The Remarkable Story Behind the World's First Underwater Tunnel | London History Podcast Ep. 137

In episode 137 of the London History Podcast, join host Hazel Baker and guest Katherine MacAlpine, Director of the Brunel Museum, as they delve into the fascinating history of the world's first tunnel under a river - the Thames Tunnel.

Built by the pioneering father-son duo Marc and Isambard Kingdom Brunel in the Victorian era, this podcast explores the challenges, innovations, and engineering genius that made this groundbreaking project possible.

Learn about the tunnel's construction, its transformation into a pedestrian foot tunnel and later a railway tunnel, and the legacy of the Brunel family.

Discover artifacts, stories, and the impact of this historic achievement on modern engineering. Don't miss out on exclusive glimpses into the Brunel Museum's exhibits, including Mark Brunel's personal items and the intriguing events surrounding the Thames Tunnel.

00:00 Introduction to the London History Podcast

00:43 The Brunel Family and the Thames Tunnel

01:58 Challenges and Innovations in Tunnel Construction

05:43 Financial Struggles and Public Perception

23:44 The Tunnel's Legacy and Modern Impact

31:02 Upcoming Exhibitions and Events at the Brunel Museum

34:05 Conclusion and Special Offer

More content at https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast

🎙️ London's Printing Revolution & the Birth of Children's Literature | The London History Podcast

Join Hazel Baker for a fascinating journey through 1740s London, a city alive with ink, ambition, and innovation. In this episode of The London History Podcast, we uncover how a tiny chapbook, Tommy Thumb’s Pretty Song Book, helped transform childhood reading – and how a widowed woman publisher, Mary Cooper, quietly reshaped literary history from her shop on Paternoster Row.

📚 Discover:

• The buzz of London’s book trade around St Paul’s Cathedral

• The Statute of Anne and how it revolutionised copyright

• Mary Cooper and Thomas Longman – trailblazers of modern publishing

• The engraving artistry of George Bickham the Younger

• What was inside Tommy Thumb’s Pretty Song Book – and what was lost

• Why only two copies of the book are known to survive

• How nursery rhymes travelled from street cries to storybooks

• The hidden role of women in the eighteenth-century print trade

This episode is packed with rich detail – from political tensions of the Jacobite rising to the changing face of children’s literature, and from the smells of damp paper to the sound of rhymes still sung today.

🎧 Whether you are a book lover, historian, educator, or simply curious about the untold stories behind everyday culture, this episode will leave you seeing nursery rhymes – and London itself – in a whole new light.

🔔 Subscribe to never miss an episode
💬 Share with someone who loves history, literature, or London
🌐 Find bonus content at: https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast

Who was William Beckford, and why does his name still spark debate today? Born in Jamaica in 1709, Beckford became one of the wealthiest men in Britain through sugar plantations powered by enslaved labour. Twice elected Lord Mayor of London, he was a towering political figure in Georgian society—renowned for his opulent lifestyle and his bold speech to King George III in 1770.

In this episode of the London History Podcast, we uncover the life and legacy of William Beckford, exploring his rise to power, his deep ties to the transatlantic slave economy, and the impact of colonial wealth on the City of London. We ask: how did Beckford shape London’s political and cultural life, and why does his story matter today?

Join us as we examine the complicated history behind one of the most influential—and controversial—figures of 18th-century London.

Welcome to the London History Podcast. In this episode, we journey through the cobbled streets of Victorian London, where the sound of barrel organs and the chatter of Italian voices once filled the air.

Join Hazel Baker as she uncovers the remarkable story of Little Italy—a vibrant immigrant enclave in Clerkenwell, shaped by migration, resilience, and transformation. We’ll walk the lanes immortalised by Dickens, meet the artisans and street musicians who brought the city to life, and explore how their music became the soundtrack of London’s streets.

From the crowded workshops of Eyre Street Hill to the legal battles over street music, this is a tale of hope, hardship, and the indelible mark left by London’s Italian community. Tune in for Episode 134: Organ Grinders of Little Italy

For all other episodes visit London Guided Walks

In our forthcoming podcast episode, we're joined by the distinguished James McVinnie to delve into the fascinating world of organ music, marking the 70th anniversary of the Royal Festival Hall organ. McVinnie will discuss the instrument's significant historical impact and its role in the evolution of organ music in London and further afield. We'll explore how the organ, conceived in the post-war era, reflects the cultural shifts of its time through the vision of Ralph Downes.

Our guest is James McVinnie, known for his broad repertoire that ranges from early organ music to contemporary compositions by Nico Muhly and Tristan Perich, will share how he navigates the vast musical landscapes of different eras in his performances. The discussion will also touch on "Infinity Gradient" by Perich, an innovative piece that reimagines the organ's potential in synthesis and music, potentially setting the direction for the instrument's future.

As McVinnie travels performing across the globe, he plays an increasingly important role in redefining the organ as an instrument of both historical depth and modern relevance. Looking ahead, he'll share his vision for the organ's future and how he aims to contribute to its ongoing evolution. Finally, McVinnie will offer invaluable advice for young musicians interested in exploring the organ and its possibilities in contemporary music. Join us for an engaging journey into the heart of organ music with one of its most forward-thinking performers.

In today's episode, we're journeying back to the turn of the 20th century, to a time when the streets of London and beyond were stages for one of the most significant campaigns in the fight for women's rights: the battle for the right to vote.

https://londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast/episode-132-suffragetteor-suffragist/

Welcome to our exploration of one of London's most extraordinary chapters from the First World War: the story of Endell Street Military Hospital, a groundbreaking institution that was not only at the forefront of medical innovation but also a testament to the indomitable spirit and resilience of women. Founded in 1915, amidst the chaos of a world at war, Endell Street stood out for being entirely run by women, from its surgeons to its orderlies. This was at a time when the medical profession was almost exclusively male-dominated, making the hospital a radical experiment in both medicine and gender equality.

Join us as we journey through time with seasoned Mudlarker Anna Borzello, uncovering the stories embedded in the mud of the Thames and celebrating the enduring legacy of London's past inhabitants. Through her discoveries, we are reminded of the power of material culture to bridge the gap between past and present, offering us an intimate glimpse into the lives of those who walked the streets of London centuries ago.

In our conversation with Anna Borzello, we will delve into the significance of these finds and explore how mudlarking serves as a unique form of historical investigation, connecting us with the physical remnants of the past. Her insights will undoubtedly enrich our understanding of 17th-century London, illuminating the lives of its people in a way that resonates with both historians and the public alike.