Episodes
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In this episode, we journey through the fascinating and often surprising history of Scotland Yard, the iconic home of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS). Inspired by last week’s episode about the haunting tales of the Tower of London, we shift focus to uncover the evolution of law enforcement in London. From the chaotic days of watchmen during the 18th century gin craze to the formation of the Bow Street Runners and ultimately Sir Robert Peel’s revolutionary vision for modern policing, we explore how the MPS came to be.
But history isn’t always pretty, and neither is policing. Alongside the famed rooftop firing ranges and Houdini escapades, we dive into controversies and tragedies, from the wrongful shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes to the horrific murder of Sarah Everard by a serving officer. We discuss how these events have shaped public perception of the force and the reforms still needed today.
Along the way, we share quirky anecdotes about Scotland Yard’s Black Museum, rooftop firing ranges, and connections to the Beatles. Plus, you’ll hear about trailblazing figures like Edith Smith, the UK’s first female officer with arrest powers, and the challenges she faced during World War I.
Come along with us as discuss:
The Origins of Policing in London: From the medieval constables and watchmen to the Bow Street Runners and their drunken escapades.Scotland Yard’s Iconic History: Why it’s called Scotland Yard (spoiler: it has nothing to do with Scotland), its evolution, and its global cultural impact.The Quirks of Crime Fighting: Tales from the Black Museum and a few blunders, including a painting heist that left Scotland Yard red-faced.Pivotal Moments in Policing: How the world wars, the development of forensics, and societal shifts influenced Scotland Yard’s role and structure.Women in Policing: The trailblazing work of Edith Smith and the shift toward gender equality in law enforcement roles.Controversies and Tragedies: The cases of Jean Charles de Menezes and Sarah Everard and their lasting impacts on public trust and police accountability.Whether you’re a history buff, a true-crime aficionado, or someone fascinated by the inner workings of iconic institutions, this episode offers a deep dive into the stories that shaped one of the most recognized police forces in the world. So grab a cup of tea (or gin, we won’t judge!) and join us as we uncover the secrets of Scotland Yard.
For more information, including photos, sources, and suggestions for further reading, don’t forget to visit our show notes!
Also, visit our website at: https://yltpodcast.buzzsprout.com/1810008
Or, find us on:
TikTok @yltpod
Instagram @yesterdayslondontimespodcast
Facebook @ Yesterday’s London Times Podcast
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The Tower of London has watched over the city for nearly a millennium. If you are a priceless Jewel, the Tower is your protector. To countless of the city’s accused, a captor.
Royals, regals, religious, and rogues. The Tower has seen them all.
Many have been famous, and many more have been lost to history.
Holding in all of these secrets is a challenge for the Tower, and, late at night, after the tourists have gone, perhaps the fortress wants to release some of its tension. Perhaps some former tower residents, want to stand as witnesses and keep memories - even ghastly memories - alive.
In this episode we share stories of two lesser known Tudor ghosts, and we bump into some more along the way.
Take a look at our SHOW NOTES for images, sources, and more.
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Missing episodes?
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“And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how we deal with vampires in old London Town,’. - Ben Aaronovitch in Rivers of London
We start this episode in the London neighborhood of Highgate. It’s famous cemetery, exuding Victorian design and extravagance, is the setting for our first story, about a potential paranormal experience and the long term metaphysical feud that resulted.
We’ll delve into mainstream horror cinema of the 1950s and 60s from London’s own Hammer Films, with special emphasis on its vampiric offerings.
In Dracula, Bram Stoker’s count moved far and wide around the city. We’ll trace his footsteps and learn hidden coding to the novel’s London locations.
What’s a modern vampire to do in the city? We highlight some haunts for those interested in exploring the city as a creature of the night.
And, as intro, we share a brief memorial to our late, beloved pod-pup, Boo.
Photos, links and more at our SHOW NOTES here.
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Until very recently, only London held the distinction of hosting the Summer Olympics three times, more than any other city in the world. The Games in London have been pivotal, memorable, and marked by very significant historical context, beginning with the early 20th-century growth of the modern Olympics in 1908, to the intense symbolism of post-war recovery in 1948, and finally the modern legacy of the 2012 Games.
