The English Heritage Podcast

Here on the podcast we spend most of our time discussing the actions of people at the places where they worked or lived through the ages. But far less well known are the stories of the animals and pets that lived alongside them. This week, we’re joined by properties historians team leader Dr Andrew Hann, senior properties historian Dr Megan Leyland and landscape advisor Emily Parker to discuss some of the remarkable animals that played their own part in making history at our sites, from dancing horses and talking parrots to ring-tailed lemurs and royal elephants! To learn about another story of exotic animals on an aristocratic estate, go to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/chiswick-house/history-chiswick-menagerie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re joined by Senior Properties Historian Dr Susan Greaney and Properties Curator Mark Douglas to reveal the story of a prehistoric site – and the man who unearthed it. Decades before Time Team turned its experts into much-loved celebrities, one archaeologist was making a name for himself through the new medium of television. That man was Sir Mortimer Wheeler. Discover the story of his dig at Stanwick Iron Age Fort in North Yorkshire which he carried out as part of the Festival of Britain in 1951. To learn more about Stanwick Iron Age Fort or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stanwick-iron-age-fortifications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re delving into the hidden history of spies, intelligence personnel and secret agents with English Heritage’s senior historian for blue plaques, Howard Spencer. Find out about six men and women whose exploits were crucial to British intelligence and, for some, to our endeavours in World War Two. In the past, their lives, work and achievements were shrouded in secrecy. But today, their service, contributions and memory are honoured through blue plaques at their former homes in London. To read more of the stories behind our blue plaques, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques/blue-plaque-stories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know that English Heritage cares for more castles than anyone else? That’s why we invited you to put your questions to our experts: head properties curator, Dr Jeremy Ashbee and properties historian, Dr William Wyeth. Join us as we discover the definition of a castle, why the Normans couldn’t stop building them and how they have changed over time. If you’ve ever wondered what a Motte and Bailey castle is or which was the most besieged English Heritage castle, this is the episode for you! To learn more about our mighty collection of castles, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/castles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grab your broomsticks and warm your toes by a bubbling cauldron as we explore the history of witches, witchcraft and witch trials in England with Diane Purkiss, Professor of English literature at Oxford University. Discover when stories of witchcraft really started to take hold in England, the meaning of the phrase ‘the witching hour’ and the purpose of the mysterious witch marks that have been found in historic buildings across the country. To discover some more spooky stories connected to English Heritage sites, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/halloween/spooky-stories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re joined by English Heritage properties historian Andrew Roberts and collections curator Frances McIntosh to discuss the story of Chesters Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall, which remains the most complete Roman cavalry fort in Britain. Discover what life was like for the men stationed here, the importance of the cavalry and the story of John Clayton, who excavated the fort from 1843 until his death in 1890, helping to save this section of Hadrian’s Wall and unearthing many of the objects on display in the fort’s museum. To discover more about Chesters Roman Fort or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/chesters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every October, Black History Month celebrates the many achievements of black Britons throughout the centuries. But it also encourages us to look at Britain's dominant role in transatlantic slavery, and to understand the legacies of the trade that still shape our world today. We’re joined by Professor of History and Memory of Slavery at the University of Bristol, Olivette Otele, to find out more. To discover more about slavery connections to English Heritage sites, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/research/slavery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we continue to celebrate Black History Month with a journey through time – and the streets of London. We’re joined by curatorial director Anna Eavis and historian Steve Martin to discuss a president, a doctor, a nurse, two stars of stage and screen, and a footballer, who are all commemorated with English Heritage blue plaques at their former homes in the capital. To discover more about the black history celebrated through our blue plaques scheme, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques/blue-plaque-stories/londons-black-history Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re joined by English Heritage’s poet-in-residence Jacob Sam-La Rose, emerging Poet Esme Allman and creative programme manager Caroline Moore to discuss a new month-long poetry programme taking place throughout Black History Month in October. This will see Jacob and a number of emerging African Caribbean poets write poetry inspired by the stories of English Heritage sites or their experiences of visiting them. To discover more about Jacob’s role as poet-in-residence, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/members-area/members-magazine/2020/introducing-our-new-poet-in-residence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re joined by Cathy Power and Sarah Murden to discuss the story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the