You are in > manchester.com  > News > Marr slams "shameful" level of history education

TV

Marr slams "shameful" level of history education

21/04/2008

BBC journalist Andrew Marr has slammed the "shameful" level of history education in Britain.

His recent BBC series, Andrew Marr's History of Modern Britain, picked up a Bafta at last night's ceremony, winning the specialist factual award.

Speaking at the event, Marr told reporters: "I think it's absolutely shameful how little of our own recent history is taught in many schools.

"A vast percentage of people leave school and have no idea what’s happened in this country over the last 100 years.

"If you don’t know what happened before, how can you know who you are?"

The former BBC political editor rejected the accusation that he was dumbing down BBC factual programmes.

"There's no point in making some very clever, clever history programme that nobody watches. It’s got to be watchable, it’s got to be entertaining," he said.

A follow-up series, charting the history of Britain from 1900 to 1945, is currently being worked on.