In our forthcoming podcast episode, we're joined by the distinguished James McVinnie to delve into the fascinating world of organ music, marking the 70th anniversary of the Royal Festival Hall organ. McVinnie will discuss the instrument's significant historical impact and its role in the evolution of organ music in London and further afield. We'll explore how the organ, conceived in the post-war era, reflects the cultural shifts of its time through the vision of Ralph Downes.

Our guest is James McVinnie, known for his broad repertoire that ranges from early organ music to contemporary compositions by Nico Muhly and Tristan Perich, will share how he navigates the vast musical landscapes of different eras in his performances. The discussion will also touch on "Infinity Gradient" by Perich, an innovative piece that reimagines the organ's potential in synthesis and music, potentially setting the direction for the instrument's future.

As McVinnie travels performing across the globe, he plays an increasingly important role in redefining the organ as an instrument of both historical depth and modern relevance. Looking ahead, he'll share his vision for the organ's future and how he aims to contribute to its ongoing evolution. Finally, McVinnie will offer invaluable advice for young musicians interested in exploring the organ and its possibilities in contemporary music. Join us for an engaging journey into the heart of organ music with one of its most forward-thinking performers.

In today's episode, we're journeying back to the turn of the 20th century, to a time when the streets of London and beyond were stages for one of the most significant campaigns in the fight for women's rights: the battle for the right to vote.

https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/episode-132-suffragetteor-suffragist/

Hello and welcome to Episode 123 of the London History Podcast. Today, we're unwrapping the layers of one of the capital's most enduring pageants — the Lord Mayor's Show. With a heritage that dates back over eight centuries, this splendid cavalcade of pageantry wends its way through the heart of the City of London, a vibrant thread woven into the fabric of our urban story.

As we cast our minds back across the years, we'll delve into the origins of this annual spectacle, where the streets of London come alive with a dazzling array of floats, music, and revelry. We'll recount tales of the Show's evolution from medieval processions to the magnificent display of today, and explore its significance in reflecting and shaping the identity of the City.

So, join us as we journey through time, exploring the pomp, circumstance, and history of the Lord Mayor's Show — an event that captures the imagination and celebrates the spirit of London in grand style. Stay tuned as we lift the curtain on this illustrious tradition right here on the London History Podcast.

Pillar boxes are a symbol of Britain, a national design icon. Something we pass by on the street everyday but they have a long and interesting history which we can journey through today…. Joanna Espin, Curator of the Postal Museum is going to be giving us a run down of three pillar boxes you can get out and see in London and take you on a whistle stop tour of London’s post box history. 

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/london-pillar-boxes/

The economic role played by London was became more and more significant for the royal government in Medieval times. They set national standards in aspects of commercial activity as well as for the supplying essential goods such as food and textiles. There are strongly held notions of corporate history among London’s livery companies, where connections with the crown and the monarch feature prominently.  What are guilds and how did the come about? Join London tour guides Hazel Baker and Ian McDiarmid as they discuss medieval guilds.  

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/medieval-guilds/

Join us as we discuss London’s disused underground stations with London Transport Museum’s Siddy Holloway as she shares the hidden London underneath our feet. 

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/abandoned-london-underground-stations/

What do Benjamin Franklin, John Milton and Samuel Johnson have in common?  Find out on our latest episode where Hazel talks about the street Little Britain in the City of London. 

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/little-britain/

What do Jamie Oliver, Queen Victoria and harps have in common? Find out on our latest episode where Moira Bonnington talks with Hazel about her investigation into four generations of harp makers in Fitzrovia.

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/fitzrovia-harp-makers/

Have you heard of The Ghost of Cock Lane? Join London Tour Guide, Hazel Baker as she share this rather unusual Georgian ghost story in London History Podcast's Halloween Special Episode.

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/cock-lane-ghost/

London's history has been punctuated by financial crises such as the dot com bubble and the 2008 Crash. But perhaps one of the most famous crisis in London was The South Sea Bubble in 1720. Let's get to the bottom of this early 18th century crises with City of London Tour Guide, Ian McDiarmid and London Tour Guide, Hazel Baker. 

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/south-sea-bubble/

Learn about the varied history behind some of the best of Soho's architecture along with artistic facial features in an ever-changing community. Join Hazel Baker, London Tour Guide, in A Nosey Around Soho. 

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/seven-noses-soho/

The British Museum has re-opened. With a new one way route, Ian McDiarmid (City of London Tour Guide) and Hazel Baker (London Tour Guide) have visited twice and now share the best bits in this week's episode. 

