Witness History

Investigating global developments, issues and affairs.

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History told by the people who were there.

[LISTEN NOW]

History told by the people who were there.

[LISTEN NOW]

History told by the people who were there.

[LISTEN NOW]

History told by the people who were there.

[LISTEN NOW]

On 11 September, 2001, a small Canadian town called Gander became a haven for thousands of airline passengers and crew stranded after the 9/11 terror attacks.

The attacks on the World Trade Center had forced the closure of US airspace leaving many flights unable to land. Within hours, 38 planes with 7,000 passengers, had been diverted to Gander, effectively doubling the town's population. But what happened next showcased the extraordinary kindness and generosity of the Newfoundlanders.

For five days, local residents provided beds, food, medicine and clothing for those stranded during the crisis, and didn't ask for a cent. They even put on music evenings, barbecues and canoe trips to keep their visitors entertained.

Beverley Bass, one of the plane captains, tells Jane Wilkinson about Gander's extraordinary hospitality during one of the most traumatic events in modern history.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina's Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall' speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler's List; and Jacques Derrida, France's ‘rock star' philosopher.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world's oldest languages.

(Photo: Passengers and crew at Gander airfield, 2001. Credit: Town of Gander)

The small Canadian town that helped diverted passengers after the 9/11 terror attacks.

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

On September 11, 2001, a small Canadian town called Gander became a haven for thousands of airline passengers and crew stranded after the 9/11 terror attacks

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In 1969, a white man and an Indian woman were put on trial in South Africa for conspiring to have sex.

Dr Zureena Desai and Professor John Blacking were the most high profile couple to be arrested under the Immorality Act.

Their case made headlines all over the world and made a laughing stock of South Africa's ruling National Party and its racist regime.

Dr Desai tells Vicky Farncombe about the ridiculous lengths police officers went to in order to gather evidence against the couple, including climbing trees and listening at ventilation shafts.

“Young people born after 1994 don't remember what South Africa was like, ? she says. “People died. And people were arrested for fatuous reasons. ?

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Dr Zureena Desai. Credit: Abrie Jantjies)

Dr Zureena Desai was arrested in South Africa for breaking the Immorality Act

Dr Zureena Desai and Professor John Blacking were arrested under South Africa's Immorality Act, which banned sexual relationships between white people and non-white people.

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In 1949, Mildred Gillars – otherwise known as Axis Sally – became the first woman in American history to be convicted of treason.

The former Broadway showgirl broadcast antisemitic Nazi propaganda on German State Radio during World War Two.

Her weekly shows were heard by thousands of American servicemen who gave her the nickname Axis Sally.

After her capture, she denied being a traitor, but a jury in Washington convicted her of treason, and she served 12 years in prison. Jane Wilkinson has been looking through the BBC archives to uncover her story.

(Photo: Mildred Gillars. Credit: Bettmann, Getty Images)

Mildred Gillars became the first woman in American history to be convicted of treason.

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In 1949, Mildred Gillars became the first woman in American history to be convicted of treason. She broadcast anti-semitic Nazi propaganda on German radio during World War Two.

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In November 1975, a summit took place at Rambouillet, France, where the heads of six of the world's most industrialised nations and their finance ministers came together.

The leaders of the US, France, Germany, Britain, Japan and Italy hoped to solve the ongoing economic crisis. The summit marked the birth of an institution now known as the G7. France's former Finance Minister, Jean-Pierre Fourcade, was at the conference. He speaks to Ben Henderson.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina's Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall' speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler's List; and Jacques Derrida, France's ‘rock star' philosopher.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world's oldest languages.

(Photo: The closing session of the summit at Rambouillet Castle. Credit: AFP via Getty images)

In November 1975, leaders of six nations met in France to solve an economic crisis

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In November 1975, the leaders of six industrialised nations met for a summit to solve an economic crisis. It marked the birth of the G7 forum.

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In August 2005, a gang of theives tunnelled their way into a Brazilian bank vault in a heist straight out of the movies.

Three months before, the thieves had set up a landscaping business, Grama Sintetica - or Synthetic Grass, from a house close to the Banco Central in Fortaleza. But it was a plot to disguise their real activity.

Working in shifts, they dug an 80 metre tunnel from the house, under a neighbouring street and into the vault before escaping with more than 160million reais, then the equivalent of $70m.

Antonio Celso Dos Santos, then a federal police chief, was one of the detectives who tracked down the gang. He spoke to Jane Wilkinson about the investigation.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina's Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall' speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler's List; and Jacques Derrida, France's ‘rock star' philosopher.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world's oldest languages.

(Photo: Police and journalists examine the Banco Central tunnel, 2005. Credit: AP Photo/Tuno de Vieira, Diario do Nordeste)

In 2005, theives tunnelled into a Brazilian bank in a heist straight out of the movie

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In 2005, theives tunnelled into a Brazilian bank in a heist straight out of the movies. Working in shifts, they dug an 80m tunnel and escaped with the equivalent of $70m.

In August, 2005, a gang of robbers tunnelled their way into a Brazilian bank vault in a heist straight out of the movies.

Working in shifts, they dug an 80 metre tunnel from the house, under a neighbouring street and into the vault before escaping with more than 160million reais, then the equivalent of $70million.

(Photo: Police and journalists examine the Banco Central tunnel, 2005. Credit: Tuno Viera/AFP via Getty Images)

History told by the people who were there

In 2005, robbers tunnelled into a Brazilian bank in a heist straight out of the movies. Working in shifts, they dug an 80m tunnel and escaped with the equivalent of $70million.

[LISTEN NOW]

On 14 October 1947, American Chuck Yeager became the first pilot to fly faster than the speed of sound.

Despite having two broken ribs, Chuck reached Mach 1.06 – a speed of more than 1,100km per hour.

He flew an orange, single-seated, rocket-powered Bell X-1, 13,000m above the Mojave Desert in California.

Produced and presented by Rachel Naylor, in collaboration with BBC Archives.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina's Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall' speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler's List; and Jacques Derrida, France's ‘rock star' philosopher.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world's oldest languages.

(Photo: Captain Chuck Yeager standing next to the Bell X-1 at Muroc Army Air Force Base, California, in 1947. Credit: Underwood Archives/Getty Images)

In 1947, Chuck Yeager became the first pilot to fly faster than the speed of sound

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

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On 1 July 2015, a much-loved lion was killed in Zimbabwe by an American trophy hunter.

Black-maned Cecil was one of the star attractions at Hwange National Park. He was baited outside the park and shot with a bow.

American dentist Walter Palmer, who reportedly paid a local guide $50,000 to shoot Cecil, was widely condemned. He said he didn't know Cecil was a known local favourite and had relied on the expertise of a local professional guide to carry out a legal hunt.

He was cleared of any wrongdoing but the killing became international news and sparked a global debate about trophy hunting and its role in conservation.

Prof Andrew Loveridge, who had been tracking Cecil for the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, tells Vicky Farncombe about the moment he was told the lion had died.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Cecil the lion. Credit: Brent Stapelkamp)

On 1 July 2015, Cecil, a popular lion, was shot in Zimbabwe by an American trophy hunter

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

On 1 July 2015, Cecil, a much-loved lion, was shot in Zimbabwe by an American trophy hunter. It sparked a global debate about trophy hunting and its role in conservation.

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On 17 June 2015, white supremacist Dylann Roof attended a bible group at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, in the United States. As it was ending, the 21-year-old started shooting and killed nine people.

Polly Sheppard was one of the survivors. She called 911 whilst hiding from Roof. The shootings at the historic African-American church shocked a nation already too used to gun violence. President Barack Obama delivered the eulogy at one of the victim's funerals and spontaneously started singing Amazing Grace. Ten years on since that day, Polly now 80, tells her harrowing story to Uma Doraiswamy.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: A memorial outside the Emanuel AME Church. Credit: Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)

Polly Sheppard, a survivor of the 2015 Charleston shooting, describes how it unfolded

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

Polly Sheppard, a survivor of the Charleston church shooting in 2015, horrifically describes how 21-year-old white supremacist Dylann Roof killed nine people during a bible group.

Polly Sheppard, a survivor of the Charleston church shooting, describes how it unfolded.

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On 7 January 2015, 12 people were shot dead at the offices of a satirical magazine in Paris, the capital of France.

The two gunmen had targeted Charlie Hebdo because it had published cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed.

Rachel Naylor speaks to Riss, a cartoonist who was shot in the shoulder.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: A mural of some of the victims of the attack, near the former office of Charlie Hebdo. Credit: Bertrand GUAY / AFP)

On 7 January 2015, 12 people were shot dead at a satirical magazine in France

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

On 7 January 2015, 12 people were shot dead by two gunmen at the offices of a satirical magazine in Paris, France.

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It began when a group of street performers in Quebec bought a big top tent and went on tour.

Lucy Burns speaks to Cirque du Soleil co-founder Gilles Ste-Croix, who walked 56 miles on stilts to raise money for the show.

First broadcast on the BBC World Service in 2019.

Stories of our times told by the people who were there. Presented by Lucy Burns.

The story of the ground-breaking circus that began in Quebec and went on to be seen by 200 million. With Lucy Burns. From 2019.

In 1986, a world record attempt was launched by the city of Cleveland, in the US.

One and a half million balloons were blown up by volunteers ready to be released into the sky, with thousands of people watching.

It was meant to be a dazzling publicity stunt, but due to strong winds and a cold front, the balloons didn't float away as expected.

Colm Flynn speaks to Tom Holowatch, who was the project manager of BalloonFest '86, about how this became one of the most memorable days in the history of Cleveland, for all the right, and wrong reasons.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina's Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall' speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler's List; and Jacques Derrida, France's ‘rock star' philosopher.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world's oldest languages.

(Photo: BalloonFest. Credit: Getty Images)

In 1986, one and a half million balloons were released as part of a world record attempt

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In 1986, during a world record attempt and publicity stunt, one and a half million balloons were released as a storm rolled over the city.

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In 1978, former first lady of the United States, Betty Ford, announced that she had an addiction to alcohol and prescription medication, and would be seeking treatment.

Wife of the 38th US president Gerald Ford, her openness and honesty about her addictions was remarkable for its time and was headline news.

But it was her daughter, Susan Ford, who had organised the family intervention to confront her mother about her addiction, prompting her to seek help.

Susan Ford Bales remembers the moment she knocked on her mother's door early in the morning with the rest of her family and begged her to get help.

Betty Ford would go on to establish the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, California to help others struggling with addiction.

Susan Ford tells her and her mother's story to Colm Flynn.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

[LISTEN NOW]

In Canada's 1993 election, the governing Progressive Conservative Party was routed, ending up with just two seats.

In the 1980s, the party won the largest majority in Canadian history. But by 1993, it was in crisis and the new Prime Minister, Kim Campbell, called an election. But she didn't bank on the emergence of a new populist party called Reform, which stormed Canada's traditionally two-party system, claiming 52 seats. The Progressive Conservatives never recovered.

Ben Henderson speaks to the former Prime Minister, Kim Campbell, and Preston Manning, founder and former leader of Reform.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Preston Manning. Credit: Peter Power/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

In Canada's 1993 election, the governing party was routed, ending up with just two seats

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In Canada's 1993 election, the governing Progressive Conservative Party was routed, ending up with just two seats, whilst a new populist party called Reform claimed 52 seats.

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Air raids and blackouts during World War Two helped Anthony Pratt invent one of the most popular family board games: Cluedo.

But the musician's real inspiration came from his job in the 1930s, playing piano at murder mystery parties in English country houses and hotels.

Once war broke out, Anthony killed time at home in Birmingham by developing rules for his new 'whodunnit' game. While he created the colourful characters and weapons, his wife Elva drew up the board, based on the rooms of a Tudor mansion.

The first version was launched in 1949, and since then more than 150 million copies have been sold around the world, including in the US where it's known as Clue.

Anthony and Elva's daughter Marcia Lewis tells Jane Wilkinson about how her parent's idea became a global hit.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina's Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall' speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler's List; and Jacques Derrida, France's ‘rock star' philosopher.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world's oldest languages.

(Photo: Cluedo box, 1949. Credit: Family photo)

Blackouts during World War II helped Anthony Pratt invent the popular family board game.

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

Blackouts during WWII helped Anthony Pratt invent the popular board game, but his real inspiration came from playing piano at murder mystery parties in England's country houses.

[LISTEN NOW]

In 1993, a new combat sport was born. Its founders called it the Ultimate Fighting Championship – UFC.

It pitted all forms of mixed martial arts against each other with little to no rules and all contained in an octagon-shaped cage.

