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?
Monday 30 March
Tuesday 31 March
Wednesday 1 April
Thursday 2 April
Friday 3 April