Portillo’s State Secrets
Discover the historic documents featured in the BBC Two TV series here
The first documentary of its kind to explore the many historic documents held at The National Archives.
From spies and celebrities through to tyrants and famous kings and queens, Michael Portillo walks you through some of the most fascinating stories in history which are all open for you to discover.
Watch on the BBC iPlayer
Episode 1: Crime and punishment
Monday 23 March
Some of the world’s most famous detectives and criminal cases can be found in The
National Archives...
Episode 2: Tyrants
Tuesday 24 March
Discover the secrets of some of the world's most notorious dictators with official
records held by The National Archives...
Episode 3: Celebrity and scandals
Wednesday 25 March
Whether new or old, the actions of celebrity writers, royals and rock stars will
always be of public interest...
Episode 4: Mysteries
Thursday 26 March
The last letter from Jack the Ripper, thousands of UFO reports, hoax claims of
finding Lord Kitchener’s body...
Episode 5: Sport and politics
Friday 27 March
Did you know that King Edward III tried to ban football?
Episode 6: Traitors and spies
Monday 30 March
Fake identities and knitting needles have featured in the tactics of espionage from
the First World War to the Cold War...
Episode 7: Monarchy
Tuesday 31 March
Discover the details of royal treasures, attempted assassinations and speeches
drafted in case of a Third World War...
Episode 8: Banned
Wednesday 1 April
Censorship is still a major issue but how has it changed over the years?
Episode 9: On trial
Thursday 2 April
Discover the details of some of the many historic cases and trials ranging from
blasphemy and witchcraft through to slavery...
Episode 10: National security
Friday 3 April
Some of the most famous plots and sieges all feature in our vast collection of
records...
