History's Heroes

Historian Alex von Tunzelmann, Ray Winstone, Nicola Coughlan and Helena Bonham Carter shine a light on extraordinary people in history.

Episodes (87 available)

History's Secret Heroes

Maharani Jindan Kaur – The Last Queen of the Punjab

Will the last queen of Punjab, Maharani Jindan, break free of the British and see her son?

17 Mar 2026

29 mins

History's Secret Heroes

BONUS Margaret Cavendish Blazes Through the World Part 2

Alex von Tunzelmann and Professor Keith Allen discuss the life of Margaret Cavendish.

10 Mar 2026

25 mins

History's Secret Heroes

Margaret Cavendish Blazes Through the World

How did Margaret Cavendish invent a new genre of fiction?

3 Mar 2026

26 mins

History's Secret Heroes

Vuyisile Mini: The Voice That Defied Apartheid

In 1950s South Africa a powerful new song catches fire among Black communities.

24 Feb 2026

29 mins

History's Secret Heroes

Sophie Blanchard Takes to the Skies

How did Sophie Blanchard become a pioneer of hot air ballooning?

17 Feb 2026

28 mins

History's Secret Heroes

BONUS: Eleanor of Aquitaine: Medieval Queen Supreme Part 2

Alex von Tunzelmann & Dr Eleanor Janega discuss the power of Eleanor of Aquitaine.

10 Feb 2026

28 mins

History's Secret Heroes

Eleanor of Aquitaine: Medieval Queen Supreme

Can Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine save her son and the king, Richard the Lionheart?

3 Feb 2026

29 mins

History's Secret Heroes

Eileen Kampakuta Brown and the Anti‑Nuclear Campaign

A group of Aboriginal women fight for their ancient way of life.

27 Jan 2026

29 mins

History's Secret Heroes

Wat Tyler and the Peasants’ Revolt

How did Wat Tyler threaten the ruling order in Medieval England?

20 Jan 2026

28 mins

History's Secret Heroes

BONUS: The Sisters Who Took On A Dictator, Part 2

The legacy of the Mirabal Sisters and their extraordinary bravery.

13 Jan 2026

25 mins

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