Underground London

John Hollingshead
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Venture into the shadowy underbelly of London with Underground London, where the intricate tapestry of the city's hidden infrastructure comes to life. This podcast uncovers the remarkable stories behind the sewers, gasworks, and early underground railways that shaped modern urban life, illuminating the ingenuity and grit of those who toiled beneath the streets. Each episode features a new complete audiobook, inviting listeners to explore the fascinating intersections of engineering, history, and the eccentricities of Victorian society. As we delve into the lives of the unsung heroes who maintained the city's lifelines, we offer a unique lens on the challenges and triumphs of urban existence. This is not a single narrative but a series of captivating explorations that reveal the quirky and often overlooked aspects of London’s past. Discover a new book with every episode and embark on an auditory journey through the depths of one of the world's most iconic cities.

Episodes

  1. 11h ago

    Plea for Ragged Schools; or, Prevention Better than Cure-Thomas Guthrie

    From the Preface: "This book contains an account, more or less readable, of most things belonging to "Underground London", particularly of the mechanism of sewers, and of the water and gas supply." Underground London was published in 1862, and refers to early-to-mid Victorian London. The final chapter describes a) the discussion over a central London terminus for the railway, and b) plans for the underground railway (the initial work on the "Metropolitan" line was being carried out as this book was being written). The author has an easy, often humorous, style: "Without any wish to speak disrespectfully of sewage, I have a secret sympathy with old Sir Thomas Browne's feeling, and regard this daily mass of muck as a melancholy adjunct of our fallen state." (that last quote is from Chapter One). NOTES: 1. The sewer workers often refer to sewers as "shores". 2. "Carburetted hydrogen" is methane; "sulphuretted hydrogen" is hydrogen sulphide; "carbonic acid gas" is carbon dioxide. 3. When the contents of letters (and similar documents) are quoted, the name of the recipient is usually given after that of the signatory. 4. Two of the six appendices are included in this reading: one is a list of gas accidents that have occurred in the sewers, and the other a list of the main sewer routes under London. TABLES: The reader may wish to skip past some of the tables of data: Chapter Four includes some tables of information about the main sewers (names, length etc.). These run from 16 min 28 sec to 22 min 45 sec in the recording. Chapter Eight includes a table of plant and animal species detected in shafts sunk at Dulwich and Peckham (from 21 min 47 secs to 23 min 05 secs); and descriptions of strata found in three shafts sunk at Dulwich (27 min to 29 min 38 secs). Chapter Ten includes tables of data from 4 min 19 secs to 44 min 26 secs. (Summary by Peter Yearsley)

  2. 1d ago

    By Desert Ways to Baghdad-Louisa Jebb Wilkins

    From the Preface: "This book contains an account, more or less readable, of most things belonging to "Underground London", particularly of the mechanism of sewers, and of the water and gas supply." Underground London was published in 1862, and refers to early-to-mid Victorian London. The final chapter describes a) the discussion over a central London terminus for the railway, and b) plans for the underground railway (the initial work on the "Metropolitan" line was being carried out as this book was being written). The author has an easy, often humorous, style: "Without any wish to speak disrespectfully of sewage, I have a secret sympathy with old Sir Thomas Browne's feeling, and regard this daily mass of muck as a melancholy adjunct of our fallen state." (that last quote is from Chapter One). NOTES: 1. The sewer workers often refer to sewers as "shores". 2. "Carburetted hydrogen" is methane; "sulphuretted hydrogen" is hydrogen sulphide; "carbonic acid gas" is carbon dioxide. 3. When the contents of letters (and similar documents) are quoted, the name of the recipient is usually given after that of the signatory. 4. Two of the six appendices are included in this reading: one is a list of gas accidents that have occurred in the sewers, and the other a list of the main sewer routes under London. TABLES: The reader may wish to skip past some of the tables of data: Chapter Four includes some tables of information about the main sewers (names, length etc.). These run from 16 min 28 sec to 22 min 45 sec in the recording. Chapter Eight includes a table of plant and animal species detected in shafts sunk at Dulwich and Peckham (from 21 min 47 secs to 23 min 05 secs); and descriptions of strata found in three shafts sunk at Dulwich (27 min to 29 min 38 secs). Chapter Ten includes tables of data from 4 min 19 secs to 44 min 26 secs. (Summary by Peter Yearsley)

