Ye Olde Guide

Daniel Gooch and Liam McGrath
  • 5.0 (2)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Ye Olde Guide is a podcast about the history and heritage of the towns and cities of England. Perhaps you’re visiting one of England's wonderful cities and want to arrive primed to explore the remnants of its past. Or maybe you’re seeking a new appreciation of the town you live in. Either way, this podcast is for you. Think of us as part guide book, part companion, part battle of towns.  Visit our website yeoldeguide.com for extensive show notes, maps and discussion.  We hope you enjoy the podcast. Please send us your feedback to comments@yeoldeguide.com

  1. Stockport Part 2: Industrial Landscape

    6D AGO

    Stockport Part 2: Industrial Landscape

    Stockport isn’t just another mill town — it’s stacked above rivers, beneath viaducts, and within tunnels. In this episode of Ye Olde Guide, we peel back the layers of its unique landscape and diverse industrial past, tracing how the town grew at the very start of the River Mersey. From hat-making heritage to vast underground air raid shelters, Stockport’s story is one of hidden histories and overlooked treasures. In part 2 we explore the fantastic musical legacy of Strawberry Records, and the multi-layers industrial landscape of the town.   Ye Olde Guide is a podcast dedicated to uncovering the heritage of England’s towns and cities — not just the famous landmarks, but the places off the tourist trail that shaped communities and industries. Each episode explores a different location, blending vivid storytelling with historical insight to bring forgotten corners of the country to life. Whether you’re a curious traveller, a history enthusiast, or simply love discovering the unexpected, join us as we journey through England’s layered past. Send us a text

    33 min
  2. Stockport Part1: The Town Built in Layers

    DEC 1

    Stockport Part1: The Town Built in Layers

    Stockport isn’t just another mill town — it’s stacked above rivers, beneath viaducts, and within tunnels. In this episode of Ye Olde Guide, we peel back the layers of its unique landscape and diverse industrial past, tracing how the town grew at the very start of the River Mersey. From hat-making heritage to vast underground air raid shelters, Stockport’s story is one of hidden histories and overlooked treasures. In part 1 we will provide a historical overview of Stockport and then discuss is political and industrial history.  Look out for part 2 coming soon... Ye Olde Guide is a podcast dedicated to uncovering the heritage of England’s towns and cities — not just the famous landmarks, but the places off the tourist trail that shaped communities and industries. Each episode explores a different location, blending vivid storytelling with historical insight to bring forgotten corners of the country to life. Whether you’re a curious traveller, a history enthusiast, or simply love discovering the unexpected, join us as we journey through England’s layered past. Send us a text

    46 min

  3. SEP 9

    Tudors & Stuart Towns part 2: Great Rebuilding?

    In the Tudor and Stuart period towns in the UK were still predominantly wooden  but moving to brick construction was a hallmark of success.  Distinctive styles such as Oriel windows and elaborate carvings were seen on the buildings of the wealthy.  Meanwhile the houses of the poor remained meagre and crowded.  Join us as we continue our series on the development of town and cities.   Send us a text

    38 min

  4. AUG 18

    Towns in Turmoil and Transition – The Tudor & Stuart Era

    Welcome back to Ye Olde Guide, where we uncover the layered history of England’s towns and cities. In this episode, we journey through the transformative Tudor and Stuart period (c.1500–1700), a time often skipped over in popular imagination—but one that laid the groundwork for the urban England we know today. Following our exploration of medieval town life, we now delve into an era of upheaval and innovation. From the seismic shifts of the Reformation to the chaos of the English Civil War, this was a time when towns were shaped as much by fire, plague, and poverty as they were by emerging ideas in architecture, planning, and culture. We examine: Why this period matters: Often overshadowed by the grandeur of Georgian design, this era bridges the muddy medieval streets and the structured elegance of later urban planning.Urban life and growth: Towns expanded, populations surged, and the earliest signs of modern urbanisation began to appear.Political and religious upheaval: The dissolution of monasteries, The Civil War, and the Restoration all left lasting marks on urban society.Cultural renaissance: Shakespeare, Bacon, and Newton emerged as England caught up with—and began to surpass—the classical world in science and the arts.Social realities: Life was short, cities were young, and the spectres of disease and starvation loomed large. Yet, amid the hardship, towns began to evolve.We also spotlight London’s pioneering urban experiments—that hinted at the neoclassical ideals to come. This episode knits together a complex and often overlooked chapter in England’s urban story. It’s a tale of resilience, reinvention, and the roots of modernity. Send us a text

    43 min
  5. Britain Invented the Metro - So Why Did It Stop?

