The English Heritage Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 196 - The remarkable life and legacy of naturalist and explorer Alfred Russel Wallace Jan 05, 2023

Show notes

This month marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of an English biologist, naturalist and explorer who helped develop the theory of evolution in the middle of the 19th century. No, we’re not talking about Charles Darwin, but rather his contemporary Alfred Russel Wallace.

Joining us to talk about Wallace’s life, his blue plaque and the role he played in the development of evolutionary theory, is Senior Historian for the blue plaques scheme, Howard Spencer, and Head Gardener at Home of Charles Darwin – Down House, Antony O’Rourke.

To learn more about our blue plaques scheme, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/blue-plaques To plan a visit to Down House, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/downhouse

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Episode 195 - Winter warmers: what our ancestors ate at the coldest time of year Dec 29, 2022

Show notes

We’re joined by English Heritage’s Senior Gardens Advisor Dr Michael Klemperer and historian and author Emma Kay to embark on a culinary odyssey from prehistory to Victorian times and reveal what our ancestors ate during the cold months of winter.

Discover how Neolithic hunter gatherers sustained themselves, what the Romans did for our diet and the tasty treats you might have found on the table of a Tudor king.

To see a timeline of food in Britain, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/history-and-stories/history/food-and-feasting-at-stonehenge/food-timeline

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Episode 194 - From St Nicholas to Scrooge: exploring Victorian Christmas traditions Dec 22, 2022

Show notes

This week, we’re taking a very festive look back at the Christmas traditions that started in the Victorian period and are still with us today. We'll also examine the role that Charles Dickens played in shaping Christmas as we know it – and find out how the man himself celebrated the festive season with his family.

Joining us are Properties Historians’ Team Leader, Dr Andrew Hann, and Director of the Dickens Museum in London, Dr Cindy Sughrue.

To learn more about the Victorian origins of some of today’s Christmas traditions, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/christmas/victorian-christmas-traditions

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Episode 193 - Celebrating Saturnalia: the history and traditions of the Roman midwinter festival Dec 15, 2022

Show notes

As Christmas festivities get into full swing, we’re delving into the history of the Roman midwinter festival Saturnalia to discover what it was, how it was observed and its role in influencing today’s traditions.

Guiding us through the history of this ancient pagan celebration is Curator for Hadrian’s Wall and the North East region, Dr Frances McIntosh.

To find out more about the history of Christmas, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/christmas/the-history-of-christmas

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Episode 192 - Cobbler, tailor, candlestick maker: the role of servants at our medieval monasteries Dec 08, 2022

Show notes

When you visit the ruins of abbeys and priories today, it can be hard to imagine that these places were once teeming with people – and not just monks and nuns, with an army of workers employed to keep them running smoothly.

We’re joined by Senior Properties Historian Dr Michael Carter to look back at working life at England’s medieval monasteries and discuss the role and importance of servants in their stories.

To find out more about our abbeys and priories, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/monasteries-and-abbeys

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Episode 191 - Jewel Tower: the building in the background Dec 01, 2022

Show notes

Built around 1365 to house Edward III’s treasures and known as the ‘King’s Privy Wardrobe’, the Jewel Tower has a fascinating history stretching back over 650 years.

We’re joined by Head Curator Dr Jeremy Ashbee to discover the rich history of this intriguing building in the heart of Westminster that few people have heard of – but have almost certainly seen on TV.

To find out more about the Jewel Tower or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/jewel-tower

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Episode 190 - The Anglo-Irish Treaty and the founding of the Irish Free State Nov 24, 2022

Show notes

On the centenary of the founding of the Irish Free State, we’re joined by English Heritage blue plaques historian Howard Spencer and senior lecturer in modern history at the University of Sheffield, Dr Caoimhe Nic Dháibhéid, to discover how it came to exist, who the key players were and how the story of its creation still resonates today.

To find out more about our London blue plaques, including those relating to the story of the Irish Free State, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques

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Episode 189 - From stage to silver screen: the life and career of Charlie Chaplin Nov 17, 2022

Show notes

Charlie Chaplin was one of the greatest stars of early cinema, as well as a pioneer behind the camera. But less well known is the story of his impoverished upbringing in London.

We’re joined by historian Howard Spencer to discuss his journey from grim workhouses to Hollywood stardom, and the blue plaque that commemorates his time at 15 Glenshaw Mansions in Lambeth, where he lived with his brother Sydney from 1908–10 before departing for America.

To find out more about Charlie Chaplin’s blue plaque, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques/charlie-chaplin

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Episode 188 - Remembering the fallen at London’s most poignant war memorials Nov 10, 2022

Show notes

As the nation honours members of the armed forces who died in the line of duty on Remembrance Day on 11 November, we’re joined by Head Properties Curator Dr Jeremy Ashbee and historic building specialist Dr Roger Bowdler to reveal the stories of six of London’s finest war memorials that are cared for by English Heritage. Together, all six memorials reflect the impact of the Great War, while their fascinating stories reveal different approaches to commemorating the dead.

To discover more about the story of the war memorials in our care, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/london-statues-and-monuments/london-wwi-memorials

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Episode 187 - The real story of Bonfire Night and Rushton Triangular Lodge Nov 03, 2022

Show notes

Today, we’re joined by properties historian Dr Andrew Roberts and historian Dr Elizabeth Norton to take a look at the one of the people behind the Gunpowder Plot and his family home.

His name was Francis Tresham and the property was Rushton Triangular Lodge in Northamptonshire. Join us to learn about Tresham’s role in the Gunpowder Plot, what Rushton Triangular Lodge tells us about religious persecution and Catholic resistance, and why we continue to mark Bonfire Night on 5 November.

To discover more about the story of bonfire night, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/real-story-of-bonfire-night

To find out more about Rushton Triangular Lodge or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/rushton-triangular-lodge

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