London History – Details, episodes & analysis

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/