Shows
Ye Olde GuideBritain Invented the Metro - So Why Did It Stop?The UK was the birthplace of the underground railway, with London’s Tube setting the global standard. So why do so few British cities have metro systems today?In this episode of Ye Olde Guide, Liam McGrath and Daniel Gooch take a break from city guides to explore the curious case of Britain’s missing metros. From the legacy of Victorian railways and trams to post-war car-centric planning, we unpack the historical, urban, and political reasons why cities like Birmingham, Leeds, and Manchester never got the metro systems their European counterparts enjoy.We also look at t...2025-07-0149 min
Ye Olde GuideNottingham Part 3: Historic Industrial UrbanismJoin us on Ye Olde Guide as we explore the history of Nottingham.This is the third part of three episodes on Nottingham.We will be discussing the Urban Landscape of Nottingham, looking back to its origins as two distinct settlements, growth around the market square, industrial expansion and the expansion of housing. We discuss the fine architecture of Nottingham including the imposing Council House, Lace Market, University buildings and Wollaton Hall. Check out part 1 for the introduction to our historical guide to Nottingham.Send us a tex...2025-06-0442 minYe Olde GuideNottingham Part 2: Lace & LiteratureJoin us on a jam packed episode of Ye Olde Guide!This is the second part of three episodes on NottinghamIn the Science & industry section we discover the history of the Lace industry and the big companies that grew in Nottingham like Boots chemist, Raleigh Cycles and Players Cigarettes. We will learn about the contributions of the Universities in Nottingham.In the Arts & Culture section we discuss the legacies of Robin Hood, Nottingham's sporting clubs and several writers who were heavily influenced by the city including Graham Greene, D...2025-05-2051 minYe Olde GuideNottingham Part 1: Castle to CourtroomWelcome to Nottingham, where rebellion runs deep. In this first part of our mini-series, we dive into the city's tangled history of politics and protest, from Nottingham Castle's royal showdowns to Luddite uprisings in Market Square, riots in St Ann's and the rise of justice in unexpected places. We meet England's first black magistrate, explore the Galleries of Justice, and uncover how Nottingham helped spark the English Civil War.Visit our website yeoldeguide.com for details of all our episodes. Don't forget to leave feedback.Send us a text2025-05-0638 minYe Olde GuideLost Cities of EnglandIn this special episode of YeOldeGuide, we delve into the fascinating history of England's forgotten settlements. Despite being a small and crowded island, some important towns have faded into obscurity or vanished entirely. Where were these missing settlements, and why did they disappear?Join us as we welcome historian Daniel Gooch back to the studio for an insightful discussion on the Lost Cities of England. Our discussion includes:Dunwich: Once a thriving settlement with a population of over 3000, Dunwich now has only 84 residents. Coastal erosion has dramatically reshaped this town, making it a shadow of i...2025-04-2133 minYe Olde GuideBrighton Part 2: a place for everyoneBrighton – the regency city by the sea, which grew from a sleepy fishing town into a centre of Georgian leisure, initially as a spa town, but later as a centre for entertainment favoured by the Prince Regent himself. As train loads of tourists replaced royalty, Brighton grew into one of England’s largest Victorian seaside resorts. In part 2 we discuss Arts & Culture and Urban LandscapeFollowing from part 1, where we learned how Brighton became a top seaside resort, we talk about its cultural influence: a place of music, film, LGBT culture and food. We then discuss...2025-04-0845 minYe Olde GuideBrighton Part 1: Regency City by the SeaBrighton – the regency city by the sea, which grew from a sleepy fishing town into a centre of Georgian leisure, initially as a spa town, but later as a centre for entertainment favoured by the Prince Regent himself. As train loads of tourists replaced royalty, Brighton grew into one of England’s largest Victorian seaside resorts. In part 1 we discuss Politics and War, and Science and Industry. In this episode we explore the royal connections, and the sometimes dubious medicinal industry that attracted visitors in the 18th century. Perhaps less well known, is Brighton’s connection...2025-03-2535 minYe Olde GuideCastles & Cathedrals: The rise of the medieval English cityFrom 1066 to 1500 towns and cities in England transformed beyond recognition. The Norman conquest brought stability, trade and resources and the construction of large castles and cathedrals. Towns became the economic focus of their rural hinterlands. Meanwhile, a generation of hundreds of planned towns emerged with involvement from King Edward I himself. Medieval towns had to survive the Black Death, Fires and dramatic changes in economic fortunes. We will discover the largest settlements in the medieval period and see how their fortunes changed.Whilst cathedrals, castles, guildhalls and town walls would dominate architecturally, ordinary citize...2025-02-0943 minYe Olde GuidePeterborough: Historic city, New townAfter a brief historical overview our podcast explores the city in four categories:Politics & War: the royal connections to the ancient cathedral including Catherine of Aragon and Mary Queen of ScotsScience & Industry: a city expanded by railway industry, brickmaking, and engines. Two pioneering female scientists.Arts & Culture: The Peterborough Chronicle, a key national record, and insight into the evolution of the English languageUrban landscape: a new town joined onto a historic city centre home to one of the great cathedrals of EnglandAs ever, we will give...2024-12-091h 08Ye Olde GuideLiverpool Part 4: urban landscapeJoin us on a historical tour of Liverpool. World famous for The Beatles and its football clubs, Liverpool has a rich and influential history and magnificent architectural heritage. Ye Olde Guide explores the history of English towns and cities in four categories: Politics & War, Arts & Culture, Science & Industry, and Urban Landscape. In the fourth of four parts covering Liverpool we’ll explore the rich architecture of the city, including the monumental Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture. Liverpool has one of the largest Georgian centres in the country, a mercantile banking district and the famous three graces...2024-09-1532 minYe Olde GuideLiverpool Part 3: Science & IndustryJoin us on a historical tour of Liverpool. World famous for The Beatles and its football clubs, Liverpool has a rich and influential history and magnificent architectural heritage. Ye Olde Guide explores the history of English towns and cities in four categories: Politics & War, Arts & Culture, Science & Industry, and Urban Landscape. In the third of four parts on Liverpool we’ll be covering the industrial history of Liverpool, including the essential role of Liverpool's docks in world trade. The wealth brought by the docks led to large infrastructure development such as the Liveprool Overhead Railway and nu...2024-08-2131 min
Ye Olde GuideLondon's Olympic Legacies: Unveiling historic venues 1908 to 2012Explore the fascinating history of the impact of the Olympic games on English towns and cities. The history of venues from the groundbreaking White City Stadium built for the 1908 Olympics, to the 2012 Aquatics Centre. Delve into the transformation of venues over the years, including the use of military facilities in the 1948 "Austerity Olympics" and the extensive regeneration projects for the 2012 London Games. Discover the stories behind iconic locations like Wembley Stadium, the role of private clubs, and the lasting legacies of these monumental events. Join us for an engaging journey through Olympic history, architecture, and urban development....2024-07-2457 min
Ye Olde GuideLiverpool Part 2: Arts & CultureJoin us on a historical tour of Liverpool. World famous for The Beatles and its football clubs, Liverpool has a rich and influential history and magnificent architectural heritage. Ye Olde Guide explores the history of English towns and cities in four categories: Politics & War, Arts & Culture, Science & Industry, and Urban Landscape. In the second of four parts on Liverpool we’ll be covering the incredible musical history of Liverpool including Merseybeat and waves of musical innovation covering half a century. We will also be talking about the football teams, horseracing and Liverpool’s fantastic art. Don’t...2024-07-2134 min
