The Brits have had countless infatuations through the years - Timeshift investigates...
Just a few decades ago smokers were everywhere. An introduction to the rise and fall of 'the smoker'.
How cigarette cards inadvertently helped U-Boat commanders in the Second World War.
At first, public smoking was a male preserve. But gradually women began to seek the right to smoke in public too.
In an age of austerity the dazzle of the circus was just what the nation needed as it warily ventured out into a brave new world.
Find out about some of the many circus superstitions.
Over the years circus people have developed their own unique language.
Sassoon's precision cutting on styles like The Bob revolutionised the hair business.
For hundreds of years travelling fairs have brought lights, thrills and spectacles to towns across the country.
As the 50s became the 60s, 'big hair' expressed the confidence and affluence of this era.
Writer and broadcaster Matthew Sweet recounts the sights, sounds and smells of his visits to Hull Fairground.
Professor Vanessa Toulmin from the National Fairground Archive talks about how the showman's season has changed.
In post war austerity, Raymond 'Teasy Weasy' stood out as a beacon of true flamboyance.
The arrival of an electric ride from America caused a sensation at British fairgrounds.
Fairground historian Graham Downie explains how British gallopers are different from American carousels.
Dr. Hilda Kean outlines the transformation in our relationship with animals.
The life and times of London Zoo's celebrity elephant.
A treat from the archive as Alan Whicker takes us behind the Iron Curtain to see their unique attitude to the luxury hotel.
Richard Cansdale describes his unique childhood growing up in London Zoo.
Luxury hotels are the epitome of discretion, whatever goings-on occur in the five star rooms.
What it means to be a luxury hotel.
During the miners鈥� strike of 1984- 85, coaches full of miners played cat and mouse with the police as they attempted to make their way to illegal demonstrations.
The Shipping Forecast has remained almost the same since the first one back in 1924.
The concept of feeding animals at the zoo has changed dramatically over the years.
Weatherman Michael Fish鈥檚 鈥榥o hurricane鈥� forecast is still remembered 25 years on.
