Shows
Forgotten Towns1000 - LargsSeries 12 Episode 11 - LARGS (# 1,000 Visited 25/08/2025)Renfrewshire, Scotland : Population 11,260 (Rank # 858)The show that sees us reach the end of the trail: Will your narrator escape with sobriety or dignity? Will he be bludgeoned by his AI sidekick? All will be revealed in this feature-length final episode.MUSICSo You'll Aim Toward the Sky - GrandaddyWe've Been Everywhere - Forgotten Towns ft. PatriciaBye Bye - The CleanTHANKSThe priorietor and patrons of Broome...
2025-12-2515 min
Forgotten Towns999 - GourockSeries 12 Episode 10 - GOUROCK (# 999 Visited 25/08/2025)Renfrewshire, Scotland : Population 10,350 (Rank # 909)An emergency episode of '999' heralds the 999th town on our list.MUSIC999 BBC1 Theme Tune - Roger BoltonI Can See For Miles - The WhoTHANKSMichael BuerkThe staff of Cleats Bar, GourockThe Buildings of Scotland (Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full...
2025-12-0905 min
Forgotten Towns998 - GreenockSeries 12 Episode 9 - GREENOCK (# 998 Visited 25/08/2025)Renfrewshire, Scotland : Population 42,680 (Rank # 249)Our antepenultimate excursion takes us 'doon the watter' to Sugaropolis.MUSICMusic Box Dancer - Frank MillsThis Town - The Go-Go'sThe Last Farewell - Roger WhittakerDurham Town (The Leavin') - Roger WhittakerTHANKSThe Buildings of Scotland (Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details...
2025-12-0405 min
Forgotten Towns997 - Port GlasgowSeries 12 Episode 8 - PORT GLASGOW (# 997 Visited 25/08/2025)Renfrewshire, Scotland : Population 14,620 (Rank # 697)Get yourself filled in on Port Glasgow's shipbuilding as we go diving for pearls of wisdom.MUSICMusic Box Dancer - Frank MillsShipbuilding - Robert WyattTHANKSThe Buildings of Scotland (Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org
2025-11-2505 min
Forgotten Towns996 - BarrheadSeries 12 Episode 7 - BARRHEAD (# 996 Visited 25/08/2025)Renfrewshire, Scotland : Population 17,610 (Rank # 592)Save your thankses; we're flushing out Shanks's... and other elements of Barrhead's industrial past.MUSICMusic Box Dancer - Frank MillsCarry On At Your Convenience (Opening Theme) - Eric RogersDurham Town (The Leavin') - Roger WhittakerTHANKSThe Buildings of Scotland (Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full...
2025-11-2005 min
Forgotten Towns995 - Newton MearnsSeries 12 Episode 6 - NEWTON MEARNS (# 995 Visited 25/08/2025)Renfrewshire, Scotland : Population 26,600 (Rank # 401)Bagpiping suburban fact into travelogue fiction.MUSICMusic Box Dancer - Frank MillsScotland The Brave - The Auld Town Band & PipesTHANKSThe Buildings of Scotland (Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire) - Pevsner, N. et alF EdgarVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org
2025-11-0905 min
Forgotten Towns994 - BonhillSeries 12 Episode 5 - BONHILL (# 994 Visited 24/08/2025)Dunbartonshire, Scotland : Population 9,050 (Rank # 988)Is the Leven going to get us down, or will we distract ourselves with the not-so-great library of Alexandria? The first half of the final season winds up in Dunbartonshire.MUSICHeartsong - Gordon GiltrapDear Catastrophe Waitress - Belle & SebastianDurham Town (The Leavin') - Roger WhittakerVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns...
2025-10-1605 min
Forgotten Towns993 - ErskineSeries 12 Episode 4 - ERSKINE (# 993 Visited 24/08/2025)Renfrewshire, Scotland : Population 15,510 (Rank # 658)The one where we pay tribute to the late Anne Gregg, for no obvious reason.MUSICHeartsong - Gordon GiltrapGet On Up - James BrownThe Last Farewell - Roger WhittakerDurham Town (The Leavin') - Roger WhittakerTHANKSAnne Gregg (1940-2006)BBC Holiday 89 (Episode 11 - 16/03/1989)The staff of Spar, ErskineThe Buildings of Scotland (Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements...
2025-10-0805 min
Forgotten Towns992 - JohnstoneSeries 12 Episode 3 - JOHNSTONE (# 992 Visited 23/08/2025)Renfrewshire, Scotland : Population 16,090 (Rank # 639)What local lad Gordon Ramsay might've made of my black pudding supper is anyone's guess and, as he'd probably have peppered Callum's karaoke with profanity, it's just as well we didn't invite him.MUSICHeartsong - Gordon GiltrapSmalltown Boy - S3 Klassiker (orig. Bronski Beat)I Am A Cider Drinker - The Wurzels (orig.)Forever In Blue Jeans - Neil Diamond (orig.)Some Girls - Racey (orig.)This Town - The Go-Go'sThe Last Farewell...
2025-10-0105 min
Forgotten Towns991 - GiffnockSeries 12 Episode 2 - GIFFNOCK (# 991 Visited 23/08/2025)Renfrewshire, Scotland : Population 12,300 (Rank # 802)Don't panic! My AI companion makes an unexpected return to the fray, but Giffnock has coped with worse in the past.MUSICHeartsong - Gordon GiltrapPanic - The SmithsThe Last Farewell - Roger WhittakerDurham Town (The Leavin') - Roger WhittakerTHANKSThe staff of the Giffnock CafeThe Buildings of Scotland (Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire) - Pevsner, N. et al
2025-09-2405 min
Forgotten Towns990 - ClarkstonSeries 12 Episode 1 - CLARKSTON (# 990 Visited 23/08/2025)Renfrewshire, Scotland : Population 9,860 (Rank # 939)The final season gets underway in this slice of Scotland's suburbia where things can occasionally get explosive.MUSICDurham Town (The Leavin') - Roger WhittakerHeartsong - Gordon GiltrapThis Town - The Go-Go'sThe Last Farewell - Roger WhittakerTHANKSThe Buildings of Scotland (Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with...
2025-09-1905 min
Forgotten Towns989 - TeignmouthSeries 11 Episode 9 - TEIGNMOUTH (# 989 Visited 14/04/2025)Devon, England : Population 15,597 (Rank # 652)We pay homage to doomed single-handed sailor Donald Crowhurst as we, like him, wave goodbye to England for the final time.MUSICSailing By - Ronald BingeThe Deception - iLiKETRAiNSEternal Father Strong To Save - Portsmouth Cathedral Choir & CongregationTHANKSThe staff and patrons of The Ship Inn, TeignmouthThe Buildings of England (Devon) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns...