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/british-museum/

"The river Walbrook is the shortest but one of the most important of London's lost rivers. This Roman London water source is now entirely hidden and has largely been forgotten. Join London tour guides Hazel Baker and Ian McDiarmid as they take you back to Londinium, when the Walbrook was more than a street name."

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/walbrook-roman-london/

Welcome to Episode 122 of our riveting podcast series, where we delve deep into the mysteries and stories that make London such an endlessly captivating city. Today, we turn our focus to something quite intriguing yet unsettling: the haunted underground stations of London's Tube network. These are not merely tales to entertain or amuse; they are accounts that have perplexed commuters, underground staff, and even seasoned researchers who've spent years delving into London's urban legends and folklore.

If you've ever felt a cold shiver run down your spine as your train rolled into an eerily quiet station, or sensed an inexplicable presence while waiting on a deserted platform late at night, then this episode will certainly resonate with you. We'll be uncovering stories of apparitions and phantoms, exploring everything from the ghostly figures that roam the platforms to the spectral sounds that reverberate through the tunnels.

So sit back, dim the lights if you dare, and join us as we venture into the hauntingly mysterious realm of London's underground. This is an episode that promises to be as enlightening as it is spine-tingling, giving you a whole new perspective on your daily commute. Stay tuned; you're in for an otherworldly journey.

With over 3,000 pubs in London, we have handpicked some of the most interesting places and unique facts for you to start adding these pubs on your ‘Places to Visit’ list. 

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/london-historic-pubs/

Did you know about The Havering Hoard? Join Hazel Baker and Ian McDiarmid as they give you the full visitor experience review about the Havering Hoard: A Bronze Age Mystery from the Museum of London, Docklands. 

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/havering-hoard/

What’s in a name? Join London tour guides Hazel Baker and Ian McDiarmid as they discuss the animal-related names of parts of London. 

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/london-animal-area-names/

Join Hazel Baker and Ian McDiarmid as they revisit the story of how The Great Fire of London began and how it shaped the face of the new City of London. 

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/great-fire-london/

Ever wondered how the coffee tasted before in London’s old coffeehouses? Is it similar to Starbucks, Costa Coffee, or Caffe Nero? Join Hazel Baker and Ian McDiarmid in this episode where they talk about all things coffee and its main role in the 17th century.

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/london-coffeehouses/

With the invention of photography, who knew it would revolutionise culture and communication? Images of real life could be captured for prosperity and sent across the world. Portraits of royalty and other celebrities, far more accurate than paintings, allowed members of the public to feel that they were viewing these people in the flesh.

In this episode, we are with guest Colin Webb, who helps making history more accessible and telling the stories that we as a culture may have forgotten, and he does this by adding colour to black and white photos.

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/victorian-photographs/

The Proms is a classical music festival held every summer at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Its aim is to bring the best in classical music to the widest possible audience.

Join Hazel as she shares stories of how the proms began, where it gets its name, how politics has sometimes clashed with the event and how a stag was released from Door 1 at the Last Night of the Proms.

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/royal-albert-hall-proms/

What was it like to be a woman in 1920s London? Rubbing shoulders with big names such a Winston Churchill and George Bernard Shaw and having friends such as Lady Astor and Emmeline Pankhurst. Listen to this weeks episode and find out more.

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/1920s-london-women/

In this episode, we'll have a look at how the world's greatest city has been portrayed on film, taking in everything from the glory days of Ealing to the use of the modern metropolis as the background for blockbusters.

Join Hazel Baker (Qualified London Tour Guide) and Richard Luck (Feature writer, critic and author) as they discuss movies that are filmed in London.

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/london-movies/

Join London Tour Guide Hazel as be meets with Helen Baggott who shares the true stories revealed through postcards sent more than a hundred years ago.

Helen Baggott is a writer and editor from Dorset. She began researching postcards almost 20 years ago and so far has researched more than 300 – with more in the wings.

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/postcards-from-londons-past/

With us today to unravel the life, impact, and ongoing legacy of this incredible woman is none other than Kirstie Shedden, an esteemed London tour guide specialising in 'Suffragettes in Westminster.' Kirstie’s unparalleled expertise and nuanced understanding of this complex era bring a richness to the subject matter that promises to captivate our audience.

Annie Kenney was not just a participant in the women's suffrage movement; she was a linchpin, an impassioned activist whose story diverges in fascinating ways from her contemporaries. Born into a working-class background, her activism broke the mould in a movement often associated with the middle and upper classes. Her contributions were neither small nor forgettable; she was a tour de force who navigated arrest, imprisonment, and societal marginalisation while maintaining her staunch commitment to the cause.

