Unusual Histories Danny Hurst

In this episode, which is the 21st of Danny Hurst´s Monopoly placename history series he tells us all about the 3rd of the yellow squares – Piccadilly. He explains how the street got its name from a fashion accessory, its connection with the theory of evolution, and how a squatter protest led to the area being taken over by Hell´s Angels.

He shares the details of The Albany´s rich history and famous residents, the street´s bookshops, hotels and much more.

KEY TAKEAWAYS


Piccadilly was formerly named after the wife of Charles II.
The street was home to several mansions, one of which now house many of the UK´s most important institutions.
A former squatters' commune on Piccadilly is now home to one of the world's most luxurious hotels.
Piccadilly played an important role in the UK´s gay history.
Due to people´s shaky understanding of classical mythology, one of the street’s statues has been misidentified.
Fortnum and Mason´s was the first store in the UK to sell soft toilet paper.
The world´s oldest bookshop is on Piccadilly.

BEST MOMENTS

‘I do beg your pardon; I sound like an old fart…. ´

‘The Dilly was the location of clandestine gay bars.’

‘Raffles the gentleman burglar lives here.’

 

EPISODE RESOURCES

Shop for all official versions of Monopoly here - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/page/785DC233-0A69-4DF8-98E9-4F50CC50A59E

HOST BIO

Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurstfacebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

Podcast Description

"History is a nightmare from which I am trying to awake." James Joyce.

That was me at school as well. Ironically, I ended up becoming a historian. The Unusual Histories podcast is all about the history you don't learn at school, nor indeed anywhere else. Discover things that you didn't know that you didn't know, fascinating historical luminaries and their vices and addictions, and the other numerous sides of every story.

We start with the Monopoly Series, in which we explore how the game came to be, the real-life connection between the cheapest and most expensive properties, the history of each location, how proportionate the values were then and are today, what the hell a "community chest" is and whether free parking really does exist anywhere in London. 

If you love history; or indeed if you hate history, this is the podcast for you…

In this episode, which is the 20th of Danny Hurst´s London Monopoly Board history series it is the turn of the 2nd yellow card  - Coventry Street. The unlikely home of some supernatural occurrences, gambling clubs and for hundreds of years, prostitution. Coventry Street has always been a buzzy place, with several iconic films premiering there.

Danny also shares Coventry Street´s connection to the Charleston, Marlene Dietrich, Charlie Chaplin, Rudolph Valentino, Ella Fitzgerald, and Ronnie Scott. He also explains how Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin dodged death during the Blitz and had his wounds cleaned out with champagne.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS


The street was named after Sir Henry Coventry who was the Secretary of State.
Legend has it that the police hired a vampire killer to deal with a strange incident on Coventry Street.
The original ceiling of the first Lyons Corner House can still be seen in the café that is there today.
Coventry Street was the original centre of London´s jazz scene.

 

BEST MOMENTS

‘It’s one of the least likely places one would expect to come across a vampire, although there are a good few zombies knocking around the place.’

‘It was famous during the restoration for its gambling clubs and prostitutes.’

 

EPISODE RESOURCES

The stories of supernatural Coventry Street - http://www.shadyoldlady.com/location.php?loc=1873

Highgate cemetery grave robbing story - https://www.kentishtowner.co.uk/2012/10/31/wednesday-picture-highgate-cemetery-and-the-tale-of-the-highgate-vampire/

Shop for all official versions of Monopoly here - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/page/785DC233-0A69-4DF8-98E9-4F50CC50A59E

HOST BIO

Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic, or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurstfacebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

 

 

Podcast Description

 

"History is a nightmare from which I am trying to awake." James Joyce.

 

That was me at school as well. Ironically, I ended up becoming a historian. The Unusual Histories podcast is all about the history you don't learn at school, nor indeed anywhere else. Discover things that you didn't know that you didn't know, fascinating historical luminaries and their vices and addictions, and the other numerous sides of every story.

