BBC Archive

Curated extracts from the BBC's huge content archive.

Gems from the Archive

1959: Tom Lehrer on songwriting. Video, 00:02:00
The performer is interviewed about the unusual and sometimes macabre topics he chooses to write about.
Attribution
BBC Archive
Posted
30 April 1959
1985: Sex Discrimination Code of Practice released. Video, 00:00:51
Attribution
BBC Archive
Posted
30 April 1985
Archive quiz: What animal is Sir David Attenborough describing?
Attribution
BBC
1993: Newsnight - May Day. Video, 00:08:51
Attribution
BBC Archive
Posted
30 April 1993
WW2 Propaganda broadcast - 1945: Haw-Haw's final propagandist recording. Audio, 00:09:52
Attribution
BBC Archive
Posted
30 April 1945

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BBC Archives Technology & Services

Made of Scotland

1977: Shetland's oil industry in focus. Video, 00:08:01
Attribution
BBC Archive
Posted
17 February 1977
1979: Guard geese at whisky distillery. Video, 00:01:03
Attribution
BBC Archive
Posted
26 December 1979
On the march with Ally's Army in 1978. Video, 00:09:55
Attribution
BBC
Posted
3 June 2024
1949: Potato harvest on the Isle of Arran. Video, 00:02:07
Attribution
BBC Archive
Posted
10 October 1949

BBC Archive from around the UK

Explore thousands of BBC archive films. This unique collection shows life and events across the UK since the 1940s.

Watch on BBC iPlayer

Special Enquiry. Video, 30 minutes
Attribution
BBC Archive
4472 - Flying Scotsman. Video, 40 minutes
Attribution
BBC Archive
The Frost Interview. Video, 30 minutes
Attribution
BBC

Explore More

1994: What is the future of football in America? Video, 00:06:07
Attribution
BBC
Posted
2 days ago
2001: Teenage Susie Wolff on her driving ambitions. Video, 00:02:02
Attribution
BBC
Posted
16 April
1971: Calypso comes to Carnaby Street. Video, 00:03:07
Attribution
BBC
Posted
15 April
1981: Blue Peter shows off the tech behind the first London Marathon. Video, 00:03:32
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BBC
Posted
14 April
1980: Which books do kids love reading most? Video, 00:03:18
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BBC
Posted
9 April
1995: The day when nearly every UK phone number changed. Video, 00:02:03
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BBC
Posted
8 April
1976: Operation Hot Cross Bun gets underway. Video, 00:02:32
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BBC
Posted
26 March
2006: Steve Wozniak on building the first Apple computer. Video, 00:07:23
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BBC
Posted
25 March
1993: Dame Jenni Murray discusses Woman's Hour. Video, 00:08:06
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BBC
Posted
20 March
1973: Shoppers rush to bag bargains before VAT is introduced. Video, 00:02:25
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BBC
Posted
19 March
1970: The village with one loo. Video, 00:03:56
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BBC
Posted
17 March
1984: All Aboard the Fashion Bus! Video, 00:04:24
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BBC
Posted
9 March
1970: The secrets of the romantic fiction writer. Video, 00:05:22
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BBC
Posted
6 March
2016: Cillian Murphy on the success of Peaky Blinders. Video, 00:01:26
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BBC
Posted
5 March
1982: Training for the women's Oxford v Cambridge boat race. Video, 00:07:46
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BBC
Posted
4 March
1973: The Office goes open plan. Video, 00:05:17
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BBC
Posted
3 March
1996: Eating a raw leek for St David's Day! Video, 00:03:02
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BBC
Posted
26 February
1985: How tasty are British Army ration packs? Video, 00:06:10
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BBC
Posted
10 February
1998: The railway fans driving Europe's last commuter steam train. Video, 00:01:54
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BBC
Posted
9 February
1984: Blue Peter demonstrates hair extensions. Video, 00:03:39
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BBC
Posted
6 February
1984: Is New York ready for the British Pork Pie? Video, 00:03:20
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BBC
Posted
5 February
1975: Could you do your food shop just once a year? Video, 00:03:46
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BBC
Posted
23 January
1979: The Mallalieu: an upcycled custom built car with style. Video, 00:05:45
Attribution
BBC
Posted
23 January
1975: A new bedtime essential – the duvet! Video, 00:03:03
Attribution
BBC
Posted
21 January

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