In today's discussion, we'll traverse the landscape of Annie Kenney's involvement in the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), explore the intricacies of her arrests and her resilience during imprisonment, and take a walk through Westminster's very streets where she, and others like her, left an indelible mark. You'll even hear about her correspondences with key figures of her time and the lasting legacy she left behind.

Whether you're a history aficionado, a student of social movements, or simply someone curious about the multi-layered history that has shaped modern London, this episode offers a narrative feast that is both educational and enthralling.

So, fasten your seatbelts for a journey back in time that is not only enlightening but also incredibly relevant to our understanding of activism, social change, and the women who dared to defy the status quo. Kirstie, a very warm welcome to you; we’re thrilled to have you on the show.

How many statues of named women are there in London?

Listen to London Tour Guide Hazel as she tells the lives of four pioneering women who made their own contributions to medical science.

Three have a statue in London but one does not...

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/london-statues-medical-women/

Housed in the attic of the early eighteenth-century church of the old St Thomas' Hospital, The Old Operating Theatre Museum offers a unique insight into the history of medicine and surgery. 

Listen to London Tour Guide Hazel Baker and Marketing and Events Manager Monica Walker discuss its history including the use of the herb garret and the types of operations which were performed there.

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/old-operating-theatre-museum/

Join London tour guides Hazel Baker and Ian McDiarmid as they discuss London's Coffeehouses how they enables the financial revolution in the 18th century.

Find out where Londoners get their bowls of coffee from a history-making entrepreneur.
Hear how the Bank of England, the Stock Exchange and the Royal Exchange began.
Find out how we get the phrase to hear a pin drop and where you would have needed to go to sample London's best cherry brandy and sandwiches.  

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/london-coffeehouses-commerce/

Ever wondered whether the stories we hear ring with an element of truth?

Explore with Hazel from London Guided Walks and Vanessa from London Dreamtime the curious world of London's folklore and how the opaque curtain between fact and fiction moves organically.

Vanessa Woolf is a professional storyteller inspired by the history and folklore of London.

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/london-folklore/

Modern cabaret and burlesque shows can trace their roots back to the taverns and coffee houses of 18th century London. Hear how they grew in popularity and made history.

Making history today is Ivy Paige, international showgirl, singer and burlesque queen. Hear Ivy's experiences backstage and what it's really like working in the world of cabaret in London.

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/music-halls-cabaret/

Join Hazel and Ian as they discuss the iconic Monument to the Great Fire of London which commemorates one of the most famous events in London’s history. This impressive structure invites over 150,000 visitors each year to climb the 311 spiral steps to enjoy one of the best views over the City.

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/great-fire-london-monument/

Have you ever wondered how much of the James Bond stories are true? We all know 007 is a fictional character but the inspiration for the stories has to come from somewhere.

Join our London tour guides Hazel Baker and Rob Smith as they discuss true spy stories connected to London!

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/true-london-spy-stories/

Welcome one, welcome all to Hockley in the Hole! Join our London tour guide Hazel Baker as we discuss the history of the Hockley in the Hole, a once famed Bear Garden In Clerkenwell, London. 

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/lost-london/

The 23rd of April is not only Shakespeare's birthday but also St George's Day. St George is the patron saint of England.

There are several ways for us to mark the occasion but this year join our tour guide Hazel Baker and Hannah Chutspah a Chief Dragon Twitcher as they talk about The Dragons of London!

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/london-dragons/

Over 30 million people have seen the Crown Jewels in their present setting at the Tower of London and are possibly the most visited objects in Britain.

Listen to  London tour guide Hazel Baker discuss with London junkie Zoe Merritt some of the unknown details of the Crown Jewels.

Can you tell your diadems from your tiaras? What's the oldest piece in the collection? What's the most recent addition to the collection?

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/crown-jewels/

Doctor Who has been a staple of British television and has reached global audiences. To understand the significance of this long-running series is to delve deep into the fabric of British popular culture, exploring themes that transcend mere entertainment. Whether it's the socio-political narratives that have been cleverly woven into its storylines or the imaginative realms it transports us to, Doctor Who has made an indelible impact, not just in the realm of science fiction, but in the broader context of British media.

David Turnbull, is our guest for today, brings a wealth of knowledge and insightful analysis. His published works on British television history offer a nuanced perspective, and today he will help us untangle the rich tapestry that makes Doctor Who a cultural phenomenon. We'll explore its beginnings, its pivotal moments, and of course, its enduring appeal.

For ardent fans, get ready for a captivating conversation filled with interesting trivia, scholarly discussion, and perhaps a fresh viewpoint on the Time Lord's many adventures. And if you're new to Doctor Who, what better time to get acquainted with this remarkable series than on its 60th anniversary?