The first contest between a Samoan sumo wrestler and a Dutch kickboxer resulted in several teeth flying through the air.

It didn't take long for the sensation to attract some big critics including the late US senator John McCain. He wanted it banned and labelled it a 'human cockfight'.

One of the men responsible for cooking up this new concept was TV producer Campbell McLaren.

He tells Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty how he used controversy to market the violent spectacle.

This programme contains descriptions of violence.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

[LISTEN NOW]

Little did he know that his aircraft would be the final one to land there, it would be destroyed within hours, and the airport remains frozen in time to this day.  

Fifty years later, Captain Adamos Marneros tells Amelia Parker about that fear-filled final flight, on a pivotal day in 1974, and the airport, which he revisited a few years ago.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Captain Adamos Marneros outside the derelict Nicosia Airport in 2017. Credit: Leon Dimitrios)

In July 1974, Captain Adamos Marneros landed the last flight at Nicosia Airport in Cyprus

On 20 July 1974, Captain Adamos Marneros landed passenger flight CY317 into Nicosia Airport in Cyprus amidst the threat of an imminent Turkish invasion.

(Photo: Captain Adamos Marneros outside the derelict Nicosia Airport in 2012. Credit: Andros Efstathios)

In July 1985, music legends Mick Jagger and David Bowie were asked to perform a duet with a twist at Live Aid, the biggest concert in pop history.

Utilising the latest satellite technology, Mick would perform on the US stage in Philadelphia, while David would perform on the UK stage at Wembley Stadium.

As the technical issues were being discussed, it soon became obvious that a half-second delay in the link between cities would prevent the live performance from happening, so a recording was planned instead.

A short list of songs was discussed before the duo finally settled on the Motown classic Dancing in the Street.

Live Aid press officer Bernard Doherty tells Des Shaw how the duet and video were recorded in just 18 hours and became a highlight of the benefit concert on 13 July 1985. A Zinc Media production.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

[LISTEN NOW]

In 1954, the BBC broadcast a new TV programme in Britain.

It was called Zoo Quest and it launched the career of a man who has since brought the natural world into millions of homes around the world, the broadcaster Sir David Attenborough.

Louise Hidalgo has been listening back through the BBC archives to Sir David telling the story of the first natural history expedition for Zoo Quest, to Sierra Leone in West Africa.

First broadcast on the BBC World Service in April 2021.

The story of David Attenborough's first expedition.

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

An expedition to Sierra Leone in 1954 launched Sir David Attenborough's career. His story is told via BBC archives. From 2021.

[LISTEN NOW]

Every New Year's Eve, millions of Germans turn on their TVs to rewatch an old favourite – the comedy Dinner for One.

The black and white sketch is in English and features a British cast but is virtually unknown in the United Kingdom.

The two-hander starts with butler James laying a table for five people for dinner.

Then Miss Sophie arrives. It's her 90th birthday and she wants to celebrate with four friends: Sir Toby, Admiral von Schneider, Mr Pomeroy, and Mr Winterbottom.

The only problem is they're all dead so James must impersonate the guests – and drink on their behalf – with hilarious results.

The late German entertainer Peter Frankenfeld first saw the show in the theatre during a trip to Blackpool.

He wanted to record it in Germany but Freddie Frinton, who played the butler and owned the copyright to the show, initially refused to take part because of his experiences during World War Two.

Peter's son Thomas Frankenfeld tells Vicky Farncombe how his father's own war story, involving snipers and a Nazi surgeon, persuaded Freddie to change his mind.

The programme is now shown on TV every New Year's Eve in places including Germany, Scandinavia and Switzerland.

“We watch it every year, ? says Thomas. “It's really funny. Still after all this time. ?

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

In 2015, Banksy turned a derelict swimming pool in Weston-super-Mare, England, into a dystopian theme park which drew huge crowds and Hollywood stars.

Working under cover of darkness, the street artist created Dismaland - a 'bemusement park' offering a satirical twist on mainstream resorts.

The temporary exhibition featured a fire-ravaged castle, a riot police van sinking into a lake, and Cinderella's upturned pumpkin carriage.

Open for just five weeks, Dismaland sold thousands of tickets daily and injected an estimated £20 million into the local economy.

Kurtis Young speaks to Reena Stanton-Sharma about his summer job as a steward at Dismaland.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina's Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall' speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler's List; and Jacques Derrida, France's ‘rock star' philosopher.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world's oldest languages.

(Photo: A mermaid sculpture in front of the fairy castle. Credit: Jim Dyson/Getty Images)

In 2015, the street artist transformed a derelict pool into a dystopian 'bemusement park'.

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In 2015, the street artist transformed a derelict outdoor swimming pool into a dystopian 'bemusement park' in Weston-super-Mare, England. It closed five weeks later.

[LISTEN NOW]

In 1960, as he headed home from military service, the King of Rock 'n' Roll made an unexpected stop at Prestwick Airport.

It's believed to be the only time Elvis Presley is known to have set foot on British soil.

It was only a brief visit, but for 16-year-old Anne Murphy, watching him walk down the airplane steps is a memory that has never faded.

More than six decades later, she tells Megan Jones what it was like to see Elvis up close.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by and curious about the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from how the Excel spreadsheet was developed, the creation of cartoon rabbit Miffy and how the sound barrier was broken.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: the moment Reagan and Gorbachev met in Geneva, Haitian singer Emerante de Pradines' life and Omar Sharif's legendary movie entrance in Lawrence of Arabia.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, like the invention of a stent which has saved lives around the world; the birth of the G7; and the meeting of Maldives' ministers underwater. We cover everything from World War Two and Cold War stories to Black History Month and our journeys into space.

(Photo: Elvis at Prestwick Airport, with Anne Murphy looking up at him. Credit: The Hollywood Archive/Alamy)

In 1960, the King of Rock 'n' Roll made an unexpected stop at Prestwick Airport

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In 1960, the King of Rock 'n' Roll made an unexpected stop at Prestwick Airport. It's believed to be the only time Elvis Presley set foot on British soil.

[LISTEN NOW]

In April 1944, the Allies planned Exercise Tiger to practise their landing on France's Normandy beaches ahead of D-Day. During the rehearsal, a German fleet attacked, sinking two allied ships. Around 749 US servicemen died.

The Allies' military leaders ordered troops not to discuss the disaster because they didn't want to damage morale or give away the D-Day plans. So, Exercise Tiger was largely forgotten for decades.

Ben Henderson tells the story using archive interviews with Paul Gerolstein, who was on board one of the ships that came under attack.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

Exercise Tiger Memorial Ltd courtesy of Dean Small and Laurie Bolton, audio/visual maintained by Chris Kirsten of CeeVisk

David FitzGerald

(Photo: US troops ahead of D-Day. Credit: AP)

In April 1944, a German fleet sank two allied ships. Around 749 US servicemen died.

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In April 1944, the Allies planned a rehearsal for D-Day. During the exercise, a German fleet attacked and sank two allied ships. Around 749 US servicemen died.

[LISTEN NOW]

Fight the Power by hip-hop group, Public Enemy, was radical both politically and sonically.

The song was written at the request of filmmaker, Spike Lee, who needed an anthem for his 1989 movie, Do the Right Thing.

The film became a box office smash and - despite controversy surrounding Public Enemy's image - the song soon became an anthem of protest and rebellion all over the world.

Public Enemy frontman, Chuck D, shares his memories of that time with Matt Pintus.

On 18 March 1965, cosmonaut Alexei Leonov became the first person to spacewalk.

He spent around 10 minutes floating above the Earth, tethered to the spaceship by a 5-metre “umbilical cord ?.

Recalling that moment, he said: “I felt almost insignificant, like a tiny ant compared to the immensity of the universe. At the same time, I felt enormously powerful. ?

But the mission didn't go smoothly. The lack of atmospheric pressure in space had caused the Soviet's spacesuit to inflate and become stiff – meaning he couldn't fit back through the spaceship airlock.

“It had become a dangerous situation. Very dangerous. Life threatening ?, he said.

Vicky Farncombe has been reading and listening to archive interviews with Alexei, who died in 2019, to bring you his dramatic story.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Cosmonaut Alexei Leonov. Credit: Getty Images)

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

On 18 March 1965, cosmonaut Alexei Leonov became the first person to spacewalk, tethered to the spaceship by a 5-metre 'umbilical cord'.

[LISTEN NOW]

The journey from goddess to graduate in Nepal.

The story of Chanira Bajracharya who went from spending 10 years as a 'Kumari' or living goddess, in Nepal to university and a career in finance.

It was a week that brought the future of Greece and the Eurozone to the brink. Ten years ago, on 6 July the Greek people voted against the terms of a financial bailout which included raising taxes and slashing welfare spending.

Greece owed €323bn to various countries and banks within Europe. Its banks were closed. A quarter of the population and half of Greece's young people were unemployed.

The morning after the vote, Euclid Tsakalotos was brought in to replace Yanis Varoufakis as finance minister. His predecessor had accused European leaders of “terrorism ? in their handling of the crisis. Parachuted in to last-ditch talks with angry European leaders, Euclid Tsakalotos describes to Josephine McDermott the make-or-break 17-hour summit in Brussels.

He reveals that when Angela Merkel, the leader of Greece's biggest lender Germany, said she was leaving the room because she could not accept what was on the table, Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, actually locked the door to stop her leaving and force an agreement to be reached.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

[LISTEN NOW]

In 1936, Haile Selassie came to Bath in the west of England to escape Mussolini and the fascists who had invaded Ethiopia.

He bought a property – Fairfield House - and moved his entire family and staff there. He quickly became the talk of the town.

The local paper ran daily updates on the Emperor's schedule and dispelled rumours such as the Emperor's beard 'having turned white with anguish' or that he was keeping lions in the basement.

Haile Selassie also made a point of indulging in local amusements and even took a trip to the Tropicana outdoor swimming pool in the seaside town of Weston-super-Mare.

Selassie returned to Ethiopia in 1940 after the British helped remove Mussolini. He never forgot his time in Bath and renamed one of his palaces Fairfield in tribute to the British city.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

In 2006, Dutch engineer Fred van der Weij invented a kitchen device that changed the way many of us cook today: the air fryer.

Fred's first prototype was nearly as big as a dog kennel and made of wood and aluminium, with a chicken wire basket. It was only a partial success.

But Fred was certain he could make the machine work thanks to an idea he patented called rapid air technology.

Four years later, and after several more prototypes, Fred took his invention to the electronics company, Philips, and signed a deal.

Today, there are many other air fryer brands and models, and by the end of 2024, it's estimated 80 million will have been sold around the world.

Fred died of cancer in 2022 but his daughter Suus van der Weij witnessed the development of his invention. She told Jane Wilkinson about the family's pride in her father.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Fred van der Weij with his prototypes. Credit: van der Weij family)

In 2006, Dutch inventor Fred van der Weij cooked up an idea for a new kitchen device

In 2006, Dutch engineer Fred van der Weij invented a kitchen device that changed the way many of us cook today. Fred's first air fryer was as big as a dog kennel and made of wood.

[LISTEN NOW]

In September 1935, the Nuremberg Laws were introduced in Nazi Germany.

In 1938, seven-year-old Lotte Hershfield and her family left their home in Breslau, which was part of Germany and is now known as Wroclaw in Poland.

Their journey took them across continents by ship, train and on horse and cart.

They eventually arrived in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, one of the few places welcoming Jewish refugees fleeing persecution.

As they rebuilt their lives, Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor and, soon after, invaded the Philippines.

When United States forces eventually reclaimed the islands, Lotte and her family once again packed up their lives, this time settling in Baltimore, Maryland.

Now aged 94, Lotte shares the memories of her life in Manila with Megan Jones.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina's Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall' speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler's List; and Jacques Derrida, France's ‘rock star' philosopher.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world's oldest languages.

(Photo: Lotte Hershfield. Credit: Lotte Hershfield)

In 1935, after the Nuremberg Laws were passed, Manila opened its doors to Jewish families

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In 1935, after the Nuremberg Laws were introduced, Manila offered refuge to Jews fleeing persecution. Years later, their lives changed again when Pearl Harbor was attacked.

As they rebuilt their lives, Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbour and, soon after, invaded the Philippines.

In 1935, after the Nuremberg Laws were introduced, Manila offered refuge to Jews fleeing persecution. Years later, their lives changed again when Pearl Harbour was attacked.

[LISTEN NOW]

The idea was suggested by a book editor who had attended one of Dale's public speaking courses in New York.

The result was a mix of psychology, philosophy and good old-fashioned common sense. Dale offered advice like: Smile. Give praise. Be a good listener. And remember people's names.

