Michael Portillo examines the Georgian period. We remember the politeness, elegance, wealth and taste but forget how the Georgian regime supressed political dissent and wrote out of history those opposed to its version of Britishness. Published on June 11, 2012.

TWFTR: The Georgian Facade

We hear a great deal about the Spanish Armada and how plucky England fought off this maritime behemoth with superior seamanship, English gumption and some helpful weather. But we forget that the very next year 'plucky' England sent an equally immense armada to invade Spain. Michael Portillo discovers the disasterous story of Francis Drake and the English Armada. Published on December 12, 2011.

TWFTR: The English Armada

Michael Portillo discovers what really happened in 1773 when hundreds of crates of British tea were dumped into Boston harbour. He discovers a murkier and more ambiguous tale than we've been led to believe. Published on November 13, 2011.

TWFTR: The Boston Tea Party

Michael Portillo discovers the origins of modern-day policing in the forgotten police strikes of 1918-19. Published on December 9, 2011.

TWFTR: The Police Strike

Michael Portillo discovers how romantic memories of the French Resistance created an enduring military legend which overshadowed its more important political role in shaping post war France. Published on December 9, 2011.

TWFTR: The French Resistance

Michael Portillo discovers how we've forgotten that Magna Carta led to a civil war and a French invasion of England. Published on June 1, 2012.

TWFTR: Magna Carta and the 1216 invasion

Things We Forgot to Remember

Michael Portillo invites us to look again at our collective memories of great events and characters from the past. Rediscovering forgotten events that challenge our understanding and put the complication back into history. 

Things We Forgot

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