Ye Olde GuideLiverpool Part 1: Politics & WarJoin us on a historical tour of Liverpool. World famous for The Beatles and its football clubs, Liverpool has a rich and influential history and magnificent architectural heritage. Ye Olde Guide explores the history of English towns and cities in four categories: Politics & War, Arts & Culture, Science & Industry, and Urban Landscape. In the first of four parts on Liverpool we will be giving a brief historical overview before exploring our first category Politics and War. We will discuss the role of immigration on Liverpool, giving rise to its large Irish, Caribbean and Chinese communities amongst other...2024-05-2539 minYe Olde GuideLocal Museums: essential narrators of urban historyMuseums are at the heart of storytelling for towns and cities. We discuss how the scope, excitement and emersion of local museums helps narrate the history of urban development and culture. Our conversation explores the significance of local museums in preserving culture and democratising history. It delves into the presentation of town history, highlighting examples such as York Castle Museum and Sea City in Southampton. Fun and uniqueness aspects are also discussed, featuring Ipswich Museum and Black Country Living Museum. Additionally, the podcast touches on the scope of museums, including their coverage of various topics beyond local ma...2024-03-2132 minYe Olde GuideHistory of Southampton: port & gateway of EnglandDiscover Southampton's rich history – from its Saxon roots and pivotal role in medieval trade to its emergence as a major port in the 19th century. Explore the city's political ties, maritime connections, and the profound impact of the Titanic sinking. Southampton's cultural landscape includes the influential International Boat Show, connections to entertainment through Benny Hill and UK Garage. While medieval remnants add historical charm, post-war rebuilding has altered the city's visual continuity. Join us as we delve into Southampton's past, present, and its unique identity as a maritime hub.For more details visit yeoldeguide.comSe...2024-01-131h 04Ye Olde GuideSettling in Stone: Tracing the First Steps of British TownsEmbark on a journey through time with Ye Olde Guide as we delve into the origins of English towns. In this episode, we unravel the practical and theoretical definitions of urban life, tracing its evolution from the late Stone Age to the Norman Conquest. Discover how early communities transformed from nomadic tribal settlements to clustered focal points with hints of unified governance. Explore the archaeological evidence that sheds light on prehistoric permanent housing, causewayed enclosures, Bronze Age settlements, Iron Age hillforts, and Roman towns. Uncover the stories behind Roman civitates, Saxon burghs, and trading wics, and witness how towns...2023-08-2431 minYe Olde GuideHistory of Stoke-on-TrentWelcome to Ye Olde Guide. In this episode we are exploring Stoke-on-Trent including:Its renowned pottery industry, which thrived due to the factory system and the influence of Josiah Wedgwood. Pottery played a significant role in shaping the city's population and character. A proud musical legacy, with famous musicians like Robbie Williams hailing from Stoke-on-Trent. Williams' connection to his hometown is evident in his songs and his support for the local football club, Port Vale.Exploring a unique polycentric city, formed by the federation of six separate towns. The political decision to unify the towns was dr...2023-06-0150 minYe Olde GuideSpecial: England's best walled cities🏰🌆🔍 Explore the legacy of England's city walls and their hidden histories in this fascinating podcast episode. We discuss cities where walls have left a lasting legacy including York, Chester, Berwick upon Tweed, Southampton, Exeter and London. We discover how these walls were once essential for defence and trade, and why they fell into decline over time. With just a few remaining walls, learn how English civic authorities made decisions about what historic features of their towns were worth preserving, and how walls have become an important part of the branding and tourism of historic towns. Listen now a...2023-03-2440 minYe Olde GuideHistory of CambridgeFrom its esteemed position in political history to its thriving cultural scene, Cambridge has something for everyone. In this episode, we'll take you on a journey through five categories that showcase the city's unique heritage:Politics & War: Discover how Cambridge played a key role in British politics and produced 14 prime ministers. Plus, a gruesome artefact of another leader...Culture: a major influence on British comedy and sport.Science and Industry: Cambridge is home to some of the most important scientific discoveries in history, which are celebrated in a range of world-class museums and