The English Heritage Podcast

This week, we're holding our noses to tackle the history of toilets through the ages, from latrines, privies and reredorters to garderobes and even thunderboxes! Joining us to flush out the stories of long drops, dung gatherers and the first public conveniences are senior properties historian Dr Michael Carter and historical archaeologist Dr Ian West. To learn more about toilets through time, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/blog/blog-posts/top-10-toilets-through-time. To find out more about Joseph Bazalgette and the location of his blue plaque, go to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques/joseph-william-bazalgette/

Join us to discover the story of one of England's wealthiest and most powerful medieval noblewomen, Isabella de Fortibus (1237–1293). Married at an early age before becoming a wealthy young widow and heiress, she was pursued by many ambitious suitors hoping to acquire her wealth and lands while she lived at Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight. And it's here that we begin our story with our guests, English Heritage senior properties curator Sam Stones and documentation officer Dr Therron Welstead. To learn more about Carisbrooke Castle or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/carisbrooke.

This week, we're making history at Stonehenge, as our most famous prehistoric site hosts its first ever Festival of Neolithic Ideas on 11 and 12 November 2023. Joining us to tell us more about the event and how our understanding of Stonehenge and its Neolithic builders is continuing to develop are English Heritage properties historian Dr Jennifer Wexler and head of learning and interpretation Dr Dominque Bouchard. To learn more about Stonehenge or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/stonehenge. To find out more about the festival of Neolithic ideas, go to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/stonehenge-festival-of-neolithic-ideas/ To listen to some of the other prehistory podcasts we mention in this episode, go to https://soundcloud.com/englishheritage/sets/stonehenge-and-prehistory

As the nights grow long and Halloween approaches, we're discussing the dark and sinister history of Farleigh Hungerford Castle near Bath. Home to the Hungerford family for over 300 years, it's a place where you can see Britain's best collection of human-shaped lead coffins, explore a creepy crypt and learn about murder, disaster and scandal – one part even linked to witchcraft. Joining us to explain more is historian and author of the English Heritage guidebook to Farleigh Hungerford Castle, Charles Kightly. To learn more about Farleigh Hungerford Castle or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/farleigh.

This week we're shifting our attention to Portchester Castle in Hampshire on England's south coast. Situated at the northern end of Portsmouth Harbour, this site has a history stretching back as far as the Romans. The later castle was also a place for thousands of international prisoners during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars, including 2,000 black soldiers. Joining us to talk about how the prisoners came to be here, what prison life was like for them and how their stories are being brought to life today are English Heritage's head of learning and interpretation, Dr Dominique Bouchard, education visits officer, Laura Bosworth, and associate director at Soho Theatre, Lakesha Arie-Angelo. To learn more about Portchester Castle or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/portchestercastle.

We're joined in the studio by senior properties curator Roy Porter and curator of collections and interiors Kathryn Bedford to answer all the questions we received about the Battle of Hastings from English Heritage Members and followers on our social media accounts. Join us to discover the conflict behind the battle, how the Normans managed to transport their cavalry from France and if Harold really did get killed by an arrow to the eye. Plus, we reveal how life changed for the average person in England following the battle and what might have happened if William the Conqueror had lost. To learn more about the origins, events and legacy of the Battle of Hastings, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/1066-and-the-norman-conquest.

This week, we're tracing the story of a historic heist. But it's not the one from the 1660s involving the Crown Jewels and the Tower of London that some people might recognise. This raid dates back more than 700 years to 1303 and the reign of King Edward I, taking place in unlikely surroundings. Helping us piece together the story are English Heritage's head properties curator Dr Jeremy Ashbee and medieval historian Sally Dixon-Smith. For more information about Chapter House and Pyx Chamber or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/chapter-house-and-pyx-chamber.

This week, we're celebrating a historic landmark for the London Blue Plaques scheme after our 1,000th plaque was unveiled to commemorate the work of the Women's Freedom League. To help us understand more about the plaque and the league's role in the suffrage movement in the early 20th century, we're joined by English Heritage's blue plaque historian Howard Spencer, historian Susan Skedd and writer and historian Jill Liddington. For details of our blue plaques scheme, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques.