  3. 1d ago

    Piazza Tales-Herman Melville

    From the Preface: "This book contains an account, more or less readable, of most things belonging to "Underground London", particularly of the mechanism of sewers, and of the water and gas supply." Underground London was published in 1862, and refers to early-to-mid Victorian London. The final chapter describes a) the discussion over a central London terminus for the railway, and b) plans for the underground railway (the initial work on the "Metropolitan" line was being carried out as this book was being written). The author has an easy, often humorous, style: "Without any wish to speak disrespectfully of sewage, I have a secret sympathy with old Sir Thomas Browne's feeling, and regard this daily mass of muck as a melancholy adjunct of our fallen state." (that last quote is from Chapter One). NOTES: 1. The sewer workers often refer to sewers as "shores". 2. "Carburetted hydrogen" is methane; "sulphuretted hydrogen" is hydrogen sulphide; "carbonic acid gas" is carbon dioxide. 3. When the contents of letters (and similar documents) are quoted, the name of the recipient is usually given after that of the signatory. 4. Two of the six appendices are included in this reading: one is a list of gas accidents that have occurred in the sewers, and the other a list of the main sewer routes under London. TABLES: The reader may wish to skip past some of the tables of data: Chapter Four includes some tables of information about the main sewers (names, length etc.). These run from 16 min 28 sec to 22 min 45 sec in the recording. Chapter Eight includes a table of plant and animal species detected in shafts sunk at Dulwich and Peckham (from 21 min 47 secs to 23 min 05 secs); and descriptions of strata found in three shafts sunk at Dulwich (27 min to 29 min 38 secs). Chapter Ten includes tables of data from 4 min 19 secs to 44 min 26 secs. (Summary by Peter Yearsley)

  4. 3d ago

    Rookeries of London-Thomas Beames

    From the Preface: "This book contains an account, more or less readable, of most things belonging to "Underground London", particularly of the mechanism of sewers, and of the water and gas supply." Underground London was published in 1862, and refers to early-to-mid Victorian London. The final chapter describes a) the discussion over a central London terminus for the railway, and b) plans for the underground railway (the initial work on the "Metropolitan" line was being carried out as this book was being written). The author has an easy, often humorous, style: "Without any wish to speak disrespectfully of sewage, I have a secret sympathy with old Sir Thomas Browne's feeling, and regard this daily mass of muck as a melancholy adjunct of our fallen state." (that last quote is from Chapter One). NOTES: 1. The sewer workers often refer to sewers as "shores". 2. "Carburetted hydrogen" is methane; "sulphuretted hydrogen" is hydrogen sulphide; "carbonic acid gas" is carbon dioxide. 3. When the contents of letters (and similar documents) are quoted, the name of the recipient is usually given after that of the signatory. 4. Two of the six appendices are included in this reading: one is a list of gas accidents that have occurred in the sewers, and the other a list of the main sewer routes under London. TABLES: The reader may wish to skip past some of the tables of data: Chapter Four includes some tables of information about the main sewers (names, length etc.). These run from 16 min 28 sec to 22 min 45 sec in the recording. Chapter Eight includes a table of plant and animal species detected in shafts sunk at Dulwich and Peckham (from 21 min 47 secs to 23 min 05 secs); and descriptions of strata found in three shafts sunk at Dulwich (27 min to 29 min 38 secs). Chapter Ten includes tables of data from 4 min 19 secs to 44 min 26 secs. (Summary by Peter Yearsley)

  5. 4d ago

    Cinderella-George Calderon

    From the Preface: "This book contains an account, more or less readable, of most things belonging to "Underground London", particularly of the mechanism of sewers, and of the water and gas supply." Underground London was published in 1862, and refers to early-to-mid Victorian London. The final chapter describes a) the discussion over a central London terminus for the railway, and b) plans for the underground railway (the initial work on the "Metropolitan" line was being carried out as this book was being written). The author has an easy, often humorous, style: "Without any wish to speak disrespectfully of sewage, I have a secret sympathy with old Sir Thomas Browne's feeling, and regard this daily mass of muck as a melancholy adjunct of our fallen state." (that last quote is from Chapter One). NOTES: 1. The sewer workers often refer to sewers as "shores". 2. "Carburetted hydrogen" is methane; "sulphuretted hydrogen" is hydrogen sulphide; "carbonic acid gas" is carbon dioxide. 3. When the contents of letters (and similar documents) are quoted, the name of the recipient is usually given after that of the signatory. 4. Two of the six appendices are included in this reading: one is a list of gas accidents that have occurred in the sewers, and the other a list of the main sewer routes under London. TABLES: The reader may wish to skip past some of the tables of data: Chapter Four includes some tables of information about the main sewers (names, length etc.). These run from 16 min 28 sec to 22 min 45 sec in the recording. Chapter Eight includes a table of plant and animal species detected in shafts sunk at Dulwich and Peckham (from 21 min 47 secs to 23 min 05 secs); and descriptions of strata found in three shafts sunk at Dulwich (27 min to 29 min 38 secs). Chapter Ten includes tables of data from 4 min 19 secs to 44 min 26 secs. (Summary by Peter Yearsley)

  6. 5d ago

    Narrative of a Revolutionary Soldier Some of the Adventures, Dangers, and Sufferings of Joseph Plumb Martin-Joseph Plumb Martin