2025-08-2205 min
Forgotten Towns987 - KingsteigntonSeries 11 Episode 7 - KINGSTEIGNTON (# 987 Visited 14/04/2025)Devon, England : Population 10,857 (Rank # 877)We find out all about the King's Town on the Teign... or Kingsteignton as we like to call it, to save time in another jam-packed 5 minute episode.MUSICTubular Bells Part II (Sailor's Hornpipe) - Mike OldfieldLondon Girls - Chas 'n' DaveTHANKSThe staff of The Kings Arms, KingsteigntonThe Buildings of England (Devon) - Pevsner, N. et al
2025-08-1205 min
Forgotten Towns986 - Newton AbbotSeries 11 Episode 6 - NEWTON ABBOT (# 986 Visited 14/04/2025)Devon, England : Population 26,951 (Rank # 395)What links Charles I, Serge Pizzorno, William III and David Vine? The answer is Newton Abbot, and you may now add me to that list.MUSICTubular Bells Part II (Sailor's Hornpipe) - Mike OldfieldDrag Racer - The Doug Wood BandProcessed Beats - KasabianPop Looks Bach - Sam FonteynFire - KasabianTHANKSThe staff of The Railway Brewhouse, Newton AbbotCrossCountry TrainsThe Buildings of England (Devon) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org
2025-08-0605 min
Forgotten Towns985 - BrixhamSeries 11 Episode 5 - BRIXHAM (# 985 Visited 13/04/2025)Devon, England : Population 16,977 (Rank # 607)Ever confuse Brixham with Brixton? Today's trip to the seaside helps identify some basic differences.MUSICTubular Bells Part II (Sailor's Hornpipe) - Mike OldfieldThe Guns Of Brixton - The ClashDown To Margate - Chas 'n' DaveTHANKSThe staff of Rockfish, BrixhamThe staff of The Queen's Arms, BrixhamStagecoach South WestThe Buildings of England...
2025-08-0105 min
Forgotten Towns984 - PaigntonSeries 11 Episode 4 - PAIGNTON (# 984 Visited 11/04/2025)Devon, England : Population 66,878 (Rank # 142)Amidst beery distractions of the nearby CAMRA AGM and a visit to Paignton's own brewery, we take a stroll around this popular Devon resort.MUSICClassical Gas - Mason WilliamsPainter Man - Boney MTHANKSThe organizers, staff and attendees of the Campaign for Real Ale AGM 2025The congregation of All Saints Church, TorreThe staff and patrons of Paignton Conservative Club
2025-07-3005 min
Forgotten Towns983 - IvybridgeSeries 11 Episode 3 - IVYBRIDGE (# 983 Visited 11/04/2025)Devon, England : Population 11,727 (Rank # 827)Find out whether one hour's parking is enough for us to properly get to grips with the 'Gateway to the Moors'.MUSICClassical Gas - Mason WilliamsLondon Girls - Chas 'n' DaveTHANKSThe Buildings of England (Devon) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https...
2025-07-1605 min
Forgotten Towns982 - PlymstockSeries 11 Episode 2 - PLYMSTOCK (# 982 Visited 11/04/2025)Devon, England : Population 25,610 (Rank # 419)Do you think you could have bettered our host on the 'Plymstock Charity Shop Challenge'?MUSICClassical Gas - Mason WilliamsLove Will Tear Us Apart - Joy DivisionLondon Girls - Chas 'n' DaveOn Broadway (Live) - Gary NumanF.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E. - Pulp with the Anne Dudley Orchestra
2025-07-1105 min
Forgotten Towns981 - TavistockSeries 11 Episode 1 - TAVISTOCK (# 981 Visited 11/04/2025)Devon, England : Population 12,504 (Rank # 795)This sunny season opener sees booksellers battling for my custom as we return to South West England.MUSICClassical Gas - Mason WilliamsLondon Girls - Chas 'n' DaveTHANKSThe proprietors of The Bahamas, TorquayThe staff of The Book Stop, TavistockThe congregation of St Eustachius, TavistockThe Buildings of England (Devon) - Pevsner, N. et al
2025-07-0805 min
Forgotten Towns980 - CambuslangSeries 10 Episode 10 - CAMBUSLANG (# 980 Visited 24/02/2025)Lanarkshire, Scotland : Population 29,100 (Rank # 366)We give the Scottish government a bloody nose but fail to impress Midge Ure during this farewell to Lanarkshire.MUSICMoscow - Orange JuiceVienna - UltravoxTHANKSScotrailThe staff of The John Fairweather, CambuslangVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org
2025-06-1405 min
Forgotten Towns979 - BlantyreSeries 10 Episode 9 - BLANTYRE (# 979 Visited 24/02/2025)Lanarkshire, Scotland : Population 16,900 (Rank # 611)As the rhetorical question has it, who shall explore the birthplace of the explorer himself? The answer: me.MUSICMoscow - Orange JuiceLoaded - Primal ScreamA Horse With No Name - AmericaThe Quiet Man O' Lanarkshire - Alexander BrothersWalk Like A Panther - The All Seeing I (ft. Tony Christie)THANKSFirst Bus
2025-06-0905 min
Forgotten Towns978 - East KilbrideSeries 10 Episode 8 - EAST KILBRIDE (# 978 Visited 24/02/2025)Lanarkshire, Scotland : Population 75,120 (Rank # 122)We chart the development of our largest previously unvisited town via the music of habitually underappreciated local band, The Jesus & Mary Chain.MUSICDeep One Perfect Morning - The Jesus & Mary ChainApril Skies - The Jesus & Mary ChainHappy When It Rains - The Jesus & Mary ChainHalfway To Crazy - The Jesus & Mary ChainJust Like Honey - The Jesus & Mary ChainSomething's...
2025-06-0205 min
Forgotten Towns977 - HamiltonSeries 10 Episode 7 - HAMILTON (# 977 Visited 24/02/2025)Lanarkshire, Scotland : Population 54,080 (Rank # 179)Forget Lewis or Alexander. This is the original Hamilton. But is it the best? Take five minutes listening to find out.MUSICMoscow - Orange JuiceTiptoe Through The Tulips - Tiny TimA Horse With No Name - AmericaThe Quiet Man O' Lanarkshire - Alexander BrothersPawn Shops And A Liquor Store - The VegabondsThe Darlings Of Lumberland - They Might Be Giants
2025-05-2605 min
Forgotten Towns976 - LarkhallSeries 10 Episode 6 - LARKHALL (# 976 Visited 24/02/2025)Lanarkshire, Scotland : Population 14,740 (Rank # 690)We head to the terminus of the Argyle Line to get outside a 'full Scottish' and inspect a tall crumbling viaduct.MUSICMoscow - Orange JuiceA Horse With No Name - AmericaThe Quiet Man o'Lanarkshire - Alexander BrothersTHANKSThe staff of The LaverockhaVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge...
2025-05-2105 min
Forgotten Towns975 - ViewparkSeries 10 Episode 5 - VIEWPARK (# 975 Visited 22/02/2025)Lanarkshire, Scotland : Population 15,770 (Rank # 648)It may not be one of the smallest towns, but Viewpark is probably one of the more anonymous. We attempt to get an insight... before actually getting a taxi.MUSICHit & Miss - The John Barry SevenA Horse With No Name - AmericaJoe Le Taxi - Vanessa ParadisTHANKSA1 Radio CarsVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with...