 

We start with the Monopoly Series, in which we explore how the game came to be, the real-life connection between the cheapest and most expensive properties, the history of each location, how proportionate the values were then and are today, what the hell a "community chest" is and whether free parking really does exist anywhere in London.

If you love history; or indeed if you hate history, this is the podcast for you…

 

In this episode, the 19th in Danny Hurst´s fascinating Monopoly London place names history series it is the turn of Leicester Square. Danny shares the origins of its nickname “Fester Square”, the connection it has with Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and why it is home to a toilet cubicle named after the director Kevin Smith.

He also explains the connection to leotards, the ballet, Karl Marx, the Chinese community, several important artists and much more. As well as providing a breakdown of the origins and significance of each of the statues located in Leicester Square.

KEY TAKEAWAYS


Leicester Square is the place with the most mispronounced name.
Since 1937, Leicester Square has been the place for film premiers.
The square is home to the largest cinema in the UK.
Micheal Cain got his name from Leicester Square.
The director Kevin Smith has a toilet cubicle named after him in one of Leicester Square´s cinemas.
Next time you visit, look up, Danny explains why.
Don´t use the Underground to travel between Leicester Square and Covent Garden.

BEST MOMENTS

‘Winter meant Christmas and Christmas meant Monopoly. ´

‘This house had a drawbridge at the back used to receive corpses from grave robbers.’

‘This is the shortest journey on the Underground.’

 

EPISODE RESOURCES

Shop for all official versions of Monopoly here - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/page/785DC233-0A69-4DF8-98E9-4F50CC50A59E

Leicester Square mispronunciation story

HOST BIO

Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurstfacebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

Podcast Description

"History is a nightmare from which I am trying to awake." James Joyce.

That was me at school as well. Ironically, I ended up becoming a historian. The Unusual Histories podcast is all about the history you don't learn at school, nor indeed anywhere else. Discover things that you didn't know that you didn't know, fascinating historical luminaries and their vices and addictions, and the other numerous sides of every story.

We start with the Monopoly Series, in which we explore how the game came to be, the real-life connection between the cheapest and most expensive properties, the history of each location, how proportionate the values were then and are today, what the hell a "community chest" is and whether free parking really does exist anywhere in London. 

If you love history; or indeed if you hate history, this is the podcast for you…

In this episode, which is No. 18 of Danny Hurst´s London Monopoly history series, we reach the obscure, yet fascinating, Fenchurch Street Station. The scene of the 1st murder on a train in Britain with a connection to The Hitchhiker´s Guide To The Galaxy, Green Street and Round The Horne.

Danny also shares the details of places nearby that offer spectacular views of London. Including a little-known one where you don´t have to book in advance. He also explains why the stations are a cash cow for Monopoly players.

KEY TAKEAWAYS


Scotland Yard got ahead of the first person to murder someone on a train in the UK and apprehended him on his arrival in New York. Danny explains how.
It is the only mainline station without direct access to an Underground station.
The station is close to some great tourist destinations. Danny shares details of the best ones in the episode.
London´s oldest market is nearby.

BEST MOMENTS

‘Google Maps didn´t exist in those days. ´

‘Fenchurch Street is named after the numerous hay markets.’

‘People often mistake Tower Bridge for London Bridge because the name is famous from the song.’

 

EPISODE RESOURCES

Shop for all official versions of Monopoly here - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/page/785DC233-0A69-4DF8-98E9-4F50CC50A59E

HOST BIO

Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurstfacebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

Podcast Description

"History is a nightmare from which I am trying to awake." James Joyce.

That was me at school as well. Ironically, I ended up becoming a historian. The Unusual Histories podcast is all about the history you don't learn at school, nor indeed anywhere else. Discover things that you didn't know that you didn't know, fascinating historical luminaries and their vices and addictions, and the other numerous sides of every story.

We start with the Monopoly Series, in which we explore how the game came to be, the real-life connection between the cheapest and most expensive properties, the history of each location, how proportionate the values were then and are today, what the hell a "community chest" is and whether free parking really does exist anywhere in London. 

