Despite only educating 1% of the population Oxford and Cambridge University have a tight grip over everything from UK politics to business.
In this episode, we look at what life at Oxbridge is like, why graduates often go on to such powerful positions, and see what these two universities have been doing to improve access to disadvantaged children.
The 20th century saw the creation of world-famous luxury fashion houses.
In this episode, we'll explore the stories of Chanel, Dior, Gucci and Versace, and look at how they changed what we wear.
Throughout history, people have worn what we now consider to be strange and unusual clothes.
In this episode, we'll explore some unusual fashions through history, and look at how historical and political events have changed what we wear.
He was the Victorian era's most famous social writer, and his novels were loved by everyone from Queen Victoria to street children.
In this episode we'll learn about Charles Dickens shone a light on the injustices of 19th century Britain and invented the modern idea of Christmas.
She has been called the queen of English literature, and invented her own unique literary style.
In this episode, we'll learn about the amazing life of the writer of classics such as Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility.
Since the first book was published in 1997, the Harry Potter series has had an enormous impact on everything from British soft power to teen culture.
In this episode, we look at the magical legacy that it has left, and how fans are relating to the books, 25 years later.
On 26 June 1997, an unknown author published a book called Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
Harry Potter would go on to become the best-selling series in literary history, selling over 500 million copies worldwide.
The journey to get there, however, was far from simple.
The idea of the perfect society is something that philosophers and political thinkers have written about for thousands of years.
In this episode, we look at different versions of this "perfect society" throughout history, and what happened when humans tried to create utopias on Earth.
He was the Romantic poet famously described as "mad, bad, and dangerous to know".
In this episode, we'll learn about his scandalous life, how he shocked the nation so badly he had to leave, and how England's first "rock star poet" became a national hero in Greece.
He was called "The Fifth Beatle", and was credited by many for turning four boys from Liverpool into a global sensation.
Yet behind the scenes, his life was filled with internal conflict and resulted in his death at only 32 years old.
There are 50,000 pubs in the UK, and their names reveal a lot more than some people think.
In this episode, we explore the history of pub names, what these names can tell us, and tell the origin stories of 8 fascinating pub names, including The Eagle & Child to The Bucket of Blood.
He was told by countless people that he would never make it as a star, yet by his mid-20s he was the most successful musician in the world.
In this episode, we'll learn about how Elvis Presley defied all his critics, became the biggest star of the 1960s, created the category of rock and roll but then lost the battle with his personal demons.
Nicknamed "The Man in Black", Johnny Cash lived a wild life and escaped death on numerous occasions.
In this episode, we'll learn about his early trauma, his iconic image and style, how he managed to play 200 shows a year and the trail of destruction he left behind him.
His early life was full of tragedy and misfortune, but Ray Charles never let this get in his way.
In this episode, we'll learn about how Ray Charles overcame adversity to become one of the most loved musicians in American history.
"To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all" - Oscar Wilde.
He was one of the most famous writers of the 19th century, yet his literary career was cut short after being thrown in prison for homosexuality.
In this episode, we'll explore the fantastic life of this iconic writer, and how "the love that dare not speak its name" would ultimately cost him his life.
He is the most famous spy in the world and has been drinking vodka martinis and driving fast cars since 1952.
In this episode, we'll look at the history of 007, his creator Ian Fleming, how Bond has changed over the years, and the fascinating family business behind the UK's most famous special agent.
It's one of the most controversial books in American history and continues to be banned in many American classrooms.
In this episode, we'll explore this cult book, and the life of its mysterious author, J.D. Salinger.
It's often said that the pen is mightier than the sword, and throughout history there are books that have been considered too dangerous to be read.
In this episode, we'll take a look at the times when governments have banned books, the reasons for this, and ask ourselves what this tells us about society.
He is often called the father of English literature, and his work has been enjoyed by people all over the world.
In this episode, we'll learn about this innovative author, his fascinating life, and how he created a new literary tradition.