2025-05-0705 min
Forgotten Towns974 - BellshillSeries 10 Episode 4 - BELLSHILL (# 973 Visited 22/02/2025)Lanarkshire, Scotland : Population 20,290 (Rank # 524)Forget New York and London; this Lanarkshire town punches way above its weight in the music department. Your pop correspondent reports.MUSICIs It Music? - Teenage FanclubU Got The Look - Prince & Sheena EastonA Horse With No Name - AmericaThe Quiet Man O' Lanarkshire - The Alexander BrothersTHANKSScotrailVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org
2025-05-0305 min
Forgotten Towns973 - WishawSeries 10 Episode 3 - WISHAW (# 972 Visited 22/02/2025)Lanarkshire, Scotland : Population 30,290 (Rank # 352)Scotland slide towards Calcutta Cup defeat whilst bar room conversation takes a distinctly morbid turn.MUSICHit & Miss - The John Barry SevenA Horse With No Name - AmericaThe Quiet Man O' Lanarkshire - The Alexander BrothersTHANKSScotrailBig DaveyThe staff of The Imperial Bar, WishawVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with...
2025-04-3005 min
Forgotten Towns972 - CarlukeSeries 10 Episode 2 - CARLUKE (# 972 Visited 22/02/2025)Lanarkshire, Scotland : Population 13,320 (Rank # 758)We map the good and the bad of Carluke via questionable beer choices in the quietest available local bar.MUSICHit & Miss - The John Barry SevenA Horse With No Name - AmericaThe Quiet Man O' Lanarkshire - The Alexander BrothersTHANKSScotrailM A BicknellThe staff of The Kirkton Inn, CarlukeVisit...
2025-04-1105 min
Forgotten Towns971 - LanarkSeries 10 Episode 1 - LANARK (# 971 Visited 22/02/2025)Lanarkshire, Scotland : Population 9,050 (Rank # 989)Season 10 eventually gets out of the blocks after a false start with a visit to the ancestral home of the co-operative movement.MUSICHit & Miss - The John Barry SevenA Horse With No Name - AmericaThe Quiet Man O' Lanarkshire - The Alexander BrothersTHANKSCaledonian SleeperAvanti West CoastScotrailM A BicknellThe...
2025-04-0805 min
Forgotten Towns970 - BallyclareSeries 9 Episode 8 - BALLYCLARE (# 970 Visited 21/10/2024)County Antrim, Northern Ireland : Population 9,919 (Rank # 934)In between 'bus uncertanties, Ballyclare is our final town on the clockwise circumnavigation of The North.MUSICJoy - Apollo 100It's Grim Up North - The Justified Ancients Of Mu MuI'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) - The ProclaimersThe Visitors - ABBAForgotten Towns - The ChristiansFor Reasons Unknown - The KillersTHANKSUlsterbus...
2025-03-1905 min
Forgotten Towns969 - BallymenaSeries 9 Episode 7 - BALLYMENA (# 969 Visited 21/10/2024)County Antrim, Northern Ireland : Population 29,467 (Rank # 362)Centuries of musical conflict culminate in £2 wasted on Charlie's 'Higher / Lower' sweep: just a standard Monday afternoon in this NI market town.MUSICJoy - Apollo 100Strawberry Fields Forever - The BeatlesWindmills Of Your Mind - Noel HarrisonTHANKSNorthern Ireland RailwaysThe staff and patrons of Charlie's, BallymenaVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with A...
2025-03-1205 min
Forgotten Towns968 - BallymoneySeries 9 Episode 6 - BALLYMONEY (# 968 Visited 21/10/2024)County Antrim, Northern Ireland : Population 10,393 (Rank # 908)This may be a slightly run-down hotbed of disaffection with the mainstream, but it does have its own pop plant.MUSICJoy - Apollo 100Strawberry Fields Forever - The BeatlesWindmills Of Your Mind - Noel HarrisonTHANKSNorthern Ireland RailwaysJeeves And Wooster - Granada TelevisionThe staff of Tesco, BallymoneyVisit the...
2025-03-0605 min
Forgotten Towns967 - ColeraineSeries 9 Episode 5 - COLERAINE (# 967 Visited 21/10/2024)County Londonderry, Northern Ireland : Population 24,630 (Rank # 436)If it was good enough for a Mesolithic hut circle, it's probably a reasonable bet for my Ulster fry.MUSICJoy - Apollo 100Strawberry Fields Forever - The BeatlesWindmills Of Your Mind - Noel HarrisonTHANKSUlsterbusNorthern Ireland RailwaysThe staff of Rocca, ColeraineVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie...
2025-02-2705 min
Forgotten Towns966 - LimavadySeries 9 Episode 4 - LIMAVADY (# 966 Visited 20/10/2024)County Londonderry, Northern Ireland : Population 12,047 (Rank # 811)Live music ends up dominating our evening, albeit lacking any rendition of 'Danny Boy' nor any obvious plaque commemorating Richard Branson's visit.MUSICTell Me When My Light Turns Green - Dexys Midnight RunnersDignity - Deacon Blue (orig.)Strawberry Fields Forever - The BeatlesWindmills Of Your Mind - Noel HarrisonTHANKSUlsterbusThe staff and patrons of...
2025-02-1805 min
Forgotten Towns965 - StrabaneSeries 9 Episode 3 - STRABANE (# 965 Visited 20/10/2024)County Tyrone, Northern Ireland : Population 13,147 (Rank # 770)What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than crossing back and forth across the Foyle in the midsts of Storm Aloysius?MUSICTell Me When My Light Turns Green - Dexys Midnight RunnersStrawberry Fields Forever - The BeatlesWindmills Of Your Mind - Noel HarrisonTHANKSUlsterbusThe staff and patrons of Brannigan's Bar, LiffordThe staff...
2025-02-1105 min
Forgotten Towns964 - OmaghSeries 9 Episode 2 - OMAGH (# 964 Visited 19/10/2024)County Tyrone, Northern Ireland : Population 19,682 (Rank # 543)We duck politics in favour of crispy aromatic duck on a Saturday night in Tyrone's friendly county town.MUSICTell Me When My Light Turns Green - Dexys Midnight RunnersVirginia Plain - Roxy MusicStrawberry Fields Forever - The BeatlesWindmills Of Your Mind - Noel HarrisonTHANKSUlsterbusThe proprietor and guests of Pinewood Lodge, Omagh
2025-02-0505 min
Forgotten Towns963 - DungannonSeries 9 Episode 1 - DUNGANNON (# 963 Visited 19/10/2024)County Tyrone, Northern Ireland : Population 14,332 (Rank # 709)Season 9 slides into gear as our circumnavigation of Northern Ireland resumes in this diverse outpost of Timorean culture, whilst I short-change a barmaid.MUSICBagpuss Opening Theme - Sandra Kerr & John FaulknerTell Me When My Light Turns Green - Dexys Midnight RunnersStrawberry Fields Forever - The BeatlesWindmills Of Your Mind - Noel HarrisonTHANKSUlsterbusThe...
2025-01-2105 min
Forgotten Towns962 - CookstownSeries 8 Episode 7 - COOKSTOWN (# 962 Visited 19/10/2024)County Tyrone, Northern Ireland : Population 11,620 (Rank # 837)We get harangued by a street preacher then left in stasis waiting for a stout as Season 8 draws to a close.MUSICI Got Mine - MotörheadDay Trip To Bangor - Fiddler's DramTHANKSUlsterbusThe Lifeboat Fellowship, DungannonThe staff of The Cartwheel Bar, CookstownAnd There's More - Central TelevisionV...
