We don't half love an Operation here at the Ladies Who London podcast! This, however, is no military operation, although it is no less audacious or finnickity. How do you build huge infrastructure when the place you need to build is one of the busiest spots in London? Well, that is the question. Operation Umbrella was the answer to this exact question. While needing to use the space but also redevelop the space, an ingenious plan took over Oxford Circus, which would require planning engineering before the real engineering took place. And yes, it was very painstaking. Come and find out all about this impressive project on this week's episode.

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Heave ho me'hearties, this week we are setting sail aboard the good ship Hamilton, as we take a look at one of history's most famous mistresses, Emma Hamilton. But does she deserve such a reductive title? Surely there is more to her than we think we know? Boy are you in for a treat! We careen from the Temple of Health and the Celestial Bed (remember that?!) to the glamorous streets of Naples, the top deck of a warship and a Queen's court, as we tell the bits of Emma Hamilton's story that you may not know. Sure, she did fall in love with Nelson, and of course that was never sealed with marriage. But she is so much more than that headline. Join us here to explore the fascinating history of Amy Lyons, better known as "That Hamilton Woman"

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Well this is an episode, kids. Fiona has seen a squirrel and gone on a mad goose chase through the annals of history, chasing down the elusive Montagus. Where will we end up?! Heaven only knows...Alex certainly doesn't!

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This sounds like one of Sherlock's great cases - the mysterious disappearance of Elizabeth Canning, but it is a true story. What you may not know is that she comes back - after about a month, and in a pretty dire situation. So far, so horrible but straightforward. But then, once her kidnappers are tried, convicted, and thrown in prison, something really odd happens. The whole case turns on its head, and Elizabeth is the one thrown into the spotlight. What on earth has happened? What is she accused of, and how does the whole thing end up? For that, and more detail into the horrible case of what happened to Elizabeth when she disappeared in 1753, welcome along to this week's episode of the Ladies Who London Podcast.

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We've been threatening this one for a while, gang! Here is the unedited history of Titus Oates, and who exactly is he? Is he a brave, whistleblowing legend, or a deluded fantasist who is about to put his foot in it? Come with us to find out more

And podcast pedestal returns! After overwhelming support, the pedestal makes a comeback, and you get to tell us what you think is the most important part of the story.

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A week late to Trans Visibility Day, but that is on brand for us! This week's episode is all about the Chevalier d'Eon, spy to King Louis XV, and all round enigma! Were they trans? They lived as both man and woman in both France and England over many years. What weird stipulation did the King make in a deal with the Chevalier and why? We delve into this story, surrounded by myth and mystery to try and figure out what is what from the story of this fascinating person.

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It is time. We've been threatening it for a year, so let's get down and dirty with the City of London livery companies! I know, I know, it's hard to contain your excitement. Fiona gets into an A-Z of livery companies, everything you never knew you wanted to know, and we find out why the loving cup is a thing, whether the Upholders really make bras, and why oh why is a demi-virgin so named.

All the chat with all* the stats

*some of the stats, most of it inaccurate. WELCOME!

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It's us, but different! We come to you LIVE, recorded last week at the Wanstead tap in east London. There are few audio teething issues at the start, but bear with, as it does come together!

We had the great pleasure of talking to the lovely Leo Hollis, author of Inheritance - the tragedy of Mary Davies, and what a story it is! A little-discussed but very influential woman, Mary inherited swathes of London which would later become Mayfair, and then nearly lost it all after an event that took place in a hotel in Paris became the subject of a court case, amidst stories of duplicity, co-ersion and unscrupulous people in her inner circle. To find out more, join us to listen!

Copies of Leo's books can be found at your local bookshop - it is well worth a read.

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TRIGGER WARNING - contains themes of murder and violence against women.

It's the return of Katie from Look Up London! Twice in one month, aren't we lucky?! Katie joins us to talk about some of the women involved in the famous case of the 19thC serial killer known as Jack the Ripper. But we are not focusing on him and his action. We are focusing on the women - who were they? What are their stories? Is everything we think we know about them entirely accurate? Katie is here to dispel some myths and give the women the recognition they deserve.

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We're on site this week at the new, fantastic exhibition of Women of the RNLI at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, celebrating the 200th anniversary of the RNLI. We talk to former Tower lifeboat station manager Janet, archivist Hayley Whiting, and photographer Jack Lowe about his amazing project to photograph every single lifeboat station in the UK. Join us as we find out more about this wonderful institution and Jack's fascinating project.

The exhibition was curated by Royal Museums Greenwich’s Laura Boon, Lloyd's Register Foundation Senior Curator: Contemporary Maritime and Aimee Mook, Assistant Curator of Contemporary Maritime

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It's International Women's Day! So we have invited back one of our regular guests, Katie Wignall, to help us talk about 3 fabulous London women.

Bella Burge - boxing impresario

Mary Somerville - the first scientist

Ada Coleman - one of the best bartenders who ever lived.

And it wouldn't be us without having a competition about who is the best! Take a look at our socials to have your say.

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