London History

London Guided Walks

No matter where you are, if you’re interested in learning about the quirks of London and its history then this podcast is for you.

  • 26 minutes 21 seconds
    133. Royal Festival Hall's Organ

    In our forthcoming podcast episode, we're joined by the distinguished James McVinnie to delve into the fascinating world of organ music, marking the 70th anniversary of the Royal Festival Hall organ. McVinnie will discuss the instrument's significant historical impact and its role in the evolution of organ music in London and further afield. We'll explore how the organ, conceived in the post-war era, reflects the cultural shifts of its time through the vision of Ralph Downes.


    Our guest is James McVinnie, known for his broad repertoire that ranges from early organ music to contemporary compositions by Nico Muhly and Tristan Perich, will share how he navigates the vast musical landscapes of different eras in his performances. The discussion will also touch on "Infinity Gradient" by Perich, an innovative piece that reimagines the organ's potential in synthesis and music, potentially setting the direction for the instrument's future.


    As McVinnie travels performing across the globe, he plays an increasingly important role in redefining the organ as an instrument of both historical depth and modern relevance. Looking ahead, he'll share his vision for the organ's future and how he aims to contribute to its ongoing evolution. Finally, McVinnie will offer invaluable advice for young musicians interested in exploring the organ and its possibilities in contemporary music. Join us for an engaging journey into the heart of organ music with one of its most forward-thinking performers.

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    15 March 2024, 12:05 am
  • 24 minutes 22 seconds
    132. Suffragette or Suffragist - what would you have been?

    In today's episode, we're journeying back to the turn of the 20th century, to a time when the streets of London and beyond were stages for one of the most significant campaigns in the fight for women's rights: the battle for the right to vote.


    https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/episode-132-suffragetteor-suffragist/

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    8 March 2024, 12:05 am
  • 42 minutes 13 seconds
    131. Endell Street Military Hospital

    Welcome to our exploration of one of London's most extraordinary chapters from the First World War: the story of Endell Street Military Hospital, a groundbreaking institution that was not only at the forefront of medical innovation but also a testament to the indomitable spirit and resilience of women. Founded in 1915, amidst the chaos of a world at war, Endell Street stood out for being entirely run by women, from its surgeons to its orderlies. This was at a time when the medical profession was almost exclusively male-dominated, making the hospital a radical experiment in both medicine and gender equality.

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    1 March 2024, 12:05 am
  • 59 minutes 57 seconds
    130. Mudlarking Finds from Stuart London

    Join us as we journey through time with seasoned Mudlarker Anna Borzello, uncovering the stories embedded in the mud of the Thames and celebrating the enduring legacy of London's past inhabitants. Through her discoveries, we are reminded of the power of material culture to bridge the gap between past and present, offering us an intimate glimpse into the lives of those who walked the streets of London centuries ago.

    In our conversation with Anna Borzello, we will delve into the significance of these finds and explore how mudlarking serves as a unique form of historical investigation, connecting us with the physical remnants of the past. Her insights will undoubtedly enrich our understanding of 17th-century London, illuminating the lives of its people in a way that resonates with both historians and the public alike.



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    16 February 2024, 12:13 am
  • 51 minutes 48 seconds
    129. 2 Temple Place

    In this captivating podcast episode, Hazel Baker and guest Maggie Coates take listeners on a journey through the hidden gem of Two Temple Place. 

    Maggie Coates, a Camden tour guide and a volunteer at Two Temple Place, shares insights into its Victorian origins and its owner, William Waldorf Astor. Astor's vision for the building, nestled among larger structures near Middle Temple, reflects both secrecy and security, evident in features such as a basement vault and strong rooms.

    Listeners gain insight into the meticulous preservation efforts undertaken by successive custodians, ensuring the building's historical fabric remains intact. From its use as an office building to its role as a venue for private functions, weddings, and even filming locations, Two Temple Place continues to enchant visitors with its rich history and architectural grandeur.

    Listen Now:



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    9 February 2024, 1:05 am
  • 52 minutes 16 seconds
    128. St James's Palace

    Nestled in the heart of London, St. James's Palace is a place of profound historical significance, where centuries of tradition, grandeur, and intrigue have woven a rich tapestry. As we venture within its hallowed halls and uncover its hidden secrets, we will unravel the captivating history that has unfolded within these venerable walls.