2024-12-2005 min
Forgotten Towns961 - CraigavonSeries 8 Episode 6 - CRAIGAVON (# 961 Visited 19/10/2024)County Armagh, Northern Ireland : Population 64,193 (Rank # 151)We narrowly avoid getting mown down on the Garvaghy Road and meet an opinionated dog who says 'No!'MUSICI Got Mine - MotörheadDay Trip To Bangor - Fiddler's DramTHANKSNorthern Ireland RailwaysUlsterbusVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org
2024-12-1605 min
Forgotten Towns960 - NewrySeries 8 Episode 5 - NEWRY (# 960 Visited 18/10/2024)County Armagh / County Down, Northern Ireland : Population 26,893 (Rank # 397)Will we reach this, our last hitherto unvisited Northern Irish city, before they pull down the blinds for the night?MUSICI Got Mine - MotörheadDay Trip To Bangor - Fiddler's DramMissing - Everything But The GirlTHANKSUlsterbusNorthern Ireland RailwaysThe staff of The Crispy Cod, NewryThe staff of T...
2024-12-1105 min
Forgotten Towns959 - BanbridgeSeries 8 Episode 4 - BANBRIDGE (# 959 Visited 18/10/2024)County Down, Northern Ireland : Population 16,653 (Rank # 615)Join us as we ascend Northern Ireland's steepest high street towards one of its more convivial boozers.MUSICMandrill - Patrick ColbyDay Trip To Bangor - Fiddler's DramTHANKSUlsterbusThe staff and patrons of The Old Tavern & Snug, LisburnVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see...
2024-12-0405 min
Forgotten Towns958 - LisburnSeries 8 Episode 3 - LISBURN (# 958 Visited 18/10/2024)County Down / County Antrim, Northern Ireland : Population 45,410 (Rank # 227)We take a train to Northern Ireland's third largest city; split between two counties, but fairly consistently of one tradition.MUSICMandrill - Patrick ColbyDay Trip To Bangor - Fiddler's DramTHANKSNorthern Ireland RailwaysThe staff of Smithfield House, LisburnVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge...
2024-11-2705 min
Forgotten Towns957 - NewtownbredaSeries 8 Episode 2 - NEWTOWNBREDA (# 957 Visited 18/10/2024)County Down, Northern Ireland : Population 15,005 (Rank # 678)Catch up on the latest episode, in which our hero gets corrected over county boundaries by an 8 year old and spends quarter of an hour in a shopping centre.MUSICMandrill - Patrick ColbyJump In The Pool - Friendly FiresDay Trip To Bangor - Fiddler's DramTHANKSTranslink MetroVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander...
2024-11-2405 min
Forgotten Towns956 - ComberSeries 8 Episode 1 - COMBER (# 956 Visited 18/10/2024)County Down, Northern Ireland : Population 9,078 (Rank # 987)We touch down in Northern Ireland with a 'bus pass and every intention to put it through its paces.MUSICDay Trip To Bangor - Fiddler's DramMandrill - Patrick ColbyTHANKSEasyJetUlsterbusThe staff of The John Hewitt, BelfastThe staff of The First & Last, ComberVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with...
2024-11-1905 min
Forgotten Towns955 - BedlingtonSeries 7 Episode 10 - BEDLINGTON (# 955 Visited 24/08/2024)Northumberland, England : Population 16,987 (Rank # 605)A year after we whizzed past on the 'bus, we finally catch up with Bedlington and its eponymous terrier.MUSICDown In Albion - BabyshamblesTwo By Two - ChrisTHANKSThe staff of Lidl, BedlingtonThe staff of The Hoptimist, BedlingtonThe Buildings of England (Northumberland) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with...
2024-10-1705 min
Forgotten Towns954 - SaltashSeries 7 Episode 9 - SALTASH (# 954 Visited 17/06/2024)Cornwall, England : Population 15,919 (Rank # 644)Before waving goodbye to Cornwall we pause on the frontier to explore Saltash and gaze upon its famous bridges.MUSICFloral Dance - Brighouse & Rastrick Brass BandThe Great Escape - We Are ScientistsGet Down - Gilbert O'SullivanWay On Down - Elvis PresleyGo West - Village PeopleVictoria - The KinksTHANKSKeith Murray...
2024-10-1105 min
Forgotten Towns953 - LiskeardSeries 7 Episode 8 - LISKEARD (# 953 Visited 17/06/2024)Cornwall, England : Population 9,453 (Rank # 959)Your host spends his birthday in this ancient stannery town whilst Freddie has a run-in with a gull.MUSICIn Da Club - 50 CentHappy Birthday - Altered ImagesGet Down - Gilbert O'SullivanWay On Down - Elvis PresleyGo West - Village PeopleVictoria - The KinksTHANKSFreddieC Babbs & R J Vipond
2024-10-0805 min
Forgotten Towns952 - BodminSeries 7 Episode 7 - BODMIN (# 952 Visited 16/06/2024)Cornwall, England : Population 15,681 (Rank # 649)We visit Cornwall's old county town to learn about manumission in the name of St Petroc and uncompromising justice in the sight of Keith Murray.MUSICFloral Dance - Brighouse & Rastrick Brass BandGet Down - Gilbert O'SullivanWay On Down - Elvis PresleyGo West - Village PeopleVictoria - The KinksTHANKSFreddieC Babbs & R J...
2024-10-0105 min
Forgotten Towns951 - St BlazeySeries 7 Episode 6 - ST BLAZEY (# 951 Visited 16/06/2024)Cornwall, England : Population 10,397 (Rank # 907)With monastic roots, transport links and time-travelling literature, there's more to St Blazey than its proximity to famous bio-domes.MUSICFloral Dance - Brighouse & Rastrick Brass BandGet Down - Gilbert O'SullivanWay On Down - Elvis PresleyGo West - Village PeopleVictoria - The KinksTHANKSThe staff and patrons of The Packhorse Inn, St Blazey...
2024-09-2705 min
Forgotten Towns950 - CamborneSeries 7 Episode 5 - CAMBORNE (# 950 Visited 15/06/2024)Cornwall, England : Population 21,985 (Rank # 483)We take a 1990s nostalgia tour of Camborne and learn a little of its one time Cornish mining pre-eminence.MUSICFloral Dance - Brighouse & Rastrick Brass BandVarious - Falmouth Sea Shanty FestivalGet Down - Gilbert O'SullivanWay On Down - Elvis PresleyGo West - Village PeopleVictoria - The KinksTHANKSFreddieR J...
2024-09-2405 min
Forgotten Towns949 - RedruthSeries 7 Episode 4 - REDRUTH (# 949 Visited 15/06/2024)Cornwall, England : Population 21,083 (Rank # 505)We descend on Cornwall's old mining capital to find the town's fair in full swing and get a guided tour of the Buttermarket revamp.MUSICFloral Dance - Brighouse & Rastrick Brass BandVarious - Redruth Murdoch Day FairGet Down - Gilbert O'SullivanWay On Down - Elvis PresleyGo West - Village PeopleVictoria - The KinksTHANKS...