In this episode, we are stepping back in time to explore all three London Olympiads. We will take a look at some of the great athletes and notable moments of the Games, but our focus will more deeply center on the symbiotic relationship
of London to the Olympics. For better or worse, depending on the perspective, this global spectacle of sport has definitely made a permanent imprint on the city; at the same time, London has absolutely made a lasting imprint on the modern games - arguably more than any other city in the world.Ready to run, swim, and jump into London Olympic history with us? Follow along with our show notes, and visit Yesterday’s London Times on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for more information, images, sources, and fun!
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In this episode, Jen and Mares take a moment to reflect on their journey as podcasters, and take a look back at episodes in their catalogue that both examine and celebrate London over time during the hottest months of the year. For both new listeners and veterans of the community alike, there’s something for everyone this summer in the city. We will highlight:
virtual walking tours of past episodes, featuring the East end as sung in “Oranges & Lemons” and a “choose your own adventure” style romp through time and place in Londonthe challenges of summers past, particularly during the plague and blight of the summer of 1858joy expressed through summertime pomp and celebration, with a focus on jubilees of the past as well as the legacy of Pride in the citythe vibrancy, innovation, and wonder of the Swinging London summers of the 1960sholiday journeys outside the city, from medieval pilgrimages to Butlin’s Holiday CampsThis episode has it all: bougie soirées, fish mongers, epidemics, sewer systems, Victorian plant manias, Mary Quant, Mr Teezy Weezy, Gay’s the Word bookstore, Billy Butlin and more! These are just some of the people and places that have triggered our curiosity and given us hope as we’ve explored their place and relevance within London history. We couldn’t be happier or more humbled that YOU, the YLT community, have joined us on this ride for the last three years. Cheers to you, and cheers to summer!
For your convenience, links to each episode discussed and its show notes are pulled together in our SHOW NOTES. -
Mares and Jen have enjoyed playing a game of luck called “Underground Roulette.” The game is easy to play. Just select a tube stop at random, keep a curious mind, and hit the streets! It’s an engaging way to get a sense of place and all that the city offers.
But, what if we could add the dimension of time, seeing not only the neighborhood as it is, but as it was?In this episode, we explore the underground stops with stories involving the theme of luck.
London: a city where fame and fortune may await, given talent, drive, privilege, connections, and sometimes it comes down to luck.Our three stories feature:
horseshoes, normally associated with good luck, but not this time,counteracting the bad luck of the number 13, and, when what seems like bad luck can be the best fortune yet.Along the way, we’ll visit an iconic location synonymous with luxury and spend time with some of the most famous people in modern history.
Follow along on our SHOW NOTES. You’ll find photos, recordings, sources, and ways to find us.
Enjoy playing Underground Roulette. With a little luck, you’ll have a lot of fun! -
Wildlife on the Tube: it’s not just on the Northern Line at night. It’s everywhere. Throughout the Underground, flora and fauna show up intentionally - and unintentionally - in the most surprising places. In this episode, we will:
explore the gardens maintained voluntarily by TfL employees discuss the history of the London Underground In Bloom competitionlearn about a subspecies of mosquito that dwells in the Underground tunnels meet pigeons who seem to intentionally and intelligently use the Tube to navigate the city examine the tough lives of Underground mice, whose reality is a stark contrast to their cozy portrayal in popular cultureIn addition, we will:
ponder how the city would be different if the Tube had never come to fruitionask tough questions about the safety of air quality on the Tubecompare and contrast the impact of public and private transportation methods on the environment in generallook at steps taken by TfL and the City of London to make the Tube safer for employees, patrons, and the environmentThe impact of the Underground on the city of London is indisputable. But how deeply does the system impact the ecosystem of the city as a whole? Join us for a journey into the natural world that adapts, survives, and sometimes even thrives within this human made modern marvel that is the London Underground.
See our SHOW NOTES for photos, videos, links, sources, and more.
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“Is it worth anything to you, guv’nor?”
