Your History

Lord John Prescott, a major figure in Labour politics and the former deputy prime minister, was Sir Tony Blair's loyal deputy for 10 years after Labour's 1997 general election landslide. A politician who helped define an era.

Today we explore the life of Timothy West CBE, the distinguished performer, who sparkled in roles such as King Lear and Churchill; And Paul Morrissey, American writer-director, who collaborated on many of his early works with the legendary visual artist Andy Warhol.

Paul Stephenson was one of the leaders of the Bristol Bus Boycott in 1963, and Sir John Nott was Secretary of State for Defence during the Falklands war of 1982.

Today we explore the lives of Geoff Capes, the British shot putter, strongman and Highlands Games competitor; And, Phil Lesh the innovative bass player for the American rock band ' The Grateful Dead'. 

Today we explore three extraordinary lives - pop sensation Liam Payne, General Sir Michael Jackson, and WWII veteran Galina Brok-Beltsova, one of the last surviving Soviet female fighter pilots.

Alex Salmond, the former First Minister of Scotland, a major figure in British politics, who took Scotland to the brink of independence; and Ratan Tata, the Indian industrialist who put his faith in British industry.

Today we explore the life of Lord Ouseley of Peckham Rye, who was the first black chair of the Commission for Racial Equality. Plus, Frank Coppa, the New York-born gangster who was the inspiration for the 1997 American crime drama film ‘Donnie Brasco’. 

Dame Maggie Smith, the acclaimed and award-winning actor known for her sharp wit, keen eye, and extraordinary talent; and Kris Kristofferson, the country music superstar and A-list Hollywood actor.