Rex Cleaver, former Editorial Assistant at British Online Archives (BOA), discusses the history of sport with Dr. Luke Harris. Currently, Luke is an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham. His research explores the ways in which leisure and sport have impacted upon British identity. Luke was an editorial board member for BOA’s primary source collection, The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, 1874–1970. As he highlighted in the excellent contextual essay that he penned for this collection, “The portrayal of the 1908 Olympic Games in The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News”, the early twentieth century saw a rise in media publications representing sport. This episode of Talking History considers the impact of the first Olympic Games to be held in London, the broader relationship between class and sport, and the development of British athletics. Luke and Rex also reflect upon the sporting opportunities that were available for women throughout the first half of the twentieth century. 

 Please note, this episode was recorded in April 2023.

 Hosted by Rex Cleaver.
 Produced by Laura Wales.