London History

londonguidedwalks.co.uk
  • 4.8 (45)
  • HISTORY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. 6D AGO

    151: Love of Jane Austen in London

    In episode 151 of the London History Podcast, host Hazel Baker is joined by Caroline Jane Knight, who is Jane Austen's fifth great-niece. Caroline discusses her unique perspective growing up at Chawton House, the family estate, and her deep connection to Austen's legacy. She shares anecdotes about Jane Austen's life, her literary works, and her connection to London. Caroline also talks about her efforts to preserve Austen's heritage through her memoir 'Jane and Me,' her role in the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation, and her upcoming project to create a family archive. The conversation covers Austen's experiences in London, including her theatre visits and her correspondence with the Prince Regent, as well as her modern cultural significance.

    43 min

  2. FEB 6

    150: Cracking London's Financial Glass Ceiling: The Story of Mary Harris Smith

    In this episode of the London History Podcast, host Hazel Baker, a qualified London tour guide, and founder of londonguidedwalks.co.uk, explores the financial history of London and the role of women in this narrative. Joined by Jenny Funnell, a second-generation City of London tour guide, the episode delves into the story of Mary Harris Smith, the world's first female chartered accountant. The discussion covers Smith's origins, her career challenges, her efforts in promoting the employment of women, and her eventual recognition in the male-dominated field of accountancy. The episode also touches on the limited representation of women in London's history as seen through plaques and statues in the city, and discusses the ongoing legacy of Smith's groundbreaking work. Jenny Funnell provides deep historical insights and personal anecdotes, making the episode both informative and engaging.

    45 min

  3. FEB 2 · BONUS

    BONUS EPISODE Quiz Time: Uncovering London's Firsts Through History

    In this special bonus edition of the London History Podcast, the host celebrates reaching over 5,000 followers on Spotify by conducting a quiz themed 'London Firsts through the ages'. The quiz covers significant historical landmarks and events from medieval to Georgian London, asking listeners to identify firsts such as the city's first continually operating hospital, the first long-lived stone bridge across the Thames, and the first systematic building regulations after the Great Fire. The host, Hazel Baker, provides historical context and anecdotes for each of the 12 questions, offering listeners a deeper understanding of London's rich history. The episode encourages audience engagement by asking them to tally their scores and interact via social media. This podcast is produced by Hazel Baker at London Guided Walks

    18 min
  4. 149: Milner Square: Through a Hole in the Wall

    JAN 30

    149: Milner Square: Through a Hole in the Wall

    This episode of the London History Podcast, hosted by Hazel Baker, explores the historical evolution of Milner Square in Islington, London. Initially developed in the 1840s to attract the middle class, the square transitioned into a slum by the 20th century, characterised by multi-occupancy and dilapidated conditions.  In the 1970s, Islington Council cleared the slums and rehoused residents, leading to gentrification and rising property prices. The podcast features Susan Oudot, a writer and screenwriter who created the film 'Through the Hole in the Wall,' documenting her family's experiences in Milner Square from the 1930s to the 1970s.  Oudot discusses the film's inception, driven by a desire to capture fading memories and address the misconceptions about Islington's history. Her film serves as a valuable oral history resource, highlighting themes of housing, work, class, and community bonds. Oudot shares personal anecdotes, reminiscing about the close-knit community, the daily struggles, and the enduring spirit of the residents. 🔗 Connect With Us 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast⁠⁠ 📱 Instagram: @walk_london🐦 Twitter: @guided_walks 📘 Facebook: London Guided Walks

    45 min
  5. 148: Seven Dials in the Interwar Years

    JAN 23

    148: Seven Dials in the Interwar Years

    The London History Podcast, hosted by Hazel Baker from London Guided Walks, explores the rich history of Seven Dials in London during the 1920s and 1930s. In this episode, Professor Matt Holbrooke discusses his book, 'Songs of Seven Dials,' which delves into the cultural history of the area through vibrant archival research. Seven Dials was a diverse and vibrant community, home to migrant communities, working-class families, and bohemian nightlife. The episode covers the significant libel trial involving Sierra Leonian café owner Jim Kitten and his English wife Emily against a right-wing newspaper, highlighting issues of race, class identity, and urban redevelopment. The podcast also touches on the local cafés, clubs, and nightlife that shaped Seven Dials' reputation, the key conflicts and tensions, and personal stories of its residents, providing a detailed glimpse into this colourful and dramatic part of London’s history. 🔗 Connect With Us 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast⁠⁠ 📱 Instagram: @walk_london🐦 Twitter: @guided_walks 📘 Facebook: London Guided Walks

    33 min
  6. 147: The Russian Flu of 1892

    JAN 9

    147: The Russian Flu of 1892

    📜 London History Podcast | Victorian Britain & Pandemic Fear In January 1892, London went dark. Theatres closed. Streets filled with black crepe. A young royal heir lay dying — while thousands of ordinary Londoners froze, starved, and quietly disappeared.In this episode of the London History Podcast, we explore one deadly week during the Russian Flu pandemic, when Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence, died in royal luxury — and the poor died alone in cold East End rooms. This is a story of pandemic fear, medical inequality, quack cures, and Victorian society under pressure — including the extraordinary legal case that still shapes contract law today. 🔗 Connect With Us 🌐 Website: ⁠https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast⁠ 📱 Instagram: @walk_london🐦 Twitter: @guided_walks 📘 Facebook: London Guided Walks

    27 min

  7. 12/26/2025

    146: Jumping Tower Bridge

    Step back in time with the London History Podcast as we revisit one of the city’s most daring and heartwarming moments. On a cold, smoggy evening in December 1952, bus driver Albert Gunter faced the unthinkable when Tower Bridge began to rise beneath him. With 40 passengers on board, Gunter made a split-second decision that would make him a local hero and capture the imagination of Londoners everywhere. 🏙️ About The London History Podcast Hosted by London tour guide and historian Hazel Baker, the London History Podcast explores the fascinating, mysterious, and sometimes dark stories that shaped Britain's capital city. From medieval legends to Victorian scandals, from royal palaces to haunted underground stations, we uncover the hidden history beneath London's streets. 🔗 Connect With Us 🌐 Website: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast 📱 Instagram: @walk_london🐦 Twitter: @guided_walks 📘 Facebook: London Guided Walks

    21 min
  8. 145: Feasting in London: History of Puddings, Pies & Markets

    12/12/2025

    145: Feasting in London: History of Puddings, Pies & Markets

    Hosted by Hazel Baker from London Guided Walks, episode 145 of the London History Podcast explores nearly a thousand years of London's feasting traditions. The journey begins with medieval banquets at Guildhall, showcasing elaborate feasts that reflected wealth, power, and international trade connections through elaborate meals and public spectacles. The episode then delves into the history of Christmas traditions, including the evolution of the Christmas pudding from medieval frumenty to the iconic Victorian dessert, and the development of mince pies from meat-filled pastries to sweet festive treats. The podcast also highlights the important roles of Smithfield and Leadenhall markets in providing festive foods, describing their transformations over the centuries and their lasting impact on London’s culinary culture. Listeners are invited to explore how food has shaped social customs, political ties, and community celebrations in London’s tasty history. London History Podcast Website

    29 min
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4.8
out of 5
45 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    londonguidedwalks.co.uk
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    153
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 155245
  • Show Website
    London History

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