This Week in History - July 21st - July 27th

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

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

This week: July 21st - July 27th
- 26th of July 1956 - When the Suez Canal Company was nationalised in Egypt, it began a chain of events that led to the downfall of the British Prime Minister Anthony Eden.
- 24th of July 1917- The trial begins of the apparent double-agent Mata Hari. But who was she really?
- 24th of July 1936 - The Speaking Clock launches, becoming a revolutionary new automated service at the end of the phone line.

Presented by Jane Steel and Caroline Nicholls.
Produced by Amanda Litherland and Chris Pearson

Published on Monday, 21st July 2025.

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