So, make yourself comfortable, perhaps grab a cuppa, as we embark on a journey through time and space in the heart of London's history, through the lens of the Doctor's ever-astonishing escapades.

Join London tour guide Hazel Baker as she explores her own childhood memories, those of fellow tour guide Ian McDiarmid and also those of her mother.

Food helps shape the identity of people's whole life experiences. It's a bonding ritual between friends, families and communities. Can you remember a children's birthday party when you went to as a child which didn't have food? No? Me neither. Being a child from the 1980s many of my memories are of psychedelic foods; bread and butter with hundreds and thousands, iced gems, pineapple and cheese on a cocktail stick and jelly and ice cream.

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/childhood-foods/

Join London tour guide Hazel Baker as she explores the history of animals in London.

Get your coat ready, we are going back to the ice age before travelling time through Medieval. Elizabethan, Victorian London.

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/fantastic-beasts-london/

Join London guides Hazel Baker and Ian McDiarmid as they discuss Roman London.

Find out how London's history begins with the Romans, when they came to Britain, why they chose the area to build Londinium.

Hear about the trades that went on inside Londinium, what goods were made there and what they imported.

Discover what of Roman London there is left to explore.

Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in a 20 minute espresso shot episode of London history with a splash of personality. There's so much we can't fit into our tours, no matter how hard we try. This London history podcast is where we can get down and dirty with the detail! You're not going to find this level of detail in any guidebook.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast.

Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Show notes, including transcript, photos and recommended reading: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/roman-london-history/

An introduction to our London history podcast. Find out what it’s all about!

Hello and welcome to another episode of the London History Podcast, where we delve into the compelling narratives and stories that have shaped one of the world's most iconic cities. 

Now, when one thinks of London, it's often the majestic landmarks, the palaces and the political history that come to mind. But London is also a city deeply entrenched in sporting history. 

Today we're setting our sights on something that merges sport, culture, and history in a fascinating way—Crystal Palace Football Club, an institution that was founded in 1861.

Joining me in the studio is Stuart Hibberd, author of The first Crystal Palace Football Club 1861-1876 and co-author of three football histories; To the Palace for the Cup, The Centenary History of the Arthur Dunn Cup, and Tottenham Cakes and Bolton Pies! -The story of the 1901 FA Cup.

Today, we'll be delving into the life of Francis Barber. This tale encapsulates themes of humanity, society, and the complex historical ties that bind London with the wider world. It's a narrative that engages with notions of identity, social mobility, and the human desire for self-determination, set against the backdrop of eighteenth-century London. londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast

Hello and welcome to this week's episode of the London History Podcast.

Today, we delve into the fascinating life of a woman who was nothing short of a dynamo in the politics, culture, and society of her era—Eleanor of Aquitaine. To situate you in the rich tapestry of London's history, we must traverse the centuries back to the 12th century, an era teeming with political intrigue, territorial disputes, and colossal figures who left an indelible impact on the course of English history.

Greetings to all our devoted listeners and a warm welcome to those joining us for the first time. My name is Hazel Baker, and it’s an honour to guide you through another intriguing episode of the London History Podcast. As those familiar with our show will undoubtedly know, we delve into the enigmatic tapestry of London’s past, spotlighting the lives, landmarks, and lore that have shaped this magnificent city.

Standing at only 19.5 inches tall, Caroline Crachami became an object of immense fascination, a subject of medical scrutiny, and a participant—willing or not—in London’s burgeoning entertainment scene centred around ‘curiosities’. Caroline Crachami’s life offers us not merely an intriguing biographical account but also serves as a window through which we can explore broader societal attitudes, scientific inquiries, and ethical quandaries of her time.

Welcome to the London History Podcast, where we delve into the rich tapestry of the city's past, exploring famous landmarks, significant events, and hidden gems. I'm your host, Hazel Baker, a certified London Tour Guide, historian, and avid storyteller with a passion for uncovering the unique narratives that shape this extraordinary city.

Today, we turn our lens towards one of the most fascinating tales ever written—Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde"—a novella that not only lays bare the duality of human nature but also serves as a compelling character study of London itself.

Full transcript

Welcome to the London History Podcast, where we delve into the rich tapestry of the city's past, exploring famous landmarks, significant events, and hidden gems. I'm your host, Hazel Baker, a certified London Tour Guide, historian, and avid storyteller with a passion for uncovering the unique narratives that shape this extraordinary city.

In today's episode, we're exploring the history of an iconic symbol of the United Kingdom - Buckingham Palace. While most people are familiar with its imposing façade and the Changing of the Guard, the palace's past is filled with lesser-known stories that span centuries.