illegitimate daughter of British naval officer Sir John Lindsay and an African woman named Maria Bell, who may have been enslaved. Dido spent much of her life at Kenwood House on Hampstead Heath in North London where was raised by her great uncle, Lord Mansfield, who through the 1750s to 80s was the most powerful judge in England. To discover more about Dido Belle and Kenwood, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/women-in-history/dido-belle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’ve returned to the turbulent Tudor period in which King Henry VIII imposed his will against the Pope through the Dissolution of the Monasteries. This saw the suppression of approximately 900 religious houses across England and Wales and the execution of around 200 members of the religious orders and laymen. Joining us to discuss how this religious revolution came about – and what happened to the thousands of displaced monks and nuns in its aftermath – is senior properties historian Michael Carter. To discover more about our monasteries and abbeys, and to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/monasteries-and-abbeys Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following the publication of new research revealing where Stonehenge’s giant sarsen stones were extracted from, we’re heading out on the road to meet Senior Properties Historian Dr Susan Greaney to trace their journey to Salisbury Plain. Discover how Professor David Nash from Brighton University tracked the stones back to a specific location, how Stonehenge’s builders transported them and why the stones’ original location has eluded us for so long. To discover more about the history of Stonehenge or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/stonehenge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re joined by properties curator Mark Douglas to discover the stories of the English Heritage sites that played their part in defending England’s northern territories. Join us on an audio tour of the key defences through the ages, from Hadrian’s Wall to Carlisle, Norham, Berwick and Dunstanburgh Castles, and find out what happened to them during peacetime until war broke out across Europe. To discover more about our collection of castles, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/castles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scupper me skull and crossbones! This week, we’re casting off for an episode all about the history of piracy and, more specifically, the pirates of the English Channel. And while this might sound like an unlikely title for a film, history tells us that the waters between southern England and northern France were, in fact, a dangerous domain for cargo vessels for several centuries. Joining us to map out the history of piracy in English waters – and unmask its key figures – is senior properties historian Paul Pattison. To read more about the pirates of the English Channel, go to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/pirates-of-england/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re joined in the studio by senior properties historian Michael Carter to reveal the story of Richard, Earl of Cornwall and the English Heritage sites connected with him, from Berkhamstead, Tintagel, Launceston and Restormel Castles, which he owned, to Hailes Abbey, which he founded. Although his name might not be familiar, he was the second son of King John and the brother of Henry III and enjoyed great influence – not to mention a very eventful life. Listen on to discover how he became one of the richest men in Europe, joined the Barons’ Crusade, was made King of the Germans and was a claimant to the Holy Roman Empire. To discover more about the history of Richard, Earl of Cornwall and Tintagel Castle, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/tintagel-castle/history-and-legend/richard-of-cornwall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re travelling back to the 13th century and the turbulent reign of King John to discover how a rebellion, a war in France and two sieges of Dover Castle in Kent each played their part in the king’s eventual demise. Joining us to unpick the complex plot is senior properties historian Paul Pattison, who reveals the events leading up to the sieges of Dover Castle, their role in preserving English rule and the evidence that can still be seen today. To discover more about the history of Dover Castle or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/dover Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re marking 300 years since one of the most infamous stock market crashes in English history. It was a bubble fuelled by wild speculation and driven by dubious morals – and a bubble which ruined the fortunes of many investors, including some whose estates are now cared for by English Heritage. Joining us to discuss the South Sea Company stock market bubble – and crash – are properties historians team leader Dr Andrew Hann and Dr Helen Paul, who’s a Lecturer in Economics and Economic History at the University of Southampton. To learn about the impact of the South Sea Bubble at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens in South Yorkshire, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/brodsworth-hall-and-gardens/history Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re joined by anthropologist and author Mary-Ann Ochota to discover the history hiding in plain sight in the English landscape. These features include everything from burial mounds, hill forts and stone circles, to figures carved into chalk hills and the network of ancient paths that crisscross the country. Listen on to learn about the relics the Romans left behind, the legacy of the enclosures and how easy it is to ‘read’ the landscape today. To order a signed copy of Mary-Ann’s book, Hidden Histories: A Spotter’s Guide to the British Landscape, go to www.maryannochota.com/apps/webstore To discover more about how England has been shaped by different influences over time, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/voicesofengland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 