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
Billed in the Radio Times as "the antidote to panel games", I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue began its decades-long run on this day in 1972. Read more about this hilarious radio comedy show in our anniversaries section.
Importing the best
Bringing the best international drama to British viewers was a tradition that began on the BBC 70 years ago. Writer and broadcaster Paul Hayes explores this fascinating little-known area of broadcasting history. Image: Canadian television drama director Sydney Newman at the BBC.
Entertaining the Nation
Whether you're a fan of the classics or satire, or if stand up is more up your street, throughout the history of the BBC there's been something for everyone, says Jamie Medhurst, Professor of Media and Communication, Aberystwyth University.
80 years on
Letter from America marks its 80th birthday this year. 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.
Objects of the BBC
Del Boy from Only Fools and Horses toured the streets of south London in this clapped out yellow three-wheeler. He used it with hilarious consequences throughout the long-running series. Explore our Objects of the BBC gallery.
Faces of the BBC
From correspondents in the field and presenters in studio to actors on set, our Faces of the BBC gallery is the place for iconic images of BBC people. Image: Steve Coogan.
Buildings of the Week
Queen's House at Lincoln's Inn, London was the home for many years, to the BBC's English By Radio service - the English teaching arm of the BBC World Service. Read more about this BBC building 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.