This week you find us Audley End in Essex, where we're joined by English Heritage landscape advisor and historian, Louise Crawley and PHD student, Helen Brown, to learn how our historic gardens were designed to stimulate different senses. Join us to discover how sensory experiences can help to understand the past, how sensory experiences in the past differ from those we have now and what you should look out for during a visit to one of our historic gardens today. For details of our historic gardens or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/historic-gardens.

As a new school year gets underway, we're joined by senior properties historian Michael Carter to discover what education was like in the Middle Ages and how it compared to today's classrooms. Discover the different forms of medieval schools, the role of the monasteries as educators and how the educational opportunities differed for boys and girls. We'll also reveal what the curriculum comprised, what a medieval school day looked like and where you can find out more today. For details of the school visit opportunities at our historic sites, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/school-visits.

This week, we're talking about King Henry V, who is famous for his victory over the French at the 1415 Battle of Agincourt, his military abilities during the Hundred Years' War with France and the Shakespeare play named after him. Joining us to reveal more about this celebrated medieval king and the time he spent at Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire are head historic properties curator Dr Jeremy Ashbee and emeritus professor of medieval history at the University of Southampton Anne Curry. To discover more about the history of Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden or plan a visit, go towww.english-heritage.org.uk/kenilworth.

This week, we're heading behind the scenes at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens as the finishing touches are put on the major project to conserve and transform this historic country estate in Northumberland. Joining us to talk us through the project – which was partly funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund – and the history that has been brought to life as a result are national project manager Cheryl Moore, properties historians' team leader Dr Andrew Hann and senior gardens advisor Dr Michael Klemperer. To discover more about Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/belsay.

When we think of our most famous prehistoric site, Stonehenge, we don't automatically think of flowers. But in 1842, the site played host to a huge dahlia exhibition, attended by around 10,000 people. Joining us to reveal the story of this event and how it is being recreated over four days this autumn are English Heritage landscape advisor and historian Louise Crawley and archivist for the National Dahlia Society David Brown. To learn more about the history of Stonehenge or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/stonehenge

We're joined in the studio by senior properties historian Paul Pattison and senior properties curator Roy Porter to answer all the questions we received about the English Civil Wars and Restoration from English Heritage Members and followers on our social media. Join us to discover the origins of the war, if the Roundheads always intended the country to become a republic and the role of Scotland, Ireland and Wales in the conflicts. We'll also reveal if Oliver Cromwell really did cancel Christmas, how Charles II evaded the Parliamentary soldiers and what provided the turning point between the execution of Charles I and his son being crowned king. To learn more about the origins, events and legacy of the English Civil Wars, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/the-english-civil-wars-history-and-stories/the-english-civil-wars.

This week we're joined by broadcaster and author Anita Anand and historian Susan Skedd to reveal the story of Indian princess, campaigner for women's votes and goddaughter of Queen Victoria, Sophia Duleep Singh. Join us as we reveal how she came to be part of the British royal family, her role in the Suffragette movement and the story behind her blue plaque at her former London residence near Hampton Court. For more details about Princess Sophia Duleep Singh's blue plaque, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques/sophia-duleep-singh. With thanks to The Taylormade Trio who you can hear performing at the unveiling of Sophia's plaque, in May 2023.

This week we're joined by English Heritage senior properties historian Dr Megan Leyland to look back at the remarkable life and achievements of this former duchess, philosopher, poet, playwright, science-fiction pioneer and socialite on the 400th anniversary of her birth. Discover how Margaret Cavendish became one of the most published women of the 17th century, how she came to live at Bolsover Castle in Derbyshire and what you can learn about her during a visit today. For more details about Bolsover Castle or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/bolsover.