75th anniversaries of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in the Second World War, we’re looking back at the long period of military tension that followed. The Cold War between communist Russia and the democratic West was effectively a war of ideologies. But it was also a war in which newly discovered nuclear weapons had the potential to destroy civilisation. One of the eerie monuments to that era is York Cold War bunker in northern England – and joining us to discuss its story while stationed in the depths of the bunker is senior curator Kevin Booth. Unfortunately the bunker remains closed to the public at this time, but to discover more about this site, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/york-cold-war-bunker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re joined by fashion historian Amber Butchart and makeup artist Rebecca Butterworth to discuss the history of makeup and their experiences as the presenters of our popular series of makeup tutorials on YouTube, which explain how to get iconic looks through the ages, from Roman times to the 1940s. Listen on to discover how cosmetics have evolved over time, what they discovered making the series and their favourite historic look to recreate at home. To watch our series of historic makeup tutorials, go to https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLx2QMoA1Th9dyD5zTlnkvOVZuFYKFXYT9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re heading back to the 1930s and a property that was something of a party palace. Eltham Palace and gardens, nestled in south-east London, is rich in history, with royal residents that include Edward II, a young Henry VIII and Charles I, who was the last king to visit before the Civil War. After centuries of neglect, Eltham was then leased to millionaire socialites Stephen and Virginia Courtauld in 1933, who remodelled it as the Art Deco mansion that exists today. Joining us to discuss Etlham’s history and the lives of its colourful residents and visitors is English Heritage’s properties historians team leader, Dr Andrew Hann. To discover more about Eltham Palace or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/eltham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This year English Heritage are celebrating the many ways the past has shaped our nation and this week, at a time when mobility is still restricted, we’re looking back at when a new mode of transport changed life in England forever. Before Britain fell in love with the motor car, and long before the dawn of international flights to exotic destinations, the dawn of rail travel marked a new chapter in England’s story. We’re joined by head collections curator, Dr Matt Thompson, to discuss the railways’ lasting legacy on the cultural and physical landscape of England. To discover more about how different influences helped to shape the story of England, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/voicesofengland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 30th anniversary of Brodsworth Hall and Gardens in South Yorkshire being gifted to the nation, we are joined by senior curator Kevin Booth, head gardener Dan Hale and head curator of collections Martin Allfrey to chart the rise, fall and revival of this grand country home that was built for the Thelluson family and their servants in the 1860s. Discover how it came to be in English Heritage’s care, why the decision was made to conserve the property ‘as found’ and how it was reopened to visitors in 1995 to share its remarkable stories. To discover more about Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/brodsworth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re heading back the 4th century, when the strength of the Roman Empire was being tested across Europe, including here in Britain. To defend our shores from invaders, the Romans built a series of forts along the coast, which are collectively known as the Saxon Shore Forts. Join us as we interview English Heritage Senior Properties Historian Paul Pattison to find out where they were built, what daily life would have been like at them and what happened to them after the Romans left Britain. To discover more about Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/richborough Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The summer solstice, which brings the longest day of the year, is due to take place on 20 June and, under normal circumstances, thousands of people would gather at Stonehenge to watch the sun rise over the Heel stone. However, as that’s not possible this year, we’re having our own socially distanced celebration. Joining us is Senior Properties Historian, Dr Susan Greaney, to discuss the importance of the solstice to Stonehenge and the other prehistoric monuments aligned with it. To discover more about Stonehenge and the Summer Solstice, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/stonehenge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To mark the 150th anniversary of the death of Charles Dickens, we’re joined by English Heritage’s senior historian for blue plaques, Howard Spencer, and Dr Cindy Sughrue, to discuss the author’s life and literary accomplishments at his London home, 48 Doughty Street. Since reinvented as the Charles Dickens Museum, this Georgian house is the only one of his former homes that can be visited by the public today, with an English Heritage blue plaque honouring his rise to fame as one of the world’s greatest storytellers while living here. To discover more about the blue plaques scheme, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/blue-plaques Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re back in the studio with Josephine Oxley, keeper of the Wellington Collection at Apsley House, the former London home of the 1st Duke of Wellington, to challenge the view that the duke became romantically involved with every woman he admired. Instead, as Josephine explains, letters, paintings and other objects from the collection at Apsley paint a very different picture of Wellington and the women of influence who were his friends. To discover more