Come Here!

Liz Drury

Come Here! — A Heritage Podcast with Liz Drury Looking for inspiring places to visit — and the stories behind them? Come Here! is the podcast that takes you inside the UK’s most fascinating heritage sites, museums, galleries, historic houses, parks and cultural spaces — in the company of the people who know them best. Hosted by voiceover artist and archaeology PhD Liz Drury, each weekly episode features a friendly, in-depth conversation with curators, site managers, rangers and heritage professionals from across the sector. Together, we explore the history of their sites, the hidden details visitors might otherwise miss, what makes each place special — and, of course, all the practical information you need to plan a visit. Whether you’re a heritage enthusiast, a day-trip planner, or simply curious about the stories behind Britain’s cultural spaces, Come Here! will introduce you to somewhere new. And if you work in the heritage sector yourself, this podcast is your invitation too — a chance to share your site, your passion, and your visitor experience with a wider audience. New episodes every week. Come and discover somewhere worth visiting.

  1. 1d ago

    Dogdyke Pumping Station, Lincolnshire

    Much of Lincolnshire is low-lying and, if left to nature, would be fenland and marsh, and difficult or impossible to farm. From the seventeenth century landowners have tried many techniques to reduce seasonal flooding and to raise the water out of the land and into the rivers. At first, wind-powered pumps were built but in the nineteenth century, with the invention of steam engines, a new chapter began. Tall brick chimneys rose across the fenlands and hundreds of steam driven pumps were constructed to drain the wetlands and produce productive farmland. But they in their turn were replaced by diesel pumps and, in the later twentieth century, by electrically driven pumps. Pretty much all of the old steam (and diesel) pumps were demolished and the engines sold off for scrap. But just a few remain as museum exhibits … one of the best is at Dogdyke Pumping Station near Tattershall, where an 1855 beam engine is still driven by steam and still turns its massive scoop wheel to lift water from the land into the river Witham. Right next to it, and now also redundant, is the 1940 Ruston diesel engine that replaced the steam. Both engines are maintained and demonstrated by volunteers. These magnificent engines are cared for by the Dogdyke Pumping Station Preservation Trust and are demonstrated to visitors on the first Sunday of every month from May to October (12.30 – 4.30). The tea room serves splendid cakes and admission is free (although donations are appreciated). www.dogdyke.com

  2. Jul 2

    Sturminster Newton Mill

    Pete Loosmore is the Miller at Sturminster Newton Mill, which is part of the Sturminster Newton Heritage Trust. Sturminster water mill stands on the banks of the Stour River, 300 yards from a medieval, six arched bridge and the site of an even older ford few yards further on. The area is overlooked by “Sturminster Castle”, which is the ruined remains of a manor house once given to Katherine parr by Henry V111.( Now on private land) There has been a mill on the riverbank for at least 1000 years, the site is mentioned in the Domesday Book. The current building has parts dating back to the 1500s. The atmosphere and scenery changes day to day, season to season, from substantial winter flooding to a picturesque, peaceful place to relax or observe the wildlife during spring, summer and autumn. The Mill has played a key role in the history of the town, Sturminster Newton, just across the bridge. Milling of grain, whether for flour or animal feed has been a constant, but the mill was also pivotal in the production of a special fabric, Swan Skin. This was an important local industry. Woven woollen cloth would be brought to the Fulling wing of the mill to be beaten with urine and fullers earth to make a thick, warm, waterproof fabric which was then exported to the fishing trade in Newfound during 1600s to early 1800s. Even now, Newfoundland families are tracing their families back to Sturminster Newton. The full story is told in the mill. The method of working inside of the mill has changed little during the passing centuries. A medieval miller would feel at ease milling grain today once he had mastered the “modern” under water turbine installed in 1904 to replace the two traditional undershot waterwheels. Today, the mill is kept working by a group of volunteers and is open during spring and summer months when the miller uses the traditional machinery to produce flour for sale. Whether you want historical facts, the opportunity to soak up the peace and quiet of tranquil surroundings, or observe wildlife from the many footpaths, the mill is a special place to visit. For opening times and more information www.sturminsternewton-museum.co.uk

About

Come Here! — A Heritage Podcast with Liz Drury Looking for inspiring places to visit — and the stories behind them? Come Here! is the podcast that takes you inside the UK’s most fascinating heritage sites, museums, galleries, historic houses, parks and cultural spaces — in the company of the people who know them best. Hosted by voiceover artist and archaeology PhD Liz Drury, each weekly episode features a friendly, in-depth conversation with curators, site managers, rangers and heritage professionals from across the sector. Together, we explore the history of their sites, the hidden details visitors might otherwise miss, what makes each place special — and, of course, all the practical information you need to plan a visit. Whether you’re a heritage enthusiast, a day-trip planner, or simply curious about the stories behind Britain’s cultural spaces, Come Here! will introduce you to somewhere new. And if you work in the heritage sector yourself, this podcast is your invitation too — a chance to share your site, your passion, and your visitor experience with a wider audience. New episodes every week. Come and discover somewhere worth visiting.