2024-09-1805 min
Forgotten Towns948 - PenrynSeries 7 Episode 3 - PENRYN (# 948 Visited 15/06/2024)Cornwall, England : Population 10,321 (Rank # 911)The Cornish tour begins at Penryn, ancient market town and battlefield between sobriety and drunkenness.MUSICFloral Dance - Brighouse & Rastrick Brass BandGet Down - Gilbert O'SullivanWay On Down - Elvis PresleyGo West - Village PeopleVictoria - The KinksTHANKSFreddieC Babbs & R J VipondThe staff of Muddy Beach, Penryn
2024-09-1305 min
Forgotten Towns947 - NorthamSeries 7 Episode 2 - NORTHAM (# 947 Visited 14/06/2024)Devon, England : Population 10,782 (Rank # 883)We visit Northam (and its amusingly punctuated constituent parts) to see what Brian of Brittany fought for.MUSICBlowin' Free - Wishbone AshGet Down - Gilbert O'SullivanWay On Down - Elvis PresleyGo West - Village PeopleForty-Seven Ginger-Headed Sailors - Jack HyltonTHANKSThe volunteers at St Margaret's, NorthamVisit the UK's 1,000 largest...
2024-08-2005 min
Forgotten Towns946 - BidefordSeries 7 Episode 1 - BIDEFORD (# 946 Visited 13/06/2024)Devon, England : Population 19,827 (Rank # 535)We set up Season 7 in South West England with a few pints and a fry-up on the Torridge estuary.MUSICBlowin' Free - Wishbone AshGary Gilmore's Eyes - The AdvertsGet Down - Gilbert O'SullivanWay On Down - Elvis PresleyGo West - Village PeopleSouth Carolina - TennisForty-Seven Ginger-Headed Sailors - Jack HyltonTHANKS
2024-08-1505 min
Forgotten Towns945 - StonehavenSeries 6 Episode 8 - STONEHAVEN (# 945 Visited 25/04/2024)Kincardineshire, Scotland : Population 11,170 (Rank # 861)Last of the northern outliers on our tour is Stonehaven, which does indeed have a harbour. And it is made of stone.MUSICGoing Home - Mark KnopflerAmerican Child - John DenverNorth To Alaska - Johnny HortonTHANKSLondon North Eastern RailwayThe staff of The Station Hotel, StonehavenThe staff of The Marine Hotel, Stonehaven
2024-07-1805 min
Forgotten Towns944 - PortlethenSeries 6 Episode 7 - PORTLETHEN (# 944 Visited 25/04/2024)Kincardineshire, Scotland : Population 9,090 (Rank # 986)We'll enjoy our 28 minutes in Portlethen... But should we?MUSICA New Career In A New Town - David BowieAmerican Child - John DenverNorth To Alaska - Johnny HortonTHANKSScotrailVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org
2024-06-2805 min
Forgotten Towns943 - WesthillSeries 6 Episode 6 - WESTHILL (# 943 Visited 25/04/2024)Aberdeenshire, Scotland : Population 12,290 (Rank # 803)Join us in Westhill; the plucky newcomer who took on the might of Aberdeen City Council... and won.MUSICA New Career In A New Town - David BowieAmerican Child - John DenverNorth To Alaska - Johnny HortonTHANKSStagecoachThe staff of The Shepherd's Rest, WesthillVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For...
2024-06-2005 min
Forgotten Towns942 - EllonSeries 6 Episode 5 - ELLON (# 942 Visited 25/04/2024)Aberdeenshire, Scotland : Population 10,200 (Rank # 918)We take a healthy break in Ellon, a pint of BrewDog stout notwithstanding.MUSICA New Career In A New Town - David BowieAmerican Child - John DenverNorth To Alaska - Johnny HortonTHANKSStagecoachThe staff of Vaila Guest House, AberdeenThe staff of Brewdog Brewery, EllonThe Buildings of Scotland (Aberdeenshire North & Moray) - Pevsner...
2024-06-1405 min
Forgotten Towns941 - InverurieSeries 6 Episode 4 - INVERURIE (# 941 Visited 24/04/2024)Aberdeenshire, Scotland : Population 13,640 (Rank # 738)We take a trip through Aberdeenshire on Britain's friendliest regular rail service, breaking our journey at Inverurie en route.MUSICPop March - Johnny PearsonAmerican Child - John DenverNorth To Alaska - Johnny HortonTHANKSM A BicknellScotrailLorraineThe staff of Edward's, InverurieVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander...
2024-06-1105 min
Forgotten Towns940 - ElginSeries 6 Episode 3 - ELGIN (# 940 Visited 23/04/2024)Morayshire, Scotland : Population 24,760 (Rank # 433)'Is this a podcast I see before me?' King Duncan may have lost his life in Elgin but, with luck, we won't lose our marbles.MUSICPop March - Johnny PearsonAmerican Child - John DenverNorth To Alaska - Johnny HortonTHANKSM A BicknellStagecoachThe staff of Against The Grain, ElginThe staff of The...
2024-06-0405 min
Forgotten Towns939 - ForresSeries 6 Episode 2 - FORRES (# 939 Visited 23/04/2024)Morayshire, Scotland : Population 10,100 (Rank # 924)Forres has survived many indignities down the years, but its biggest problem these days is keeping things open... on a Tuesday.MUSICPop March - Johnny PearsonAmerican Child - John DenverNorth To Alaska - Johnny HortonTHANKSM A BicknellStagecoachThe staff of Cafe 1496, ForresThe volunteers at Nelson's Tower, ForresThe staff of...
2024-05-3105 min
Forgotten Towns938 - NairnSeries 6 Episode 1 - NAIRN (# 938 Visited 22/04/2024)Invernessshire, Scotland : Population 9,960 (Rank # 930)The first instalment of the 'big push north' sees a long journey up to Nairn... but will we arrive in time for supper?MUSICPop March - Johnny PearsonAmerican Child - John DenverNorth To Alaska - Johnny HortonTHANKSM A BicknellCaledonian SleeperScotrailThe staff of The Albert Inn, NairnThe staff of...
2024-05-1705 min
Forgotten Towns937 - BarrySeries 5 Episode 5 - BARRY (# 937 Visited 03/02/2024)Glamorgan, Wales : Population 56,892 (Rank # 172)Is Barry Island actually part of Barry? Find out TODAY on Forgotten Towns!MUSICBaby Elephant Walk - Henry Mancini & His OrchestraWe'll Keep A Welcome In The Hillside - Bryn TerfelTHANKSRhiannon L F EvansWendyThe staff of The Butterfly Collector, BarryThe staff of Nessa's Slots, Barry IslandThe Buildings of Wales (Glamorgan) - Pevsner...
2024-04-2005 min
Forgotten Towns936 - PenarthSeries 5 Episode 4 - PENARTH (# 936 Visited 03/02/2024)Glamorgan, Wales : Population 29,388 (Rank # 364)We take a trip to the seaside, and the playground of Cardiff's Victorian tycoons, in search of the UK's last working telephone box.MUSICBaby Elephant Walk - Henry Mancini & His OrchestraThe Bells Of Rhymney - The ByrdsTHANKSTransport for WalesRhiannon L F EvansWendyThe staff of The Pier Cafe, PenarthThe Buildings of Wales...