Russell Crowe, Kevin Costner, Erroll Flynn and Sean Connery are just a few of the actors who have performed as Robin Hood on the big screen. But who was this legendary English outlaw, whose name continues to be recognised worldwide centuries later? Helping us to understand the story of Robin Hood and his connection to English Heritage sites you can visit today are our two guests: English Heritage senior properties historian Dr Michael Carter and professor of late medieval and Reformation history at the University of Liverpool, Dr Martin Heale. To plan a visit to the English Heritage sites referenced in this episode, go to: Whitby Abbey: www.english-heritage.org.uk/whitby Rievaulx Abbey: www.english-heritage.org.uk/rievaulxabbey Roche Abbey: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/roche-abbey Rufford Abbey: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/rufford-abbey

This week, we're joined by two English Heritage curators of collections and interiors, Louise Cooling and Peter Moore, to paint a picture of one of the greatest portrait artists of the 18th century, Sir Joshua Reynolds. Discover the story of his life and art, the Reynolds paintings you can find on display at Kenwood in London today and how we're celebrating the 300th anniversary of his birth. To discover more about Kenwood or plan a visit to see its art collection yourself, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/kenwood

As we head into the summer holidays, we're turning back time to the early 20th century to explore the world with a very well-heeled couple. Stephen and Virginia Courtauld lived at Eltham Palace in southeast London, but when they weren't in residence, which was often during the British winter, they could be found cruising the world in luxury on board ocean-going liners or their own private yacht. And their well-documented travels provide a fascinating insight into the lifestyles of the 1930s wealthy elite and an era before commercial flights had gone mainstream. Taking a trip with us — and the Courtaulds — is English Heritage's properties historians team leader Dr Andrew Hann. To read more about the Courtauld's travels, go to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/courtaulds-cruises To read more about Eltham Palace or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/eltham.

This week, we're joined by English Heritage properties curator Win Scutt at Arthur's Stone in Herefordshire. We will be exploring the history of this 5,000-year-old neolithic tomb, where a team of archaeologists are about to embark on the latest round of excavations to uncover its secrets. Join us as we discuss why this fascinating site was built, who used it, what we're hoping to discover and how you can join us to see the excavations taking place. To find out more about Arthur's Stone or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/arthursstone.

When people think of the medieval peasant, they may conjure up images of the character Baldrick from the TV series Blackadder, who has arguably become the poster boy of peasantry. For most, the term ‘peasant' suggests poverty, ignorance, missing teeth, threadbare rags and poor personal hygiene, but how close is this negative image to the truth? And what was daily life actually like for them? Joining us to separate fact from fiction are English Heritage properties historian Al Oswald and Emeritus Professor of History at the University of Leicester Christopher Dyer, who were both involved in the investigations at the famous deserted medieval village of Wharram Percy in North Yorkshire. To find out more about Wharram Percy Deserted Medieval Village or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/wharram-percy.

Today, we're out for a walk to celebrate an anniversary. The Ridgeway is sometimes referred to as England's oldest road — and this year also marks its 50th anniversary as a designated National Trail. But how far back into history does this track go? What can you find along its route? And what is its link to the summer solstice? Joining us to show us the way are anthropologist, TV presenter and author Mary-Ann Ochota and English Heritage properties historian Dr Jennifer Wexler. To find out more about The Ridgeway or plan your own walk along the National Trail, go to www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/the-ridgeway. To find out more about the Uffington Castle — White Horse and Dragon Hill or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/uffington-castle-white-horse-and-dragon-hill. To discover how you can take part in scouring the White Horse, in August 2023, visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/white-horse-hill/events/c48bd919-77da-4d2a-9e46-500ef63fcd9b

How do you maintain a castle? And not just any castle – one that's stood tall for over 850 years but has recently started to show its age. Well, that's the question we're putting to our English Heritage experts following a £1 million conservation project to rescue the unique keep of Orford Castle in Suffolk. This eye-catching stronghold has weathered many storms – both physical and metaphorical – in its time and, after a much-needed facelift, is ready to welcome a new generation of visitors. Talking us through the transformation are head historic properties curator and castle expert Dr Jeremy Ashbee and senior properties curator Dr Shelley Garland. To find out more or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/orford.

This week, we're joined by English Heritage's head of learning and interpretation Dr Dominique Bouchard and interpretation coordinator Nick Collinson to shine a light on the lives of the LGBTQ+ people from the past who have a connection to our properties or are commemorated through London blue plaques. Join us to discover the stories of Lord Beauchamp, Anne Seymour Damer, Virginia Woolf and Radclyffe Hall, and what we're doing to share more stories of LGBTQ+ people at our sites. To discover more LGBTQ+ history, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/lgbtq-history.

