Yesterday's London Times

Jen & Mares
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Scavenging through the layers of London's delightfully peculiar history...

  1. Madame Tussaud and Her Chamber of Horrors

    OCT 24

    Madame Tussaud and Her Chamber of Horrors

    Living in Paris during the Revolution and Reign of Terror might not seem like the right place at the right time, but if your job is to make wax sculptures of heads, it’s kind of perfect. In this episode we meet Marie Tussaud, and follow along as she creates a London institution. Follow along as we: Meet little Marie, living with a doctor who makes wax anatomical models,Rub elbows with royals and rabble-rousers in Paris before and during the Revolution and Reign of TerrorHit the road with Madame Tussaud and Sons waxworksSettle in London and develop a wax museum known the world aroundMeet some of the museum’s famous and infamous, including a candlelit tour of the Chamber of HorrorsCome on over to our SHOW NOTES for bonus content including photos and links.

    1h 21m
  2. Knitted Together: Crafting in London and Beyond

    JAN 10

    Knitted Together: Crafting in London and Beyond

    We begin this episode by thinking about the work of people's hands.  We wonder about the connections between knitting and history, trade, the industrial revolution, social connection, activism, and new interpretations. Along the way, we’ll: visit Tudor England, when the wool trade was at its economic core and resulted in some pretty intense legislation for common citizens,check in on technology like framework knitting and the surprising etymology of the term Luddite,observe the long term effects on handicrafts by the Industrial Revolution, and uncover some excesses of the Victorians while we’re at it,take knitting forward through wars, the Great Depression, changing technologies such as synthetic fabrics, and rapidly changing relationships between people and the clothes they wear, honor knitwear designers who brought the craft forward,marvel at the confluence of the Riot grrl, the growth of DIY culture, and the internet that allowed learning, inspiration, and community to flourish, connect the dots with examples of craftivism around the world, pay tribute to the good done by Brixton’s Craft Forward organization,leave breadcrumbs for self study on topics like contemporary fashion, share resources for getting involved,and … you didn’t think we’d do an episode on knitting and not mention Tom Daley, did you?This is a very visible episode.  See our SHOW NOTES for photos, articles, and much more. Episode photo by Steve Forrest from Workers’ Photos Archive.

    1h 14m
  3. Beyond Sherlock: A Deeper Dive into Scotland Yard

    12/13/2024

    Beyond Sherlock: A Deeper Dive into Scotland Yard

    In this episode, we journey through the fascinating and often surprising history of Scotland Yard, the iconic home of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS). Inspired by last week’s episode about the haunting tales of the Tower of London, we shift focus to uncover the evolution of law enforcement in London. From the chaotic days of watchmen during the 18th century gin craze to the formation of the Bow Street Runners and ultimately Sir Robert Peel’s revolutionary vision for modern policing, we explore how the MPS came to be. But history isn’t always pretty, and neither is policing. Alongside the famed rooftop firing ranges and Houdini escapades, we dive into controversies and tragedies, from the wrongful shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes to the horrific murder of Sarah Everard by a serving officer. We discuss how these events have shaped public perception of the force and the reforms still needed today. Along the way, we share quirky anecdotes about Scotland Yard’s Black Museum, rooftop firing ranges, and connections to the Beatles. Plus, you’ll hear about trailblazing figures like Edith Smith, the UK’s first female officer with arrest powers, and the challenges she faced during World War I.  Come along with us as discuss: The Origins of Policing in London: From the medieval constables and watchmen to the Bow Street Runners and their drunken escapades.Scotland Yard’s Iconic History: Why it’s called Scotland Yard (spoiler: it has nothing to do with Scotland), its evolution, and its global cultural impact.The Quirks of Crime Fighting: Tales from the Black Museum and a few blunders, including a painting heist that left Scotland Yard red-faced.Pivotal Moments in Policing: How the world wars, the development of forensics, and societal shifts influenced Scotland Yard’s role and structure.Women in Policing: The trailblazing work of Edith Smith and the shift toward gender equality in law enforcement roles.Controversies and Tragedies: The cases of Jean Charles de Menezes and Sarah Everard and their lasting impacts on public trust and police accountability.Whether you’re a history buff, a true-crime aficionado, or someone fascinated by the inner workings of iconic institutions, this episode offers a deep dive into the stories that shaped one of the most recognized police forces in the world. So grab a cup of tea (or gin, we won’t judge!) and join us as we uncover the secrets of Scotland Yard. For more information, including photos, sources, and suggestions for further reading, don’t forget to visit our show notes! Also, visit our website at: https://yltpodcast.buzzsprout.com/1810008 Or, find us on: TikTok @yltpod Instagram @yesterdayslondontimespodcast Facebook @ Yesterday’s London Times Podcast Threads @yesterdayslondontimespodcast

    1h 17m
  4. Deathly Dungeons: Tudors Haunt the Tower

    10/18/2024

    Deathly Dungeons: Tudors Haunt the Tower

    The Tower of London has watched over the city for nearly a millennium.  If you are a priceless Jewel,  the Tower is your protector. To countless of the city’s accused, a captor. Royals, regals, religious, and rogues. The Tower has seen them all. Many have been famous, and many more have been lost to history. Holding in all of these secrets is a challenge for the Tower, and, late at night, after the tourists have gone, perhaps the fortress wants to release some of its tension. Perhaps some former tower residents, want to stand as witnesses and keep memories - even ghastly memories - alive.  In this episode we share stories of two lesser known Tudor ghosts, and we bump into some more along the way.  Take a look at our SHOW NOTES for images, sources, and more.

