In the 17th century, religious conflict threatened not only the lives of musicians and monarchs, but the monarchy's future and the tradition of British music itself. Show more
Sword, Musket & Machine Gun: Britain's Armed History
Episode 2: The Big Bang
1 hour on BBC Four HD
Available for years
Sam Willis on the history of weapons that have shaped Britain. He charts the impact of gunpowder on the battlefield, from the first cannons to early handheld weapons. Show more
An examination of the sordid machinations involved in becoming US president. The 2016 presidential race is not the first time the contest has taken a nasty turn. Show more
Clips from the BBC archive giving an overview of David Bowie's career from 1964 to 2016, blending interviews and performances from music programmes, documentaries and chat shows. Show more
Film exploring the life and work of the late writer and art critic John Berger. The film is an intimate portrait of a man who has shaped our understanding of the concept of seeing. Show more
Sound of Musicals with Neil Brand
Episode 1: Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'
59 minutes on BBC Four HD
Available for years
Series exploring how musical theatre evolved over the last 100 years. Neil finds out how its modern shape was established through pioneering works. Show more
Lost Kingdoms of Central America
Episode 2: The People Who Greeted Columbus
59 minutes on BBC Four HD
Looking at the Taino people of the Caribbean, who had a multicultural society with drug-infused rituals, strange skulls and amazing navigation. Show more
Documentary about athlete Roger Bannister, who became the first man to run a mile in under four minutes and injected a booster shot into Britain's morale after World War II. Show more