This week, we're joined by English Heritage properties historian Andrew Roberts and curator Cameron Moffet to explore the story of Wroxeter Roman city in Shropshire. Though a small village today, Wroxeter was once the fourth largest town in Roman Britain, when it was known as Viriconium. It was almost the same size as Pompeii in Italy and its true size can best be judged by the scale of the surviving defences and ramparts. Discover how the city grew out of a legionary fortress, what life would have been like for its residents and how we're sharing its story in new ways with visitors today. To find out more or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/wroxeter.

This week, we're English Heritage's curator of collections and interiors Dr Peter Moore and Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences archivist Sandra Jane Freshney to reveal how Audley End House in Essex became home to a diverse collection of natural history specimens and curiosities dating back to the 19th century. Discover the story of amateur scientific collectors Richard and Jane Neville, how and where they obtained their specimens and the objects from their collection that visitors to Audley End can see during a visit today. To find out more or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/audleyend.

From a military base to a thriving port town and back again, Richborough Roman Fort in Kent is a hugely significant Roman site in Britain, often referred to as the ‘gateway to Britannia'. As work concludes on a major project to share its stories with visitors in new and innovative ways, we're joined by senior properties historian Paul Pattison and curator of collections and interiors Kathryn Bedford to discuss the fort's history, and the exciting new additions that today's visitors can expect to find. To find out more or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/richborough.

This week we're taking a look at how people literally left their mark on history through graffiti. Although we tend to think of graffiti as relatively modern phenomenon, the impulse to scratch, scrawl and draw on walls and buildings is nothing new — and there are plenty of examples at English Heritage sites. Joining us to reveal more are English Heritage's senior curator Kevin Booth and Emma Bryning, who is studying our historic graffiti as part of her PHD at the University of York. To discover the story of the remarkable graffiti left by conscientious objectors at Richmond Castle, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/richmond-castle/richmond-graffiti.

As the nation celebrates King Charles III's coronation, we're joined by English Heritage's head historic properties curator Jeremy Ashbee and senior properties historian Steven Brindle to look back at the long and colourful history of royal coronations. Discover who was the first English monarch to be formally crowned, how the ceremony, regalia and anthems have changed over time, and the previous coronations where things didn't quite go according to plan. To discover more about the coronation of Charles III, please visit https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/coronation2023/.

This week we're focusing our attention on Warkworth Castle. Once the favoured residence of the powerful Earls of Northumberland, we'll discover the fascinating history of this ruined medieval fortress and a new project to share its stories in new and exciting ways with today's visitors. Joining us in the studio to explain more are English Heritage Properties Historian Dr Will Wyeth and Senior Interpretation Manager Joe Savage. To discover more or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/warkworth

We're joined in the studio by Senior Properties Historian Dr Amy Boyington to answer your questions about the Georgians. Famed for its fashions, grand houses and Industrial Revolution, this is a chapter of English history that many of us will be familiar with through Jane Austen novels, their TV and film adaptations, and, more recently, the Netflix series Bridgerton. Join us to discover the difference between the Georgian and Regency period, what was on the menu, where the era-defining fashion for powdered wigs came from and much more. To learn more about life in Georgian England, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/story-of-england/georgians

This week, we're at a temporal and cultural crossroads in the early story of the British Isles. It's the Iron Age – a time when the political landscape of the British Isles was complex and fragmented, with competing and collaborating groups ruling different regions. But their way of life was under threat from a powerful empire from the south: The Romans. We're joined by English Heritage Properties Historian Dr Andrew Roberts and the Curator of the European Iron Age collections at the British Museum Dr Julia Farley to discuss how two native queens responded in very different ways to full-scale Roman invasion, their fates, and, of course, their historic legacies. To learn more about Cartimandua, Queen of the Brigantes, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/women-in-history/cartimandua

This week we're joined by Collections Curator Susan Harrison, Senior Properties Historian Dr Steven Brindle and Interpretation Manager Ruth Haycock to discuss a new project to bring the story of Lindisfarne Priory on Holy Island in Northumberland to life. Learn about the monks who lived here, the cult of St Cuthbert, the famous Lindisfarne Gospels, the vicious Viking raid of AD 793 and the new displays, artefacts and experiences that you can discover during a visit. To discover more or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/lindisfarne

