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Official account of the @BBC Archive. Unless otherwise stated, images and videos are ©BBC.

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1Sep 6, '23"I’ve never fell off a big chimney. You only fall off one of them once." #OnThisDay 1979: Extraordinary steeplejack Fred Dibnah was introduced to the nation.99.7×8.6M30k5.4k3.5k
2Feb 14, '24It's Valentine's Day, so we're going back to 1964 and an episode of Marriage Today that looked at the future of relationships. Young and old reflect on their experiences, and share54.3×4.7M4.9k5571.6k
3Aug 21, '23In 1969, BBC News spoke to Mr Glynne Wood - who had a pigeon living on his head.48.1×4.1M11k3.2k1.5k
4Nov 20, '23#OnThisDay 1961: Panorama asked whether Irish immigrants should be freely admitted into Britain when Commonwealth citizens were being restricted.27.1×2.3M3.4k8571.1k
5May 17, '23#OnThisDay 1972: Walter's one-person picket against his former employer entered its fifth month.26.2×2.2M3.6k409691
6Jul 19, '241975: Is this football’s loudest fan? Nationwide paid a visit to Burscough Athletic in the Cheshire League to meet a 46-year-old fan with a reputation for making himself heard.21.7×1.9M6k4671.7k
7Sep 4, '23Back in 1968, Harold Williamson paid a visit to primary school kids in Liverpool to talk about their favourite books and reading habits.18×1.5M3.1k640375
8May 9, '24#OnThisDay 1960: A British schoolgirl cheerily told Judith Chalmers about her holiday, which involved accidentally getting arrested in East Germany.17.7×1.5M4.3k834970
9Jul 31, '25#OnThisDay 1977: Thanks for the Memory - The Viewer's View asked people what they thought about television. This woman was likely approached for a snappy vox pop, but ended up deli15.1×1.3M7.3k1.2k2.5k
10May 28, '24#OnThisDay 1908: James Bond author Ian Fleming was born. Geoffrey Boothroyd was a gun aficionado who wrote to Fleming asking him to change Bond's signature gun – a Beretta – to one12.9×1.1M5.6k1.2k1.3k
11Nov 19, '22#OnThisDay in 1997: Rising star Lewis Hamilton (then aged 12) spoke about his ambition to become an F1 racing driver, on the BBC Two show Black Britain.12.8×035k11k3k
12Oct 2, '23#OnThisDay 1993: Live & Kicking was first broadcast. Here’s some of the best moments from the hot seat segment of the show where pop stars and celebrities would be asked questi11.9×1M3.1k428448
13Aug 15, '22Today marks 75 years since the partition of India. In June 1953, independent India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru appeared on the BBC for his television debut. 🧵1/411.7×030k11k2.8k
14Nov 30, '23Shane MacGowan has died, aged 65. In a 1997 BBC documentary, he and his parents reflected on life in Carney Commons, County Tipperary, where he spent some of his childhood.11.5×986k4.6k1.1k714
15Jan 27, '22Today is Holocaust Memorial Day. In 1938, Sir Nicholas Winton brought Jewish children from German-occupied Czechoslovakia to safety in the UK. Fifty years later, That’s Life reunit10.9×033k8.6k1.1k
16Sep 20, '241978: Barry Norman delivers his critical verdict on Grease, a new musical starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.10.7×915k3.4k553715
17Dec 2, '24#OnThisDay 1985: Before Back to the Future was released in the UK, Terry Wogan sat down with Michael J Fox, the then relatively unknown actor behind central character Marty McFly. 10.3×880k4.2k589849
18Sep 14, '23#OnThisDay 1998: The Royle Family first aired on BBC Two. The following year, co-creator and star Caroline Aherne spoke to Clive Anderson about the show, selling it to America and 10.1×867k3.3k362229
19Dec 23, '23"I've never seen anything like this Liverpool crowd." Liverpool play Arsenal at Anfield this evening. In 1964, Panorama's John Morgan was in attendance for the same fixture, where 9.5×813k3.3k752431
20Aug 29, '24#OnThisDay 1994: The hotly tipped Oasis released their debut album Definitely Maybe. A couple of months on, The O Zone's Zoe Ball met Noel and Liam Gallagher to discuss hotel hijin9.0×771k3.9k400950
21Sep 30, '24Kris Kristofferson has died, aged 88. In 1987, he appeared on Wogan alongside Johnny Cash and covered everything from being a Rhodes scholar to landing a helicopter on Cash's lawn,8.9×765k4.9k8061.1k