The book went on to become a best seller. Today, more than 30 million copies have been sold worldwide, and it has been translated into 36 languages. Even the title is part of popular culture.

Dale's daughter Donna Dale Carnegie tells Jane Wilkinson about the secret of its success.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: How to Win Friends and Influence People in 1955. Credit: Frederic Hamilton/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

In 1936, Dale Carnegie wrote the self help book - How to Win Friends and Influence People

In 1936, Dale Carnegie wrote one of the world's most popular self help books - How to Win Friends and Influence People. Today, more than 30 million copies have been sold globally.

During a 17-year bombing campaign, an elusive terrorist known as the Unabomber killed three and injured 23 Americans.

In 1995, he contacted The New York Times and The Washington Post promising to stop his terror attacks if they published his 35,000-word manifesto. The document explained his aim: to dismantle modern industrial society.

On the advice of the FBI and the Attorney General, the newspapers published the manifesto, which led to the Unabomber's downfall.

Dr Kathleen Puckett was an FBI agent who uncovered his identity. She speaks to Ben Henderson.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Theodore 'Ted' Kaczynski in custody. Credit: Michael Macor/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

In September 1995, US newspapers controversially published a terrorist's manifesto.

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In September 1995, US newspapers controversially published a terrorist's manifesto. It led to the end of his 17-year bombing campaign, which killed three and injured 23 Americans.

[LISTEN NOW]

He was leading hundreds of protesters who had gathered to demand that China grants Hong Kong free and fair elections.

As the day went on the protest continued to grow and it wasn't long before Nathan's face was all over the news.

Then at 2am his microphone was cut off and the protest plunged into darkness as plain-clothed police officers rushed to the stage and arrested him.

Nathan tells Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty how despite his arrest the protests continued to grow into some of the largest Hong Kong had ever seen lasting 79 days in total.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Picture: Umbrella Protests. Credit: Getty Images)

In September 2014, Nathan Law led Hong Kong's 'Umbrella' Protests

On the 26 September 2014 Nathan Law stood on a makeshift stage outside Hong Kong's central government complex and led one of the largest protests Hong Kong has ever seen

[LISTEN NOW]

In 1980, Australian author Thomas Keneally stumbled across the story of Oskar Schindler while buying a briefcase in Beverly Hills, in the USA.

The owner of the shop, a Polish Jew called Leopold Pfefferberg, told Thomas that a Nazi party member had saved him, his wife and many others from the Holocaust, by employing them in his enamel factory.

Thomas tells Rachel Naylor why Oskar was such a compelling subject, full of contradictions, and why he believes his book has lasting appeal.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Thomas Keneally at his home in Bilgola Beach, Australia, in 1981. Credit: Martin James Brannan/Fairfax Media via Getty Images)

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In 1980, Australian author Thomas Keneally stumbled across the story of Oskar Schindler while buying a briefcase in the USA.

[LISTEN NOW]

Millions of people including sports stars and celebrities filmed themselves being doused in ice cold water for charity.

Nancy Frates' son Pete helped to make the ice bucket challenge become a phenomenon. Nancy tells Gill Kearsley the poignant story of how the challenge went from a simple idea to world news.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Pete Frates takes part in the ice bucket challenge. Credit: Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

The ice bucket challenge became a worldwide phenomenon in 2014

Millions of people filmed themselves being doused in ice cold water for charity in 2014, when the ice bucket challenge became a worldwide phenomenon.

[LISTEN NOW]

“Fate has ordained that the men who went to the moon to explore in peace will stay on the moon to rest in peace. ?

These are the opening lines of the 'In Event of Moon Disaster' speech, written in 1969 in case the moon landing astronauts did not make it home.

They were composed by President Richard Nixon's speechwriter, William Safire, who died in 2009, at the age of 79.

The speech continued: “These brave men, Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin, know that there is no hope for their recovery. But they also know that there is hope for mankind in their sacrifice. ?

Using archive from the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and NASA, Vicky Farncombe tells the story of “the speech that never was ?.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Edwin 'Buzz' Aldrin on the moon. Credit: Getty Images)

Richard Nixon's contingency speech in case the moon landing astronauts never made it home

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In 1969, William Safire wrote a speech for President Richard Nixon to read in case the moon landing astronauts never made it back to Earth.

[LISTEN NOW]

The signing of the Japanese surrender documents at the Forbidden City in Beijing in 1945.

John Stanfield, now 103, recalls how he signed the Japanese surrender declaration documents on behalf of the British in a ceremony at the Forbidden City in Beijing in the autumn of 1945.

He was finally persuaded to surrender in 1974 when his former commander, Yoshimi Taniguchi, found him and gave him an order.

In a televised ceremony, Hiroo presented his sword to the then Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos. President Marcos returned the sword and gave him a full presidential pardon and told him he admired his courage.

Hiroo died in January 2014 at the age of 91.

This programme was produced and presented by Vicky Farncombe, using BBC archive.

Hiroo Onoda spent 30 years fighting in the jungle, believing the war was still going on.

Hiroo Onoda was an Imperial Japanese Army intelligence officer who fought in World War Two and did not surrender at the war's end in August 1945.

On 12 November 1988, the world's first commercial bungee jumping site was opened near Queenstown, New Zealand.

AJ Hackett and Henry Van Asch started out bungee jumping as a hobby with friends. They developed the bungee ropes and rigging system and found the perfect site – the historic Kawarau Suspension Bridge – which would give paying customers the chance to safely fall 43 metres.

It helped make Queenstown become the adventure tourism capital of the world. Josephine McDermott jumped from the bridge herself 20 years ago and finds out from AJ Hackett how it all came about.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

[LISTEN NOW]

La Haine would follow three friends from a poor immigrant neighbourhood in the Paris suburbs 24 hours after a riot.

The film was released in 1995 to huge critical acclaim and Mathieu won best director at the Cannes Film Festival.

It was heavily critical of policing in France and it caught the attention of high profile politicians in the country, including then Prime Minister, Alain Juppé.

Thirty years on, Mathieu has been sharing his memories of that time with Matt Pintus.

(Photo: Vincent Cassel 'Vinz' in La Haine. Credit: Studio Canal+)

How Mathieu Kassovitz's critique of policing shocked French society

It has been 30 years since film director Mathieu Kassovitz started work on the cult cinema classic, La Haine. He has been sharing his memories of that time with Matt Pintus.

They thought they had carried out the perfect crime.

But they were soon caught and put on trial.

Vincent Dowd investigates the motives of Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb.

A murder case that went on to inspire Rope, a stage play written in 1929 which was later turned into the 1948 Alfred Hitchcock thriller.

Producer: Vincent Dowd

First broadcast on the BBC World Service in 2011.

Vincent Dowd investigates the motives of the murder of Bobby Franks by Leopold and Loeb.

Vincent Dowd investigates the motives of the 1924 murder of Bobby Franks by Leopold and Loeb. From 2011.

In 2012, Lonesome George, the last tortoise of his species died.

George, from Ecuador's Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean, was a global symbol of conservation and brought to the attention of the world the reality of extinction.

James Gibbs, vice president of science and conservation at the Galapagos Conservancy knew George well. He looked after the tortoise in life, and in death. James says: 'You know, moving Lonesome George across the islands by truck, people were asking, what's in the box? I said it's Lonesome George and people were crying and it was just very moving'.

He tells Gill Kearsley how time ran out for Lonesome George and about the legacy he left.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Lonesome George. Credit: Rodrigo Buendia /AFP via Getty Images)

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

Lonesome George, the last tortoise of his species died in 2012. He was a global symbol of conservation, and brought to the attention of the world the reality of extinction.

[LISTEN NOW]

In 1932, a photo was taken showing 11 New York ironworkers casually eating their lunch while sitting on a steel beam at the top of a skyscraper.

No safety harnesses, no helmets. Their legs dangled freely over the death-defying drop. 'Lunch atop a Skyscraper' is now one of the most famous pictures in the world but it's an image surrounded in mystery.

For years, the identity of its photographer and the 11 men have been unknown. Christine Roussel, archivist at the Rockefeller Center, tells Vicky Farncombe about her mission to uncover the photo's secrets.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past.

We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Lunch atop a Skyscraper. Credit: Getty Images)

In 1932, a photo of ironworkers eating lunch at the top of a skyscraper was taken

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In 1932, a famous photo showing ironworkers casually eating their lunch while sitting on a steel beam at the top of a New York skyscraper was taken.

In 1932, a photo was taken showing 11 New York ironworkers casually eating their lunch while sitting on a steel beam at the top of a skyscraper. No safety harnesses, no helmets. Their legs dangled freely over the death-defying drop. 'Lunch atop a Skyscraper' is now one of the most famous pictures in the world but it's an image surrounded in mystery. For years, the identity of its photographer and of the 11 men have been unknown. Christine Roussel, archivist at the Rockefeller Center, tells Vicky Farncombe about her mission to uncover the photo's secrets.

In 1932, a photo was taken showing 11 ironworkers eating lunch at the top of a skyscraper.

The mystery surrounding the photo taken in 1932 of 11 daredevil ironworkers eating lunch on a steel beam at the top of a skyscraper.

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Mallory disappeared on the mountain in 1924 together with his fellow climber Andrew Irvine.

In 1999 Mallory's body was found.

Farhana Haider spoke to Jochen Hemmleb, one of the original members of the team that discovered George Mallory's remains.

First broadcast on the BBC World Service in 2016. .

Farhana Haider explores the disappearance of George Mallory on Everest in 1924.

Farhana Haider explores the disappearance of British mountaineer, George Mallory, in 1924 on Mount Everest. From 2016.

he disappeared on the mountain in 1924 together with his fellow climber Andrew Irvine.

Farhana speaks to Jochen Hemmleb, one of the original members of the team that discovered George Mallory's remains.

When Mary Fisher was diagnosed with HIV in 1991 she did not represent the typical stereotype of someone HIV-positive. She was white, heterosexual and contracted the disease in marriage. She used her platform at the Republican National Convention in Texas in 1992 to try and change people's treatment of those carrying the Aids virus.

The speech was broadcast live to millions of people via the major US TV outlets. She argued that she did not want her sons, aged four and two, to face stigma from the 'whisper of Aids' once she had died.

It is ranked as one of the most important speeches in the US in the 20th Century. Mary Fisher recalls the moment she delivered the speech to Josephine McDermott.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Mary Fisher delivers her speech in 1992. Credit: AP)

In 1992, Mary Fisher set out to fight the prejudice faced by those with HIV and Aids

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

Mary Fisher had two young sons when she addressed the US Republican National Convention in 1992. She had HIV and wanted to combat the stigma they might face after her death.

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In 1970, father of five Gary Gygax was fired from his job as an insurance underwriter in Chicago, in the United States of America. It may sound like a mundane event to read about but, believe it or not, this moment actually changed the gaming industry forever.

Gary is the creator of table-top roleplay game, Dungeons & Dragons. In the 50 years since its release, D&D has generated billions of dollars in sales and now boasts more than 50 million players worldwide.

However, Gary's story is not one of riches and success. Luke Gygax witnessed the incredible highs and lows of his father's life first hand. He shares his memories of that time with Matt Pintus.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Gary Gygax and Luke Gygax. Credit: Luke Gygax)

In 1974, Gary Gygax created the fantasy roleplay game.

In 1974, Gary Gygax created the fantasy roleplay game, Dungeons & Dragons. On its 50th anniversary, Luke Gygax speaks about the incredible highs and lows of his father's life.

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In 1971, advertising writer Roger Hargreaves's eight-year-old son Adam asked him an unusual question: 'What does a tickle look like?

Inspired, Roger got out his marker pens and created an orange character with a round body, long stretchy arms and a blue bowler hat.

That character would become Mr Tickle, one of the first Mr Men books.

Adam Hargreaves tells Megan Jones how his late father's children's books became a worldwide success.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina's Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall' speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler's List; and Jacques Derrida, France's ‘rock star' philosopher.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world's oldest languages.

(Photo: Roger Hargreaves with Mr Wrong. Credit: Gerrit Alan Fokkema/Fairfax Media via Getty Images)

In 1971, a question from his son led Roger Hargreaves to create Mr Men and Little Miss

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In 1971, a question from eight-year-old Adam inspired his father Roger Hargreaves to create the Mr Men. The first was Mr Tickle, with his long stretchy arms.

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As the president of the banned African National Congress (ANC), he had lived in Zambia building the liberation movement while other key ANC members including Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu were political prisoners.

By lobbying around the world and attracting talented South African exiles such as Thabo Mbeki, he built the organisation into a legitimate contender for government.

