Are you summer body ready? I hope not - that's the off season for bodysnatching... this week we talk about the grisly but intriguing business of bodysnatching. Who was involved? How was it done? What did the public think of it? And how did John Bishop and James May feature in this weird, mysterious world? TW - talk about death and human remains Visit https://www.ladieswholondon.com for the show notes to each episode. Get in touch! Instagram; @ladieswholondonpodcast Email; ladieswholondon@gmail.c...
Apr 13, 2022•51 min•Ep 82•Transcript available on Metacast A cinematic trailblazer, Jill Craigie was one of the foremost female directors in the UK, with a unique look at London life. We find out what took her into the film industry, why she was so important, and how a high profile marriage affected her career. Plus we chat to Emily from 'It's Not That Boring' who runs a platform supporting and promoting women in film. You can find her platform at www.itsnotthatboring.com Visit https://www.ladieswholondon.com/post/behind-the-lens-with-jill-craigie for t...
Apr 06, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Ep 81•Transcript available on Metacast How a drag court case created a tabloid storm in Victorian London, we find out about Thomas Boulton and Frederick Park, who were unceremoniously hauled before a jury after being arrested while out at the theatre in women's clothing. However, this was not the charge they were put on trial for. The actual charge was much more serious, although without evidence to prove their supposed crime. What happened, who were they, and how did their case change the law... A NOTE / TW - we talk about the law o...
Mar 29, 2022•55 min•Ep 80•Transcript available on Metacast One of the foremost artists of the 20thC, we take a look at Dame Barbara Hepworth. Emily takes us on a trot through the life and work of the wonderful artist who is linked to both London and St Ives, and we find out what inspired her art, and where in London you can find her work. We find out where you can take a little break from the hustle and bustle and lose yourself in her art for a short time. Visit www.ladieswholondon.com/post/piercing-holes-dame-barbara-hepworth for the show notes to each...
Mar 23, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Ep 79•Transcript available on Metacast We're delighted to welcome Lara Maiklem to the podcast this week - bestselling author and mudlarker Lara comes to chat to us about mudlarking and her love for London's history. We chat about some of the most exciting obects that Lara has found on the Thames foreshore, as well as finding out an exciting update on one of her more intriguing and headline grabbing finds! You can follow Lara on social media @londonmudlark or @london.mudlark on instagram Visit https://www.ladieswholondon.com/post/delv...
Mar 16, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep 78•Transcript available on Metacast Heading back to the 1600s, we take a look at the intriguing, mysterious Aphra Benn, the first female English professional writer with an extra little secret to her story. We find out what makes her so interesting, why it is we know so little about her life, and how a stint in the Netherlands ended her up in a bit of hot water! Visit https://www.ladieswholondon.com for the show notes to each episode. Get in touch! Instagram; @ladieswholondonpodcast Email; ladieswholondon@gmail.com Websites; www.l...
Mar 09, 2022•57 min•Ep 77•Transcript available on Metacast Come up to the top of the hill and find out all about the people's palace, Ally Pally. Up up and away! From huge balloons to Laurence of Arabia, fireworks and fires (oops), Alexandra Palace is the hilltop palace that has always belonged to the community. Find out more in this episode. Visit https://www.ladieswholondon.com/post/alexandra-palace for the show notes to each episode. Get in touch! Instagram; @ladieswholondonpodcast Email; ladieswholondon@gmail.com Websites; www.ladieswholondon.com ww...
Mar 02, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Ep 76•Transcript available on Metacast On this week's episode we chat to Siddy Holloway, presenter of Secrets of the London Underground about the abandoned tube station used as a WW2 bunker, Down Street. She gives us some fascinating facts about the abandoned underground sites, and how Churchill made a very specific request for the development of the station Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 23, 2022•1 hr 25 min•Ep 75•Transcript available on Metacast All welcome to peek behind the curtain of one of London's most secretive gay clubs, the 1930s 'Caravan Club'. We take you off for a bit of LGBTQ history, as we travel back in time to the 1930s, where it was illegal to be gay in the UK. We invite you to join us in one of the most infamous, secretive gay clubs - will it be raided? Will it stay secret? And most importantly, will Cyril ever get his man?? Visit https://www.ladieswholondon.com/post/the-caravan-club-a-sink-of-iniquity-in-gay-london for...
Feb 16, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep 74•Transcript available on Metacast A secret 19thC operating theatre hidden in the attic of an old church, and the women who braved the surgeon's knife. This week Emily and Alex are on site at the Old Operating Theatre in London Bridge, taking a look at the fascinating history of this place of hope and fear, as women were operated on before anaesthesia or antiseptic. How long would a surgeon take to amputate a limb, how would that happen, and just how many people would be crammed in to the theatre to watch. We chat to Monica Walke...