22Dec 24, '22#OnThisDay in 1955, Richard Burton had a Christmas message he wished to send in Welsh to his family, his village and his country. He also had a festive message for English people..8.7×745k2.9k724247
23Dec 21, '23In 1978, Londonderry was treated to the phenomenon that is Tom Baker, then and forever the fourth incarnation of Doctor Who, turning on Derry's Christmas lights and signing autogra8.6×734k2.9k574332
24Oct 23, '24Geoff Capes, British shot put record holder and two-time world's strongest man, has died aged 75. In 1976, Tonight spent some time with him as he prepared for the Olympics lifting 8.0×688k4.5k720371
25Oct 27, '20#OnthisDay 1979: Frank Prentice, an assistant purser on the Titanic, described how he survived the sinking of the ship. For more archive on the Titanic, you can visit -7.9×021k5.2k1.7k
26Dec 29, '22Pele, the legendary footballer, died today in his native Brazil. In October 1983, Peter Duncan and Simon Groom could barely believe he was joining them in the Blue Peter studio, wh7.5×643k3k663106
27Jun 8, '20“How come is everything white?” Muhammad Ali appeared on Parkinson in 1971.7.3×019k7.4k946
28Jul 31, '19#OnThisDay 1977: Thanks for the Memory - The Viewer's View asked people what they thought about television. This woman was likely approached for a snappy vox pop, but ended up deli6.9×019k4.5k1.4k
29Dec 2, '20Enjoy a few relaxing minutes of the great Tony Hart drawing with pastels, on Hartbeat #onthisday in 1987.5.9×018k3k590
30Sep 27, '24Dame Maggie Smith has died, aged 89. In 1993, she spoke graciously to Barry Norman about her stellar reputation in a business where even works by Chekhov could still receive a 'tha5.4×465k3.9k527759
31Jul 23, '25Ozzy Osbourne, the frontman of Black Sabbath, has died at the age of 76. In this clip (along with Terry 'Geezer' Butler) he shares his thoughts on the term “heavy metal” and specul5.4×465k5.2k6201.2k
32Aug 9, '23In 1961, Tonight took a tentative step inside the Glynne Arms in Himley (later known as The Crooked House) for a look around "the most cockeyed pub in England" and to ask which end5.3×459k3.4k1.2k309
33Feb 12, '24#OnThisDay 1974: children's classic Bagpuss first aired on BBC One. Created by Peter Firmin and Oliver Postgate, it ran for just 13 episodes, but remains a cult programme for milli5.3×457k5.4k1.3k403
34Nov 3, '18How do you live with yourself, after killing another man? What would you have done in WWI? Visit to discover more.5.3×012k5.5k1.1k
35Sep 6, '24#OnThisDay 1979: Fred Dibnah came to national attention with the broadcast of Fred Dibnah: Steeplejack. The man and his remarkable endeavours would return to our screens many more 5.1×434k3.4k612481
36Feb 27, '25American actor Gene Hackman has died, aged 95. In 1986, he was the guest of Terry Wogan, discussing his beginnings in showbusiness and his Oscar-winning role as Jimmy 'Popeye' Doyl4.3×367k3.6k646547
37Jun 6, '24#OnThisDay 1944: Actor Richard Todd took part in Operation Tonga on what is now known as D-Day. 60 years on in 2004, he revisited his landing site in Normandy, returned to Pegasus 4.1×348k3.6k933395
38Apr 19, '21"Tonight you'll watch Barcelona against Newcastle United in the European Super League." In this clip from 1994, Standing Room Only made some big predictions about the future of foo3.6×09.3k3.4k401
39May 30, '18#OTD 1977: John Noakes scaled Nelson's Column, on a wobbly ladder... with no safety harness...and no helmet...wearing flares... to clean some pigeon poo. Don't try this. Anywhere. 3.3×06.3k3k159
40Nov 10, '24Back in 1974, the Old Contemptibles continued their annual tradition of paying respect to their fallen colleagues and those who survived the experiences of Flanders between 5 Augus3.2×274k3.4k639399
41Feb 16, '21#OnThisDay 1984: Moira Stuart read out the 'other' candidates in the Chesterfield by-election. Glorious!3.1×08.7k2.5k313
42Jul 13, '19#OnThisDay 1985: Live Aid began, in Wembley Stadium.3.1×07.9k3.4k164
43Nov 9, '19#OnThisDay 1982: The Young Ones was first broadcast. Once in every lifetime comes a love like this...3.0×08.8k2.4k67
44Apr 28, '25With Liverpool clinching their 20th league title at the weekend, there’s no better time to enjoy this clip from 1974, where writer and director Walter McEvoy examined the quasi-rel2.9×245k3.2k6371.4k