When President FW de Klerk unbanned the ANC, Oliver Tambo was finally able to return home where he was greeted by a crowd of thousands at the airport.

Oliver Tambo's son, Dali Tambo, recalls to Josephine McDermott how his father and other ANC exiles danced in the aisle of the plane as they crossed into South African airspace.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Oliver Tambo at Jan Smuts Airport. Credit: AP/John Parkin)

Oliver Tambo returned to South Africa in 1990 after 30 years in exile.

Oliver Tambo led the movement against apartheid in South Africa from exile in Zambia. When he returned in 1990, greeted by Nelson Mandela, there were thousands to welcome him.

In 1962, Egyptian actor Omar Sharif made his Hollywood debut in Lawrence of Arabia, a sweeping epic that would become one of cinema's most popular films.

Using archive recordings, Gill Kearsley tells the story of the movie legend's transformation into the enigmatic Sherif Ali and brings to life the moment he stepped into the desert and onto the world stage.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina's Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall' speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler's List; and Jacques Derrida, France's ‘rock star' philosopher.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world's oldest languages.

(Photo: Sherif Ali, played by Omar Sharif in Lawrence of Arabia. Credit: Columbia Pictures via Getty Images)

Egyptian film star Omar Sharif made his Hollywood debut in Lawrence of Arabia in 1962

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In 1962, Omar Sharif made his Hollywood debut in Lawrence of Arabia. He was one of Egypt's greatest movie stars.

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In the early hours of 30 April, 1943, the most audacious hoax of World War Two has just got underway. Its code-name - Operation Mincemeat.

The body of a British naval officer, Major William Martin, has been washed up on a Spanish beach. The dead man is carrying top-secret papers revealing details of a planned Allied invasion, and it's not long before they fall into enemy hands.

But the plans are false and Major Martin doesn't exist.

In a daring mission, British naval intelligence has requisitioned a corpse and dressed him in uniform to plant fake information. It works.

But for decades, no-one knew the real name of the man who'd played the biggest part: Major William Martin.

Enter Roger Morgan, an amateur historian. He tells Jane Wilkinson how Operation Mincemeat unfolded and how he uncovered the major's true identity.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina's Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall' speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler's List; and Jacques Derrida, France's ‘rock star' philosopher.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world's oldest languages.

(Photo: William Martin's ID card. Credit: National Archives, Kew)

In April 1943, the most audacious hoax of WWII began. It was codenamed Operation Mincemeat

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In 1943, the most audacious hoax of WWII began. The Nazis discovered secret papers on the body of a British officer washed ashore in Spain. They didn't know every detail was false.

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The night before Halloween in 1938, 23-year-old Orson Welles and his Mercury Theatre on the Air performed a radio adaptation of H G Wells's The War of the Worlds.

It would become one of the most notorious radio broadcasts in history. In their own words, from the BBC's archive, Orson Welles, producer John Houseman and writer Howard Koch describe how it was 'a very boring show' until they had the idea to update the science fiction story, using reportage and the name of a real location in New Jersey in the United States, as the scene for where aliens from Mars would invade.

Up to six million people tuned in, most of whom had no idea that what they were listening to was fictional. It prompted mass panic. Orson Welles delights in recalling 'Suddenly everyone started driving at 125 miles per hour,' saying, 'I'm going to the hills'. Produced and presented by Josephine McDermott.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina's Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall' speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler's List; and Jacques Derrida, France's ‘rock star' philosopher.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world's oldest languages.

(Photo: Orson Welles rehearsing The War of the Worlds. Credit: Bettmann/Getty Images)

In 1938, Orson Welles terrified radio listeners with The War of the Worlds.

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In his own words, from the BBC's archive, actor Orson Welles describes his adaptation of The War of the Worlds, which prompted mass panic in the United States in 1938.

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On 10 December 1992, Australia's Prime Minister, Paul Keating, addressed a crowd in a Sydney suburb called Redfern, to mark the UN's International Year of the World's Indigenous People. What started as a low-key affair, is remembered as one of the most powerful speeches in Australian history. It was the first time an Australian Prime Minister took moral responsibility for the horrors committed against Indigenous Australians.

The speech received significant backlash, but it's often credited with paving the way for a later Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, to issue a formal apology to Indigenous Australians. In 2007, ABC radio listeners voted it the third most unforgettable speech in history behind Martin Luther King's 'I have a dream' speech and Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.

Don Watson wrote the speech. He speaks to Ben Henderson.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Audio of Redfern speech: National Archives of Australia)

(Photo: Prime Minister Paul Keating at Redfern. Credit: Pickett/The Sydney Morning Herald/Fairfax Media via Getty Images)

In 1992, Australia's prime minister addressed atrocities inflicted upon Indigenous people.

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In 1992, Australia's prime minister took moral responsibility for the atrocities inflicted upon the country's Indigenous people by white settlers.

[LISTEN NOW]

In September 1956, a telephone cable called TAT-1 was laid under the Atlantic Ocean, making high-quality transatlantic phone calls possible for the first time.

Eight months later in May 1957, 1,000 people squeezed into St Pancras Town Hall in London to listen to a transatlantic concert.

The person performing, Paul Robeson, was a globally renowned singer, but he'd been banned from travelling outside the USA. So, he made use of the new transatlantic telephone line to perform to his fans in the UK.

Ben Henderson speaks to John Liffen, who curated an exhibition on TAT-1 and the concert at the Science Museum in London.

(Photo: Engineers build repeaters used in TAT-1. Credit: Russell Knight/BIPs via Getty Images)

In 1957, Paul Robeson used a new undersea phone line to perform a transatlantic concert.

In May 1957, the American singer Paul Robeson used a new transatlantic telephone line called TAT-1 to perform a concert from New York to an audience in London.

This made high-quality transatlantic phone calls possible for the first time.

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In 1957, a new transatlantic telephone line TAT-1 allowed Paul Robeson to perform a concert from New York to a London audience.

[LISTEN NOW]

In January 1994, two presidents enjoyed a memorable night in the Czech Republic – ending with an impromptu jazz performance.

Five years after the fall of communism, the US president Bill Clinton visited Prague to share his hopes for a new transatlantic alliance.

Key to his vision was his friendship with the Czech president Vaclav Havel, a playwright who had been imprisoned for dissidence during the Cold War.

During the visit, Havel arranged a series of surprises for Clinton including a reunion with the family he had stayed with on a visit to Prague in 1970.

The final surprise took place at the city's famous Reduta jazz club. Havel presented Clinton with a saxophone and the two friends performed together on stage – a moment which came to symbolise the new partnership between East and West.

Vicky Farncombe uses archive from the Vaclav Havel Center and the William J Clinton Presidential Library to relive the big night out.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Presidents perform at the Reduta jazz club. Credit: Office of the President of the Czech Republic)

In January 1994, two presidents enjoyed a memorable jazz night in the Czech Republic

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In January 1994, US president Bill Clinton and Czech president Vaclav Havel performed together on stage at the Reduta jazz club, in Prague.

[LISTEN NOW]

In 1976, the 3,000-year-old mummy of Ramesses II was found to have a fungal infection.

The embalmed body of the Egyptian pharaoh was flown from Cairo to Paris for a once-in-a-deathtime makeover.

It received a royal welcome at the airport, and was guarded throughout its restoration, which took place at the Musee de l'Homme.

Anne-Marie Goden worked as a receptionist at the museum. She tells Gill Kearsley the extraordinary story of the restoration.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: The mummy of Ramesses II being examined in Paris. Credit: Tony Comiti/Sygma via Getty Images)

In 1976, the mummy of Ramesses II was flown from Egypt to Paris for a makeover

The 3,000-year-old mummy of Ramesses II, an Egyptian pharaoh, was found to have a fungal infection. So in 1976, it was flown to Paris for a once-in-a-deathtime makeover.

[LISTEN NOW]

Following the Beatles' final concert tour, George Harrison travelled to India in 1967 to learn sitar under the renowned musician Ravi Shankar.

Fleeing Beatlemania he travelled in disguise to Mumbai and then to Srinagar in Kashmir.

Listening to BBC archive and using excerpts from a Martin Scorsese documentary, we hear one of the world's most famous guitarists challenge himself to learn a new instrument.

The moment influenced George's spirituality and his burgeoning solo musical career, as well as the Beatles'. It also propelled Ravi Shankar further into the limelight.

The musicians remained lifelong friends. Ravi says they last saw each other on 28 November 2001, the day before George died.

Produced and presented by Surya Elango.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina's Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall' speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler's List; and Jacques Derrida, France's ‘rock star' philosopher.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world's oldest languages.

(Photo: George Harrison and Ravi Shankar in 1975. Credit: by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

In 1967, Ravi Shankar taught the 'quiet Beatle' George Harrison how to play the sitar.

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

The Indian sitarist Ravi Shankar taught the Beatles' lead guitarist George Harrison the sitar, bringing classical Indian music to a western audience.

[LISTEN NOW]

In May 2015, when the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria was about to fall to jihadist fighters, a group of men risked their lives to load centuries-old artefacts from the city's museum onto trucks and drive them to safety.

Before their advance to Palmyra, members of the group that called itself Islamic State had already been filmed for social media smashing statues that dated back to religious life in the Middle East before the Prophet Muhammad.

Khalil Hariri, an archaeology expert who worked at Palmyra's museum, tells Josephine McDermott about his passion for its history and the personal price he has paid for the daring rescue.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: The damaged site of Palmyra in 2016. The graffiti reads ‘We remain'. Credit: Reuters)

In 2015, Khalil Hariri risked his life to save centuries-old archaeology in Syria.

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

The archaeologist who risked everything to preserve the world-famous archaeology that a militant group wanted to destroy.

[LISTEN NOW]

In December 1918, sports writer and cartoonist Robert Ripley was struggling to find some content for his column in the New York Globe.

So he compiled and illustrated some of the quirkiest sports facts from the year and created what would go onto become the ‘Believe It or Not' cartoon.

Its popularity grew and, by the time of America's Great Depression, Ripley was a multi-millionaire who would travel the world on his hunt for more weird and wonderful facts.

His empire expanded into radio and, in 1940, he persuaded the Duke of Windsor – who had abdicated from the throne in 1936 - to give his first commercial radio appearance.

John Corcoran, exhibits director at Ripley's, tells Vicky Farncombe about that historic moment.

This programme also includes archive courtesy of the Ripley's Believe It or Not! Archives.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Robert Ripley. Credit: Getty Images)

During the Great Depression, cartoonist Robert Ripley made millions from freaky facts

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

How American cartoonist Robert Ripley created a multi-million dollar empire from freaky facts during the Great Depression.

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The dancer claimed asylum during a UK tour, nine years after another Russian dancer, Rudolf Nureyev, had defected.

Natalia later joined the American Ballet Theatre in New York. She wouldn't return to her home country for almost 20 years.

Jane Wilkinson has been looking through the archive to discover the reasons behind her defection.

(Photo: Natalia Makarova in New York, 1980. Credit: Brownie Harris/Corbis via Getty Image

The Russian ballerina who defected to the west

The story of Natalia Makarova, the leading Russian ballet star, who defected after a London performance in 1970.

Investigating global developments, issues and affairs.

When Nelson Mandela became the president of South Africa in 1994, he requested that Sarah's remains be returned to her homeland. However, by 1998 that had not happened. Poet Diana Ferrus decided to write about Sarah's limbo. Her poem became so popular that it was noticed by politicians in France. Diana shares her memories of that time with Matt Pintus.

This programme contains discriminatory language.

Two bombs ripped through the Kuta area of the Indonesian island of Bali on 12 October 2002.

202 people were killed.

28 burns victims were taken to Royal Perth Hospital, Australia, where plastic surgeon Professor Fiona Wood worked.

She led a team working to save patients suffering between two and 92 percent body burns using ‘spray-on skin'.

Professor Wood speaks to Megan Jones.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Professor Fiona Wood. Credit: Fiona Wood Foundation)

Spray-on skin' was used to treat burns victims after bombings on the Indonesian island.

After the 2002 Bali terror attack, 28 burns victims arrived at Royal Perth Hospital in Australia. Burns expert Professor Fiona Wood worked to save patients using ‘spray-on skin'.

[LISTEN NOW]

For nearly 40 years, the magicians Roy Horn and Siegfried Fischbacher wowed audiences in Las Vegas with their death-defying tricks involving white lions and tigers.

But in 2003, their show at the Mirage casino came to a dramatic end when Roy was left partially paralysed after being attacked by a seven-year old tiger called Mantacore live on stage.