2024-04-1205 min
Forgotten Towns935 - MaestegSeries 5 Episode 2 - ASHINGTON (# 934 Visited 26/10/2024)Northumberland, England : Population 27,993 (Rank # 379)Coal may have given Ashington its raison d'être, but we find out what these Northumbrians are up to now that times have moved on.MUSICBaby Elephant Walk - Henry Mancini & His OrchestraMy Star - Ian BrownLongsight M13 - Ian BrownTHANKSArriva BusesThe staff of Old Ash Dene, AshingtonThe Buildings of England (Northumberland) - Pevsner, N...
2024-04-0505 min
Forgotten Towns934 - AshingtonSeries 5 Episode 2 - ASHINGTON (# 934 Visited 26/10/2024)Northumberland, England : Population 27,993 (Rank # 379)Coal may have given Ashington its raison d'être, but we find out what these Northumbrians are up to now that times have moved on.MUSICBaby Elephant Walk - Henry Mancini & His OrchestraMy Star - Ian BrownLongsight M13 - Ian BrownTHANKSArriva BusesThe staff of Old Ash Dene, AshingtonThe Buildings of England (Northumberland) - Pevsner, N...
2024-03-3005 min
Forgotten Towns933 - MorpethSeries 5 Episode 1 - MORPETH (# 933 Visited 26/10/2024)Northumberland, England : Population 14,698 (Rank # 693)Season 5 opens with one of England's more historically important market towns, with a nice sideline in coal, female suffrage and comfort food.MUSICBaby Elephant Walk - Henry Mancini & His OrchestraThe Bells Of Rhymney - The ByrdsTHANKSLNERThe staff of The Old Bakehouse, MorpethThe Buildings of England (Northumberland) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit...
2024-03-2405 min
Forgotten Towns932 - LivingstonSeries 4 Episode 6 - BATHGATE (# 931 Visited 25/10/2024)Linlithgowshire, Scotland : Population 22,920 (Rank # 469)From Cairnpapple Hill to chapati and daal, with 5,000 years of political and industrial history in between, Bathgate is much more than a mere commuter town.MUSICCushion Foot Stomp - Clarence Williams And His Washboard FiveI've Never Been To Me - CharleneCentral Milton Keynes (You've Never Seen Anything Like It) - Ronnie BondInvisible Girl - Jeff GrimesTHANKSThe staff...
2024-02-2705 min
Forgotten Towns931 - BathgateSeries 4 Episode 6 - BATHGATE (# 931 Visited 25/10/2024)Linlithgowshire, Scotland : Population 22,920 (Rank # 469)From Cairnpapple Hill to chapati and daal, with 5,000 years of political and industrial history in between, Bathgate is much more than a mere commuter town.MUSICCushion Foot Stomp - Clarence Williams And His Washboard FiveI've Never Been To Me - CharleneCentral Milton Keynes (You've Never Seen Anything Like It) - Ronnie BondInvisible Girl - Jeff GrimesTHANKSThe staff...
2024-02-2005 min
Forgotten Towns930 - WhitburnSeries 4 Episode 5 - WHITBURN (# 930 Visited 25/10/2024)Linlithgowshire, Scotland : Population 10,860 (Rank # 876)This week sees us in the heartland of Scotland's former mining territory, and maybe an unexpected hotbed of Unionism.MUSICCushion Foot Stomp - Clarence Williams And His Washboard FiveI've Never Been To Me - CharleneCentral Milton Keynes (You've Never Seen Anything Like It) - Ronnie BondInvisible Girl - Jeff GrimesTHANKSThe staff of The Double Five, Whitburn
2024-02-1505 min
Forgotten Towns929 - ArmadaleSeries 4 Episode 4 - ARMADALE (# 929 Visited 25/10/2024)Linlithgowshire, Scotland : Population 12,550 (Rank # 792)Sleepy dormitory town, or gem of Scotland's central belt? We make legitimate, yet limited, attempts to find out during this episode.MUSICHoots Mon - Lord Rockingham's XII've Never Been To Me - CharleneCentral Milton Keynes (You've Never Seen Anything Like It) - Ronnie BondInvisible Girl - Jeff GrimesTHANKSScotrailThe staff of The Rowan Tree, Armadale
2024-02-0605 min
Forgotten Towns928 - AirdrieSeries 4 Episode 3 - AIRDRIE (# 928 Visited 25/10/2024)Lanarkshire, Scotland : Population 37,410 (Rank # 287)Airdrie is a town with something for everyone... so long as you like drizzle. We do some research from the pub interior.MUSICHoots Mon - Lord Rockingham's XII've Never Been To Me - CharleneCentral Milton Keynes (You've Never Seen Anything Like It) - Ronnie BondInvisible Girl - Jeff GrimesTHANKSScotrailThe staff of The Treasury Bar...
2024-01-3105 min
Forgotten Towns927 - CoatbridgeSeries 4 Episode 2 - COATBRIDGE (# 927 Visited 25/10/2024)Lanarkshire, Scotland : Population 43,960 (Rank # 241)From an Iron Age crannog to vast iron output in a later age, Coatbridge has given plenty to the world. We take it all in, from Whifflet to Sunnyside.MUSICHoots Mon - Lord Rockingham's XII've Never Been To Me - CharleneCentral Milton Keynes (You've Never Seen Anything Like It) - Ronnie BondInvisible Girl - Jeff GrimesTHANKSScotrail
2024-01-1905 min
Forgotten Towns926 - RutherglenSeries 4 Episode 1 - RUTHERGLEN (# 926 Visited 25/10/2024)Lanarkshire, Scotland : Population 31,190 (Rank # 343)The nation's media came here for a week or two last Autumn but, beyond transitory political interest, we try and find out what it's actually like.MUSICHoots Mon - Lord Rockingham's XII've Never Been To Me - CharleneCentral Milton Keynes (You've Never Seen Anything Like It) - Ronnie BondInvisible Girl - Jeff GrimesTHANKSScotrail
2024-01-1205 min
Forgotten Towns925 - KirkintillochSeries 3 Episode 10 - KIRKINTILLOCH (# 925 Visited 23/10/2024)Dunbartonshire, Scotland : Population 21,380 (Rank # 496)Christmas & New Year Special - A feature-length season-closing edition to take in not just this sizeable Dunbartonshire town but, we hope, the final stretch of our walk to the West coast.MUSICTroika (from Lieutenant Kijé) - Sergei ProkjofievGalloping Home (Original Theme From 'Black Beauty') - Denis King & The South Bank OrchestraOld Lang Syne - SladeTHANKSThe staff and patrons of Kincaid H...
