together a selection of the BBC's best-known programmes and an overview of some of the many milestones that have shaped the corporation over the years. -
BBC Exhibitions
Look out for events and exhibitions showcasing BBC entertainment, science, and war programming, international broadcasting, and vintage radio and TV equipment. -
Plaques
The BBC Heritage Trail brings together newly commissioned blue plaques and existing plaque schemes to celebrate the buildings used for broadcasting over the decades. Also featured are plaques installed as part of David Olusoga’s landmark series Black and British - A Forgotten History, and the BBC Music Day plaques created for BBC Local Radio.
Links
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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.