45Jan 1, '20We're playing the hits today so lets go back to 1977 when the Viewer's View asked people what they thought about television. This woman was likely approached for a snappy vox pop, 2.8×08.2k2.1k627
46Sep 6, '18#OnThisDay 1999: The Tweenies was first broadcast. Look at them, wearing shades indoors, they think they're so cool... #TBT2.8×07.8k2k108
47Feb 3, '19#OnThisDay 1978: The British public were not impressed at the prospect of switching from miles to kilometres.2.7×05.5k2.1k263
48Jun 11, '25Brian Wilson, the legendary frontman and co-founder of The Beach Boys, has died at the age of 82. Back in 1976, he spoke with Bob Harris about making Pets Sounds and the Fire Tapes2.5×218k3.3k582843
49Aug 27, '22What sort of thing did Australians expect to find in England? 🌏 #OnThisDay 1961: Alan Whicker interviewed some Aussies just before they set sail from Melbourne to Essex.2.5×06.7k1.2k990
50Oct 14, '17#OnThisDay 1976: Blue Peter showed off a phone with no cable that you could even take outside. It'll never catch on.2.4×04.9k3.2k9
51May 6, '20Florian Schneider, co-founder of highly influential electronic pop group Kraftwerk, has died at the age of 73. Here’s a clip of the group showing Tomorrow’s World their studio back2.3×05.1k2.6k174
52Mar 26, '21#OnThisDay 2005: Dr Who returned to television after a break of 16 years. Christopher Eccleston was the ninth doctor while Billie Piper played his companion, Rose.2.2×07k1.6k40
53Dec 31, '19In 1989, Tomorrow’s World predicted what the home of the future would look like in 2020. Only a few hours left to make some adjustments.2.2×04.8k2.4k268
54May 1, '20Timing is everything. Behold the greatest piece to camera in the BBC archives, courtesy of broadcasting giant, James Burke.2.2×06.9k1.8k178
55Apr 18, '21#OnThisDay 1930: the BBC's news announcer said, "there is no news" and piano music was played for the remainder of the 15 minute segment.2.2×06.3k1.7k126
56Jan 29, '21#OnThisDay 1974: As a Friday afternoon treat, see what Tony Hart can create in less than two minutes starting with a few triangles, on Vision On.2.1×07.1k1.3k250
57Jan 2, '18#OTD 1981: Carry On Thermocoupling: Kenneth Williams was a guest presenter on Tomorrow's World. "The mind boggles!"2.0×04.3k2.1k8
58Apr 15, '21#OnThisDay 1912: The Titanic sank on its maiden voyage, with the loss of more than 1,500 lives. In 1979, Frank Prentice described how he managed to escape death on the liner, where1.8×04.7k1.6k402
59Apr 4, '18"I don't find being considerate - and trying to help people - a weakness" Ray Wilkins on Sporting Greats in 1999.1.8×05.6k1.6k14
60Nov 7, '20"Is it sweet or savoury?" #OnThisDay 1982: That’s Life asked the great British public what they thought about new, edible underwear.1.7×04.9k1.1k357
61Aug 6, '19#OnThisDay 1979: Motorcycle obstacle extravaganza Kick Start made its debut. Apart from the theme tune, this clip from 1985 is probably our favourite bit.1.7×04.4k1.5k72
62Jun 10, '21#OnThisDay 1985: Indian sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar gave this fascinating demonstration of how he played his instrument.1.7×04.7k1.4k312
63Nov 21, '20#OnThisDay 1973: Luke Casey took a poignant snapshot of Belfast at the height of the Troubles, a city the reporter had never previously visited.1.6×03.8k1.3k440
64Jan 3, '22J.R.R Tolkien, born #OnThisDay 1892, discusses his work - which include The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings - with John Bowen in 1962. The writer explains how he is 'a meticulous 1.6×04.1k1.2k686
65Aug 14, '20#OnThisDay 1945: Steve Martin was born. In 1979, he appeared on ‘Parkinson’, performed a card trick, and explained the difference between American and British comedy.1.6×04.6k1.2k362
66Jan 23, '20With all the tributes being paid to Terry Jones, we wanted to show a favourite Monty Python moment from the archives - a memorable debate about 'The Life of Brian' with the Bishop 1.6×04.5k1k459
67May 29, '17John Noakes, Blue Peter's resident action man, scaling Nelson's Column in 1977. He has died, aged 83.1.5×02.9k1.7k1
68May 21, '19#OnThisDay 1980: The Empire Strikes Back went on general release in the UK. A fine excuse to show the cast appearing on Blue Peter again.1.5×04.5k1.2k173