    Join us for the latest fact-filled episode. Listen now>>



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    2 February 2024, 1:05 am
  • 50 minutes 19 seconds
    127. Archie's Journey Through Dickens' London

    In this episode, we're diving into the bustling, fog-laden streets of Victorian London, a city of stark contrasts and enduring charm, as portrayed in the timeless works of Charles Dickens.


    Our story centers around Archie, a young orphan navigating the complexities of life in 1843 London – a city that, much like the characters in Dickens' novels, is filled with both hardship and hope. As we follow Archie's journey, we'll explore the sights, sounds, and social fabric of a city in the throes of the Industrial Revolution and grapple with the same societal issues that inspired Dickens' most famous works.


    This episode promises to be a blend of historical fact, literary exploration, and vivid storytelling, providing a unique lens through which to view one of the world's most famous cities. So whether you're a history buff, a Dickens enthusiast, or just love a good story, join us as we traverse the cobbled streets and foggy alleyways of Dickens' London through the eyes of Archie.


    Get ready to step back in time and experience the city as never before. Let's begin Episode 127: "Archie's Journey Through Dickens' London."

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    23 December 2023, 12:12 am
  • 53 minutes 55 seconds
    126. Transatlantic Slave Trade and London

    Join us as we embark on a thought-provoking journey through the pages of London's history, exploring the Transatlantic Slave Trade and the role that London played.

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    1 December 2023, 12:01 am
  • 34 minutes 55 seconds
    125. Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley in the Tower of London

    Welcome to Episode 125 of the London History Podcast, where we continue to unravel the rich and complex tapestry of London's past.

    Today, we delve into a chapter that's as intriguing as it is steeped in mystery and speculation — the intertwined stories of Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley, set against the imposing backdrop of the Tower of London.

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    24 November 2023, 11:26 am
  • 37 minutes 37 seconds
    124. History of Tite Street, Chelsea

    Welcome to episode 124 of the London History Podcast. I'm Hazel, your navigator through the winding lanes of London's rich tapestry of time. Today, we're peeling back the layers of history in one of Chelsea's most renowned streets — Tite Street with City of Westminster tour guide Dr Stephen King.


    A street synonymous with cultural luminaries and architectural beauty, Tite Street is a prism through which we can explore the artistic soul of Chelsea. Once the stomping ground for the likes of Oscar Wilde and James McNeill Whistler, Tite Street has long been a magnet for those who dare to dream and dare to disrupt the status quo.


    In this episode, we'll amble through the Victorian era when Tite Street became the epicentre of an aesthetic revolution, housing a tapestry of artists and thinkers who would leave an indelible mark on the art world. We'll discover the hidden narratives of the street's residents, the stories behind the iconic facades, and the spirit of a community that thrived on creativity and rebellion.


    So, whether you're a lifelong Londoner or an admirer of history from afar, join us as we take a journey down the cobblestones of Tite Street and unravel the stories that have made it an enduring emblem of London's artistic heritage. Let's step back in time together on the London History Podcast.


    https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/

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    10 November 2023, 12:05 am
  • 33 minutes 45 seconds
    123. Lord Mayor's Show

    Hello and welcome to Episode 123 of the London History Podcast. Today, we're unwrapping the layers of one of the capital's most enduring pageants — the Lord Mayor's Show. With a heritage that dates back over eight centuries, this splendid cavalcade of pageantry wends its way through the heart of the City of London, a vibrant thread woven into the fabric of our urban story.


    As we cast our minds back across the years, we'll delve into the origins of this annual spectacle, where the streets of London come alive with a dazzling array of floats, music, and revelry. We'll recount tales of the Show's evolution from medieval processions to the magnificent display of today, and explore its significance in reflecting and shaping the identity of the City.


    So, join us as we journey through time, exploring the pomp, circumstance, and history of the Lord Mayor's Show — an event that captures the imagination and celebrates the spirit of London in grand style. Stay tuned as we lift the curtain on this illustrious tradition right here on the London History Podcast.

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    3 November 2023, 11:52 am
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