Animal trainer Chris Lawrence was backstage at the time and rushed to save Roy. He tells Vicky Farncombe about the terrifying moment.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

[LISTEN NOW]

It was created by entrepreneur Andrew Weinreich.

But Six Degrees never achieved the scale of later social networks like Facebook or MySpace, and Weinreich sold the site in 1999.

Andrew speaks to Lucy Burns.

First broadcast on the BBC World Service in April 2020.

Lucy Burns explores Six Degrees, the first social network.

On 18 March 1992, white South Africans overwhelmingly backed a mandate for political reforms to end apartheid and create a power-sharing multi-racial government.

It was a high-stakes referendum coming on the back of three by-elections where the ruling National Party had lost to the right wing Conservative party.

In a speech after the polling victory, President FW de Klerk said: “Today we have closed the book on apartheid ?. His communications adviser, David Steward speaks to Josephine McDermott.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: President FW de Klerk with news of the referendum win. Credit: AP)

The last whites-only vote in South Africa was held in 1992.

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In 1992 FW de Klerk asked white South Africans to vote yes to continuing negotiations to abolish apartheid and create a new constitution.

[LISTEN NOW]

The hand was initially stolen by General Franco's opposition from a convent in Ronda, but Franco's nationalist soldiers took it for themselves when they won the Battle of Malaga.

Sister Jenifer is the Mother Superior of the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, Ronda, where the hand is kept on display for people to see.

She tells Johnny I'Anson who St Teresa was, why her hand was cut off, and what made it special.

(Photo: Monument of Saint Teresa of Avila, Spain. Credit: digicomphoto/Getty Images)

How General Franco kept the hand of St Teresa of Avila for spiritual guidance.

During the Spanish Civil War, General Franco acquired St Teresa of Avila's severed hand. He relied on it for spiritual guidance until his death.

On 15 December 2001, the Leaning Tower of Pisa reopened to the public after an unprecedented 11-year closure.

Famous worldwide for its dramatic lean, the tower also became, during the 1990s, the most closely monitored building on Earth. Engineers and scientists watched anxiously as the tilt worsened year by year, raising the very real possibility that the tower could topple.

The lengthy restoration effort — invisible to tourists but watched closely by experts — was a race against time, during which visitors were barred from climbing the tower for over a decade.

The complex €27 million stabilization project reduced the tower's tilt by around 17 inches, securing the iconic structure for an estimated 200–300 years.

Nunziante Squeglia, professor of geotechnics at the University of Pisa, tells Colm Flynn about the extraordinary moment the tower reopened.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by and curious about the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from how the Excel spreadsheet was developed, the creation of cartoon rabbit Miffy and how the sound barrier was broken.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: the moment Reagan and Gorbachev met in Geneva, Haitian singer Emerante de Pradines' life and Omar Sharif's legendary movie entrance in Lawrence of Arabia.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, like the invention of a stent which has saved lives around the world; the birth of the G7; and the meeting of Maldives' ministers underwater. We cover everything from World War Two and Cold War stories to Black History Month and our journeys into space.

(Photo: The Leaning Tower of Pisa. Credit: Martin Ruegner/via Getty Images)

In 2001, the Leaning Tower of Pisa reopened to the public after an 11-year closure.

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

[LISTEN NOW]

They had been documenting the work of graffiti arts on the subways system of New York for many years.

The colourful book was called Subway Art and it quickly became known as the graffiti bible.

Forty years on from its release, Martha and Henry explore its enduring legacy with Matt Pintus.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Marta Cooper and Henry Chalfant pictured at the 25th anniversary event for Subway Art. Credit: Getty Images)

In 1984, Henry Chalfant and Martha Cooper released an iconic photography book

In 1984, photographers Martha Cooper and Henry Chalfant came together to publish an era-defining book about the early graffiti movement. They speak to Matt Pintus.

In the 1940s, some vulnerable Swedish hospital patients were fed large amounts of sugary sweets as part of an experiment to see what it would do to their teeth.

Researchers considered the study a success as it led to new recommendations for children to eat sweets just once a week.

In the 1990s, the unethical aspects of the experiment emerged when Elin Bommenel became the first researcher to gain access to the original documents from the experiments. Sweden's government has never formally apologised for what happened, although it has greatly improved care for vulnerable children and adults.

Elin tells Frida Anund about the revelations.

A PodLit production.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

[LISTEN NOW]

On 1 May 2004, the European Union went through its biggest ever enlargement. 10 countries joined including eight from the former Soviet Union's sphere of influence. For some, it was the moment the Eastern Bloc threw off the shackles of the Cold War and embraced a prosperous future in the EU. For others, it was the moment European countries lost control of their borders, leading to mass migration. Twice Italian Prime Minister, Prof Romano Prodi, was President of the European Commission at the time. He speaks to Ben Henderson.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: People celebrate the Czech Republic joining the EU. Credit: Sean Gallup via Getty Images)

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

On 1 May 2004, the European Union went through its biggest ever enlargement. Twice Italian Prime Minister, Romano Prodi, was President of the European Commission at the time.

[LISTEN NOW]

More than 3,000 athletes from 44 nations took part, of which only 135 were women, in 17 sports.

Rachel Naylor goes through the BBC archive for interviews with two British medallists - the sprinter Harold Abrahams and the tennis player Kitty Godfree.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Harold Abrahams winning gold at the Olympics in Paris, in 1924. Credit: Jewish Chronicle / Heritage Images / Getty Images)

The last time Paris held the Olympic Games was 100 years ago in 1924. More than 3,000 athletes from 44 nations took part in 17 sports.

A warning for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners - this programme contains the names of people who have died.

Nearly 60 years ago, a group of university students set out on a bus to challenge the discrimination of Australia's indigenous people.

Led by Sydney University's first indigenous undergraduate, Charles Perkins, they toured north-western New South Wales highlighting the public pools, cinemas, theatres and pubs in country towns where Aboriginal people were excluded or segregated from white people.

Darce Cassidy was recording the journey for a radio programme. We hear 19-year-old Brian Aarons demonstrating at a swimming pool in Moree where Aboriginal children were not normally allowed to swim.

He and Gary Williams, an indigenous student, recall the Freedom Ride to Josephine McDermott, including the moment when they made the national news by ordering a beer together in a Bowraville pub.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: The 1965 Freedom Riders. Brian Aarons and Gary Williams sit fifth and fourth from the right, one row from the back. Credit: Reproduced with permission of Wendy Watson-Ekstein and Ann Curthoys)

The students who challenged the discrimination of Australia's indigenous people

In 1965 a group of students set out on a Freedom Ride to expose the discrimination of Aboriginal people. It would be one of Australia's most significant civil rights events.

[LISTEN NOW]

In the 1990s, Bluetooth was invented in a lab in Lund, Sweden.

The technology is used today to wirelessly connect accessories such as mice, keyboards, speakers and headphones to desktops, laptops and mobile phones.

It's named after Harald Bluetooth, a Viking king who was said to have blue teeth.

Sven Mattisson, one of the brains behind the technology, tells Gill Kearsley how the name Bluetooth came about following some drinks after a conference.

(Photo: A mobile phone with the Bluetooth logo. Credit: Westend61 via Getty images)

The story of how a Viking inspired wireless technology.

In the 1990s engineers in Lund, Sweden invented Bluetooth. But why did they decide to name their new wireless technology after a Viking king?

[LISTEN NOW]

On 11 September 1951, the 9.55am train from Prague to Aš, in Communist Czechoslovakia was hijacked and driven to freedom in West Germany.

One hundred and eleven people were on board and 34 of them never returned, starting new lives on the other side of the Iron Curtain.

The remaining 77 returned to Czechoslovakia to face state security, the Státní bezpeĀ?nost, and many were jailed.

Rachel Naylor uses an archive interview with Karel Ruml, one of the hijackers, who went on to move to the United States.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: A steam train in Czechoslovakia in 1960. Credit: Alamy)

On 11 September 1951, a Czech train was hijacked and driven into West Germany

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

On 11 September 1951, a train in Communist Czechoslovakia was hijacked and driven to freedom in West Germany.

[LISTEN NOW]

In January 1990, Cuban singer Celia Cruz, known as ‘the Queen of Salsa', went back to Cuba. Banned by Fidel Castro for opposing his regime, it was the only time in her 43 years of exile that she was able to visit the island.

She was invited to sing in the US naval base on Guantanamo Bay. The trip only lasted a day and a half, but it was full of touching moments and symbolisms. Omer Pardillo Cid, Celia's manager and close friend, tells Stefania Gozzer about the mark this visit left in the singer.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Celia Cruz holds a Cuban flag as she performs during the 'Combinacion Perfecta' concert at Madison Square Garden, New York City, 1993. Credit: Getty Images)

Cuban salsa singer Celia Cruz's only return to the island in 43 years of exile.

Cuban singer Celia Cruz, known as 'the Queen of Salsa', lived in exile for 43 years. Banned from going back to her country by Fidel Castro, she visited the island once in 1990.

[LISTEN NOW]

In 1938, South African museum curator Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer discovered a coelacanth, a fish that was believed to have been extinct for 65 million years.

It is thought to be our ancestor and the missing link between how fish evolved into four-legged amphibians.

This was produced and presented by Rachel Naylor, in collaboration with BBC Archives.

Eyewitness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina's Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall' speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler's List; and Jacques Derrida, France's ‘rock star' philosopher.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world's oldest languages.

In 1938, a fish was found that was believed to have been extinct for 65 million years

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In 1938, South African museum curator Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer discovered a fish that was believed to have been extinct for 65 million years.

[LISTEN NOW]

Dr Katalin Karikó grew up in a small town in Hungary with no electricity or running water at home. She overcame great adversity to become a scientist and publish a groundbreaking paper in 2005 showing how the mRNA molecule could be used to protect the human immune system from viruses. But, her findings were initially overlooked and she even lost her job after failing to attract funding. However, she persisted with her research, which laid the scientific groundwork for mRNA vaccines that saved countless lives during the Covid pandemic. She was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2023. She speaks to Ben Henderson.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Dr Katalin Karikó. Credit: Janos Kummer/Getty Images)

In 2005, Dr Katalin Karik\u00f3 published research that eventually won her the Nobel Prize

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In 2005, Dr Katalin Karikó published research into the mRNA molecule. It laid the groundwork for Covid vaccines that saved countless lives and won her the Nobel Prize in 2023.

[LISTEN NOW]

Until 1973, married women in Ireland were banned from working in state jobs.

It was one of the longest lasting marriage bars in the world.

Rachel Naylor speaks to Bernie Flynn, who postponed her wedding and became one of the first married women in the public service.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Bernie and Jimmy Flynn on their wedding day in 1973. Credit: Bernie Flynn)

Until 1973, married women in Ireland were banned from working in state jobs. It was one of the longest lasting marriage bars in the world.

[LISTEN NOW]

On 20th March 1974, recently married Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips were returning to Buckingham Palace following an engagement in London. On The Mall, their limousine was blocked by another car, driven by lone gunman Ian Ball. Jim Beaton describes the dramatic events, including being shot three times as he protected the Princess.

Produced and presented by Mike Lanchin.

First broadcast on the BBC World Service in March 2014.

Royal Protection Officer, Jim Beaton, recalls the failed kidnap attempt to Mike Lanchin.

Royal Protection Officer, Jim Beaton, describes the failed 1974 kidnap attempt on Princess Anne to Mike Lanchin. From 2014.

On 3 November 1961, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was founded, bringing all existing aid work under one single agency.

A key proponent of it was Barbara Ward, a pioneering British economist and journalist who had the ear of presidents and prime ministers across the world.

Later known as Baroness Jackson, she spoke to the John F Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum Oral History Program in 1964 about how the newly independent West African nation of Ghana was one of the first countries to benefit with funds to construct the Volta River Project.

Surya Elango listens back to those archive interviews.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina's Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall' speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler's List; and Jacques Derrida, France's ‘rock star' philosopher.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world's oldest languages.

[LISTEN NOW]

In 1949, the Gratitude Train arrived in the United States, made up of 49 wagons filled with thousands of gifts from France.

The convoy was a thank-you to American families who'd sent food and supplies across the Atlantic, via a ‘friendship train' in the aftermath of World War Two.

It was the idea of a French railworker called Andre Picard. In the same spirit as the friendship train, he asked families across France to make donations.

The response was 52,000 gifts that filled 49 rail wagons or ‘boxcars', one for each US state, and to be distributed to American families. Some donations were valuable; a carriage used by King Louis XV. Others were handmade; a knitted scarf or a child's painting.

