This Week in History

Fascinating, surprising and eye-opening stories from the past, brought to life.This week: 12th to 18th January16th January 1547 - Ivan The Terrible becomes the first Tsar of Russia.16th January 1950 - The first edition of "Listen With Mother" is broadcast on the BBC Light Programme.17th January 1921 - The first public performance of the illusion of sawing a person in half is given at Finsbury Park Empire.Presented by Ron Brown and Viji Alles.

Fascinating, surprising and eye-opening stories from the past, brought to life.This week: 5th to 11th January5th January 1066 - Death of Edward the Confessor leading to a succession crisis.11th January 1922- Leonard Thompson is the first patient to receive an insulin injection for diabetes.5th January 1971 - The first One Day International cricket match is played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.Presented by Jane Steel and Viji Alles.

As The Archers celebrates its 75th anniversary, This Week In History takes a look at the development of the drama, and we hear what life was like in Britain in January 1951. How did rationing affect everyday life? What else were people listening to on the wireless? And how did Barwick Green, a song from 1924, come to be chosen as The Archers theme tune?Produced by Amanda Litherland With thanks to Tim Stimpson You can find plenty more fascinating Archers history and archive by listening to The Archers Podcast on BBC Sounds.

Fascinating, surprising and eye-opening stories from the past, brought to life.This week: 29th December to 4th January31st December 1600 - Queen Elizabeth I grants The East India Company a Royal Charter. 29th December 1170 - The death of Thomas Becket. 4th January 1912 - The Boy Scouts Association is granted its Royal Charter by King George V.Presented by Ron Brown and Jane Steel.

Fascinating, surprising and eye-opening stories from the past, brought to life.This week: 22nd to 28th December22nd December 1972 - The Chilean Air Force finds fourteen survivors of a plane crash in the Andes, ten weeks after it happened. 25th December 800 - Charlemagne is crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III. 26th December 1860 - Hallam FC and Sheffield FC contest the first ever match between two football clubs.Presented by Viji Alles and Caroline Nicholls.