Feb 09, 2022•54 min•Ep 73•Transcript available on Metacast The tragic story of a boy prince, the machiavellian invaders, and a cursed gem fought over in blood - this week we trace the tale of one of the most famous jewels in the world, the Koh I Noor diamond. How did it come to be in the English crown jewels? How many different nations fought over it for centuries? And is the curse real? We take a look at one of the most unlikely stories of greed, power and ultimate bling Visit https://www.ladieswholondon.com for the show notes to each episode. Get in t...
Feb 02, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Ep 72•Transcript available on Metacast The man under your feet - we unearth the story of the amazing Frank Pick, and his invaluable contribution to London's tube. When the London Underground came together after the wilderness years (!), Frank was at the front of reorganising the system into the one that we recognise today. It's thanks to him that the Underground is a symbol of London all around the world. Plus we take a look at Harry Beck, who you can thank for you knowing how to get home when you are drunk as a skunk! Show notes; ht...
Jan 26, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep 71•Transcript available on Metacast London's heritage gas lamps are under threat - we talk to Tim Bryars, Luke Honey and Simon Callow about the fight to save them. 300 of London's heritage gas lamps are being ripped out to be replaced with LED replacements. Tim Bryars and Luke Honey have taken on the challenge of stopping this happening without due consultation, and they need YOUR help! We also are thrilled to chat to the actor Simon Callow about his involvement with the project, and why gas lamps are so important to him. More inf...
Jan 24, 2022•46 min•Ep 70•Transcript available on Metacast Come with us to the chocolate houses of old St James, where the air was thick, the clubs were exclusive, and the chocolate ran from the trees. Sounds too good to be true? That's what we thought, until we opened those secretive front doors and took a peek behind some of the most exclusive houses in St James, who served hot chocolate as an expensive pleasure. We find out why Madame White was so important, where the trees dripped with chocolate, and what Alex thinks of her Christmas present. SPOILE...
Jan 19, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Ep 69•Transcript available on Metacast Seen as the first musical, the Beggar’s Opera changed london’s theatre scene with a snarky, modern satirical bite. In order to take on the rival theatres, John Rich went off-piste and produced this anti-opera worn by John Gay. With a clever mix of poking fun at the great and the good, plus retooling popular tunes, it was a roaring success which led to the creation of one of london’s most well known institutions. Show notes - https://www.ladieswholondon.com/post/beggar-s-opera-the-first-musical G...
Jan 12, 2022•58 min•Ep 68•Transcript available on Metacast London is a city of centuries of immigration. This week we travel east to Spitalfields, to look at the fantastic area known as Banglatown. We check out the impact of several centuries of newcomers to London, focusing particularly on the more recent Bangladeshi arrivals, and how that has shaped the area into a glorious mix of east meets west. We take a look at the yearly festival which is a celebration of Bangladeshi heritage, find out about an important building which wears its history proudly, ...
Jan 05, 2022•52 min•Ep 67•Transcript available on Metacast Happy festivities everyone! Here's a little round up to see you through to 2022. See you next year! Stay safe and happy. Alex and Emily.x Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 22, 2021•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast Come join the Christmas fun, where Emily and Alex head around London in a black cab, together with special guests. We chat all things Christmas and London, and tell you where to go to get the best festive fun this year. Where to find our guests; Olly from @DiscoverRealLondon on socials Lottie www.missmagpietours.com and @miss_magpie_tours on Instagram Fiona @fionalukasguide on Instagram Check out www.ladieswholondon.com and take a look at the blog which accompanies each episode, plus links on ho...
Dec 15, 2021•1 hr 27 min•Ep 65•Transcript available on Metacast One of Hollywood's most scandalous women, we talk champagne in shoes, bed hopping and caustic wit with the whirlwind of a woman that was Tallulah Bankhead. Although an American, she spent the best part of 10 years in London cultivating her career, seemingly spending most of it stripping naked and hopping into bed with anyone she laid her eyes on. Known for her caustic wit and her ability to render a room speechless with her antics, we take a look at the wild woman of Hollywood. WE HAVE A NEW WEB...
Dec 08, 2021•43 min•Ep 64•Transcript available on Metacast Think you know the story of Pocahontas? Think again. We unpack the real story behind the Powhatan Princess, and why she came to England. Is it all as joyous and loving as the Disney movie shows? Why was she visiting the Banqueting Hall in London? And what happened to her after her time in London? We uncover the tragic true story of this remarkable young woman. WE HAVE A NEW WEBSITE! Check out www.ladieswholondon.com and take a look at the blog which accompanies each episode, plus links on how to...
