Witness History

Marcia Lewis, daughter of Cluedo's inventors Anthony and Elva Pratt, shares fascinating insights into the game’s origins. She recounts her father's experiences playing piano at murder mystery parties, which inspired his creation during WWII. Marcia explains how Elva designed the board's Tudor mansion, while discussing original ideas for characters and weapons. The game's name evolved from 'Murder!!' to the catchier Cluedo, and she highlights why it remains a family favorite: the timeless appeal of solving a fictional murder.

Kristina Zwingli, an architect and expert on Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, dives into the creation of the groundbreaking Frankfurt Kitchen in 1926. She discusses the influence of post-WWI Vienna on Margarete's design philosophy. Despite its fame, Margarete famously preferred to be known for her advocacy for women's rights over her kitchen. Kristina highlights key innovations like ergonomic workflow and specialized storage, emphasizing how the Frankfurt Kitchen set the stage for modern cooking spaces globally, even if its creator never cooked.

Amjad Farooq Alvi, a pioneering Pakistani computer engineer and co-founder of Brain Computer Services, shares the story behind the accidental creation of the first PC virus, 'Brain', in 1986. He reminisces about coding playful programs that turned ominous as they spread worldwide with the haunting message, 'Welcome to the dungeon'. Alvi discusses the early reactions from users, including a frantic call from Florida, and the unusual legacy of a virus that was harmless yet infamous for crediting its creators. His journey highlights the unexpected impact of tech innovation.

It's 110 years since the end of the Battle of Gallipoli. It was one of the deadliest in World War One. Among the 40,000 dead was a large contingent of Australian and New Zealand troops who became known as the Anzacs. Soldier Rupert Westmacott was injured and shared his memories with the BBC. Professor of Australian history, Carl Bridge, spoke to Simon Watts in 2012.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina’s Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall’ speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler’s List; and Jacques Derrida, France’s ‘rock star’ philosopher. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world’s oldest languages.(Photo: Soldiers landing at Gallipoli. Credit: Sepia Times/Universal Images Group/Getty Images)

Shinichi Yokimuro, a longtime scenario writer for the iconic Sazae-san, shares insights into this beloved Japanese cartoon that has captivated audiences since 1969. He discusses the show's patriarchal setting and how it resonates with viewers as a nostalgic period drama. Audiences envy the family closeness portrayed during shared meals, contrasting with modern habits. Shinichi also reveals production challenges and reflects on his journey with the show, including his initial departure and eventual return.

Dame Tracey Emin, a groundbreaking contemporary British artist and member of the Young British Artists, dives into the cultural impact of her infamous installation, My Bed. She reflects on how her work sparked debate about the nature of art, emphasizing the importance of autobiographical themes like trauma and femininity. Emin shares her journey from a troubled upbringing to artistic acclaim, capturing the essence of the 1990s art scene. She calls My Bed a 'national treasure' and a poignant time capsule, merging personal narrative with public discourse.

Isabel Allende, a renowned Chilean novelist known for her blending of magical realism and political history, shares her fascinating journey. She recounts her family's deep ties to spiritualism and her uncle, Salvador Allende, who was overthrown in the 1973 coup. The gripping story of her escape from political repression and exile unfolds, revealing how a heartfelt letter to her grandfather transformed into the epic novel, The House of the Spirits. Isabel also discusses the impact of her literary success and the complex family dynamics following her portrayal of their history.

Jenny Hicks, a bereaved mother and eyewitness, shares her heart-wrenching account of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster that claimed the lives of 97 fans, including her two daughters. She vividly recounts the chaotic moments leading up to the crush, the frantic search for her children, and the shocking aftermath. Jenny discusses the emotional toll of identifying her daughters at the mortuary and the fight against state cover-ups to uncover the truth. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the tragedy's impact on families and the ongoing fight for justice.

In this engaging chat, Rohan Vos, a South African entrepreneur and founder of Rovos Rail, shares his remarkable journey from childhood train enthusiast to luxury train magnate. He reveals how a fateful auction in 1986 and nearly going bankrupt fueled his passion for vintage railway carriages. Rohan discusses the turning point when a chance meeting with a travel agent sparked a tourism boom for his company. With a commitment to elegance and tradition, he highlights how Rovos Rail became one of the world’s most luxurious train experiences.

Lou Nelson, a former security officer and later a police officer and firefighter, shares his firsthand experiences from the American Freedom Train, an epic journey that showcased over 500 priceless artifacts across the U.S. He vividly recounts the excitement of launch day and the special atmosphere while taking history on the road. From community enthusiasm to celebrity endorsements, Nelson highlights the train's role in restoring national pride in the wake of the 1960s unrest. He even reminisces about breaking photography rules to capture this historical experience!