This Week in History - May 12 - May 18

Fascinating, surprising, and eye-opening stories from the past, brought to life.

BBC Radio 4 explores the history books and archives to see what else has happened on this same week throughout history.
With short looks at the events that have shaped the world and made us who we are today.

This week. May 12th – May 18th
- 13th of May 1981. While conducting blessings to a crowd in St Peter's Square, Pope John Paul the Second is shot four times in front of twenty thousand witnesses.
- 15th of May 1536. After only three years as Queen, Anne Boleyn goes on trial at the Tower of London, accused of treason, adultery, and incest.
- 14th of May 1796. Edward Jenner conducts a groundbreaking experiment on his gardener's son, creating the world's first 'vaccination', and beginning the fight against smallpox.

Presented by Caroline Nicholls and Ron Brown
Produced by Luke Doran

Published on Monday, 12th May 2025.

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