Your History

Glittering, attacking player who battled his American chess rival Bobby Fischer in a gripping world title match in 1972.Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The two-time Oscar-winning actor starred in some of Hollywood’s most iconic films, including ‘The French Connection’ and ‘Unforgiven. Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The R&B singer was the first artist to win consecutive Grammy awards for record of the year, including for her hit The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Suzanne Massie, an American scholar of Russian history who played an important role in the thawing of relations between US President Ronald Reagan and the Soviet Union in the 80s, and who some believe may have ‘helped to end the Cold War’.  Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The decorated wartime pilot, Jack Hemmings, co-founded the world’s largest humanitarian airline, the Mission Aviation Fellowship and, in 2022, at the age of 100, became the oldest person to perform aerobatics in a Spitfire.Image: Courtesy of MAF Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The BBC producer who created Question Time. Maxwell's programme changed the landscape of political debate on British TV, but she frequently clashed with the show’s presenter Robin Day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken Capstick, the right-hand man to the miner’s union leader, Arthur Scargill, and who played a prominent role fighting the Thatcher government’s plans for mass pit closures.Image credit: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prince Karim Al-Husseini, the Aga Khan. A billionaire philanthropist, who was for nearly seven decades the spiritual leader of the world’s 15 million Ismaili Muslims.Image credit: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Norfolk farmer who became a household name, and divided the nation, after going to prison for shooting and killing a child burglar.Image credit: ANDREW PARSONS/PA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The musician who found fame as Mick Jagger’s girlfriend, battled drug addiction and enjoyed an acclaimed career revival. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Princess Birgitta, the Swedish royal who grew up in palaces, but settled in a bungalow in Munich. And Kirsten Simone, the much-loved Danish prima ballerina who turned heads with what was, at the time, considered a daringly erotic interpretation of Carmen.Photo credit: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three greats, all from very different fields of work; film-maker David Lynch, known for ground-breaking films including Mullholland Drive, Blue Velvet and The Elephant Man; the stalwart of stage and screen, distinguished actress Joan Plowright; and the incredible Manchester United and Scotland football legend Denis Law.Photo credit: Getty  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jean-Marie Le Pen, a French far-right politician who built a substantial following but whose antisemitism and xenophobia meant opponents on all sides united against him. And, the American singer Sam Moore, one half of the duo Sam & Dave who were best known for their 1967 hit Soul Man.Photo credit: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Lodge, an academic and author, revitalised campus novels with his witty takes on university life, Catholicism, and sex. And, Swiss-born New York socialite Jocelyn Wildenstein, who sadly was also known as “the poster child for plastic surgery gone wrong.”Image credit: Getty Images.Further reading: What happened to the Bride of Wildenstein and her $2.5 billion? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jimmy Carter was the only US President to win a Nobel Peace Prize for his work done after leaving office. He was by common consent, the “best former president America has ever had”. And Manmohan Singh was India's reluctant Prime Minister who changed the lives of millions.Image credit: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of Your History, presented by Jane Mulkerrins, a chance to reflect on the extraordinary lives of individuals who left their mark on the world, from French pop icon Françoise Hardy to Russian dissident Alexei Navalny. We also hear about the lives of groundbreaking Irish novelist Edna O’Brien, tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, TV doctor Michael Mosley and American music legend Quincy Jones — their stories reminding us of the power of resilience, creativity, and ingenuity found in the obituaries printed in The Times during 2024. Image credit: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tony Brignull was a master of the art of advertising during the ‘golden age of advertising’ when it is said a well chosen phrase could grab everyone’s attention.And the wrestler known throughout the wrestling world as simply “Goldbelt”, Brian Maxine was a flamboyant wrestling champion who dominated the sport of wrestling through the 1960s and 70s and beyond.Image credit: Seymour/News Group Newspapers Ltd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Nazi-occupied France, Renee Bornstein hid in barns and convents before her capture aged ten, the Holocaust survivor bravely shared her childhood ordeal so that the world would never forget, and Cuban trumpeter Manuel "Guajiro" Mirabal best known for his work with the Buena Vista Social Club who became the heartbeat of Cuban music for generations.Image credit: Getty Images and Holocaust Matters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Times Obituaries remembers the lives of Sir Robert Gillies, the New Zealand infantryman who fought at the Battle of Monte Cassino and was thought to be the last of the Maori Battalion, and Judith Jamison, star and artistic director of the boundary-pushing Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.Image credit: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Barbara Taylor Bradford, the journalist who became a publishing sensation in her 40s with the best-selling novel 'A Woman of Substance', and the Soviet-era scientist Lyudmila Trut who tamed foxes to act like dogs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We explore the life of Quincy Jones, an icon of American entertainment who shaped modern music for decades working with musical legends from Frank Sinatra, to Michael Jackson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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'.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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’.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Jay, a former Times Economics Editor who went on to become Britain’s youngest Ambassador to the US, before returning to the world of journalism as a TV presenter and BBC Correspondent; and Tito Jackson, the older brother of Michael, the “King of Pop”, and an original member of the Jackson 5, the group which helped to pioneer the Motown sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Earl Jones, the multi-award winning actor best-known as the voice of Darth Vader; Alberto Fujimori, former Peruvian President and one of the most controversial figures in post-war Latin American politics; and pioneering Brazilian musician Sérgio Mendes, the master of the bossa nova. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Derek Boshier, amongst the first artists to propel British pop art, his work supported by the likes of David Bowie and contemporary David Hockney. And the life of Helen Fisher, one of America’s most prominent anthropologists who's studied the science of romantic love, attachment, adultery, divorce, and the evolution and future of family life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three extraordinary lives today: Rowena Jackson, New Zealand’s first prima ballerina; Willi Lemke, the German politician turned football manager; and Michel Siffre, the French geologist who lost track of time after living in a dark cave for 1,500 hours. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sven-Göran Eriksson managed England's so-called "Golden Generation". And while his success was limited, he brought perspective, respect and a calmness that was before missing. And the life of Virginia Ogilvy, Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special profile of Mike Lynch, one of Britain's most celebrated tech entrepreneurs, who lived for years under investigation by U.S. prosecutors until his acquittal just months ago. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alain Delon was once dubbed the most beautiful man in the world and modelled himself on being a French James Dean, but his life was full of scandal. He cosied up to criminals in the underworld and the hard right of French politics. Plus, we explore the life of Lieutenant Brian Wilson, who narrowly survived Operation Market Garden - one of the Allied forces worst defeats of WWII. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Italian, Benito Nonino played a key part in elevating what was once seen as an uncouth grappa into a premium beverage. And we look back at Sigmund Freud's life and work through the eyes of one of his greatest critics, Frederick Crews. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Second Lieutenant William Calley was the sole person convicted for the 1968 My Lai massacre: US forces indiscriminately killed as many as 500 unarmed Vietnamese villagers. And we hear about the career of Lord Robert Fellowes, Queen Elizabeth II's private secretary during a tumultuous period of divorces in the Royal Family and Princess Diana's death. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1960, Ireland’s minister for culture pronounced Edna O'Brien's first novel, The Country Girls, “a smear on Irish womanhood”. Over time she would come to be hailed as one of the country’s most gifted writers. And we celebrate the life and work of Sir Kenneth Grange who, as a designer, created objects that changed the way we live. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ray Reardon was one of Britain’s best-known sportsmen, but when he was honoured at Buckingham Palace in 1985 with an MBE for services to snooker, the Queen enquired: “And what do you do?” What he did, was win, triumphing in the World Snooker Championship six times. And we marvel at the life of aid worker Simon Boas, whose candid reflections on his terminal cancer diagnosis moved millions of people around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Ruth Westheimer's voice was once mocked as “a cross between Henry Kissinger and a canary”. But the sex therapist felt it was one of her biggest assets, because she sounded like “Grandma Freud”. Westheimer escaped Nazi Germany and later found fame by talking honestly in public about once-taboo, bedroom topics. And we celebrate the life of Eddie Spence, known as "The King of Royal Icing". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roland Dumas wielded such clout in the Élysée that he was called “le vice-president”. But despite being a closely trusted ally of François Mitterrand, his career in politics was blighted by allegations of corruption. While the 1953 Wimbledon champion, Vic Seixas, was perhaps under appreciated, and definitely underpaid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Akira Endo discovered the ‘penicillin for cholesterol’. But when offered the drugs he made possible, for his own high cholesterol, he opted for diet and exercise instead. And we hear the remarkable story of the Cuban revolutionary, Olga Morgan Goodwin, who turned on Fidel Castro and was imprisoned for trying to overthrow him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Offbeat, relaxed, and never overly reverential about his craft". The actor Donald Sutherland was described as one of the finest actors never to win an Oscar. And we recall the life of Leah Levin, who in spite of holding no legal qualifications, dedicated her life to righting the wrongs of the British criminal justice system. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bob Dylan wrote Françoise Hardy a poem before they even met. But the iconic french singer-songwriter was irritated by the public's fascination of her beauty rather than her music. And we explore the work of the psychologist, Sue Johnson, who devoted her life to unravelling the mystery of love. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Trust me, I'm a doctor' was an instruction many were happy to follow. The BBC show's host, Michael Mosley, combined infectious enthusiasm and dedication to the scientific method. Today we hear his story, plus that of William Anders, astronaut, engineer and photographer of one of the most famous photos ever taken. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we hear two remarkable stories of dogged determination. First, the inspirational life of Rob Burrow, the Rugby League star who campaigned so bravely in the face of his motor neurone disease diagnosis. And second, the Oscar winning producer of The Godfather, Albert Ruddy, and the story of the extraordinary steps it took to bring the iconic mobster movie to our screens. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Each week we explore two fascinating lives. Often they’ll be remarkable people whose achievements are universally celebrated. But sometimes, they’ll be people whose lives have other significance.  Today we hear two life stories: one about the Iranian president, Ebrahim Raisi who died, along with the Iranian foreign minister, in a helicopter crash. And we look back on the life of Commander ‘Sharkey’ Ward, a decorated British pilot who played a decisive role in the Falklands war.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing Your History, where each week we detail absorbing, life-affirming accounts of remarkable lives.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.