    JUL 1

    Britain Invented the Metro - So Why Did It Stop?

    The UK was the birthplace of the underground railway, with London’s Tube setting the global standard. So why do so few British cities have metro systems today? In this episode of Ye Olde Guide, Liam McGrath and Daniel Gooch take a break from city guides to explore the curious case of Britain’s missing metros. From the legacy of Victorian railways and trams to post-war car-centric planning, we unpack the historical, urban, and political reasons why cities like Birmingham, Leeds, and Manchester never got the metro systems their European counterparts enjoy. The Elizabeth Line was a rare recent bright spot in UK metro growth - but this added another line in London, with Leeds still relying on infrequent suburban rail and buses. We also look at the cost crisis facing modern transit projects, the economic consequences of limited urban rail, and what the future might hold for public transport in the UK. Featuring listener feedback, historical insights, and a dash of urbanist frustration—this is one for train lovers, city nerds, and anyone wondering why Britain stopped building underground rail. Send us a text

    50 min

  6. JUN 4

    Nottingham Part 3: Historic Industrial Urbanism

    Join us on Ye Olde Guide as we explore the history of Nottingham. This is the third part of three episodes on Nottingham. We will be discussing the  Urban Landscape of Nottingham, looking back to its origins as two distinct settlements, growth around the market square, industrial expansion and the expansion of housing.  We discuss the fine architecture of Nottingham including the imposing Council House, Lace Market, University buildings and Wollaton Hall.   Check out part 1 for the introduction to our historical guide to Nottingham. Send us a text

    43 min

  7. MAY 19

    Nottingham Part 2: Lace & Literature

    Join us on a jam packed episode of Ye Olde Guide! This is the second part of three episodes on Nottingham In the Science & industry section we discover the history of the Lace industry and the big companies that grew in Nottingham like Boots chemist, Raleigh Cycles and Players Cigarettes.  We will learn about the contributions of the Universities in Nottingham. In the Arts & Culture section we discuss the legacies of Robin Hood, Nottingham's sporting clubs and several writers who were heavily influenced by the city including Graham Greene, DH Lawrence, and Alan Sillitoe.  We learn about Lord Byron, Paul Smith and the Goose Fair. Check out part 1 for the introduction to our historical guide to Nottingham Send us a text

    52 min

  8. MAY 6

    Nottingham Part 1: Castle to Courtroom

    Welcome to Nottingham, where rebellion runs deep.  In this first part of our mini-series, we dive into the city's tangled history of politics and protest, from Nottingham Castle's royal showdowns to Luddite uprisings in Market Square, riots in St Ann's and the rise of justice in unexpected places.  We meet England's first black magistrate, explore the Galleries of Justice, and uncover how Nottingham helped spark the English Civil War. Visit our website yeoldeguide.com for details of all our episodes.  Don't forget to leave feedback. Send us a text

    39 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Ye Olde Guide is a podcast about the history and heritage of the towns and cities of England. Perhaps you’re visiting one of England's wonderful cities and want to arrive primed to explore the remnants of its past. Or maybe you’re seeking a new appreciation of the town you live in. Either way, this podcast is for you. Think of us as part guide book, part companion, part battle of towns.  Visit our website yeoldeguide.com for extensive show notes, maps and discussion.  We hope you enjoy the podcast. Please send us your feedback to comments@yeoldeguide.com

Information

  • Creator
    Daniel Gooch and Liam McGrath
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Ye Olde Guide
  • Show Website
    Ye Olde Guide

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