June Cutchins tells Jane Wilkinson about the treasure her family received from the Florida boxcar.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Gratitude train boxcar unloaded in New York, 1949. Credit: Bettmann/Getty Images)

In 1949, the Gratitude Train arrived in the US, 49 wagons of thank you gifts from France

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In 1949, the Gratitude Train arrived in the US; 49 wagons of gifts sent from France. The convoy was a thank-you for American food and supplies in the aftermath of World War II.

[LISTEN NOW]

They stole over £2 million.

Most of the Great Train robbers ended up behind bars, but most of the money has never been recovered.

Presented and produced by Chloe Hadjimatheou.

First broadcast on the BBC World Service in August 2012.

In August 1963, thieves stole over \u00a32 million from a London bound Royal Mail train.

The Panama Canal is a short cut between the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean and plays a huge role in global shipping.

The United States had rights to the land surrounding it, known as the canal zone, and also controlled the waterway itself.

In 1977, responding to years of Panamanian protest, US President Jimmy Carter and Panama's General Omar Torrijos signed two new treaties, giving full control to Panama.

The handover ceremony took place in December 1999.

Alberto Aleman Zubieta was an administrator of the canal. Twenty-five years on, he tells Gill Kearsley the story of the handover.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Panama handover ceremony. Credit: Pedro Ugarte/AFP via Getty Images)

In 1999 the Panama Canal was handed over from US to Panamanian rule.

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

The Panama Canal was handed over from US to Panamanian rule in December 1999.

[LISTEN NOW]

In 1971, the publishing world was rocked by one of the biggest hoaxes in literary history – a fake autobiography of the reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes.

Hughes was an aerospace engineer, film producer, record-breaking aviator and business tycoon, who'd built a $2 billion fortune to become one of the richest people in the world.

But for years he'd been living as a recluse, reportedly so terrified of catching a disease that he had almost no contact with the outside world.

That's why the publishers, McGraw Hill, were delighted when Clifford Irving, an American author, persuaded the billionaire to talk. They paid him a $750,000 advance.

But Irving had faked the entire manuscript, and after his scam was discovered, he was sentenced to jail. Jane Wilkinson has been through the BBC archives to find out how it happened.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina's Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall' speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler's List; and Jacques Derrida, France's ‘rock star' philosopher.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world's oldest languages.

(Photo: Howard Hughes, 1947. Credit: Bettmann/Getty Images)

In 1971 a conman fooled publishers with a fake autobiography of billionaire Howard Hughes

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In 1971, US publishers were rocked by one of the biggest hoaxes in literary history – a fake autobiography of the reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes by conman Clifford Irving

[LISTEN NOW]

In 1967, American plumber Al Thieme promised his wife with multiple sclerosis that he would find her an alternative to a wheelchair.

He came up with a battery-powered seat on wheels.

He called it an ‘amigo' and soon other people wanted one too. In 1968, he started selling his vehicles around the world.

He speaks to Rachel Naylor.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by and curious about the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from how the Excel spreadsheet was developed, the creation of cartoon rabbit Miffy and how the sound barrier was broken.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: the moment Reagan and Gorbachev met in Geneva, Haitian singer Emerante de Pradines' life and Omar Sharif's legendary movie entrance in Lawrence of Arabia.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, like the invention of a stent which has saved lives around the world; the birth of the G7; and the meeting of Maldives' ministers underwater. We cover everything from World War Two and Cold War stories to Black History Month and our journeys into space.

(Photo: Al Thieme with an early model. Credit: Amigo Mobility International)

In 1967, American plumber Al Thieme came up with a battery-powered seat on wheels

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In 1967, American plumber Al Thieme came up with a battery-powered seat on wheels for his wife.

He called it an ‘amigo' and soon other people wanted one too. In 1968, he founded Amigo Mobility International and started selling his vehicles around the world.

[LISTEN NOW]

In 1937, American supermarket owner Sylvan Goldman came up with a way to get his customers to spend more.

He introduced his 'folding basket carriers' in his Humpty Dumpty chain in Oklahoma, hiring models to push them round his stores.

They caught on, becoming known as shopping carts in the USA.

Rachel Naylor uses clips from a 1977 CBS interview of Sylvan with Charles Kuralt to tell the story.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Sylvan Goldman, with models of his shopping trolley. Credit: Don Tullous, Oklahoma Publishing Company Photography Collection, Courtesy of the Oklahoma Historical Society)

In 1937, American supermarket owner Sylvan Goldman wanted his customers to spend more.

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

[LISTEN NOW]

The Iran-Contra affair was a scandal that went right to the heart of Ronald Reagan's White House and it became known as one of the most controversial political scandals in modern US history.

In 1986, Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North was accused of orchestrating the illegal sale of weapons to Iran and using those profits to fund rebel groups in Central America.

Five years after the affair, North spoke to the BBC's Panorama. Matt Pintus has been through the interview for Witness History.

Eyewitness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Oliver North in full military uniform on his first day of testimony at the Iran Contra hearings. Credit: Getty Images)

In 1986, Oliver North was accused of orchestrating the illegal sale of weapons to Iran

The Iran-Contra affair was a scandal that went right to the heart of the White House. It became known as one of the most controversial political scandals in modern US history.

[LISTEN NOW]

In 2008, Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zaidi hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest at America's occupation of Iraq.

George W Bush had been giving a joint press conference in Baghdad with Iraqi prime minister Nouri al-Maliki at the time. He was in his final months as president as Barack Obama was due to take over.

As he threw the first shoe, Muntadhar yelled: “Here is your goodbye kiss, you dog.

He tells Vicky Farncombe how he prepared for the moment and what happened to him next.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: President Bush ducks after Muntadhar al-Zaidi threw a shoe. Credit: Reuters)

Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zaidi threw his shoes at the President of the United States.

TV journalist Muntadhar al-Zaidi threw his shoes at President George W Bush in 2008 to protest against the occupation of Iraq.

[LISTEN NOW]

In May 1986, a new airport opened in Knock in the west of Ireland. It was the dream of an Irish priest, Monsignor James Horan, who raised millions to have it built.

The location for the airport seemed impossible – set in the boggy, foggy hills of rural County Mayo.

However, Knock attracts more than a million pilgrims every year, who come to visit the supposed site of an apparition by the Virgin Mary and other saints.

So, Horan convinced politicians that this remote western landscape could host a gateway to the world, and service the pilgrims who come to visit the shrine of Knock.

Pearce Concannon was working at the local Knock Shrine when the airport opened and remembers when Horan asked him to quit his job and become a firefighter at his new airport. He speaks to Colm Flynn.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina's Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall' speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler's List; and Jacques Derrida, France's ‘rock star' philosopher.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world's oldest languages.

(Photo: Monsignor James Horan in front of the first plane to arrive at the airport. Credit: Ireland West Airport)

In 1986, a priest raised millions to open an airport at Knock in Ireland.

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In 1986, Monsignor James Horan raised millions to open an airport in the foggy hills of rural County Mayo, in the west of Ireland.

[LISTEN NOW]

In 1984, a 21-year-old Irish shopworker refused to serve a customer buying two South African grapefruits. Mary Manning was suspended from the Dunnes store in Dublin, and ten of her colleagues walked out alongside her in protest.

It was the start of a strike that lasted almost three years, and ended when Ireland became the first western country to impose a complete ban of South African imports.

Why did Mary do it? In 1984, she and her colleagues were part of the Irish workers' union, IDATU, which had told its members not to sell items from South Africa.

At the time the 11 strikers knew little about apartheid – South Africa's system of racial segregation - but they soon learnt.

Their protest would lead to them addressing the United Nations, winning praise from Bishop Desmond Tutu, and meeting with Nelson Mandela.

Mary tells Jane Wilkinson about what drove the strikers to continue despite little initial support.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Strikers outside Dunnes store in Dublin in 1985. Credit: Derek Speirs)

In 1984, 11 Dunnes store workers walked out after refusing to handle South African goods

In 1984, 11 workers walked out of the Dunnes store in Dublin after refusing to handle South African goods. It was the start of a three year strike against apartheid.

[LISTEN NOW]

In 2002, filmmaker Ken Burns received an intriguing proposition from Apple CEO, Steve Jobs. He wanted Burns' signature filming style to be inserted into the video editing software of every Macintosh computer. He would call it ‘the Ken Burns effect.

Burns first shot to fame in 1981, when his documentary Brooklyn Bridge was nominated for an Academy Award.

He is perhaps best known for his 1990 documentary series The Civil War, which was watched by more than 40 million Americans when it debuted on PBS, becoming one of the most watched documentaries of all time.

In the time since, Burns has covered a whole array of subjects about American history, including baseball, country music and the Vietnam war.

He tells Matt Pintus about his future plans, including a series about the life of Martin Luther King.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Ken Burns. Credit: Getty Images)

In 2002, the 'Ken Burns effect' was created.

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In 2002, the 'Ken Burns effect' was created by Apple. Filmmaker Ken Burns explains how it all came about.

[LISTEN NOW]

On 22 July 2005, an unarmed Brazilian man was shot dead by anti-terrorism police at Stockwell Tube station, in London.

Jean Charles de Menezes was shot seven times in the head because he was mistaken for a terror suspect.

The killing made headlines all over the world and his family demanded justice.

Matt Pintus spoke to Jean Charles's cousin and best friend, Patricia da Silva, in 2022.

[LISTEN NOW]

On 22 July 2005, an unarmed Brazilian man was shot dead by anti-terrorism police at Stockwell Tube station, in London.

Jean Charles de Menezes was shot seven times in the head because he was mistaken for a terror suspect.

The killing made headlines all over the world and his family demanded justice.

Matt Pintus spoke to Jean Charles' cousin and best friend, Patricia da Silva, in 2022.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: A memorial for Jean Charles de Menezes outside Stockwell Tube station. Credit: Oli Scarff / Getty Images)

On 22 July 2005, an unarmed Brazilian man was shot dead by police in London

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

On 22 July 2005, an unarmed Brazilian man was shot dead by anti-terrorism police in London.

[LISTEN NOW]

It was World War Two, and families in southern Italy had already lived through a German invasion, air bombardment, and surrender to the Allies.

And then at 16:30 on 18 March, Vesuvius erupted. The sky filled with violent explosions of rock and ash, and burning lava flowed down the slopes, devastating villages.

By the time it was over, 11 days later, 26 people had died and about 12,000 people were forced to leave their homes.

Angelina Formisano, who was nine, was among those evacuated from the village of San Sebastiano. She's been speaking to Jane Wilkinson about being in the path of an erupting volcano.

(Photo: Vesuvius erupting in March 1944. Credit: Keystone/Getty Images)

Vesuvius is famous for burying Pompeii but it last erupted in 1944, during World War II.

Mount Vesuvius is famous for destroying Pompeii in AD79, but it last erupted in 1944, during World War II. Rock and ash filled the sky, and a flow of hot lava destroyed homes.

In August 1995, Microsoft released a new operating system - Windows 95 – following one of the computer industry's biggest and most expensive marketing campaigns.

Queues formed outside shops at midnight as people around the world waited to be among the first to buy it.

The new software was designed to be more user friendly, easier to understand and aimed at ordinary people not professional programmers. Connecting to the internet was also more straightforward.

More than 40 million CD Rom copies were sold in the first year, introducing a boom in personal computers at home.

Sarah Leary who demonstrated the software on launch day – alongside Microsoft chairman Bill Gates and US talk show host Jay Leno – talks to Jane Wilkinson.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Windows 95. Credit: Bill Nation/Sygma via Getty Images)

In 1995 Microsoft released a new operating system after a $300 million marketing campaign

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In 1995, Microsoft released the new Windows 95 operating system after a $300 million marketing campaign. People queued outside shops waiting to be among the first to buy it.

(Photo: Bill Gates at the Windows 95 launch. Credit: Bill Nation/Sygma via Getty Images)

[LISTEN NOW]

A CTVC production for the BBC Radio 4.

(Photo: Philippa Bernard beside the scrolls in Westminster Synagogue. Credit: BBC)

The Torah scrolls stolen by the Nazis, rescued by an London Jewish community.

Witness History hears the tale of the Torah scrolls stolen by the Nazis and rescued by a group from a London synagogue over 20 years later.

(Photo: Philippa beside the scrolls in Westminster Synagogue. Credit: BBC)

The Torah scrolls stolen by the Nazis, rescued by a London Jewish community

In 1983, punk rock was strictly forbidden in East Berlin. However, that didn't stop young music obsessive Mark Reeder, from Manchester in the UK, smuggling cassettes, and then a punk band across the Berlin Wall.

Mark shares how he arranged for the West German band, Die Toten Hosen, to perform illegally at a secret concert in a church.

