National Trust Podcasts

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Channel • 2 Shows

History

History

Updated 5 Dec
Education for Kids

Education for Kids

Updated 14 Oct

19 DEC

Victoria, Albert and the Christmas Tree Trend

In 1848 an image of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their children decorating their evergreen, caused a sensation and sparked a Christmas tree trend in Britain. Many people began to bring trees into their homes and decorate them with homemade ornaments, sweet treats and naked candles tied with ribbons. The Victorians can be credited with inventing our modern Christmas. In this episode, Clara Woolford, Curator at Cragside in Northumberland, takes us to the mid 1800s to discover how the “Cult of Christmas” and the centrepiece, the Christmas Tree, entered into millions of homes. Discover more See the UK's tallest living Christmas tree, a 42m giant redwood at Cragside, Northumberland: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/cragside/christmas-at-cragside Read about the history of the Christmas tree: www.findmypast.co.uk/blog/history/queen-victoria-christmas-tree [Ad from our sponsor] This podcast episode is sponsored by family history website Findmypast. What was life like for domestic servants, workers and local communities at our most fascinating heritage sites? Discover how people from all walks of life lived and worked, and who with, in hundreds of census records, for free, by signing up with Findmypast. And find out about the free trial that you could use to explore your family history. See where the past takes you at: findmypast.co.uk/national-trust The National Trust Podcast is changing In spring 2025 we'll be changing the National Trust Podcast to bring you more immersive stories in Nature, History and Adventure. Stay on this stream for our new Nature Podcast The Wild World Of… and look out for our new History podcast Back When. Remember to subscribe or follow either show in your favourite podcast app to be the first to hear new stories when they arrive. Production: Host and producer: Michelle Douglass Sound Editor: Jesus Gomez

19 Dec

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16 min
5 DEC

World Heritage Heroes | Saving History in Cairo & Norfolk

Heritage sites like the medieval palace Bayt Al Razzaz in Egypt and the picturesque Blickling estate in the UK, are under threat from climate change. What connects these vastly different places? And what can the guardians of these historic treasures learn from each other as they battle extreme weather, social upheaval and other challenges? Discover the global fight to protect our heritage. You can watch a video of this podcast on National Trust Youtube: https://ntpodcasts.org/Video [Ad] Open the door to more with a National Trust membership. As well as free entry and parking at over 500 places we care for, you’ll receive: • Access to our online Members’ Area, full of exclusive member-only content, • A yearly handbook packed with visit inspiration, • And our award-winning member magazine 3 times a year. Now also available digitally. Become a National Trust member: nationaltrust.org.uk/become-a-member. For a taste of the digital magazine, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/historic-recipes, or if you're a member and you'd like to switch, look for My Account on the website. Production Host: James Grasby and Jesse Edbrooke Producers: Jesse Edbrooke Sound Design: Jesus Gomez Further Information INTO - The International National Trusts Organisation https://www.into.org/ Withstanding Climate Change https://www.into.org/withstanding-change-project/ Blickling and Bayt Al Razzaz in partnership https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/norfolk/blickling-estate/blickling-estate-twins-with-bayt-al-razzaz-in-cairo If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk

5 Dec

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28 min
10 OCT

WWII ‘Brown Babies’ | A Hidden History

Historian David Olusoga tells the story of the children born to white British mothers and black American servicemen during the Second World War, dubbed Britain’s ‘Brown Babies’ in the African American press at the time. Carol and Ann, now in their 80s, revisit their childhood home, Holnicote House in Somerset. During the 1940s, the building was used for the care of around 30 children of black GIs, from birth to the age of five. Carol and Ann were among some 2000 children born in wartime Britain to black GI fathers and white British mothers. Under many pressures including social prejudice and US legislation banning interracial marriage, around half of these children were placed into care. David also meets experts Prof Lucy Bland and Dr Chamion Caballero, to reveal this little-known history of the Second World War, and how modern DNA testing is helping families search for lost relatives 80 years later. You can watch a video of this podcast on National Trust YouTube: ntpodcasts.org/NTP143Video Production Host: David Olusoga Producer: Michelle Douglass Sound editor: Jesus Gomez Consultants: Lucy Bland, Professor of Social and Cultural History at Anglia Ruskin University, and Dr Chamion Caballero, Director and Co-Founder of The Mixed Museum Discover more Find out more about Britain’s ‘Brown Babies’ and hear oral histories, including more from Ann: https://mixedmuseum.org.uk/brown-babies/ Explore the experiences of WWII black GIs in the UK: https://mixedmuseum.org.uk/brown-babies/black-gis-in-britain/ Read Britain’s ‘Brown Babies’ by Professor Lucy Bland: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Britains-%60Brown-Babies-Stories-Children/dp/1526133261 Discover the Holnicote Estate’s diverse countryside, wildlife and walkways, looked after by the National Trust https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/somerset/countryside-woodland/explore-holnicote-estate Visit the Holnicote House hotel website: https://www.hfholidays.co.uk/country-houses/locations/selworthy-exmoor If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk

10 Oct

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24 min
17 OCT

Ghost Stories | Murder in the Castle

On 18th March AD 978 at Corfe Castle in Dorset, a 16-year-old boy was brutally stabbed in the back and died shortly after. That boy was the teenage king, Edward the Martyr. But who was the murderer, or murderers? Join James Grasby and author Anna Groves on this Halloween historical Whodunnit, as they try and figure out who committed the regicide, with the help of some other worldly encounters. [Ad from our sponsor] This podcast episode is sponsored by family history website Findmypast. What was life like for domestic servants, workers and local communities at our most fascinating heritage sites? Discover how people from all walks of life lived and worked, and who with, in hundreds of census records, for free, by signing up with Findmypast. And find out about the free trial that you could use to explore your family history. See where the past takes you at: findmypast.co.uk/national-trust Watch a video of this podcast on the National Trust’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nationaltrustcharity/podcasts Production Hosts : James Grasby and Anna Groves Producers : Pippa Tilbury-Harris and Nikki Ruck Sound Design: Jesus Gomez Actor voices : Caitlin Packer, Ethan Hughes, Louise Bray, Mark Powell courtesy of Prime Theatre Discover More If you’d like to read more about the ghosts of the National Trust, you can purchase Anna Groves’ book, ‘Britain’s Ghosts’ here: https://shop.nationaltrust.org.uk/national-trust-britain-s-ghosts.html To find out more about Corfe Castle including details for visiting, please click here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk

17 Oct

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24 min
01/12/2016

National Trust Gardens Podcast | Sissinghurst

Enjoy these classic episodes from our pilot series. For deeper dives into history, nature and adventure be sure to check out our most recent episodes. Alan Power visits Sissinghurst Castle Garden in Kent, previously home to poet and novelist Vita Sackville-West and her husband, politician Harold Nicolson. Working from ruins, the couple’s personalities collided and combined to create this dramatic, world-renowned garden. It comes complete with 300 varieties of rose, an area that’s planted to sparkle at twilight, and a castle tower with views to take your breath away. Discover more For information about visiting Sissinghurst please visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/sissinghurst-castle-garden Plants Mentioned Sweet chestnut coppice woodland – Castanea sativa Azalea mollis The Himalayan blue poppy – Meconopsis betonicifolia Polyanthus – various Pleached lime trees - Tilia platyphyllos ‘Rubra’ Fritillaria imperialis Tulips – various Narcissus – various Alba rose – various Bourbon rose – Mme. Lauriol de Barny, Souvenir de la Malmaison Centifolia rose – various Damask rose – various Gallica rose – Tuscany Superb, Cardinal de Richelieu, Belle de Crécy Moss rose – Général Kléber Peony Iris Eremurus – various Phlox paniculata 'David' Follow the National Trust Podcast on your favourite podcast app. If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk

01/12/2016

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24 min
7 NOV

Isaac Newton | The Gravity of Good Friends

Sir Isaac Newton is best known for coming up with the theory of gravity while relaxing in his orchard, thanks to an apple that fell beside him one afternoon – helping him to unravel one of the universe's great mysteries. But that story is only a small part of the tale... Heather Birkett delves into one of the greatest minds of all time. Discover how a friendship with astronomer Edmund Halley helped to bring Isaac's ideas to the world and beyond. [Ad from our sponsor] This episode is supported by Blue Diamond Garden Centres. Fill your space with beauty and heritage with a collection of bulbs, seeds and plants, curated by Blue Diamond Garden Centres working with National Trust gardeners. A minimum of 10% of the retail selling price will be given to support the National Trust’s conservation work and ambitions to plant and establish 20 million trees by 2030. https://www.bluediamond.gg/national-trust Production Host: Heather Birkett Producers: Jack Glover and Michelle Douglass Sound Design: Jesus Gomez Discover more This episode continues the story from a previous release 'Pips in Space | Featuring Tim Peake'. You could listen to that episode and hear more about the Newton Trees: https://bit.ly/NTPod81 Find out more about Woolsthorpe Manor www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/woolsthorpe-manor Read a biography about Sir Issac Newton www.newtonproject.ox.ac.uk/ If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk

7 Nov

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18 min
3 OCT

Introducing: Step into the Past | The Craftsmen of Calke Abbey

What if you could follow in the footsteps of your ancestors and reveal the hidden tales behind some of the UK’s fascinating historical locations? Introducing Step into the Past, a podcast from our sponsors at Findmypast. In this episode, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb and her guest Sandy travel to the not-so-stately home of Calke Abbey in Derbyshire to discover Sandy’s family’s longstanding connection to the estate and its early Baptist congregation. Calke Abbey has undergone many transformations in its long history, moving from religious priory to sprawling stately home, and forming the core of the community in all its guises for hundreds of years. Sandy discovers that her family were skilled workers and faithful retainers, who honed their crafts over generations and were rewarded for their expertise and dedication by their wealthy patrons. Over 200 years, members of the family were embedded in the fabric of this community, enjoying the employment opportunities and patronage offered by Calke Abbey. Sandy also learns of their non-conformist beliefs, at a time when Baptism was on the rise among skilled working classes, and how this threatened the established order. Find out more about Findmypast's family history services at: www.findmypast.co.uk Listen to more episodes and follow the series by searching for Step into the Past on your favourite podcast app. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/step-into-the-past/id1704345551 https://open.spotify.com/show/4MJIpfXsZ6xwDyJvvX95sV Discover more about the series on the Findmypast website: https://www.findmypast.co.uk/page/podcast

3 Oct

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46 min
21 NOV

Surfing in the North Sea | An Unimaginable Dream

As a wheelchair user, Melissa rarely has the opportunity of spending time on the beach with the rest of her family; and an activity for them all in the water together was unimaginable. But an ‘adaptive surfing for families’ session in South Shields in the North East, changed everything. You can watch a video of this podcast on National Trust Youtube: https://ntpodcasts.org/Video [Ad] Open the door to more with a National Trust membership. As well as free entry and parking at over 500 places we care for, you’ll receive: • Access to our online Members’ Area, full of exclusive member-only content, • A yearly handbook packed with visit inspiration, • And our award-winning member magazine 3 times a year. Now also available digitally. Become a National Trust member: nationaltrust.org.uk/become-a-member. For a taste of the digital magazine, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/historic-recipes, or if you're a member and you'd like to switch, look for My Account on the website. Production: Host: Claire Hickinbotham Producer: Katy Kelly Sound Design: Jesus Gomez Discover More: Find out more about South Shields Surf: southshieldsurf.co.uk Learn about Team England Para: Adaptive/Para - Surfing England If you’d like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at: podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk

21 Nov

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19 min
27 SEPT

Sycamore Gap | One Year On

On September 27th 2023, the famous Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland was felled overnight in an act of vandalism, triggering a far-reaching wave of shock and sorrow. Join Heather Birkett as she goes behind the scenes to explore the enduring impact of this beloved landmark, the aftermath of its loss, and the community’s efforts to preserve its memory. A video version of this podcast is available on YouTube and Spotify. To watch it on YouTube please click here. Production Host: Heather Birkett Producers: Nikki Ruck, Katy Kelly, Pippa Tilbury-Harris Sound Design: Nikki Ruck Contributors Luke Straszewski: NT Ranger Andrew Poad: NT General Manager Northumberland Coast & Hadrian's Wall Judith Ward: Twice Brewed Inn Mark Robinson: NT Experiences and Partnership Manager Chris Trimmer. NT Plant Conservation Centre Manager Louise Teasdale Charlotte Crowe Tony Gates: CEO Northumberland National Parks Authority Charlie Whinney Nick Greenall Discover more Find out what’s on in Northumberland Park and The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre. https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/whats-on/ Keep updated with all the latest Sycamore Gap news including details of The Trees of Hope campaign, Heartwood and activities at the stump. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sycamore-gap

27 Sept

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27 min
14 OCT

Ep 6. Roxy’s City Odyssey

After all her adventures, Apprentice Roxy’s back home in the city. She’s still not a proper ranger yet and is worried she’ll never be able to talk to animals. And to make it even worse, a rogue magpie has stolen her precious honorary Wildlifer badge. Roxy decides she’ll get the badge back all on her own. But during her quest, she keeps getting distracted by all the city wildlife that needs her help. Does Roxy have what it takes to become a true Ranger? Find out in the series finale of Ranger Rae and the Wildlifers. Discover more Visit the National Trust's Kids' Podcast website. And download a PDF activity sheet at the bottom of the webpage under "Outdoor activity sheet for kids". nationaltrust.org.uk/kids-podcast Production Artwork: (c) Becka Moor Cast: Ranger Rae: Katy Schutte Roxy: Leila Hall Deer / Wildcat: Hannah Platts Beaver / Bat: Lloydie James Lloyd Expedition Eddie: Adam Hodgson Other characters played by members of the ensemble. Writer: Aidan Fitzmaurice Sound design: Chris Stevens Editing: Adam Stoner Producers: Lloydie James Lloyd & Adam Stoner Ranger Rae and the Wildlifers is a podcast from the National Trust, produced by Fun Kids Radio. Ideas and resources for the grownups Discover more from Fun Kids Radio www.funkidslive.com/ Be inspired with '50 things to do before you're 11 and 3/4' www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/50-things Learn more about UK wildlife www.nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/nature/wildlife Follow the National Trust Podcast, our podcast for grown ups. Discover immersive tales of nature, history and adventure podfollow.com/national-trust-podcast

14 Oct

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14 min

Delve into immersive tales of history, nature and adventure with the award-winning National Trust Podcasts.

Website

National Trust Podcasts

Top Shows

Victoria, Albert and the Christmas Tree Trend

World Heritage Heroes | Saving History in Cairo & Norfolk

WWII ‘Brown Babies’ | A Hidden History

Ghost Stories | Murder in the Castle

National Trust Gardens Podcast | Sissinghurst

Isaac Newton | The Gravity of Good Friends

Introducing: Step into the Past | The Craftsmen of Calke Abbey

Surfing in the North Sea | An Unimaginable Dream

Sycamore Gap | One Year On

Ep 6. Roxy’s City Odyssey

About

National Trust Podcasts

Top Shows

Top Episodes

Victoria, Albert and the Christmas Tree Trend

World Heritage Heroes | Saving History in Cairo & Norfolk

WWII ‘Brown Babies’ | A Hidden History

Ghost Stories | Murder in the Castle

National Trust Gardens Podcast | Sissinghurst

Isaac Newton | The Gravity of Good Friends

Introducing: Step into the Past | The Craftsmen of Calke Abbey

Surfing in the North Sea | An Unimaginable Dream

Sycamore Gap | One Year On

Ep 6. Roxy’s City Odyssey

About