    From the Preface: "This book contains an account, more or less readable, of most things belonging to "Underground London", particularly of the mechanism of sewers, and of the water and gas supply." Underground London was published in 1862, and refers to early-to-mid Victorian London. The final chapter describes a) the discussion over a central London terminus for the railway, and b) plans for the underground railway (the initial work on the "Metropolitan" line was being carried out as this book was being written). The author has an easy, often humorous, style: "Without any wish to speak disrespectfully of sewage, I have a secret sympathy with old Sir Thomas Browne's feeling, and regard this daily mass of muck as a melancholy adjunct of our fallen state." (that last quote is from Chapter One). NOTES: 1. The sewer workers often refer to sewers as "shores". 2. "Carburetted hydrogen" is methane; "sulphuretted hydrogen" is hydrogen sulphide; "carbonic acid gas" is carbon dioxide. 3. When the contents of letters (and similar documents) are quoted, the name of the recipient is usually given after that of the signatory. 4. Two of the six appendices are included in this reading: one is a list of gas accidents that have occurred in the sewers, and the other a list of the main sewer routes under London. TABLES: The reader may wish to skip past some of the tables of data: Chapter Four includes some tables of information about the main sewers (names, length etc.). These run from 16 min 28 sec to 22 min 45 sec in the recording. Chapter Eight includes a table of plant and animal species detected in shafts sunk at Dulwich and Peckham (from 21 min 47 secs to 23 min 05 secs); and descriptions of strata found in three shafts sunk at Dulwich (27 min to 29 min 38 secs). Chapter Ten includes tables of data from 4 min 19 secs to 44 min 26 secs. (Summary by Peter Yearsley)

  7. Aug 4

    Underground London-John Hollingshead

    "Underground London" by John Hollingshead invites listeners to explore the hidden depths of the city, revealing the fascinating and often overlooked aspects of London's subterranean life. This audiobook uncovers the rich tapestry of experiences that lie beneath the bustling streets, highlighting themes of curiosity and discovery that remain relevant today. As urban landscapes continue to evolve, the allure of what lies beneath our feet resonates with contemporary audiences, reminding us of the layers of history and culture that shape our modern lives. Hollingshead's vivid portrayal of underground London offers a timeless glimpse into the unseen world, making it a captivating listen for anyone intrigued by the mysteries of urban life.

  8. Jul 11

    Underground London - John Hollingshead

    From the Preface: "This book contains an account, more or less readable, of most things belonging to "Underground London", particularly of the mechanism of sewers, and of the water and gas supply." Underground London was published in 1862, and refers to early-to-mid Victorian London. The final chapter describes a) the discussion over a central London terminus for the railway, and b) plans for the underground railway (the initial work on the "Metropolitan" line was being carried out as this book was being written). The author has an easy, often humorous, style: "Without any wish to speak disrespectfully of sewage, I have a secret sympathy with old Sir Thomas Browne's feeling, and regard this daily mass of muck as a melancholy adjunct of our fallen state." (that last quote is from Chapter One). NOTES: 1. The sewer workers often refer to sewers as "shores". 2. "Carburetted hydrogen" is methane; "sulphuretted hydrogen" is hydrogen sulphide; "carbonic acid gas" is carbon dioxide. 3. When the contents of letters (and similar documents) are quoted, the name of the recipient is usually given after that of the signatory. 4. Two of the six appendices are included in this reading: one is a list of gas accidents that have occurred in the sewers, and the other a list of the main sewer routes under London. TABLES: The reader may wish to skip past some of the tables of data: Chapter Four includes some tables of information about the main sewers (names, length etc.). These run from 16 min 28 sec to 22 min 45 sec in the recording. Chapter Eight includes a table of plant and animal species detected in shafts sunk at Dulwich and Peckham (from 21 min 47 secs to 23 min 05 secs); and descriptions of strata found in three shafts sunk at Dulwich (27 min to 29 min 38 secs). Chapter Ten includes tables of data from 4 min 19 secs to 44 min 26 secs. (Summary by Peter Yearsley)

  • 8 Episodes

About

Venture into the shadowy underbelly of London with Underground London, where the intricate tapestry of the city's hidden infrastructure comes to life. This podcast uncovers the remarkable stories behind the sewers, gasworks, and early underground railways that shaped modern urban life, illuminating the ingenuity and grit of those who toiled beneath the streets. Each episode features a new complete audiobook, inviting listeners to explore the fascinating intersections of engineering, history, and the eccentricities of Victorian society. As we delve into the lives of the unsung heroes who maintained the city's lifelines, we offer a unique lens on the challenges and triumphs of urban existence. This is not a single narrative but a series of captivating explorations that reveal the quirky and often overlooked aspects of London’s past. Discover a new book with every episode and embark on an auditory journey through the depths of one of the world's most iconic cities.

Information

  • Creator
    John Hollingshead
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Tragedy Genre
  • Show Website
    Underground London