

London History
londonguidedwalks.co.uk
The London History Podcast uncovers the stories, people, and places that have shaped London over 2,000 years.
Hosted by historian & tour guide Hazel Baker, each 20–40 minute episode feels like an audio walking tour, covering everything from Roman Londinium and medieval guilds to Dickensian streets, Georgian scandals, and modern social change. Perfect for curious Londoners, visitors, students, and history lovers who want to go beyond the usual tourist highlights.
Hosted by historian & tour guide Hazel Baker, each 20–40 minute episode feels like an audio walking tour, covering everything from Roman Londinium and medieval guilds to Dickensian streets, Georgian scandals, and modern social change. Perfect for curious Londoners, visitors, students, and history lovers who want to go beyond the usual tourist highlights.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 3, 2023 • 36min
101. Henry VIII's Navy
Join Hazel Baker as she talks with Ian McDiarmid about Henry VIII's Navy.
Today, Ian will be taking us on a deep dive into one of the most pivotal moments in London's maritime history: Henry VIII's Royal Navy. As one of England's most famous monarchs, Henry VIII played a crucial role in the development of the Royal Navy, establishing it as a powerful force on the world stage.
Together, we'll explore the key moments and figures that shaped this era of maritime history. We'll also discover the impact that the Royal Navy had on London itself, as the city became a hub for shipbuilding, trade, and exploration.
Now, let's set sail on our voyage through time!

Dec 9, 2022 • 43min
100. Christmas Words
This episode, we take a moment to reflect on the origins of some of the words we often use and hear during this festive period. If you’re looking for a way to get your history and language fix all in one go, then stick around. We’ll look at how some words such as 'Christmas' and 'Yuletide' first entered our vocabulary - as well as exploring other words associated with Christmas, that of food and drink, and in songs.
Join Hazel Baker as she talks with Danny Bate about Christmas words.
So pull up a chair by the fire, pour yourself a cup of hot chocolate, and join us as we explore.
Full episode transcript: londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/christmas-words
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Dec 2, 2022 • 24min
99. Royal Christmas Speech - a modern tradition
Christmas is a time for family, friends, and reflection. It's also a time for the tradition of where the monarch delivers their Christmas speech. If you're a fan of history, or just enjoy learning about the royals, then you'll love our latest podcast episode. In it, we take a look at how the modern tradition of the Royal Christmas message began, why it started later than it could have, show rote the first King's Speech, How Queen Elizabeth II embraced technology when delivering her Christmas speech to discussing its significance both then and now.
Join Hazel Baker as she talks with Jessica Storoschuk about Royal Christmas messages.
So pull up a chair by the fire, pour yourself a cup of hot chocolate, and join us as we explore royal Christmas speeches!
Full episode transcript: londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/royal-christmas-speech
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Nov 25, 2022 • 33min
98. Christmas Puddings Through History
Join Hazel Baker as she talks with Paul Couchman, The Regency Cook, about the the various Christmas puddings throughout history.
What could a shirt sleeve be used to cook? What is hard sauce? How did the fashion of puddings has changed over the years.
Full transcript: londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/episode-98-christmas-puddings-through-history

Nov 18, 2022 • 27min
97. Temple Bar
Join Hazel Baker as she talks about Temple Bar; the location and the building.
Find out about the heritage of the location, its use as an important processional route, where it features in literature, how the Great Fire of London became a catalyst for change.
Find out about the new Temple Bar and the team behind its creation including Sir Christopher Wren and the gruesome part it played in the 17th And 18th centuries.
Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in weekly episodes 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: londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast
Send a voice message

Nov 11, 2022 • 33min
96. Gas Lamps of Westminster
Join Hazel Baker as she talks with Luke Honey from the London Gasketeers about the gas lamps in Westminster and why their number is reducing.
Find out about heritage of London's gas lamps, the different styles and how you can spot a gas lamp when out and about in London.
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Nov 4, 2022 • 44min
95. The Port of London in the Tudor period
Join Hazel Baker as she talks with City of London tour guide Ian McDiarmid to discuss the Port of London in the Tudor period, a subject which is not often discussed in detail. Find out about eels, ermine and Antwerp in this Tudor-themed episode of the London History podcast.
Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in weekly episodes 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: londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/ Send a voice message

Oct 27, 2022 • 27min
94. Jack Sheppard - the Celebrity Thief
By the time of his death, Sheppard’s escapades had earned him celebrity status among Londoners and he inspired popular plays, prints and ballads. For a considerable time he was the principal subject of conversation in all ranks of society. Hear more about his legendary escapes! Join Hazel Baker as she talks about the life of Jack Sheppard and his legendary escapades.
Learn things about London that most Londoners don't even know in weekly episodes 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: londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast

Oct 20, 2022 • 32min
93. Hannah Snell, the Female Soldier
Hannah Snell was an 18th-century English woman who dressed as a man and enlisted in the British Army. She served for several years before revealing her true identity. Hannah's published story is one of determination and courage. She enlisted in the Army in order to find her missing husband. Once she was in the Army, she quickly proved herself to be a brave and capable soldier. Hannah was wounded in battle. When her story became public, Hannah was celebrated as a heroine and she even went on stage.
How much of her published life was true? What pieces of history can we put together to uncover what really happened? Listen now.
Join London tour guide Hazel Baker as she talks about Hannah Snell, the Female Soldier.
Show notes: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/episode-93-hanna…e-female-soldier/

Oct 13, 2022 • 31min
92. Public Executions
London is known for a lot of things: its history, its culture, and its public executions. That's right, for over 700 Londoners have gathered to watch convicted criminals be put to death. While today this may seem barbaric, at the time it was an important way to keep the public safe. or was it?
Join Hazel Baker as she talks with City of London tour guide Ian McDiarmid to discuss Museum of London Dockland's latest exhibition: Executions.
Show notes: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/episode-92-public-executions


