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 gue...
Mar 15, 2024•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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/
Mar 08, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Mar 01, 2024•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join us as we journey through time with seasoned Mudlarker Anna Borzello, uncovering the stories embedded in the mud of the Thames and celebrating the enduring legacy of London's past inhabitants. Through her discoveries, we are reminded of the power of material culture to bridge the gap between past and present, offering us an intimate glimpse into the lives of those who walked the streets of London centuries ago. In our conversation with Anna Borzello, we will delve into the significance o...
Feb 16, 2024•1 hr•Transcript available on Metacast In this captivating podcast episode, Hazel Baker and guest Maggie Coates take listeners on a journey through the hidden gem of Two Temple Place. Maggie Coates, a Camden tour guide and a volunteer at Two Temple Place, shares insights into its Victorian origins and its owner, William Waldorf Astor. Astor's vision for the building, nestled among larger structures near Middle Temple, reflects both secrecy and security, evident in features such as a basement vault and strong rooms. Listeners gain...
Feb 09, 2024•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast Nestled in the heart of London, St. James's Palace is a place of profound historical significance, where centuries of tradition, grandeur, and intrigue have woven a rich tapestry. As we venture within its hallowed halls and uncover its hidden secrets, we will unravel the captivating history that has unfolded within these venerable walls. Join us for the latest fact-filled episode. Listen now>>
Feb 02, 2024•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we're diving into the bustling, fog-laden streets of Victorian London, a city of stark contrasts and enduring charm, as portrayed in the timeless works of Charles Dickens. Our story centers around Archie, a young orphan navigating the complexities of life in 1843 London – a city that, much like the characters in Dickens' novels, is filled with both hardship and hope. As we follow Archie's journey, we'll explore the sights, sounds, and social fabric of a city in t...
Dec 23, 2023•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join us as we embark on a thought-provoking journey through the pages of London's history, exploring the Transatlantic Slave Trade and the role that London played.
Dec 01, 2023•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to Episode 125 of the London History Podcast, where we continue to unravel the rich and complex tapestry of London's past. Today, we delve into a chapter that's as intriguing as it is steeped in mystery and speculation — the intertwined stories of Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley, set against the imposing backdrop of the Tower of London.
Nov 24, 2023•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to episode 124 of the London History Podcast. I'm Hazel, your navigator through the winding lanes of London's rich tapestry of time. Today, we're peeling back the layers of history in one of Chelsea's most renowned streets — Tite Street with City of Westminster tour guide Dr Stephen King. A street synonymous with cultural luminaries and architectural beauty, Tite Street is a prism through which we can explore the artistic soul of Chelsea. Once the stomping ground for the ...
Nov 10, 2023•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Nov 03, 2023•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 lege...
Oct 27, 2023•24 min•Ep 122•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Oct 20, 2023•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 broa...
Oct 13, 2023•55 min•Ep 120•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Pal...
Oct 05, 2023•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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
Sep 29, 2023•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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....
Sep 21, 2023•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 fas...
Sep 14, 2023•37 min•Ep 116•Transcript available on Metacast 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 M...
Sep 07, 2023•45 min•Ep 115•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Jun 30, 2023•46 min•Ep 114•Transcript available on Metacast 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. ...
Jun 15, 2023•49 min•Ep 113•Transcript available on Metacast 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 fi...
Jun 08, 2023•50 min•Ep 112•Transcript available on Metacast 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 smo...
Jun 01, 2023•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast In the latest episode of the London History Podcast , we delve into the fascinating and crucial chapter of London's history surrounding the Crossness Pumping Station. The mid-19th century was a time when London grappled with the unignorable problem of sanitation, culminating in the notorious event known as the Great Stink of 1858. We begin by exploring the life and career of Joseph Bazalgette, the visionary engineer whose ambitious and innovative sewage system still underpins London's in...
May 11, 2023•35 min•Ep 110•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to the London History podcast, where we explore the fascinating world of British royal coronations. The coronation ceremony is a deeply symbolic event that has evolved over time, reflecting the changing political and cultural landscape of Britain. From the anointing of the monarch with holy oil to the crowning with the St Edward's Crown, every aspect of the ceremony is steeped in tradition and symbolism, emphasizing the monarch's duty to serve and protect their subjects. Througho...
May 04, 2023•33 min•Ep 109•Transcript available on Metacast Embark on a riveting journey with London tour guide Hazel Baker as she unveils the intriguing profession of rat catching in the heart of Victorian London. In this enthralling episode, immerse yourself in the enigmatic world of rat catchers, the brave and resourceful individuals who faced danger and societal disdain in their pursuit of a vital yet often overlooked occupation. Throughout the episode, Hazel will unravel the captivating stories and ingenious techniques of notable rat catchers, such ...
Apr 22, 2023•49 min•Ep 108•Transcript available on Metacast Join London tour guide Hazel Baker and gain insight into a unique profession: rat catching. Over the next two episodes, we’ll transport you back to the shadowy streets of Victorian London, where we’ll delve into the curious world of rat catching and the daring individuals who pursued this perilous and often unappreciated occupation. In these episodes, we’ll explore the lives and techniques of these fascinating characters, such as the legendary Jack Black, the Royal Rat Catcher who proudly served...
Apr 13, 2023•22 min•Ep 107•Transcript available on Metacast As we explore the history of afternoon tea, we will also delve into the story of the tea itself – its journey from the far corners of the globe to the heart of British culture. We will discuss the factors that contributed to its rise in popularity, as well as the various types of tea that have become beloved staples in British households. No afternoon tea would be complete without a delicious assortment of treats, and the Victoria Sponge holds a special place in the hearts of many. We will uncov...
Apr 06, 2023•34 min•Ep 106•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to the London History podcast, where we explore and celebrate the history of our beloved city. This episode is about one of London’s most iconic landmarks - St. Pancras Station. This station is one of the major railway stations in England, located in central London. It has been an integral part of the transportation system since 1868, when it was built by William Barlow as part of the Midland Railway. Join tour guides Hazel Baker and Ian McDiarmid from London Guided Walks as they discuss...
Mar 31, 2023•43 min•Ep 105•Transcript available on Metacast Join Hazel Baker and explore the life and times of Annie Besant, a remarkable woman who made an indelible impact on Victorian London's complex and ever-changing world. As a passionate activist, social reformer, and tireless advocate for the rights of women and the working class, Annie Besant's experiences in London shaped her worldview. They fueled her drive to make a difference. In this journey through Annie Besant's London life, we will delve into the bustling metropolis home to great innovati...
Mar 24, 2023•29 min•Ep 104•Transcript available on Metacast 
