This Week in History - 2nd to 8th February

Download 2nd to 8th February

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

This week: 2nd to 8th February

7th February 1974 - British Prime Minster Edward Heath calls a snap general election as the country grapples with a miners’ strike and an energy crisis.
5th February 1919 - Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks and D.W. Griffith challenge the Hollywood power structure by forming their own film studio - United Artists.
2nd February 1709 - A decade before the publication of Daniel Defoe's 'Robinson Crusoe', Scottish sailor Alexander Selkirk is rescued after spending four years marooned on an island in the South Pacific.

Presented by Viji Alles and Jane Steel.

Published on Monday, 2nd February 2026.

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