    57 min
  5. “Mr. Alucard, I Presume?” : Vampires in London

    09/27/2024

    “Mr. Alucard, I Presume?” : Vampires in London

    “And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how we deal with vampires in old London Town,’.    - Ben Aaronovitch in Rivers of London We start this episode in the London neighborhood of Highgate. It’s famous cemetery, exuding Victorian design and extravagance, is the setting for our first story, about a potential paranormal experience and the long term metaphysical feud that resulted. We’ll delve into mainstream horror cinema of the 1950s and 60s from London’s own Hammer Films, with special emphasis on its vampiric offerings.  In Dracula, Bram Stoker’s count moved far and wide around the city. We’ll trace his footsteps and learn hidden coding to the novel’s London locations. What’s a modern vampire to do in the city?  We highlight some haunts for those interested in exploring the city as a creature of the night.  And, as intro, we share a brief memorial to our late, beloved pod-pup, Boo.  Photos, links and more at our SHOW NOTES here.

    59 min
  6. The Olympics and London: Historic Symbiosis

    09/13/2024

    The Olympics and London: Historic Symbiosis

    Until very recently, only London held the distinction of hosting the Summer Olympics three times, more than any other city in the world. The Games in London have been pivotal, memorable, and marked by very significant historical context, beginning with the early 20th-century growth of the modern Olympics in 1908, to the intense symbolism of post-war recovery in 1948, and finally the modern legacy of the 2012 Games. In this episode, we are stepping back in time to explore all three London Olympiads. We will take a look at some of the great athletes and notable moments of the Games, but our focus will more deeply center on the symbiotic relationship of London to the Olympics. For better or worse, depending on the perspective, this global spectacle of sport has definitely made a permanent imprint on the city; at the same time, London has absolutely made a lasting imprint on the modern games - arguably more than any other city in the world.   Ready to run, swim, and jump into London Olympic history with us? Follow along with our show notes, and visit Yesterday’s London Times on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for more information, images, sources, and fun!

    1h 32m
  7. Our Third Anniversary, and a Summer Romp

    08/09/2024

    Our Third Anniversary, and a Summer Romp

    In this episode, Jen and Mares take a moment to reflect on their journey as podcasters, and take a look back at episodes in their catalogue that both examine and celebrate London over time during the hottest months of the year. For both new listeners and veterans of the community alike, there’s something for everyone this summer in the city. We will highlight: virtual walking tours of past episodes, featuring the East end as sung in “Oranges & Lemons” and a “choose your own adventure” style romp through time and place in Londonthe challenges of summers past, particularly during the plague and blight of the summer of 1858joy expressed through summertime pomp and celebration, with a focus on jubilees of the past as well as the legacy of Pride in the citythe vibrancy, innovation, and wonder of the Swinging London summers of the 1960sholiday journeys outside the city, from medieval pilgrimages to Butlin’s Holiday CampsThis episode has it all: bougie soirées, fish mongers, epidemics, sewer systems, Victorian plant manias, Mary Quant, Mr Teezy Weezy, Gay’s the Word bookstore, Billy Butlin and more! These are just some of the people and places that have triggered our curiosity and given us hope as we’ve explored their place and relevance within London history. We couldn’t be happier or more humbled  that YOU, the YLT community, have joined us on this ride for the last three years. Cheers to you, and cheers to summer! For your convenience, links to each episode discussed and its show notes are pulled together in our SHOW NOTES.

    59 min
  8. In and Out of Luck in London: Three Stops, Three Stories

    06/21/2024

    In and Out of Luck in London: Three Stops, Three Stories

    Mares and Jen have enjoyed playing  a game of luck called “Underground Roulette.”  The game is easy to play. Just select a tube stop at random, keep a curious mind, and hit the streets!  It’s an engaging way to get a sense of place and all that the city offers.  But, what if we could add the dimension of time, seeing not only the neighborhood as it is, but as it was? In this episode, we explore the underground stops with stories involving the theme of luck.  London: a city where fame and fortune may await, given talent, drive, privilege, connections, and sometimes it comes down to luck.  Our three stories feature:  horseshoes, normally associated with good luck, but not this time,counteracting the bad luck of the number 13, and, when what seems like bad luck can be the best fortune yet. Along the way, we’ll visit an iconic location synonymous with luxury and spend time with some of the most famous people in modern history.  Follow along on our SHOW NOTES. You’ll find photos, recordings, sources, and ways to find us. Enjoy playing Underground Roulette. With a little luck, you’ll have a lot of fun!

    1h 6m
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Scavenging through the layers of London's delightfully peculiar history...

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  • Creator
    Jen & Mares
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    66
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Yesterday's London Times
  • Show Website
    Yesterday's London Times