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Episode details

Radio 4,06 Feb 2026,5 mins

2nd to 8th February

This Week in History

Available for over a year

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.

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