It’s boots on the street in city centre as we pinball through time … from the 1600s, to 1912, to current day. We’ll think and wonder about how unknown treasures might exist even in the heart of an urban area.
Along the way we’ll …
park ourselves in Cheapside, and learn of its history,shine a light on the work of a group of navvies, who excavated below the streets as railroads, underground trains, and construction projects transformed the cityscape,experience the thrill of uncovering a buried treasure, and gape in awe at its contents,consider the ownership of found objects,meet George Fabian “Stoney Jack” Lawrence, who had the right skill set for a specific period, explore theories about the hoard: Who hid it? Why didn’t they ever return for it?peek into the world of modern day detectoristsThe SHOW NOTES are an absolutely must as you enjoy this episode. You’ll see photos of the hoard, links, maps, videos, links to stories, and of course, our sources. So much to discover. Treasures await.
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Providing up to 5 million passenger journeys a day, the London Underground is integral to the city's infrastructure. It's impossible to imagine how the city would function without it.
But why would something built for purpose become a source of admiration and entertainment? A Transport for London style guide provides powerful evidence: "Every Underground station should include at least one moment of delight and surprise, to improve customers' journeys and the working environment for staff."
A-ha!
Let's meet some Tube superfans.
Jen tells a story about Underground trainspotters and highlights the Tube in pop culture, while Mares looks at people who attempt the citywide Tube Challenge.
We'll think about the nature of challenge, the history of tube spotting and racing challenges, and some of the unique and engaging personalities for whom the Tube (and Overground) truly is a constant delight and surprise.
See our SHOW NOTES for photos, links, sources, and more. -
At Yesterday’s London Times, we are all about inquiry, questions and stories, particularly stories that are new to us or that we just want to know on a deeper level. We seek out people, places, and facets of history that are lesser known, quirkier, or even downright strange. We also like to shine a spotlight on those who really do - or have done - amazing things, but perhaps have been forgotten over time, or lost in the shuffle of a typical news cycle or history text. We especially love discovering stories about people who contribute to the collective good of humanity in some way.
Who lives here now? Who has lived here in the past? What are the stories that live within the streets of this area? What do the people - or perhaps the ghosts of former inhabitants - of this area want to teach us?What are some places to visit, what might I eat? What is quirky or unique about this part of London? What can I learn from this area?
Early on in our partnership, we (Jen and Mares) immediately recognized our common love and admiration for the London Underground, or Tube, for the Tube is something more than just the transportation system beneath our feet. It supplies life to the city of London, and with up to 5 million passenger journeys on any given day, it is the veins and arteries that allow all of the movement that keeps the city going and makes it such a special place.
Join us throughout the following year as we randomly choose destinations across the city to “visit”. We will virtually hop on the Tube and bring the city to your ears as we search for adventures around the stations of the iconic Underground map. We will ask ourselves:The journey begins today. Where do you think the Tube will take us today?
As you listen, we invite you to follow along in our show notes to enhance your experience with us. -
A little romance?
What began as a fluff piece about an eccentric romance novelist turned into a snapshot of a century through the eyes of someone who lived it to the fullest.
Meet Barbara Cartland: extravagant, exaggerated, and … pink. As author of 723 books, she remains the most prolific romance novelist of all time. If you’ve ever seen her, you won’t likely forget her, dripping in jewels, layered in make up, clad in fuchsia, and riding in her classic white Rolls Royce.
We’ll follow Barbara through the Great War, to 1920’s London with the Bright Young Things, to writing, motherhood, political involvement, and World War II. And she’s just getting started, hitting the peak of her career in the 1980s, in her eighties.
Along the way, we’ll rub elbows, (well, maybe more than elbows) with movers and shakers of many decades. For example, have you ever heard of Lord Beaverbrook? Also, you won’t believe who joins the family in the 1970s!
We wrap up with a game you can join in at home. It’s called Oh, Barbara.
While we have little in common with Barbara, and share few of her opinions, we have to respect someone who called her own shots and refused to be sidelined as an octogenarian.
See our SHOW NOTES for photos, some quite rare, sources, and such. -
Bears. Cute. Cuddly.
But when we looked at them through the long lens of London history, it got complicated pretty quickly.