Dec 01, 2021•54 min•Ep 63•Transcript available on Metacast It wasn't wartime bombing which devastated the Silvertown area of London, it was the preparation for war. So what was it that caused a huge explosion in one of the densely populated areas of London? We take a look at one of the most impactful events in the Royal Docks area, and find out more about how a humble policeman became a hero. Check out the show notes here -https://www.ladieswholondon.com/post/silvertown-explosion-a-dynamite-tale Get in touch! Instagram; @ladieswholondonpodcast Email; la...
Nov 24, 2021•56 min•Ep 62•Transcript available on Metacast London is home to the unique, no more so than some of the most historic and quirky bookshops. We take a little tour of some of the most interesting and historic places for buying your books, including the royal bookshop Hatchards, the stunning Daunt books, a bookshop on a barge, the first LGBT bookshop in the country, and some quirky, charming shops on the lovely Cecil Court. Which bookshop has a parrot?! Which bookshop stars in a British movie? Where can you find a 200 year old shop receipt fro...
Nov 17, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Ep 61•Transcript available on Metacast Is Dick Turpin all glamorous swashbuckling and mysterious gentleman, or is there a darker truth to his legendary status? Today we head to Covent Garden's Drury Lane to visit the last London watering hole for the infamous Dick Turpin as we take a look at the history behind one of the UK's most characterful villains. Is there any truth in the stories that he was a gentlemanly thief, or is the real story much darker? Check out the show notes here - https://bit.ly/31HA1Xz Get in touch! Instagram; @l...
Nov 10, 2021•54 min•Ep 60•Transcript available on Metacast Fancy a cuppa? We're heading to the most historic of all the tea houses in London to see why Twinings is the last word in your morning cup of the good stuff. Twinings has been in the same spot on Fleet Street for a couple of centuries, and we want to know why. What makes that cup of tea such a classic British thing, and why are Twinings the most famous house? Plus we spin the Wheel of Destiny to find out where we are going next. Check out the show notes here Get in touch! Instagram; @ladieswholo...
Nov 03, 2021•47 min•Ep 59•Transcript available on Metacast It's Halloween, so it's Goth Guide Emily's favourite time of year! And this year is no exception, she is back in full gory form with a tale of some properly grisly murders in Shadwell, East London. Alex tells us of the mythical fire breathing demon Spring Heeled Jack, who terrorised London's streets for over 60 years with his fiery red eyes and blue flames which he breathed on people. Plus Alex gets freaked out by a noise upstairs and EMILY DOESN'T HELP THINGS! Plus we find out who won the Podca...
Oct 26, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Ep 58•Transcript available on Metacast We unearth the story of Queen Victoria's black goddaughter, Omoba Aina, and how she came to be under the Queen's protection. How did this orphaned Yoruban child make her way to London and into the court of the Queen, and how did her relationship with the Queen impact her life and that of her children as well. Will it all end happily? Find out in this week's episode. Show notes and pictures of everything we speak about here. Plus we find out who won the Podcast Pedestal, and we spin the Wheel of ...
Oct 19, 2021•58 min•Ep 57•Transcript available on Metacast Emily has kept it close to home this week with the story of Prince Lee Boo, who lies buried in Rotherhithe, and Omai, the second only Pacific Islander to visit Europe. Two different men from far flung lands chose to travel to London - what will their fates be? Will they return home, or will they stay in the vastly different metropolis of Georgian London? We take a look at these two men, and find out why they came here, and what they became. Plus we find out who won the Podcast Pedestal, and we s...
Oct 12, 2021•52 min•Ep 56•Transcript available on Metacast How do 3 women, all different ages, and from different walks of life, contribute so heavily to the success and development of the Spitfire? We take a look at Lady Lucy Houston, 13 year old Hazel Hill, and Mary Ellis, all of whom did very different but very important things to make the iconic British WW2 plane the success it became. Spoiler - they are not all as straight forward as you might imagine! Plus we find out who won the Podcast Pedestal, and we spin the Wheel of Destiny to find out where...
Oct 06, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Ep 55•Transcript available on Metacast Come and meet the Floating City, the SS Great Eastern, the largest ship in its day, 6 times larger than any other ship afloat at the time. We revisit the legend that is Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and take a little trip to the Brunel Museum in Rotherhithe to meet Katherine, who has a little offer for our listeners! We also tell you where you can go and visit the launch ramp of the ship itself, which still exists in London. Use the code LadWhoLon to get a free guidebook when you prebook at www.thebr...
Sep 28, 2021•1 hr 17 min•Ep 54•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to the Windmill! Where all the excitement took place during WW2. Faced with a flop of a theatre, Laura Henderson and Vivien Van Damm created the most titillating of theatre, using *gasp* naked women on stage. This was not, however, welcomed, and VD had to be sneaky to get the licence to carry on with the show. We find out what happened to the Windmill theatre, and how their tagline was cheekily changed by their guests to reflect the bare boobs within! Plus we find out who won the Podcast...
Sep 21, 2021•55 min•Ep 53•Transcript available on Metacast 
