Secret Knowledge

Granted privileged access to the Victoria and Albert Museum after hours, John Bly seeks out the Kimbolton Cabinet, an exquisite piece of 18th century English furniture that promises to reveal much about not only our nation's craft heritage but also his very own childhood.

Through interpretations of some of the archaeological treasures of the Swedish National Museum, now on display in Edinburgh, Dr Janina Ramirez of Oxford University explores the fascinating wealth of Viking culture and its long-lasting influence on the British Isles.

Jonathan Foyle believes he has uncovered the bed of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York.

World-renowned architect Zaha Hadid, perhaps best known for her futuristic architecture, explains how her work has roots in an art movement that is 100 years old. She has long cited the Russian abstract artist Kazimir Malevich as one of her greatest inspirations and, as a major exhibition of his work is on show at Tate Modern, together with curators and critics Zaha considers the influence of Malevich's avant-garde art on her avant-garde architecture.

Derek Jacobi goes in search of David Garrick, 18th-century superstar and the man who reinvented acting for the modern era.