Today, we're shining a light on the clandestine machinations of high-ranking spy Jane Whorwood, who worked for King Charles I during the English Civil War. Her story is one of mystery, intrigue, coded letters, codenames, ambiguous and strained relations, high stakes, high drama and personal disappointment. Joining us to steer us through her life and legacy is our special guest contributor Nadine Akkerman, who is Professor of Early Modern Literature and Culture at Leiden University in the Netherlands. To read more about Jane Whorwood's life, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/carisbrooke-castle/history/jane-whorwood

This week, we reveal the colourful history of Launceston Castle. This site has served as the administrative headquarters for the Duchy of Cornwall, a courthouse, a prison, a pleasure garden and a Second World War hospital. The castle is also home to an intriguing collection of artefacts discovered during site excavations, including a near-complete whale vertebra measuring more than half-a-metre across. Joining us to pick up the story are Curator of Collections Ian Leins and Head of Historic Properties for Cornwall and Devon Georgia Butters. To discover more about Launceston Castle or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/launceston

Women's history is often lost to the ages, obscured or even unexplored. But there are numerous examples of women from the past who have played a pivotal role in shaping England and who are linked to sites that are now in the care of English Heritage. Joining us to discuss some of these stories, and to explore why it's important to celebrate the achievements of women in the past, are Senior Properties Historian for English Heritage Dr Amy Boyington and British art historian Dr Janina Ramirez. To discover more stories of inspiring women throughout English history, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/women-in-history

This week, we're joined by Senior Properties Historian Steven Brindle to discuss the life and legacy of Britain's most famous architect, Sir Christopher Wren, as we approach the 300th anniversary of his death. We discuss how he discovered his talent for design, his commission to create St Paul's Cathedral and a possible link to Stonehenge in Wiltshire. To discover the story of Christopher Wren's blue plaque at his former London home, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques/christopher-wren

This week, we're talking about one of the oldest and most important Neolithic sites in Britain, which has recently come into English Heritage's care. Thornborough Henges comprises three circular earthworks that dot the landscape about seven miles north of the cathedral city of Ripon in North Yorkshire. We're joined by former Senior Properties Historian Dr Susan Greaney and Senior Interpretation Manager Joe Savage to reveal the history of these henges, their significance and how their story will be told to future visitors. To learn more about English Heritage's prehistoric sites or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/prehistoric-monuments

One of 16 forts along Hadrian's Wall, Carrawburgh Roman Fort is also home to the Temple of Mithras, which was built to worship a Persian god. But who was Mithras, what was Mithraism and why was the temple built here, in northern England? Joining us to reveal all are Senior Properties Historian Paul Pattison and Curator of Hadrian's Wall and the North East Dr Frances McIntosh. To learn more about Roman life along Hadrian's Wall or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/hadrianswall

This week, we're joined by two ancient pottery technology specialists – father and daughter team Graham Taylor and Sarah Lord – and Stonehenge Interpretation Manager Melanie Coussens to explore potted history at our most famous Neolithic site. Discover the role of eating and drinking vessels in prehistoric daily life, where they've been found in the landscape, what they were made of and how replicas of them made today are helping visitors get closer to the ancient past. To learn more about prehistoric life at Stonehenge or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/stonehenge

This week, we're making our own little piece of history as we reach episode 200 of the English Heritage Podcast. To celebrate, we're joined by English Heritage's Chief Executive Kate Mavor and Head of Learning and Interpretation Dr Dominique Bouchard to discuss six amazing but little-known sites to visit in 2023, which have all benefitted from a major project to re-tell their stories in new and exciting ways. To plan a visit to any of our sites, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit

We're joined by Senior Properties Historian Steven Brindle and historian Karen Hearn to discuss the story of Lady Anne Clifford (1590–1676). As High Sheriff of Westmorland and the last member of one of England's great medieval dynasties, she became something of a legend in her own lifetime and has remained a celebrated figure in the history of northern England ever since. We'll reveal how, after fighting a 40-year battle for her right to inherit her father's estates, she devoted herself to restoring and enhancing the castles and churches on her lands. To read more about Lady Anne Clifford's life, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/women-in-history/anne-clifford