It's the world's oldest broadcaster and is trusted by hundreds of millions of people around the world.
Discover how the BBC works, the criticisms it faces in the UK, and what might happen to it in the future.
He is the most famous playwright in history and has been translated into every major living language.
In this episode, you'll learn about this fantastic man's life, his works, and why he is still called "the world's greatest living playwright".
He is considered by many to have been the greatest footballer to have ever lived, yet off the pitch his life was full of tragedy.
Learn about the fascinating history of this amazing man, and discover why he arrived in Naples as a hero and left as the most hated man in Italy.
In the last part of our three-part series on Disney, we take a look at the magic of Disney and ask ourselves what ingredients are in its special, magic sauce.
It controls some of the most beautiful houses in the country, 1.5% of the total land area of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and 20% of the coastline.
In this episode we explore the fascinating history of the National Trust, and uncover where the money to build its properties actually came from.
In August 1995 Britain's two biggest bands battled for the number one position.
Discover what happened, how the battle divided the nation, and why the story is about much more than just music.
They are a quintessential part of British culture, and once there was one for every 187 people.
Learn about the history of pubs, why they are so popular, the threats facing them, and how much beer British people really drink.
He has been called 'the most relentlessly curious man in history', and was the quintessential Renaissance man.
Learn all about the fantastic life of the genius after whom Leonardo English is named, from his talents as an artist to his skills as an engineer, and get inspired by his insatiable curiosity about how the world works.
He was the baddest of the bad-boy painters, and lived a remarkable life of crime, all while creating some of the most influential art of the 17th century.
From attacking waiters to murder, the story of his turbulent life takes us from Italy to Malta, making enemies at every step of the journey.
From what you can and can't do to a swan, to what happens if you have a drink and ride a horse, the UK is full of very strange laws.
In today's episode we discuss some of the strangest, and ask ourselves whether the law is any stranger in the UK than anywhere else in the world.
This far-right conspiracy theory has gone from niche internet forums to President Trump's Twitter account.
Discover the story behind QAnon - where does it come from, what do they believe, and is it really the most dangerous conspiracy theory in America?
Discover the amazing story of how a young woman from France befriended the royal family, escaped the guillotine, made death masks of revolutionaries, and then created the world's most successful waxworks museum.
The story of Madame Tussauds has a lot more to it than meets the eye.
People in Britain have a unique sense of humour.
For lots of foreigners it's difficult to understand and confusing. But British people are fiercely proud of their sense of humour, and the UK has produced some of the world's best comedies.
In this episode we take a look at what makes Brits laugh, and tell a few jokes along the way.
It's one of the most famous department stores in the world, catering to the world's rich and famous.
But it hasn't always been this way.
In this episode we take a look at the story of Harrods, and discover the fascinating and unusual history of this iconic London location.
It is Britain's best known family, and its head has one of the most recognisable faces in the world.
But how much do we really know about Britain's Royal Family?
In this episode we ask ourselves what Brits really think of The Queen and The Royal Family, and what the future might hold for them.
It's one of the most powerful television channels in the United States, the current US president’s preferred news channel, and referred to by some as 'state TV'.
In today's episode we take a look at Fox News: who watches it, how it really makes money, and what event could cause its downfall.
It's the day of the year where people, newspapers, TV shows, and companies play practical jokes on the public.
Today we take a look at some of the best April Fool's Day jokes in history, and talk about what happens when they go wrong.
In 1755, Samuel Johnson published an English dictionary that has gone down in history.
Not only was it the first of its kind, it was full of funny jokes.
Today we tell the story of this fantastic dictionary.
Today it's time to take a look at how World War One is remembered through poetry.
We look at the words of the young men, and how public feeling towards the war changed over its four-year course.
And of course, we look at some of the most iconic and moving poems written during the period.
Why is the news always full of disasters?
What would the world be like if it wasn't?
In today's episode we take a look at some of the theories about why the news is always so negative, and imagine what kind of world might exist if it wasn't.
