London History

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.

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 ⁠⁠⁠Send a voice message

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 infrastructure today. Bazalgette's monumental undertaking, instigated by the Great Stink, is beautifully narrated, bringing the period's pressing health issues, political pressures, and scientific discoveries to life. The episode then transitions to the architectural marvel of the Crossness Pumping Station, one of Bazalgette's crowning achievements. You'll hear about its intricate design, the advanced-for-its-time technology, and its pivotal role in transforming London's sanitation system. Finally, the episode concludes with the heartbreaking tale of the Princess Alice disaster. This tragic maritime accident underscored the importance of Bazalgette's work and highlighted the stark realities of Victorian London's public health crisis. This episode is an engaging blend of science, history, and biography, showcasing the remarkable individuals and events that shaped London's path towards modernity. Tune in for a comprehensive look at how London transformed from the Great Stink to a city renowned for its effective sewage system. 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 ⁠⁠⁠Send a voice message

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. Throughout British history, there have been numerous memorable coronations that have left their mark. From the grandiose coronation of Queen Victoria in 1838 to the televised coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, each ceremony has been unique and reflective of its time. The location of Westminster Abbey has been the site of almost every coronation since William the Conqueror's in 1066, making it an essential part of the British coronation tradition to this day. Join us on the London History podcast as we delve into the rich history and symbolism of British royal coronations. 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 ⁠⁠⁠Send a voice message

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 as the illustrious Jack Black, the Royal Rat Catcher who proudly served under Queen Victoria's reign. By diving into the annals of history, we will discover the remarkable skills and determination that defined these unsung heroes of the Victorian era. 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 ⁠⁠⁠Send a voice message

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 Queen Victoria herself. We’ll also examine the broader historical context of rat catching in the 19th century, including the spread of disease, the advent of public sanitation initiatives, and the societal attitudes that shaped the profession. 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 ⁠⁠⁠Send a voice message

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 uncover the origins of this classic cake, named after Queen Victoria, who herself was a known enthusiast of afternoon tea. 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 ⁠⁠Send a voice message