Join us as we take the ursine plunge, and think about….
the bears that roamed Britain 7000 years ago the Tower menagerie,blood sports such a bearbaiting, especially popular during the Elizabethan period,the invention of the stuffed bear and its significance in the Great War, Pooh and Paddington, two special bears with London ties, and share unexpected commonalitiesPlus, to kick off our exploration of underground and rail stations this year, we’re going to Paddington!
Our SHOW NOTES round out your listening experience, with photos, drawings, clips, links, sources, and more.
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It's a Yesterday's London Times tradition - the Boxing Day episode!
Relax along with us as we look back at some of the people and places we met on the podcast this year. Half of our episodes sent us time traveling throughout the Sixties in different centuries of British history, and the other episodes were our regular mix of quirky yet thoughtful takes on the city we love.
We present our annual YLT awards to some people who are unforgettable. And not always in a good way. The final award is always our Defender of the Collective Good Award, presented to the character(s) that most made a positive impact on their community.
Jen and Mares share some of their favorites: those pieces that make life just a bit better.
And we'll close with a look forward at our plans for 2024 at YLT. We're excited.
See our SHOW NOTES for referenced in the episode, plus links and drinks. -
WELCOME TO OUR 50th EPISODE!
In the final stop of our ‘60s YLT Time Machine, we touch down in the 1560’s just in time for a Tudor Christmas. In a deeply divided nation in which religion is politicized, we’ll see how the young Queen Elizabeth finds her own path.
The Tudor Christmas was a respite from work and from unrelenting poverty. It was a time of revelry and a loosening of societal roles.
Our visit to the Tudor Christmas will ignite our senses. Along the way, we’ll …
Share a dramatic moment with Queen Elizabeth at her first Christmas service as sovereign,Spruce up the place with seasonal décor,Experience 12 full days of partying, including games, plays, carols, wassailing, and feasts,Run into some unique roles: a boy bishop, a Lord of Misrule, mummers, and masque players,See how ancient magic influenced and remained with the holiday.We’ll end up at Greenwich Palace and spend Twelfth Night with Good Queen Bess herself. The activities, the exotic and sometimes disturbing feasts, and the political minefield of royal gift giving.
Our SHOW NOTES are FULL of artwork, videos, links to eBooks, recipes, and much more.
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In our 2021 episode, “Here is Vogue, In Spite of it All!”, we explored how the British edition of the iconic fashion magazine evolved into an outlet for groundbreakingVogue wartime journalism. As we studied the reasons behind that seemingly unlikely transformation, we met some strong, creative, and intellectually brilliant women, among them the complex and multitalented Lee Miller. In this episode, we examine her fascinating life of contrasts more deeply, and:
- consider the impact of intense childhood trauma in her art and writing
- learn of her contributions to the surrealist art movement
- celebrate her photographic inventiveness
- reflect on the importance and legacy of her career as a war correspondent during the Second World War
- marvel at the intensity and depth of creativity that characterised the many endeavors Miller pursued and subsequently mastered throughout the course of her life
the photographic journey that Jen & Mares describe in the episodeimages of Miller as a Roaring 20s Vogue modelexamples of her photographs, as well as evidence of her role as a muse to the prominent surrealist artists of the time some of her most iconic WWII images, many of which proved the existence of the Holocaust to the world a list of source citations and the recipe for this episode's cocktail: The Ode to Lee!
She was well known for her beauty, and yes - she did bathe in Hitler’s private quarters just hours after the dictator fled his quarters, defeat finally imminent - but there is so much more to the that story and her legacy as a whole. Join us, as we examine this iconic woman on a deeper level, for Lee Miller lived an incomparable life, indeed.
Don’t forget to visit our SHOW NOTES for bonus content! You'll find: -
It’s getting all wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey at YLT as we celebrate a huge milestone in British culture: the 60th anniversary of the iconic Doctor Who!
