The latest national and international news, exploring the day's events from a global perspective.

Michael Portillo learns the ancient art of making butter and Ireland's oldest game, then rides the Duke of Devonshire's Victorian Irish railway. Show more

Michael Wood tells the story of Mary Arden, an ordinary woman in a time of revolution, whose family is rescued from hardship by her successful eldest son - William Shakespeare. Show more

David Hayman explores Germany's World War One U-boat threat and the fascinating and dastardly ploys Britain used against the submarines. Show more

Gabriel Weston investigates the forensic advances that have elevated the murder weapon from its role of mere evidence to that of key witness. Show more

Simon Sebag Montefiore uncovers the central role played by religion in the power of the city of Rome. Every event in ancient Rome revolved around religion. Show more

Islamic State has declared war on the most important ancient architectural sites in the world. Dan Cruickshank charts its destructive advance and asks what we can do to stop them. Show more

Michael Wood tells the story of Mary Arden, an ordinary woman in a time of revolution, whose family is rescued from hardship by her successful eldest son - William Shakespeare. Show more

Dame Diana Rigg explores the enduring popularity of The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams. The work was recently chosen as Britain's favourite piece of classical music. Show more

David Hayman explores Germany's World War One U-boat threat and the fascinating and dastardly ploys Britain used against the submarines. Show more