This week we're returning to Osborne, Queen Victoria's home on the Isle of Wight. With its sandy beach and beautiful gardens, it's often been depicted as something of a holiday home for Victoria and her family. But, as we'll discover, this impressive island retreat was also a real political powerhouse. Joining us to explain more are English Heritage's Properties Historians' Team Leader Dr Andrew Hann and Dr Lee Butcher, who researched Osborne's place as a global diplomatic hub as part of his PhD studies. To discover more about Osborne or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/osborne

This week, we're joined in the studio by Senior Properties Historian Dr Amy Boyington and Properties Curator Roy Porter to answer all your questions about the Tudors. Discover what Henry VIII's relationship was like with his father, if Jane Seymour was the favourite of his six wives and whether he bonded with his own children. Plus, we'll reveal what treats you might have found at a Tudor feast, what sports the Tudors liked to play and which Tudor monarch might be considered the greatest of them all. To learn more about life in Tudor England, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/story-of-england/tudors

This month marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of an English biologist, naturalist and explorer who helped develop the theory of evolution in the middle of the 19th century. No, we're not talking about Charles Darwin, but rather his contemporary Alfred Russel Wallace. Joining us to talk about Wallace's life, his blue plaque and the role he played in the development of evolutionary theory, is Senior Historian for the blue plaques scheme, Howard Spencer, and Head Gardener at Home of Charles Darwin – Down House, Antony O'Rourke. To learn more about our blue plaques scheme, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/blue-plaques To plan a visit to Down House, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/downhouse

We're joined by English Heritage's Senior Gardens Advisor Dr Michael Klemperer and historian and author Emma Kay to embark on a culinary odyssey from prehistory to Victorian times and reveal what our ancestors ate during the cold months of winter. Discover how Neolithic hunter gatherers sustained themselves, what the Romans did for our diet and the tasty treats you might have found on the table of a Tudor king. To see a timeline of food in Britain, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/history-and-stories/history/food-and-feasting-at-stonehenge/food-timeline

This week, we're taking a very festive look back at the Christmas traditions that started in the Victorian period and are still with us today. We'll also examine the role that Charles Dickens played in shaping Christmas as we know it – and find out how the man himself celebrated the festive season with his family. Joining us are Properties Historians' Team Leader, Dr Andrew Hann, and Director of the Dickens Museum in London, Dr Cindy Sughrue. To learn more about the Victorian origins of some of today's Christmas traditions, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/christmas/victorian-christmas-traditions

As Christmas festivities get into full swing, we're delving into the history of the Roman midwinter festival Saturnalia to discover what it was, how it was observed and its role in influencing today's traditions. Guiding us through the history of this ancient pagan celebration is Curator for Hadrian's Wall and the North East region, Dr Frances McIntosh. To find out more about the history of Christmas, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/christmas/the-history-of-christmas

When you visit the ruins of abbeys and priories today, it can be hard to imagine that these places were once teeming with people – and not just monks and nuns, with an army of workers employed to keep them running smoothly. We're joined by Senior Properties Historian Dr Michael Carter to look back at working life at England's medieval monasteries and discuss the role and importance of servants in their stories. To find out more about our abbeys and priories, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/monasteries-and-abbeys

Built around 1365 to house Edward III's treasures and known as the ‘King's Privy Wardrobe', the Jewel Tower has a fascinating history stretching back over 650 years. We're joined by Head Curator Dr Jeremy Ashbee to discover the rich history of this intriguing building in the heart of Westminster that few people have heard of – but have almost certainly seen on TV. To find out more about the Jewel Tower or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/jewel-tower

On the centenary of the founding of the Irish Free State, we're joined by English Heritage blue plaques historian Howard Spencer and senior lecturer in modern history at the University of Sheffield, Dr Caoimhe Nic Dháibhéid, to discover how it came to exist, who the key players were and how the story of its creation still resonates today. To find out more about our London blue plaques, including those relating to the story of the Irish Free State, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques