London History

In this episode of the London History Podcast, host Hazel Baker, a qualified London tour guide, and founder of londonguidedwalks.co.uk, explores the financial history of London and the role of women in this narrative. Joined by Jenny Funnell, a second-generation City of London tour guide, the episode delves into the story of Mary Harris Smith, the world's first female chartered accountant. The discussion covers Smith's origins, her career challenges, her efforts in promoting the employment of women, and her eventual recognition in the male-dominated field of accountancy. The episode also touches on the limited representation of women in London's history as seen through plaques and statues in the city, and discusses the ongoing legacy of Smith's groundbreaking work. Jenny Funnell provides deep historical insights and personal anecdotes, making the episode both informative and engaging.

In this special bonus edition of the London History Podcast, the host celebrates reaching over 5,000 followers on Spotify by conducting a quiz themed 'London Firsts through the ages'. The quiz covers significant historical landmarks and events from medieval to Georgian London, asking listeners to identify firsts such as the city's first continually operating hospital, the first long-lived stone bridge across the Thames, and the first systematic building regulations after the Great Fire. The host, Hazel Baker, provides historical context and anecdotes for each of the 12 questions, offering listeners a deeper understanding of London's rich history. The episode encourages audience engagement by asking them to tally their scores and interact via social media.This podcast is produced by Hazel Baker at London Guided Walks

This episode of the London History Podcast, hosted by Hazel Baker, explores the historical evolution of Milner Square in Islington, London. Initially developed in the 1840s to attract the middle class, the square transitioned into a slum by the 20th century, characterised by multi-occupancy and dilapidated conditions. In the 1970s, Islington Council cleared the slums and rehoused residents, leading to gentrification and rising property prices. The podcast features Susan Oudot, a writer and screenwriter who created the film 'Through the Hole in the Wall,' documenting her family's experiences in Milner Square from the 1930s to the 1970s. Oudot discusses the film's inception, driven by a desire to capture fading memories and address the misconceptions about Islington's history. Her film serves as a valuable oral history resource, highlighting themes of housing, work, class, and community bonds. Oudot shares personal anecdotes, reminiscing about the close-knit community, the daily struggles, and the enduring spirit of the residents.🔗 Connect With Us🌐 Website: ⁠⁠https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast⁠⁠📱 Instagram: @walk_london🐦 Twitter: @guided_walks 📘 Facebook: London Guided Walks

The London History Podcast, hosted by Hazel Baker from London Guided Walks, explores the rich history of Seven Dials in London during the 1920s and 1930s. In this episode, Professor Matt Holbrooke discusses his book, 'Songs of Seven Dials,' which delves into the cultural history of the area through vibrant archival research. Seven Dials was a diverse and vibrant community, home to migrant communities, working-class families, and bohemian nightlife. The episode covers the significant libel trial involving Sierra Leonian café owner Jim Kitten and his English wife Emily against a right-wing newspaper, highlighting issues of race, class identity, and urban redevelopment. The podcast also touches on the local cafés, clubs, and nightlife that shaped Seven Dials' reputation, the key conflicts and tensions, and personal stories of its residents, providing a detailed glimpse into this colourful and dramatic part of London’s history.🔗 Connect With Us🌐 Website: ⁠⁠https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast⁠⁠📱 Instagram: @walk_london🐦 Twitter: @guided_walks 📘 Facebook: London Guided Walks

📜 London History Podcast | Victorian Britain & Pandemic Fear In January 1892, London went dark. Theatres closed. Streets filled with black crepe. A young royal heir lay dying — while thousands of ordinary Londoners froze, starved, and quietly disappeared.In this episode of the London History Podcast, we explore one deadly week during the Russian Flu pandemic, when Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence, died in royal luxury — and the poor died alone in cold East End rooms. This is a story of pandemic fear, medical inequality, quack cures, and Victorian society under pressure — including the extraordinary legal case that still shapes contract law today.🔗 Connect With Us🌐 Website: ⁠https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast⁠📱 Instagram: @walk_london🐦 Twitter: @guided_walks 📘 Facebook: London Guided Walks