In this episode, we :
look at the unlikely-for-the-time trio who launched Doctor Who back in 1963discuss the basic premise of the showexamine its importance as a British cultural phenomenonreflect on the symbolism and deeper messages within the seriesconsider the discourse surrounding the show and how it contributes to progressive societyexplore the show’s legacy and importance in 2023
photos of the BBC employees who founded the showimages of all 15 official doctors and a few of the Doctor’s most iconic enemies (and frenemies!)links to several websites to help you continue your journey down the DW rabbit holea bibliography to begin to build your own Doctor Who library and this episode's two Who-inspired drink recipes, the Doctor No. 1 and the Banana Daiquiri!
For some, Doctor Who is a campy romp that provides an occasional escape from reality, while for others, it’s a community with which to deeply connect. Whether you’re a dedicated Whovian for whom the show is a lifestyle, or a complete newcomer to the series, there’s something here for everyone in the time and space continuum. Join us, as we celebrate this iconic moment in British pop culture history!
Don’t forget to visit our SHOW NOTES for fun bonus content! You'll find: -
Let's do the Time Warp... it's the Rocky Horror episode!
delve into the creative team and cast responsible for its deviant mayhem, sharing their back stories and how they all converged in time and place in early '70s London,take a trip back in time to its first performance,follow the Rocky Horror road to Hollywood, pinpoint when this movie became a new creation based on a fan-conceived and fan-scripted interactive experience,consider Rocky Horror Picture Show as a cosplay pioneer, andmark its legacy as young adult rite of passage, opening up ideas about identity, gender, and sexuality.
Though many people have seen the cult classic film, few people know about its origins in a 63 seat London theatre.
In this episode, we :
rare photos from its original London run (spoiler: Tim Curry as a blonde?), a ticket to a performance 2 weeks into its initial run (costing 80 p - oh, the longing), original program, a link to the full original script, articles, and interviews,and this episode's drink recipe, the "Hot-Pa-Toddy, Bless My Soul."
For some, Rocky Horror was a fun and raucous night out, for others, it provided a safe and dependable community for creativity and a sense of belonging. Come along for the ride!
And come over to our SHOW NOTES for such fun bonus content! You'll find: -
Hop in the YLT time machine, we are on the move once again, but brace yourself: 1666 awaits.
How do everyday people survive constant war, devastating plague, and raging destruction all within the span of a very short window of time? In this episode, we examine the perseverance of Medieval Londoners, and explore many themes of life in the 17th century that surprisingly overlap with some of the lived experiences of many in contemporary society. We question if these somewhat hidden connections can provide us with education and insight into our current world.
Many 17th century Londoners believed the end times must be near. Join us as we dive into their world and imagine what it must have been like to live in such an incredibly tumultuous and chaotic decade of catastrophic calamities.
Photos, link, sources, and more at our show notes can be found HERE -
In this 60’s time travel event, we explore deep! We’re in the 1060s, further, in history than we’ve ever gone on YLT.
How can a simple craft help us to think about a complex, political and military event? We examine the Norman conquest, the battle of Hastings, through the Bayeux tapestry.
You’ll meet the major players and dig deeper to discover some of the incongruous and enigmatic characters on the art piece.
We’ll think about how the embroidery has survived a millennium while being threatened and used for political power.
And finally, we’ll consider the Bayeux embroidery as inspiration for homage and satire.
Photos, link, sources, and more at our show notes HERE. -
We’re back to the Sixties again; this time, the 1360s!
Before commercial travel, a pilgrimage provided tourism with a spiritual twist. A veneration vacation, so to speak.Today, people travel for spiritual reasons to Mecca, the Ganges. Jerusalem, Israel, Mount Fuji, El Camino de Santiago de Compostela, and other destinations. The medieval pilgrimage was deeply linked to religion, social structures, politics, health, and the economy.
In this episode, we’ll think about…
· Who went on pilgrimages and why?
· Travel decisions: Where to go, how to get there, what to bring with you.
· What actually happened once the destination was reached. Was there any element of fun involved?We’ll dive into the pilgrim experience by simulating a journey to the Walsingham Shrine. Along the way, we’ll better understand the medieval significance of indulgences and relics.
Photos, sources, and more at our show notes HERE.
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Episode image from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales via Wikimedia Commons. - Show more