Joining us for this exciting exploration is our special guest, Philip Scott. Philip is a seasoned historian and tour guide with a particular interest in the British monarchy. 

Together, Philip and Hazel delve into the origins of the palace, its architectural evolution, and its role in royal and national life. From tales of extravagant royal parties to stories of wartime resilience, we'll unravel the lesser-known facts about this royal residence. So, whether you're a London local or an admirer of the city's history from afar, sit back, relax, and join us on this historical journey through the heart of the British monarchy.

Welcome to our exploration of one of London's most extraordinary chapters from the First World War: the story of Endell Street Military Hospital, a groundbreaking institution that was not only at the forefront of medical innovation but also a testament to the indomitable spirit and resilience of women. Founded in 1915, amidst the chaos of a world at war, Endell Street stood out for being entirely run by women, from its surgeons to its orderlies. This was at a time when the medical profession was almost exclusively male-dominated, making the hospital a radical experiment in both medicine and gender equality.

Today, we are going to explore a captivating corner of London's rich literary past: 'The Gentleman's Magazine'. Launched in 1731, this periodical not only revolutionised the way news was disseminated, but it also had a huge impact on the shape of journalism and the publishing industry. Its pages were filled with a dazzling array of content, from political debates and poetry to obituaries and weather reports, reflecting the intellectual currents of 18th-century London and beyond.

And who better to guide us through this journey than our special guest for today, Dr Gillian Williamson? A leading historian and author of the seminal work 'British Masculinity in the Gentleman's Magazine', Dr Williamson will help us unravel the influence and significance of this unique publication.

So, make yourself comfortable and let's travel back to a time when coffee houses were the internet of the day, and 'The Gentleman's Magazine' was the thread connecting people, politics, and popular culture. From its inception to its evolution, let's delve into how this periodical has shaped London's literary landscape and its enduring legacy.

Welcome to the London History Podcast. Let's begin...

Show notes: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast

In this episode of the ⁠London History Podcast⁠, we delve into a truly intriguing aspect of London's history – the remnants of Georgian life found along the city's riverbanks through the activity known as mudlarking. Mudlarking, the practice of scavenging along riverbanks, often unearths some fascinating glimpses into the city’s past, and the Georgian era is particularly ripe with discoveries.

Our guest for today is Anna Borzello, a seasoned mudlarker, who will share her insights and findings from the Georgian period. Anna has uncovered a wealth of items from this era, each with its own unique story to tell, giving us an intimate, tangible link to Georgian Londoners.

And don't forget, f you have a particular interest in Georgian London, we have many more episodes on this period in our archives. From the escapades of the celebrity thief, Jack Sheppard in Episode 94, to a peek into the life of radical MP John Wilkes in Episode 91, and a look at the day-to-day life of Georgian Londoners in our introductory Episode 80, there’s a wealth of knowledge waiting for you.

So, pull up a chair, put on your headphones, and prepare to be transported back to the times of powdered wigs, elegant attire, and the charming chaos of Georgian London. Let's set off on another journey this time, down the intriguing, muddy riverbeds of history.

In the latest episode of the ⁠London History Podcast⁠, we're going to dim the lights and step back in time, exploring the smoke-filled, jazz-infused London nightclubs of the roaring 1920s and tumultuous 1930s. These were places where new music was forged, societal norms were challenged, and the intoxicating glamour of the era unfolded under the warm glow of chandeliers.

For this enthralling journey into the past, we are accompanied by a distinguished guest, a scholar whose pen dances as smoothly on paper as the flappers did on those long-ago dance floors. Please welcome historian, author, and expert on British popular culture, Lucy Santos.

With her extensive knowledge and passion, we'll delve into the hidden histories of these clubs, uncovering stories of the people who frequented them and ran them, the culture they created, and the impact they had on London society during the interwar years. We'll discover how these clubs, both celebrated and notorious, formed a microcosm of the larger societal changes in London, reflecting the shifting dynamics of class, race, and gender.

From the glitzy sophistication of the Kit-Cat Club, famed for its membership of artists and intellectuals, to the eclectic sounds and sights of the Shim Sham Club in Soho, where jazz and the emerging Lindy Hop dance scene brought diverse crowds together, our exploration today will take us to the heart of an exciting era.

So, ladies and gentlemen, put on your dancing shoes, cue the jazz, and join us as we dive into the smoky allure of London's nightclubs in the 1920s and 1930s.

Stay tuned, the night is young and the history is rich.

Let us know if there's a particular person, event or place you want to know more about in our podcast: ⁠londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast⁠

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