institutions.Urban Landscape: Cambridge is a...2023-02-271h 07Ye Olde GuideYe Olde Guide 2022 Christmas SpecialWhat are the festive traditions of the towns and cities of England? We revisit some of the towns we've visited on the podcast to explore how Christmas has been celebrated over the ages.We wish all our listeners a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.Send us a text2022-12-2818 minYe Olde GuideHistory of WarringtonA podcast guide to the history and heritage of Warrington.Warrington is not usually on the tourist trail but nevertheless boasts abundant history:A key river crossing point leading to the town being a key location in the English Civil war The centre of many industries which have left a legacy on the Warrington skylineThe location of early innovations in water and rail transportHome of a famous horseA town greatly expanded in the twentieth century, but with an architecturally rich Victorian core Send us a text2022-10-1855 minYe Olde GuideWindsor & EtonWelcome to Ye Olde Guide, a fact-filled historical tour of the towns and cities of England.In this episode we are visiting the contiguous towns of Windsor and Eton. Windsor has been the centre of royal power in Britain for much of the past millennium, while Eton's scholars have occupied a central place in political and cultural life. In this episode we will discover:- The history of Windsor Castle and its royal occupants- How Eton College was pivotal in the codification of sport- The role of tourism in Windsor...2022-10-081h 07Ye Olde GuideHistory of HullWelcome to Ye Olde Guide to Kingston Upon Hull, usually known simply as Hull. This podcast guide to Hull provides a historical guide to Hull including places to see in the city todayIn this episode we will discover:- Hull’s famous MP William Wilberforce, who spearheaded the abolition of slavery, and who’s home became a fantastic museum- The history of one of Britain’s most important ports and the industry that sprung around it- Cream phone boxes and the world’s longest bridge span- An eclectic...2022-07-051h 04Ye Olde GuideHistory of Shrewsbury: Quintessentially English Market TownJoin Ye Olde Guide on an historic tour of Shrewsbury. A town which may have one of the best preserved historic centres in England, numerous listed buildings of interest and the birthplace of one of the greatest scientists in history.The podcast explores the history of Shrewsbury in five categories:Politics & War: how the geography of Shrewsbury led to it being at the heart of historic Anglo-Welsh conflict, and the site of numerous gruesome battlesScience & Industry: the birthplace of Charles Darwin, an important pre-industrial market centre, and the g...2022-05-101h 07Ye Olde GuideHistory of Lancaster: Georgian Maritime CentreYe Olde Guide is visiting Lancaster, a city with a famous name, ancient history, well known for its castle, yet almost forgotten as a centre of global trading power.In politics & war - the House of Lancaster is a recognisable name, but Lancaster saw little action in the Wars of the Roses. It was a bigger stage in Anglo-Scottish conflict including a raid by Robert the Bruce.For culture we explore the legacy of the Pendle Witch trials, where the testimony of children was allowed for the first time and fed a trans-Atlantic hysteria. Today it...2022-03-301h 01Ye Olde GuideHistory of Lincoln: tallest, steepest, bloodiest? - a city of superlativesJoin us as we visit Lincoln.Famous for its castle and cathedral we explore the history of Lincoln. Boasting what may well have been the world's tallest building, the nation's steepest urban hill, and the site of key battles in the history of England, Lincoln is a city packed with historical buildings. Please see our website yeoldeguide.com for more details and to leave feedbackSend us a text2022-02-131h 00Ye Olde GuideHistory of Colchester: Britain's first townWelcome to Ye Olde Guide, a podcast about the history of English towns and cities.In this episode we visit Birtain's oldest town founded by the Romans, who built some of the largest and best preserved ancient buildings in Britain. We discuss the incredible city walls, the Norman castle, Roman theatres, and a fantastic variety of museums to keep any visitor entertained.Ye Olde Guide explores Colchester in five categories to find the less well known stories:Culture: the birth of nursery rhymes and major Britpop bandPolitics & war - where to start??? B...2022-01-251h 05Ye Olde GuideHistory of Wakefield: Battles, Sculpture and RhubarbJoin us as we explore the history of WakefieldSend us a text2021-12-3056 min