2023-12-2310 min
Forgotten Towns924 - KilsythSeries 3 Episode 9 - KILSYTH (# 924 Visited 23/10/2024)Stirlingshire, Scotland : Population 10,080 (Rank # 925)Kilsyth may be the nation's 925th biggest town, but it's only the 924th one your host has visited. Confused? He will probably fail to explain in this week's episode.MUSICSpaceherosuits - Those Dancing DaysLetter From America - The ProclaimersPut Your Hand On The Computer - They Might Be GiantsWe Have A Dream - The Scottish World Cup SquadDirty Old Town - The Pogues
2023-12-1705 min
Forgotten Towns923 - AlloaSeries 3 Episode 8 - ALLOA (# 923 Visited 23/10/2024)Clackmannanshire, Scotland : Population 14,420 (Rank # 705)It may necessitate an illogical dead-end train ride, and time is tight, but we're determined to make our only visit to Clackmannanshire count.MUSICSpaceherosuits - Those Dancing DaysLetter From America - The ProclaimersPut Your Hand On The Computer - They Might Be GiantsWe Have A Dream - The Scottish World Cup SquadDirty Old Town - The PoguesEdinburgh Man - The...
2023-12-1205 min
Forgotten Towns922 - LarbertSeries 3 Episode 7 - LARBERT (# 922 Visited 22/10/2024)Stirlingshire, Scotland : Population 11,050 (Rank # 868)Run down by over-exertion, your host contemplates Larbert from the generic surroundings of his Premier Inn bedroom.MUSICSpaceherosuits - Those Dancing DaysBlinded By The Light - Bruce SpringsteenLetter From America - The ProclaimersPut Your Hand On The Computer - They Might Be GiantsWe Have A Dream - The Scottish World Cup SquadDirty Old Town - The PoguesEdinburgh...
2023-12-0705 min
Forgotten Towns921 - StenhousemuirSeries 3 Episode 6 - STENHOUSEMUIR (# 921 Visited 22/10/2024)Stirlingshire, Scotland : Population 9,740 (Rank # 943)Our trip to Stenhousemuir is dominated by the 'chip shop challenge'; can a man travel quicker than a 'bus whilst buying a haggis supper?MUSICLate Night Bus - The LongcutTake The Long Way Home - SupertrampTHANKSFirstBusThe staff of Bruno's Chippy, StenhousemuirDougieLondon Parkour - see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXMPRK2LQAE
2023-12-0105 min
Forgotten Towns920 - Bo'nessSeries 3 Episode 5 - BO'NESS (# 920 Visited 22/10/2024)Linlithgowshire, Scotland : Population 14,760 (Rank # 687)From whence comes the mysterious apostrophe, and will it be worth the 'bus ride? Find out in Bo'ness.MUSICGroovin' With Mr. Bloe - Mr. BloeLetter From America - The ProclaimersPut Your Hand On The Computer - They Might Be GiantsWe Have A Dream - The Scottish World Cup SquadDirty Old Town - The PoguesEdinburgh Man - The Fall...
2023-11-2705 min
Forgotten Towns919 - GrangemouthSeries 3 Episode 4 - GRANGEMOUTH (# 919 Visited 22/10/2024)Stirlingshire, Scotland : Population 16,650 (Rank # 616)We remain unperturbed when finding central Grangemouth cordoned off by a knotted tape barrier.MUSICGroovin' With Mr. Bloe - Mr. BloeLetter From America - The ProclaimersPut Your Hand On The Computer - They Might Be GiantsWe Have A Dream - The Scottish World Cup SquadDirty Old Town - The PoguesEdinburgh Man - The FallSuper Trouper - ABBA
2023-11-2205 min
Forgotten Towns918 - FalkirkSeries 3 Episode 3 - FALKIRK (# 918 Visited 22/10/2024)Stirlingshire, Scotland : Population 35,850 (Rank # 298)Boats, battles, foundries and one very big wheel: Scotland's 21st biggest town has much to commend it.MUSICGroovin' With Mr. Bloe - Mr. BloeLetter From America - The ProclaimersPut Your Hand On The Computer - They Might Be GiantsWe Have A Dream - The Scottish World Cup SquadDirty Old Town - The PoguesEdinburgh Man - The FallSuper...
2023-11-1505 min
Forgotten Towns917 - LinlithgowSeries 3 Episode 2 - LINLITHGOW (# 917 Visited 21/10/2024)Linlithgowshire, Scotland : Population 13,260 (Rank # 763)History, beer, a much needed rest after a very long walk and, for once, I was not the only visitor in town.MUSICGroovin' With Mr. Bloe - Mr. BloeLetter From America - The ProclaimersPut Your Hand On The Computer - They Might Be GiantsWe Have A Dream - The Scottish World Cup SquadDirty Old Town - The PoguesEdinburgh Man...
2023-11-1005 min
Forgotten Towns916 - BroxburnSeries 3 Episode 1 - BROXBURN (# 916 Visited 21/10/2024)Linlithgowshire, Scotland : Population 15,440 (Rank # 660)We embark on a coast-to-coast walk with sights set initally on Broxburn, but will it provide adequate rest for weary limbs and flagging intellect?MUSICGroovin' With Mr. Bloe - Mr. BloeLetter From America - The ProclaimersPut Your Hand On The Computer - They Might Be GiantsWe Have A Dream - The Scottish World Cup SquadDirty Old Town - The PoguesEdinburgh...
2023-11-0305 min
Forgotten Towns915 - LetchworthSeries 2 Episode 10 - LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY (# 915 Visited 07/10/2024)Hertfordshire, England : Population 34,697 (Rank # 313)Home to the UK's first roundabout, plus first class public & curry house provision; what's not to love about our first and greatest 'Garden City'?MUSICSoul Coaxing (Âme Câline) - Raymond Lefèvre and His OrchestraI've Been Everywhere - Johnny CashIt's Grim Up North - The Justified Ancients of Mu MuTHANKSEsme Rennie-OxleyThe Buildings of England (Her...
2023-10-2005 min
Forgotten Towns914 - BaldockSeries 2 Episode 9 - BALDOCK (# 914 Visited 07/10/2024)Hertfordshire, England : Population 10,670 (Rank # 890)The loveliness of Paris seems somehow sadly gay / The glory that was Rome is of another day / Join me in Baldock for a new exciting episode!MUSICSoul Coaxing (Âme Câline) - Raymond Lefèvre and His OrchestraI've Been Everywhere - Johnny CashIt's Grim Up North - The Justified Ancients of Mu MuTHANKSThe Buildings of England (Hertfordshire) - Pevsner, N. et...
2023-10-1505 min
Forgotten Towns913 - RoystonSeries 2 Episode 8 - ROYSTON (# 913 Visited 07/10/2024)Hertfordshire, England : Population 16,911 (Rank # 610)Not Royston Vasey; not Royston, Yorks; but Royston, Hertfordshire - where Ermine Street meets the Icknield Way... and King James went to the pub.MUSICSoul Coaxing (Âme Câline) - Raymond Lefèvre and His OrchestraI've Been Everywhere - Johnny CashIt's Grim Up North - The Justified Ancients of Mu MuTHANKSGreater AngliaThe staff of The King James, Roy...
2023-10-0905 min
Forgotten Towns912 - GainsboroughSeries 2 Episode 7 - GAINSBOROUGH (# 912 Visited 24/09/2024)Lincolnshire, England : Population 22,841 (Rank # 471)Gain an irreverent, and to some extent irrelevant, insight into the Lincolnshire town that was (but is no longer) capital of England... and Denmark.MUSICSoul Coaxing (Âme Câline) - Raymond Lefèvre and His OrchestraI've Been Everywhere - Johnny CashIt's Grim Up North - The Justified Ancients of Mu MuVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both cha...