This episode was produced by Paul Hanford and Rosalie Delaney. A Munck Studios production for the BBC World Service.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Members of the band Die Toten Hosen and friends in East Berlin in 1983. Credit: Mark Reeder)

How punk rock band Die Toten Hosen secretly played a concert in East Berlin.

In 1983, a man from the UK secretly took punk rock music recordings across the Berlin Wall. Mark Reeder organised a secret concert for the band Die Toten Hosen in East Berlin.

[LISTEN NOW]

In 1971, inflation was a huge problem in the USA so the President, Richard Nixon, made one of the most drastic moves in economic history: abandoning the Gold Standard. It became known as the 'Nixon Shock' and nearly caused a trade war between America and its allies. But, it also saved the US's economy from a crisis. Ben Henderson spoke to Bob Hormats, an economic adviser in the Nixon administration, who was at the heart of decision-making.

(Picture from Bettmann via Getty Images: President Nixon with his economic advisers in 1971)

In 1971, the US president, Richard Nixon, abandoned the gold standard.

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In 1971, the US president, Richard Nixon, shocked the world by abandoning the gold standard. Ben Henderson spoke to Bob Hormats, an economic adviser in the Nixon administration.

[LISTEN NOW]

In November 1995, a proposal of having an annual day focused on celebrating books was put forward at the UNESCO conference in Paris.

The idea came from a long-established Spanish celebration ‘The Day of Books and Roses'.

The first World Book Day was on 23 April 1996.

Although some countries now celebrate World Book Day on different dates, it's marked on 23 April in the majority of countries.

Pere Vicens is a book publisher from Barcelona in Spain and one of the creators of World Book Day. He tells Gill Kearsley the origins of this now annual event.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: World Book Day in Spain. Credit: John MIlner/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

23 April 1996, saw the first World Book Day. It originated from a Spanish tradition

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

The first World Book Day was in 1996. The idea came from a long-established Spanish celebration ‘The Day of Books and Roses'.

[LISTEN NOW]

In 1963, Dr Jose Ignacio Barraquer Moner performed the first surgery on a human eye aimed at correcting short-sightedness.

The ophthalmologist had been developing his technique for years, believing that there was a better solution for blurry vision than wearing glasses.

But he had to move from Spain to Colombia to begin his experimental surgery which involved dry ice, a watchmaker's lathe and rabbits. The idea was to change the shape of the cornea – the front layer of the eye - to focus vision.

First, he sliced off the patient's cornea then dunked it in liquid nitrogen, before using a miniature lathe to carve the frozen cornea into the right shape. Next, he thawed the disc and sewed it back on.

Jose's initial surgery was performed on rabbits, but in 1963 he carried out the first procedure on a human patient, a 9 year old girl. It was a success, and soon doctors from around the world were flocking to Colombia to find out more.

Barraquer called this procedure keratomileusis, from the Greek words for “carving ? and “cornea. ? The technique was the forerunner of Lasik eye surgery when the lathe was replaced with lasers.

Jose's daughter, Carmen Barraquer Coll followed her father into ophthalmology and tells Jane Wilkinson, how he inspired her.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Lasik eye surgery in 2009. Credit: BSIP/UIG Via Getty Images)

In 1963, Dr Jose Barraquer Moner performed the first eye surgery to fix short-sightedness.

In 1963, Dr Jose Ignacio Barraquer Moner performed the first surgery on a human eye aimed at correcting short-sightedness. His technique was the forerunner of Lasik eye surgery.

[LISTEN NOW]

The ophthalmologist had been developing his technique for years, believing that there was a better solution for blurry vision than wearing glasses.

But he had to move from Spain to Colombia to begin his experimental surgery which involved dry ice, a watchmaker's lathe and rabbits. The idea was to change the shape of the cornea – the front layer of the eye - to focus vision.

First, he sliced off the patient's cornea then dunked it in liquid nitrogen, before using a miniature lathe to carve the frozen cornea into the right shape. Next, he thawed the disc and sewed it back on.

Jose's initial surgery was performed on rabbits, but in 1963 he carried out the first procedure on a human patient, a 9 year old girl. It was a success, and soon doctors from around the world were flocking to Colombia to find out more.

Barraquer called this procedure keratomileusis, from the Greek words for “carving ? and “cornea. ? The technique was the forerunner of Lasik eye surgery when the lathe was replaced with lasers.

Jose's daughter, Carmen Barraquer Coll followed her father into ophthalmology and tells Jane Wilkinson, how he inspired her.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Lasik eye surgery in 2009. Credit: BSIP/UIG Via Getty Images)

In 1963, Dr Jose Barraquer Moner performed the first eye surgery to fix short-sightedness.

In 1963, Dr Jose Ignacio Barraquer Moner performed the first surgery on a human eye aimed at correcting short-sightedness. His technique was the forerunner of Lasik eye surgery.

During the 1940s, a playboy spy became one of wartime's most successful double agents, as well as the reported inspiration behind James Bond.

A gambler and womanizer who spoke several languages, Dusko Popov was approached by a friend working for the Abwehr, Germany's military intelligence.

But Dusko was vehemently anti-Nazi. He went straight to the British and volunteered his services, adopting the codename 'Agent Tricycle'. Intelligence officers then created realistic - but false - information for Dusko to pass back to his Nazi spymaster.

And it was during this time, that Dusko's path crossed with a British naval intelligence officer called Ian Fleming, later the creator of James Bond.

Jane Wilkinson tells the story using BBC archives.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by and curious about the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from how the Excel spreadsheet was developed, the creation of cartoon rabbit Miffy and how the sound barrier was broken.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: the moment Reagan and Gorbachev met in Geneva, Haitian singer Emerante de Pradines' life and Omar Sharif's legendary movie entrance in Lawrence of Arabia.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, like the invention of a stent which has saved lives around the world; the birth of the G7; and the meeting of Maldives' ministers underwater. We cover everything from World War Two and Cold War stories to Black History Month and our journeys into space.

(Photo: Dusko Popov. Credit: AFP via Getty Images)

Dusko Popov was one of WWII's most successful double agents, inspiring the fictional 007.

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

Dusko Popov became one of WWII's most successful double agents, and the reported inspiration behind James Bond. While recruited by the Nazis, he secretly worked for the Allies.

[LISTEN NOW]

During World War Two, a Japanese American battalion became one of the most decorated army units in US military history.

The 442nd Regimental Combat Unit earned more than 4,000 Purple Hearts and seven Presidential Unit Citations for extraordinary heroism in battle.

The unit was set up in 1943, just over a year after Japan bombed the US naval base at Pearl Harbor. Following the attack, 120,000 Japanese Americans living on the west coast were sent to internment camps, but many were keen to show their loyalty to the US.

They volunteered to join the 442nd RCT and fight in Europe. Hundreds of recruits came from the camps, while thousands of others were from the Japanese American community in Hawaii.

Among them was 19-year-old Matsuichi Kusatsu. His son Clyde tells Jane Wilkinson about how the unit fought prejudice to prove their loyalty, and a warning, this story includes racist language of the time.

Actor Clyde stars in the BBC World Service drama Purple Heart Warriors. To hear this six-part season search for Dramas, wherever you get your BBC podcasts.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Matsuichi Kusatsu in 1944. Credit: Family photo)

In WW2, a Japanese American troop was one of the most decorated army units in US history

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In WW2, a Japanese American battalion became one of the most decorated army units in US military history. The 442nd Regimental Combat Team earned more than 4,000 Purple Hearts.

[LISTEN NOW]

On 27 February 1933, the Reichstag building in Berlin, which was home to the German Parliament, was burned down.

This was a key event in the establishment of the Nazi dictatorship.

Berlin-born journalist, Sefton Delmer, told his story to the BBC World Service in 1967.

He grew up in the city so knew people involved with the Nazi party. This meant he was able to get close to the main people on the night.

Delmer walked around the burning building with Hitler and Goring. He recalls their conversations and describes the scene in this fascinating account.

Produced and presented by Gill Kearsley.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: The Reichstag fire in 1933. Credit: Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

In February 1933, the home to the German Parliament in Berlin was burned down.

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

The Reichstag building in Berlin, which was home to the German Parliament, was burned down in February 1933. This was a key event in the establishment of the Nazi dictatorship.

[LISTEN NOW]

On 10 October 1961, a volcanic eruption threatened the population of Tristan da Cunha, a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic, and all 264 islanders were evacuated to the UK.

Two years later, the majority voted to return.

In an interview she gave to the BBC in 1961, Mary Swain describes what it was like to survive the preceding earthquake and landside and be relocated to the other side of the world.

Produced and presented by Rachel Naylor, in collaboration with BBC Archives.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina's Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall' speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler's List; and Jacques Derrida, France's ‘rock star' philosopher.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world's oldest languages.

(Photo: Evacuees from Tristan on board a Dutch liner bound for Cape Town on 21 October 1961. Credit: Central Press/Getty Images)

On 10 October 1961, the population of Tristan da Cunha was evacuated to the UK

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

On 10 October 1961, the population of Tristan da Cunha, a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic, was evacuated to the UK, due to the threat of a volcanic eruption

[LISTEN NOW]

In the 1950s, secretary Bette Graham from Texas was struggling to cope with her new electric typewriter.

“My fingers would hang heavy on the sensitive keyboard and the first thing I'd know, I'd have a mistake with a deposit of carbon which I simply couldn't erase, ? she said.

A budding artist, she wondered if there was a way she could paint over her typos.

At home, in her kitchen, the single mum cooked up the first correcting fluid. It was a hit with other secretaries and, by 1973, Bette had turned her creation into a multi-million dollar business.

Bette died in 1980 so Vicky Farncombe tells her story using archive from University of North Texas Special Collections.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina's Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall' speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler's List; and Jacques Derrida, France's ‘rock star' philosopher.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world's oldest languages.

[LISTEN NOW]

Pete Souza was Chief Official White House Photographer during Barack Obama's presidency. His photo from when Bin Laden was killed by US soldiers in 2011 has become one of his most famous.

He tells Uma Doraiswamy what that day was like leading up to the moment when he took the photo.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and members of the national security team receive an update on the mission against Osama bin Laden. Credit: Getty Images / Pete Souza, White House)

The story behind the Situation Room photograph during the raid to kill Bin Laden in 2011

Pete Souza was Chief Official White House Photographer during Barack Obama's presidency. His photo from when Bin Laden was killed by US soldiers has become one of his most famous.

[LISTEN NOW]

They first came to Ireland in the late 1990s to work in the town's meat factory.

Lucimeire Trindade was just 24-years-old when she and three friends arrived in the town, unable to speak a word of English or Irish.

Nearly 25 years later, Lucimeire considers Gort her true home.

She tells Vicky Farncombe how being in Ireland changed her outlook on life.

“I learned that a woman can have their own life, especially going to the pub alone without their husbands! ?

(Photo: Traditional Brazilian carnival dancers strut their stuff in Gort. Credit: John Kelly, Clare Champion)

How Gort in the west of Ireland became home to so many Brazilians

In the late 1990s, hundreds of out-of-work butchers left their homes in Brazil for a new life in Gort, a small town in the west of Ireland.

In 1975, the death of General Francisco Franco was announced in Spain, bringing to an end 36 years of dictatorship.

Franco had already chosen his successor: Prince Juan Carlos, grandson of the last monarch, Alphonso XIII. This was the man who - Franco thought - would continue his authoritarian, anti-democratic and deeply conservative regime.

But Juan Carlos defied expectations. In the years that followed, he would lead Spain from a dictatorship to a democracy until, in 1977, the country held its first free elections for 41 years.

Jane Wilkinson tells the story using excerpts from the 1981 BBC and TVE documentary, Juan Carlos: King of Spain. This episode was made in collaboration with BBC Archives.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina's Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall' speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler's List; and Jacques Derrida, France's ‘rock star' philosopher.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world's oldest languages.

(Photo: King Juan Carlos on his proclamation day as king. Credit: Jacques Pavlovsky/Sygma via Getty Images)

In 1975 Juan Carlos reclaimed the Spanish throne after 36 years of Franco's dictatorship

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In 1975 Juan Carlos reclaimed the Spanish throne after 36 years of Franco's dictatorship. Instead of continuing the authoritarian regime, the new king guided Spain to democracy.

[LISTEN NOW]

In 1995, an international row broke out between Canada and Spain over fishing quotas. It started with gunfire and ended with a deal.

The dispute began after Canada set up restrictions to protect fish stocks, including the turbot. A 320km (200 mile) controlled zone was placed around the country's north Atlantic coast. Fishermen also had to stick to quotas.

But, according to Canada, some boats from the European Union were catching far more turbot than had been agreed.

As a warning, the coastguard chased off one Spanish trawler, shooting machine gunfire over the bow and arresting the crew.

But Spanish officials were furious and denied any wrongdoing. The Turbot War had begun.

Brian Tobin was Canada's Minister for Fisheries and Oceans. He tells Jane Wilkinson about the part he played in the dispute.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Picture: Brian Tobin and a turbot. Credit: Jon Levy/AFP via Getty Images)

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In 1995, an international row broke out between Canada and Spain over fishing quotas. The 'Turbot War' started with gunfire and ended with a deal.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

[LISTEN NOW]

Amateur radio enthusiast Maggie Iaquinto spent a year trying to make contact with Russian cosmonauts on the Mir space station using special equipment.

It took careful planning as she had to know when they were orbiting past her house in Australia and what frequency they'd be on.

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Maggie relayed crucial information to cosmonaut Sergei Krikalev.

Maggie's son Ben Iaquinto speaks to Megan Jones.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Margaret Iaquinto. Credit: Benjamin Iaquinto)

Maggie Iaquinto was the first amateur radio enthusiast to contact Russian cosmonauts

In 1990, amateur radio enthusiast Maggie Iaquinto made history by speaking with Russian cosmonauts on the Mir space station. She used special equipment from her home in Australia.

[LISTEN NOW]

In 1976, Jenette Kahn took on one of the biggest roles in comic books - publisher of DC Comics, home to superheroes like Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. She was only 28, and the first female boss.

Her first mission was to change the company name. For decades it had been known as National Periodical Publications but, with sales stalling, Jenette reverted back to the original name: DC Comics.

It wasn't her only shake-up. The illustrator Milton Glaser created a new logo, and rules were brought in to make sure artists kept the rights to their own characters and ideas.

The changes worked, bringing in more comic titles, new characters and a wider readership. Jenette was later promoted to president of the company, and then editor-in-chief, eventually leaving in 2002.

By the time she left, the staff had grown from 35 people to 250, half of whom were women. Jenette tells her story to Jane Wilkinson.

With movie trailer excerpts from the Warner Brothers films: Superman (Dir: Richard Donner, 1978), Batman Forever (Dir: Joel Schumacher, 1995) and Wonder Woman (Dir: Patty Jenkins, 2017).

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: The DC Comics superheroes. Credit: ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty Images)

In 1976 Jenette Kahn became the first female head of DC Comics, home of the superheroes

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In 1976, Jenette Kahn began one of the biggest roles in comic books - publisher of DC Comics, home to Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. She was only 28 and the first female boss.

[LISTEN NOW]

In 1946, one of the world's first electronic computers was unveiled in Philadelphia, in the USA.

It was called the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, or ENIAC, and was initially designed to do calculations for ballistics trajectories.

It was programmed by six female mathematicians.

Rachel Naylor speaks to Gini Mauchly Calcerano, whose dad John Mauchly co-designed it, and whose mum, Kay McNulty, was one of the programmers.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Computer operators programming the ENIAC. Credit: Corbis via Getty Images)

In 1946, one of the world's first electronic computers was unveiled in the USA.

In 1946, one of the world's first electronic computers was unveiled in Philadelphia, in the USA. It was called the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, or ENIAC.

[LISTEN NOW]

One of the most successful American films of all time was released on Christmas Day 1962. Written by the best-selling author Harper Lee, it starred Gregory Peck as lawyer Atticus Finch, who stood against prejudice in the Deep South of the USA.

Louise Hidalgo spoke to Gregory Peck's son Carey Peck about the film, and about his family's long-standing friendship with the reclusive Harper Lee.

Presented and produced by Louise Hidalgo.

First broadcast on the BBC World Service in December 2017.

Louise Hidalgo speaks to Gregory Peck's son Carey about the film of Harper Lee's novel.

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

Louise Hidalgo talks to Carey Peck about the role which made his father's name and their friendship with Harper Lee. From 2017.

[LISTEN NOW]

On the 8th of May 1945, hundreds of thousands of Londoners took to the streets to celebrate the end of the Second World War in Europe.

BBC correspondents captured the scenes of joy across the city - from the East End to Piccadilly Circus.

This programme is made up of material from the BBC Archives recorded on VE Day in 1945.

Producer: Simon Watts

Photo: Londoners dancing on VE Day (Getty Images)

VE Day saw Londoners celebrate the end of the Second World War in Europe.

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

On the 8th of May 1945, Londoners took to the streets to celebrate the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Produced by Simon Watts

First broadcast on the BBC World Service in 2020

On the 8th of May 1945, VE Day, Londoners celebrated the end of World War II in Europe.

On the 8th of May 1945, Londoners took to the streets to celebrate the end of the Second World War in Europe. From 2020.

[LISTEN NOW]

On 8 May 1945, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Defeat for Germany meant great rejoicing in Britain.

Alan Johnston spoke to people at the centre of celebrations that day including Australian bomber pilot Geoffrey Cornish and British sailor George Broomhead.

These first-hand accounts are brought together with archive recordings in this programme which was first broadcast in 2011.

(Photo: George Broomhead in Trafalgar Square. Credit: Picture Post/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

On May 8 1945, Winston Churchill announced the end of the war in Europe.

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

On 8 May 1945, Winston Churchill announced the end of the Second World War in Europe. It meant defeat for Germany and great rejoicing in Britain.

[LISTEN NOW]

Quisling suggested to Hitler that the British were planning to move into Norway for their own strategic needs. Norway hadn't been a concern for the Nazis but the meeting alarmed Hitler and within months Germany started its invasion of Norway.

From that moment, Quisling was consigned into history as a traitor. So much so that in the time since, his name has become a byword for traitor in numerous languages.

Matt Pintus hears from Norwegian journalist, Trude Lorentzen, who decided to study Quisling's life after stumbling across his suitcase in an online auction.

As part of her voyage of discovery, Trude interviewed Quisling's Jewish neighbour Leif Grusd who was forced to flee to Sweden when the Nazis took over Norway.

Leif Grusd's interview was translated from the NRK podcast 'Quislings koffert' - Quisling's suitcase - released in 2021. It was made by production company Svarttrost for NRK.

Published in 1991, Faceless Killers was the first of Henning Mankell's crime novels featuring police inspector Kurt Wallander. The series changed the world of crime writing, introducing gritty social realism. The Wallander novels helped establish Scandinavia as the epicentre of crime fiction.

Henning Mankell's former agent Anneli Høier speaks to Ben Henderson about the rise of Nordic Noir.

Extracts from Faceless Killers are read by David Warner.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina's Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall' speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler's List; and Jacques Derrida, France's ‘rock star' philosopher.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world's oldest languages.

(Photo: Henning Mankell. Credit: Gideon Mendel/Corbis via Getty Images)

First published in 1991, Henning Mankell's novels changed the world of crime fiction

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

First published in 1991, Henning Mankell's novels about police inspector Kurt Wallander helped establish Scandinavia as the epicentre of crime fiction.

[LISTEN NOW]

In 1987, an unknown 18 year-old Somalian model called Waris Dirie walked into the studio of renowned British photographer Terence Donovan.

She had never had her picture taken before but after striking her first pose it was clear belonged in front of the lens.

Although she says modelling was 'easy-peasy ? it was not an obvious career path for Waris.

She was born in the Somalian desert to a nomadic family.

When she was young she was forced to undergo female genital mutilation after which her family arranged a marriage for her.

Waris tells Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty how she walked barefoot across the Somalian desert to escape child marriage and how she became an international supermodel sensation.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Waris Dirie. Credit: Waris Dirie)

In 1987, Waris Dirie had her first photo-shoot and became a supermodel sensation

In 1987, Waris Dirie had her picture taken for the first time. After striking her first pose it was clear she belonged in front of the lens.

[LISTEN NOW]

She came up with a solution – a reusable outer garment, initially made out of parachute material, with a disposable, biodegradable pad inside.

She named it the Paddi and once her friends saw it, they all wanted one, so she went into business. Rachel Naylor speaks to Nigel Hunter Gordon, Valerie's son, who modelled them as a baby in the first adverts.

The story of how disposable nappies were invented.

In 1947, after the birth of her third child, Valerie Hunter Gordon decided she was sick of the drudgery of cloth nappies and so she invented disposable nappies.

In December 1953, Hollywood film stars Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy spent a few weeks at the Bull Inn, Bottesford, Leicestershire, while they performed a show at the nearby Nottingham Empire.

Stan's sister, Olga Healey, was the landlady.

Customers and staff said the duo spent time serving behind the bar, signing autographs and chatting with regulars.

This was produced and presented by Rachel Naylor, in collaboration with BBC Archives.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina's Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall' speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler's List; and Jacques Derrida, France's ‘rock star' philosopher.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world's oldest languages.

[LISTEN NOW]

Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich was one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century. But in 1936, Joseph Stalin attended a performance of Shostakovich's opera, Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk.

The Soviet leader was unimpressed and left early. Days later, the state newspaper Pravda published a scathing review titled 'Muddle instead of music', castigating the music as bourgeois.

Shostakovich was blacklisted from public life, and feared for his safety during Stalin's ongoing purges.

The traditional style of his comeback Symphony No 5 in 1937 was a hit with the authorities, and Shostakovich's reputation was restored. But his true intentions are hugely debated – some experts argue the Fifth Symphony was a cleverly veiled act of dissent.

Fifty years on from the composer's death, his son Maxim Shostakovich unfolds the mystery with Ben Henderson.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive.

Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina's Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall' speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler's List; and Jacques Derrida, France's ‘rock star' philosopher.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world's oldest languages.

(Photo: Dmitri Shostakovich and his son Maxim Shostakovich. Credit: Express/Getty Images)

In 1936, Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich was denounced.

The story of our times, told by the people who were there

In 1936, Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich was denounced by Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. In response, he wrote one of the most controversial symphonies in history.

[LISTEN NOW]

Frank Cottrell-Boyce who wrote the scene for the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games explains how it came about.

Josephine McDermott hears how corgis, a clothes line and the Queen's dresser all played important parts.

American entertainer Bing Crosby made 'White Christmas' by Irving Berlin, one of the defining songs of the Second World War.

Rebecca Kesby chats to his nephew Howard Crosby about the song and its importance to his uncle.

Producer: Rebecca Kesby.

First broadcast on the BBC World Service in December 2020.

White Christmas' by Irving Berlin, was one of the defining songs of the Second World War.

Bing Crosby's version of 'White Christmas' by Irving Berlin, was one of the defining songs of the Second World War. From 2020.

American entertainer Bing Crosby made 'White Christmas' by Irving Berlin, one of the defining songs of World War Two. Rebecca Kesby has been speaking to his nephew Howard Crosby about the song and its importance to his uncle.

Photo: Bing Crosby in London in 1944 recording a performance for British and American troops. Credit: BBC.

American entertainer Bing Crosby made 'White Christmas' one of the defining songs of WW2

[LISTEN NOW]

[LISTEN NOW]

That was until one day in the summer of 1974, when a group of women decided to plot an invasion.

At a time when Irish women couldn't even access contraception, why did this group of hardy feminists decide to fight this particular battle for equality?

Rosie Blunt speaks to poet, writer, women's rights activist, and swimmer Mary Dorcey.

(Photo: Woman diving at the Forty Foot in 2019. Credit: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

In 1974, women campaigned to swim at the Forty Foot in Dublin, Ireland

Women fought for their right to Dublin's male-only swimming spot, the Forty Foot, in 1974. For years, male swimmers had told women they couldn't swim off the Irish beach.

But the BBC's debut of Doctor Who was tragically overshadowed by the assassination of US President John F Kennedy.

Lucy Burns speaks to Carole Ann Ford, who played the Timelord's grand-daughter, Susan.

Presented and produced by Lucy Burns.

First broadcast on BBC World Service November 2013.

On 23 November 1963, the first episode of Doctor Who was shown.

Doctor Who began on 23rd November 1963. Lucy Burns talks to Carole Ann Ford who played the Time Lord's grand-daughter, Susan.

The remains were discovered in a gravel pit in rural Sussex and became known as Piltdown Man.

Witness tells the story of the hoax using contemporary accounts of what happened.

The programme also hears from Dr Miles Russell of Bournemouth University, author of 'Piltdown Man: Case Closed'.

Presented and produced by Simon Watts.

First broadcast on BBC World Service December 2012.

In 1912, Britain's top palaeontologists were hoaxed by a 'missing link' in human evolution

In 1912, Britain's top palaeontologists were hoaxed by a 'missing link' in human evolution. Simon Watts explores what happened.

First broadcast on BBC World Service 2012.