Hampshire HistBites Hampshire History Trust

One day, the halls of Winchester Cathedral are filled with whispered prayers and holy songs. The next, they echo with the roaring of gunfire and hooves crashing over the tombs of holy men.
The English Civil War was a conflict that spared neither the lowest of peasants nor the highest of kings. It was only a matter of time before the winds of war reached Winchester. In this episode, listen to a 'firsthand' account of the damage caused to Winchester Cathedral and the impact it had on the city.
Alex Beeton, a third-year PhD student at Oxford University studying early modern British history, talks about the history of the English Civil War and the fascinating stories of the people involved.


If you want to find further information on this episode or to listen to other episodes of Hampshire HistBites, visit our website.

At a glance, Winchester is a city preserved in history—sheltered from the winds of time and change. Upon closer inspection, you will discover that there are new stories and developments happening around every corner. It’s the job of Andrew Napier and a dedicated team of journalists to find these events and bring them to readers across the county.
Week after week for 250 years, the Hampshire Chronicle has been a steadfast source of news. With the internet and social media becoming increasingly important elements of our lives, how has the Chronicle adapted? What are its plans for the future? Andrew Napier tells the story.


If you want to find further information on this episode or to listen to other episodes of Hampshire HistBites, visit our website.

Over the course of centuries, how many times can one building change ownership? How many voices of the past echo within its rooms and halls? These are questions that Mark Udall, General Manager of King John’s House, seeks to answer as he joins our host, Richard North.
 
Within the complex of historic buildings, traces of the past can be seen tucked away in shadowy corners and carved into stone walls. In this episode, Mark also talks about the effort to bring the past of King John’s House to life.



If you want to find further information on this episode or to listen to other episodes of Hampshire HistBites, visit our website.

Black John was a free African carpenter who chose to make a living in Southampton at the turn of the 16th century. Dr Abdoulie Sanneh reveals John’s story and how he brought it to life with the Sarah Siddons Fan Club theatre performance company. Additionally, Dr Sanneh talks about his own story of coming to Southampton from the Gambia and founding The United Voice of African Associations (TUVAA), a non-profit organisation for blacks and Africans in Hampshire.


If you want to find further information on this episode or to listen to other episodes of Hampshire HistBites, visit our website.

In the beautiful village of Amport, an owl hoots, and then a baker’s daughter pays a magical price for her cruelty. ‘The Baker’s Daughter of Amport’ is one of many local legends that Amanda Kane-Smith brings to life as a storyteller. Combining magic, mythical creatures, and real locations in the Test Valley, her book Test Valley Tales takes readers on a journey across history through fascinating stories and beautiful illustrations.
 
Additionally, Amanda explores her work as a ‘Merry-go Round storyteller’ at events, festivals, libraries, and other locations across Hampshire.


If you want to find further information on this episode or to listen to other episodes of Hampshire HistBites, visit our website.

In 1957, Master Brewer Dick Olding produced his last batch of beer and retired at the age of 81. Martin Bazeley and Matt Hallett join Julian Gerry to share Olding’s story, as well as the decades of history and tradition behind the brewing process. Keep listening to learn about the vital role of the brewery during the Second World War!


This is our first episode of Season 8! If you want to find further information on this episode or to listen to other episodes of Hampshire HistBites, visit our website.