Step back in time with the London History Podcast as we revisit one of the city’s most daring and heartwarming moments. On a cold, smoggy evening in December 1952, bus driver Albert Gunter faced the unthinkable when Tower Bridge began to rise beneath him. With 40 passengers on board, Gunter made a split-second decision that would make him a local hero and capture the imagination of Londoners everywhere.🏙️ About The London History PodcastHosted by London tour guide and historian Hazel Baker, the London History Podcast explores the fascinating, mysterious, and sometimes dark stories that shaped Britain's capital city. From medieval legends to Victorian scandals, from royal palaces to haunted underground stations, we uncover the hidden history beneath London's streets.🔗 Connect With Us🌐 Website: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast📱 Instagram: @walk_london🐦 Twitter: @guided_walks 📘 Facebook: London Guided Walks

Hosted by Hazel Baker from London Guided Walks, episode 145 of the London History Podcast explores nearly a thousand years of London's feasting traditions. The journey begins with medieval banquets at Guildhall, showcasing elaborate feasts that reflected wealth, power, and international trade connections through elaborate meals and public spectacles. The episode then delves into the history of Christmas traditions, including the evolution of the Christmas pudding from medieval frumenty to the iconic Victorian dessert, and the development of mince pies from meat-filled pastries to sweet festive treats. The podcast also highlights the important roles of Smithfield and Leadenhall markets in providing festive foods, describing their transformations over the centuries and their lasting impact on London’s culinary culture. Listeners are invited to explore how food has shaped social customs, political ties, and community celebrations in London’s tasty history.London History Podcast Website

Join Hazel Baker, host of the London History Podcast, as she delves into the character of Ebenezer Scrooge from Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'. Explore the rich symbolism behind Scrooge's name, his physical and emotional transformation, and the social commentary embedded in the novella. Discover the streets of Victorian London that inspired Dickens' tale and learn how the story's themes of greed, generosity, and redemption resonate even today. Perfect for literary enthusiasts and history buffs alike, this episode offers a comprehensive analysis of one of literature's most enduring characters.00:00 Introduction to Ebenezer Scrooge01:30 The Symbolism Behind Scrooge's Name04:56 Dickens' Masterful Description of Scrooge11:13 Scrooge's Relationship with Jacob Marley13:39 Scrooge's Troubled Past15:31 The Impact of Fezziwig and Belle19:53 Fred and Scrooge's Isolation22:25 Scrooge's Notorious Statements and Their Implications25:05 Bob Cratchit and Scrooge's Transformation27:17 The Redemption of Scrooge31:25 Dickens' Social Commentary and Final Thoughts33:57 Conclusion and other Christmas-themed Podcast episodesVisit the London History podcast webpage

Discover Oliver Twist’s London with Hazel Baker, tour guide and CEO of London Guided Walks 📖. Explore Dickens’s London, the workhouses, markets, and slums that shaped one of literature’s most famous orphans 👶. Step into Victorian London history, understand child labour, poverty, and urban life, and see the city through the eyes of Dickens himself.From the Strand Union Workhouse to Jacob’s Island, this episode uncovers the real locations behind Oliver Twist, revealing how Dickens’ storytelling exposed inequality, inspired reform, and immortalised London’s streets.Full episode webpage

This Halloween special dives into London's chilling urban legends and creepy creatures. Discover the terrifying tale of Spring-heeled Jack, who wreaked havoc in Victorian London with his fire-breathing antics and acrobatic escapes. Journey to medieval Newgate Prison where a vengeful black dog emerged from horrific cannibalism. Explore the spooky origins of the Highgate Vampire and the media frenzy that ensued. Each story reveals the social fears of its time, showcasing how folklore evolves yet remains ever haunting.