69May 30, '19#OnThisDay 1977: John Noakes (and Terry the cameraman) scaled Nelson's Column to clean out some pigeon poo. This is absolutely terrifying, but compulsive viewing.1.5×03.3k1.1k136
70Nov 14, '20#OnThisDay 1992: A landmark moment in the history of British Television occurred when Mr Blobby made his first appearance on Noel’s House Party.1.5×03k79834
71Jul 31, '21#OnThisDay 1977: Thanks for the Memory - The Viewer's View asked people what they thought about television. This woman was likely approached for a snappy vox pop, but ended up deli1.5×04.4k856387
72Nov 24, '22#OnThisDay 1942: Billy Connolly was born in Glasgow. In 1984, he faced an audience of Scottish teenagers who had some tricky questions for him.1.5×04.9k773416
73Jan 27, '21Today is Holocaust Memorial Day. In 1938, Sir Nicholas Winton brought Jewish children from German-occupied Czechoslovakia to safety in the UK. Fifty years later, That’s Life reunit1.5×04.1k1.3k115
75May 9, '20Little Richard has died, aged 87. BBC Archive will never tire of his incredible 1972 interview on Late Night Line-Up.1.4×03.6k1.2k264
76Sep 20, '21In 1981 Jimmy Greaves movingly told Ian Wooldridge how it felt not to play in the World Cup Final in 1966. #RIPJimmyGreaves #JimmyGreaves1.4×05k779156
77Jul 31, '20#OnThisDay 1977: Thanks for the Memory - The Viewer's View asked people what they thought about television. This woman was likely approached for a snappy vox pop, but ended up deli1.4×03.7k1k339
78Jun 9, '19#OnThisDay 1982: Cricket was declared to be scientifically impossible.1.4×03.4k1.4k164
79Nov 9, '19#OnThisDay 1979: John Cleese, Michael Palin, Malcolm Muggeridge and the Bishop of Southwark memorably discussed Monty Python's Life of Brian.1.4×03.9k1k301
80Mar 8, '19"It was like going into a members' club... an all-male club" Nancy Astor, the first woman MP to take her seat, recalled the experience on Panorama in 1959. #InternationalWomensDay 1.4×02.9k1.4k66
81Feb 3, '21#OnThisDay 1978: The British public were not impressed at the prospect of switching from miles to kilometres.1.3×02.9k789240
82Dec 16, '20“How come is everything white?” Muhammad Ali’s powerful interview on Parkinson in 1971 is today's entry on the #ArchiveAdventCalendar of our most popular clips this year.1.3×04.1k928170
83Sep 6, '20#OnThisDay 1979: The one and only Fred Dibnah gained national attention, in the not for the faint-hearted documentary, Fred Dibnah, Steeplejack.1.2×03.4k893164
84May 9, '21#OnThisDay 1960: A British schoolgirl cheerily told Judith Chalmers about her holiday, which involved accidentally getting arrested in East Germany. "I'd like to go again - with a 1.2×03.4k764200
85Jun 15, '20#OnthisDay1983: The first series of ‘Blackadder’, originally titled ‘The Blackadder’ was shown on BBC 1. Here’s a clip from ‘Behind The Screen’ showing Rowan Atkinson & co at w1.2×04.6k615187
86May 9, '22#OnThisDay in 1996 Dermot Morgan, best known as Father Ted, packed his bags, ready to be whisked away to far off lands by the Travel Show. Alas, the journey was short…to his native1.2×04.7k477301
87Apr 21, '21#OnThisDay 1959: Irish writer Brendan Behan definitely wasn’t letting success go to his head.1.2×03.4k719249
88Aug 8, '22#OnThisDay 1995: Electronics giant Sony had eyes on the UK games console market, with PlayStation due to launch in just over a month. Can it really compete with industry behemoths 1.1×03.4k782228
89Mar 7, '19#WorldBookDay is a fine excuse to show one of our favourite clips - Roald Dahl at work in his writing hut.1.1×02.9k1.1k134
90Aug 4, '21#OnThisDay 1972: The "King of Rock 'n' Roll", the irrepressible Little Richard talked about letting it all hang out, spreading joy and fixing Chuck Berry1.1×03.7k647296
91Sep 30, '22#OnThisDay 1975: John Lennon was asked the "inevitable" question about a Beatles reunion, on The Old Grey Whistle Test.1.1×03.6k707256
92Feb 22, '21#OnThisDay 1926: Kenneth Williams was born. In this clip from 1983, he shows Blue Peter’s Janet Ellis how he performed the different voices for his new Willo the Wisp record.1.1×03.4k689114
93Dec 1, '20We're kicking off December with the #ArchiveAdventCalendar! Every day we'll be uploading one of our favourite clips from the last year - starting with the greatest ever (in our opi1.1×03.4k635101

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