Ye Olde GuideHistory of Great Yarmouth - Beyond the BeachYe Olde Guide is a podcast tour of the history of English towns, including buildings, museums and attractions you can visit today. In Great Yarmouth episode we explore the unique and historic seaside resort stretching along a golden mile of Norfolk coast. Beyond the the incredible seaside attractions, we will learn about the world leading Herring trade, which made Yarmouth one of the wealthiest towns in the land in the middle ages. Our trip to the seaside includes:- A ride one of the world's most unique and historic roller coasters- Exploring the ma...2021-11-0355 min
Ye Olde GuideHistory of Chester - timeless urban heritageYe Olde Guide is a podcast about the history of English towns and cities.Join us in Chester, a city where the history is embedded in the buildings you can see.We will be discussing Chester's status as a key Roman fort, its significance as a regional capital throughout the Saxon period and beyond. We will discuss the remains of Roman Chester, its city walls and its unique multi-storey shopping arcades. Plus much more.Visit out website: yeoldeguide.comSend us a text2021-09-161h 05
Ye Olde GuideHistory of Bath – Georgian England, preservedYe Olde Guide is a podcast about the history of English towns and cities.A superbly preserved Georgian resort town owing its existence to unique geology, Bath is one of the most visited cities in England. We will explore its incredible architecture and much more including :How the city provided creative scenery throughout the ages, from Saxon poetry, to Jane Austen, Thomas Gainsborough and Les Misérables;The event in Bath that provided the blueprint for the British coronation ceremonies to this day;The first discovery of a new planet in a Bath back gar...2021-08-121h 09Ye Olde GuideHistory of Swindon - a railway legacyYe Olde Guide is a podcast about the history of English towns and cities.In this episode we’re alighting at Swindon. In the first category Culture, we’ll discover England’s first lending library and the industrial pop album inspired by Swindon’s railway heritage.For Politics & War we’ll hear about prisoners of war, and how a Swindon institution inspired the foundation of the NHS.In Science & Industry, we’ll discover Swindon’s place in railway history and how the railway works literally created the modern town.For Urban...2021-07-2452 minYe Olde GuideHistory of Reading: rock and royaltyYe Olde Guide is a podcast about the history of English towns and cities.In this episode we’re uncovering the hidden history of Reading, Berkshire. We'll discuss Oscar Wilde’s imprisonment, Jane Austen’s school and one of the oldest popular music festivals in the world. We’ll uncover the lost burial place of an English King, and the only major battle in the last successful invasion of Britain.We'll hear about the legacy of Huntley & Palmers, once the largest biscuit manufacturer in the world, visit the regenerated Abbey Quarter, Reading Gaol and the e...2021-07-081h 10Ye Olde GuideHistory of Coventry - A tale of three cathedralsYe Olde Guide is a podcast about the history of English towns and cities. In this first episode we’re visiting the midlands city of Coventry. See the extensive show notes and guide map at yeoldeguide.com In the first category culture we will discuss Lady Godiva’s naked ride through the city, the birth of two-tone, and Coventry’s essential place in the history of British multiculturalism. For politics and war we’ll be talking The Blitz, the world wars and the turbulent period when Coventry...2021-06-241h 05Ye Olde GuideSwindon - A railway legacyIn this episode we’re alighting at Swindon. In the first category Culture we’ll discover England’s first lending library and the industrial pop album inspired by Swindon’s railway heritage. For Politics and war we’ll hear about prisoners of war, and how a Swindon institution inspired the foundation of the NHS.In Science and Industry we’ll discover how Swindon’s place in railway history and how the railway works literally created the modern town. For urban heritage: the remarkable, multifunctional preservation of Swindon’s railway heritage.And yes, we will be...2021-06-2453 minYe Olde GuideYe Olde Guide - Podcast IntroductionStart here! This short introduction explains how we plan to structure the podcast.For more details see the website: yeoldeguide.comSend us a text2021-06-2404 min