2023-10-0205 min
Forgotten Towns911 - North HykehamSeries 2 Episode 6 - NORTH HYKEHAM (# 911 Visited 22/09/2024)Lincolnshire, England : Population 16,895 (Rank # 612)Beating heart of the Boothby Graffoe wapentake, or high class housing estate long since absorbed by Lincoln? We spend 5 minutes making a snap judgement.MUSICSoul Coaxing (Âme Câline) - Raymond Lefèvre and His OrchestraI've Been Everywhere - Johnny CashIt's Grim Up North - The Justified Ancients of Mu MuTHANKSThe staff of The Centurion, North Hykeham...
2023-09-2605 min
Forgotten Towns910 - MarchSeries 2 Episode 5 - MARCH (# 910 Visited 26/08/2024)Cambridgeshire, England : Population 21,669 (Rank # 491)With carefully contrived poor timing, we visit the only town in the list to be named after a month of the year... on August Bank Holiday weekend.MUSICThe Vulture - Ronnie Ray's PlayboysThis Town Ain't Big Enough For The Both Of Us - SparksI've Been Everywhere - Johnny CashIt's Grim Up North - The Justified Ancients of Mu MuTHANKS
2023-09-1605 min
Forgotten Towns909 - ChatterisSeries 2 Episode 4 - CHATTERIS (# 909 Visited 26/08/2024)Cambridgeshire, England : Population 11,000 (Rank # 872)For what is Chatteris, and does this market town really 'lack quintessence'? Find out as we visit the Fens.MUSICThe Vulture - Ronnie Ray's PlayboysFor What Is Chatteris... - Half Man Half BiscuitTHANKSThe organist of St Peter & St Paul's, ChatterisVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https...
2023-09-1105 min
Forgotten Towns908 - WareSeries 2 Episode 3 - WARE (# 908 Visited 12/08/2024)Hertfordshire, England : Population 20,004 (Rank # 531)Ware's where it's at, as our perambulations around the Herts / Essex border end in this pleasant riverside town.MUSICWhere Do You Go To My Lovely? - Peter SarstedtThe Vulture - Ronnie Ray's PlayboysTHANKSThe Buildings of England (Hertfordshire) - Pevsner, N. et alThe staff of The Waterside Inn, WareThe staff of Zero Ristorante Pizzeria, WareC...
2023-09-0105 min
Forgotten Towns907 - HoddesdonSeries 2 Episode 2 - HODDESDON (# 907 Visited 12/08/2024)Hertfordshire, England : Population 43,823 (Rank # 242)Whither Hoddesdon? Why Hoddesdon? What is Hoddesdon? Your host pays a visit and attempts to explain.MUSICThe Vulture - Ronnie Ray's PlayboysI've Been Everywhere - Johnny CashIt's Grim Up North - The Justified Ancients of Mu MuTHANKSThe staff of The Sun, HoddesdonC D BrownVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie...
2023-08-2805 min
Forgotten Towns906 - HarlowSeries 2 Episode 1 - HARLOW (# 906 Visited 12/08/2024)Essex, England : Population 86,321 (Rank # 101)Season 2 sees us back in South East England, armed only with an undimmed sense of adventure and a train ticket to one of the UK's largest 'new towns'.MUSICThe Vulture - Ronnie Ray's PlayboysEat My Goal - Collapsed LungI've Been Everywhere - Johnny CashIt's Grim Up North - The Justified Ancients of Mu MuTHANKSGreater Anglia...
2023-08-1805 min
Forgotten Towns905 - CheadleSeries 1 Episode 5 - CHEADLE (# 905 Visited 03/07/2024)Staffordshire, England : Population 11,223 (Rank # 859)We fail to look around Staffordshire's 'most perfect piece of C19th Gothic Revival' architecture and consume a pizza in the country's 859th largest town.MUSICThe Tomorrow People Theme - Dudley SimpsonI'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) - The ProclaimersThe Visitors - ABBAForgotten Towns - The ChristiansFor Reasons Unknown - The KillersTHANKSThe staff of The Huntsman...
2023-07-2805 min
Forgotten Towns904 - BiddulphSeries 1 Episode 4 - BIDDULPH (# 904 Visited 03/07/2024)Staffordshire, England : Population 18,198 (Rank # 577)Join me in Biddulph, 'Staffordshire's Garden Town'; #577 by rank of size, and home to a servicable branch of a well known supermarket chain.MUSICThe Tomorrow People Theme - Dudley SimpsonI'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) - The ProclaimersThe Visitors - ABBAForgotten Towns - The ChristiansFor Reasons Unknown - The KillersVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full...
2023-07-2205 min
Forgotten Towns903 - WilmslowSeries 1 Episode 3 - WILMSLOW (# 903 Visited 03/07/2024)Cheshire, England : Population 37,400 (Rank # 288)This week we're in Wilmslow, Cheshire; a powerhouse of Britain's industrial revolution ranked #288 in our Top 1,000.MUSICThe Tomorrow People Theme - Dudley SimpsonI'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) - The ProclaimersThe Visitors - ABBAForgotten Towns - The ChristiansFor Reasons Unknown - The KillersTHANKSThe staff of Quarry Bank Mill, Styal, WilmslowVisit...
2023-07-1705 min
Forgotten Towns902 - DentonSeries 1 Episode 2 - DENTON (# 902 Visited 03/07/2024)Lancashire, England : Population 36,100 (Rank # 294)Join me for a cheeky pint in Denton; sometime home of hat manufacturing, the UK's 249th most populous town, and my last unvisted one in Lancashire.MUSICThe Tomorrow People Theme - Dudley SimpsonI'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) - The ProclaimersThe Visitors - ABBAForgotten Towns - The ChristiansFor Reasons Unknown - The KillersTHANKSThe staff of The...
2023-07-1705 min
Forgotten Towns901 - Newton-le-WillowsSeries 1 Episode 1 - NEWTON-LE-WILLOWS (# 901 Visited 03/07/2024)Lancashire, England : Population 23,822 (Rank # 452)Your host takes a trip to Newton-le-Willows, the UK's 452nd largest settlement. Where is it? And what on earth is he doing there?MUSICThe Tomorrow People Theme - Dudley SimpsonI'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) - The ProclaimersThe Visitors - ABBAForgotten Towns - The ChristiansFor Reasons Unknown - The KillersVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full...
2023-07-1705 min
Port To Port PodcastAlexander Varvarenko - Breaking through technology barriers, Changing the Shipping Sector and Building ShipNextAlexander is the CEO and Founder of SHIPNEXT and VARAMAR. In this episode we discuss the thought process behind starting SHIPNEXT and some of the challenges he has met since starting SHIPNEXT. As a company SHIPNEXT is a global trade platform linking ships with Cargoes around the world.If you are looking for inspiration Alexander's story and attitude is sure to push you as he shares how he has pushed through the opinions of the naysayers and now successfully grown two businesses.This was a real pleasure to record with Alexander and even if you ar...
2020-11-261h 04