Historian and broadcaster David Olusoga returns to television screens with the latest series of *A House Through Time*, focusing on the history of a single property in Edinburgh. The new series, set to begin airing on BBC2 on August 13 at 9 p.m., revisits the show’s original format of tracing the layered past of one home from its construction to the present day.
The property featured this season is a distinctive residence built in 1785, situated on Calton Hill overlooking the Scottish capital. It is among the oldest houses explored by the programme, predating Edinburgh’s Georgian New Town while following the establishment of the city’s medieval Old Town. The house’s history mirrors the city’s rapid 18th-century growth and was primarily occupied by aspirational residents rather than the wealthy elite.
Researching the home’s narrative presented challenges due to its multiple occupants over time, which have included a range of figures such as wealthy widows, post office administrators, and an artist who ultimately gained recognition from Queen Victoria. As in previous series, the investigation into the property’s past uncovers dramatic episodes involving bankruptcy, espionage, and a proprietor linked to a notorious "house of ill fame," promising a rich tapestry of nearly three centuries of social and personal upheaval.
David Olusoga, known for his engaging and informative presentation style, first gained prominence with earlier seasons of *A House Through Time*, which examined residences in Liverpool, Newcastle, Bristol, and Leeds. A different approach was taken in the 2024 series, which examined wartime life through multiple homes in London and Berlin during World War II. The current installment marks a return to the show’s original single-property focus.
Born in Nigeria in 1970 and raised in Gateshead, Olusoga has been a prominent figure in British historical broadcasting. His personal background, including experiences of racial hostility in his youth, has informed his approach to history education and media representation. Prior to presenting, he studied history at the University of Liverpool and trained in broadcast journalism at Leeds Trinity University before working as a television producer.
In addition to *A House Through Time*, Olusoga has gained recognition through other media roles, including his participation in the first series of *Celebrity Traitors*. He has expressed enthusiasm for the Edinburgh series, highlighting his affection for the city and its rich historical heritage.
The upcoming season promises to deliver a complex exploration of social history through the lens of one Edinburgh home, continuing Olusoga’s commitment to making history accessible and compelling for viewers.