This Week in History - August 11th - August 17th

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: August 4th - August 10th
- 15th of August 1947. Indian Independence began and the country woke to 'life and freedom'. But what was the impact of this new freedom?
- 12th of August 1990. One of the world's largest T-Rex skeletons is discovered in South Dakota, prompting a long custody battle over who owns it.
- 16th of August 1819. A peaceful protest for Parliamentary Reform was brutally suppressed in Manchester, an event that became known as the 'Peterloo Massacre'.

Presented by Jane Steel and Viji Alles.
Produced by Carys John and Luke Doran.

Published on Monday, 11th August 2025.

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