If you love history; or indeed if you hate history, this is the podcast for you…

In this episode, the 17th in Danny Hurst´s fascinating look at the history of the placenames from the London version of Monopoly he tells you all about Trafalgar Square. The home to London´s oldest bronze statue which was hidden in a garden to save it from destruction. Today, it serves an important purpose.

Danny disproves a modern naming myth, explains how the square was cleared of feral pigeons and shares its connection with the Cenotaph. He also shares some fascinating facts about the famous statue of Nelson. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS


The capital´s oldest bronze statue survived due to the cunning of a metalsmith with a surprising name.
It is the 3rd largest square in London.
The square got its modern name in 1830.
Several embassies are housed in the area, including a couple of surprising ones.
The famous lions are not anatomically correct, Danny explains why.
Hitler had plans to take Nelson´s Column to Germany.
Every year, a menorah is lit for each night of Hanukkah.
No residential properties have been sold there since 2018.

BEST MOMENTS

‘All distances within and from London are measured from this statue. ´

‘It was always full of worse for wear post club clubbers at all hours of the morning.’

‘The Lions themselves were a running joke for many years.’

 

EPISODE RESOURCES

Shop for all official versions of Monopoly here - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/page/785DC233-0A69-4DF8-98E9-4F50CC50A59E

Café in the Crypt - https://www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/visit/cafe-in-the-crypt/

 

HOST BIO

Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurstfacebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

Podcast Description

"History is a nightmare from which I am trying to awake." James Joyce.

That was me at school as well. Ironically, I ended up becoming a historian. The Unusual Histories podcast is all about the history you don't learn at school, nor indeed anywhere else. Discover things that you didn't know that you didn't know, fascinating historical luminaries and their vices and addictions, and the other numerous sides of every story.

We start with the Monopoly Series, in which we explore how the game came to be, the real-life connection between the cheapest and most expensive properties, the history of each location, how proportionate the values were then and are today, what the hell a "community chest" is and whether free parking really does exist anywhere in London. 

If you love history; or indeed if you hate history, this is the podcast for you…

This episode, which is the 16th in Danny Hurst’s London Monopoly board history series, is the turn of the world-famous Fleet Street. Danny explains how it became the centre of the UK´s newspaper industry and what its connection with the “Chance” square is.

It is home to what is probably London´s oldest statue, plays an important role in the capital´s sewage system and is where a popular type of cigarette was invented. In the episode, Danny tells you all about these, as well as sharing the street´s connection with Samuel Pepys, Charles Dickens, Geoffrey Chaucer´s attack on a friar and Sir John Falstaff.

KEY TAKEAWAYS


The street gets its name from the river that runs beneath it.
In 1500, Wynkyn de Worde opened the first printing press on the street, kickstarting its long association with the press industry.
One publisher remains on the street, and they print comics.
The conduit that supplied the area once flowed with wine.
We have Sir Christopher Wren (indirectly) to thank for the shape of British wedding cakes.

BEST MOMENTS

‘Because I am really old, it was the days before DVD players. ´

‘It's one of the few buildings in the city of London, which dates back to the before the Great Fire of 1666.’

‘Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is known for its nooks and crannies.’

 

EPISODE RESOURCES

Shop for all official versions of Monopoly here - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/page/785DC233-0A69-4DF8-98E9-4F50CC50A59E

Thomas Paine – The Rights of Man - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rights-Man-Thomas-Paine-ebook/dp/B09RZMW36Q

HOST BIO

Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurstfacebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

Podcast Description

"History is a nightmare from which I am trying to awake." James Joyce.

That was me at school as well. Ironically, I ended up becoming a historian. The Unusual Histories podcast is all about the history you don't learn at school, nor indeed anywhere else. Discover things that you didn't know that you didn't know, fascinating historical luminaries and their vices and addictions, and the other numerous sides of every story.

We start with the Monopoly Series, in which we explore how the game came to be, the real-life connection between the cheapest and most expensive properties, the history of each location, how proportionate the values were then and are today, what the hell a "community chest" is and whether free parking really does exist anywhere in London. 

If you love history; or indeed if you hate history, this is the podcast for you…