History documentaries

History genre page header
BBC Select is the place to discover so much more about history. Stream a range of compelling BBC history documentaries that explore the people, places and events of the past that shaped our world. Whether it’s the Roman Empire, Nelson and Napoleon, Black history, the story of the Titanic or the Tudors, BBC Select brings acclaimed and award-winning history shows, and featuring experts including Bettany Hughes, Lucy Worsley, Simon Schama and David Olusoga.

Stephen Fry: Willem and Frieda - Defying the Nazis

Stephen Fry: Willem and Frieda - Defying the Nazis

Stephen Fry explores a remarkable story of forgery, sabotage and audacity by the Dutch Resistance that saved thousands of Jews from Hitler’s death camps. Artist Willem Arondeus and musician Frieda Belinfante helped to create fake documentation to fool the Nazi authorities. How has it remained hidden for so long and did the sexuality of the couple lead to their story being forgotten?

The Time Traveler's Guide to Elizabethan England

The Time Traveler's Guide to Elizabethan England

In a lavish and groundbreaking way of exploring history, Dr. Ian Mortimer looks back at the time of Queen Elizabeth I and explores the lives of the rich and poor. How did the peasantry survive? How did the privileged become and then stay rich? And what changes were occurring for all? Take a journey through the Golden Age of English history with this unique Tudor history documentary.

The World War: 1914 - 1945

The World War 1914-1945

Two brutal world wars defined the 20th century. They are usually considered as two separate entities. But what if they are viewed as a continuous narrative of error, ambition and courage? This ground-breaking documentary series views World War I and World War II as a single conflict, achieving new insights into the cause and effect of these vicious conflicts that changed human history forever.

Union with David Olusoga

Union with David Olusoga

National identity, social class, inequality. The modern fault lines dividing the UK can be found in the nation’s formation many centuries ago. Renowned historian David Olusoga reveals the human stories behind one of the world’s most influential but fragile unions: the United Kingdom. How does the fractured way that the nation formed reflect the issues that the UK faces today?

D-Day: Last Words

D-Day: Last Words

June 6th, 1944. Canada, Britain and the US storm the Normandy coast to try and wrestle back Europe from Germany and Nazi control. The soldiers called it The Longest Day. It’s better known as D-Day. This unflinching documentary tells the story of the historic World War II battle through the dramatic recollections of those veterans caught up in the action, sharing stories never heard before.