about Apsley House and the Duke of Wellington, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/apsley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 80th anniversary of Operation Dynamo during the Second World War, we’re joined by Senior Properties Historian Paul Pattison to discover how the rescue of 338,000 allied soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk was masterminded by Vice Admiral Bertram Ramsay from deep inside Dover Castle’s top-secret tunnels. Learn about the events leading up to it, how it was accomplished and why it was such an important turning point in the war. Plus, listen to an interview with former Army Signalman and Operation Dynamo veteran, Richard Sheen, to understand what life was like at Dover Castle at the time. Sadly, Richard passed away in 2019 at the age of 99. This episode is dedicated to him and his family. To discover more about Dover Castle and Operation Dynamo, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/dover Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the questions that English Heritage staff and volunteers get asked all the time is what life would have been like inside a castle. We’re joined by head historic properties curator, Dr Jeremy Ashbee, to find out what constitutes a true castle, who would have lived and worked at them and what the typical sounds, sights and smells would have been. We also reveal what life would have been like for the soldiers who defended them and for the prisoners held in their dungeons. To discover more about English Heritage’s castles, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/castles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 200th anniversary of the launch of HMS Beagle and Charles Darwin’s famous voyage that helped him formulate his theories on natural selection, we’re joined by Senior Properties Historian Dr Steven Brindle to find out more. Discover where Darwin travelled, what he found and what happened to the ship after Darwin disembarked. We’re also joined by Anthony O’Rourke, head gardener at Down House, Darwin’s former home in Kent, to find out about the key experiments the naturalist conducted in his own garden and how these are replicated today. To discover more about Down House and Darwin’s story, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/downhouse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re combining history and horticulture as we’re joined in the studio by the head of English Heritage’s gardens and landscape team, John Watkins, and acclaimed landscape designer Dan Pearson, to find out about the planned transformation of the gardens at Belsay Hall in Northumberland. Discover the history of the gardens, the plans to bring them back to their blooming best, and the wider project to transform the visitor experience at this spectacular site. To discover more about Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/belsay-hall-castle-and-gardens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On 16 May 1568, a small fishing boat carrying Mary Queen of Scots set sail from Scotland for English shores. After months of conflict and turmoil in Scotland, she had decided to entrust her fate to her cousin, Elizabeth I of England. Two days later Mary was escorted to Carlisle Castle in Cumbria – and so began almost 19 years as a prisoner, before her eventual execution in 1587. To find out how and why the story unfolded, we’re joined by senior properties historian Steven Brindle who reveals why she sought refuge in England and how her two-month stay at Carlisle turned into the rest of her life held captive. To discover more about Carlisle Castle or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/carlisle-castle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we approach St. George’s Day on 23 April, we’re investigating the man behind the myth and the sites connected with his story. Joining us to unravel the secrets of our heroic patron saint is Senior Properties Historian Dr Michael Carter. Listen on to discover where he lived, how he died, why he was sainted and the truth behind that legendary fight with a dragon. For more myth busting and interesting facts about St George, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/st-georges-day/9-things-you-didnt-know-about-st-george/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s almost Easter, when egg hunts take place in gardens across the country, but have you ever wondered how and why this curious seasonal tradition started? We’re joined in the studio by senior properties historian Dr Andrew Hann to reveal why eggs were first hidden for children to find, how the tradition has since evolved, and when natural eggs were replaced by the chocolate variety we’re more familiar with today. To find out more, read Andrew’s blog post on Easter egg hunts at http://blog.english-heritage.org.uk/the-history-of-the-egg-hunt/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After Carrawburgh Roman Fort and Temple of Mithras in Northumberland became the latest Hadrian’s Wall site to be cared for by English Heritage, we’re joined by Properties Curator Mark Douglas to discuss the stories of this and the other key forts we look after. Discover what purpose they served, what daily life would have been like for the soldiers stationed at them, the artefacts that have since revealed their secrets and how their stories have been brought to life for visitors today. To discover more about the Hadrian’s Wall sites that we look after, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/hadrians-wall/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To mark the end of Women’s’ History Month, we’re joined in the studio by Senior Properties Historian Dr Megan Leyland and Curator of Collections Olivia Fryman to discuss the lives and accomplishments of a selection of the most remarkable women with a connection to our historic sites. Discover the stories of Henrietta Howard at Marble Hill House in London, Bess of Hardwick at Hardwick Old Hall in Derbyshire, Lady Anne Clifford at Brough and Brougham Castles in Cumbria and Emma Darwin, wife to the famous scientist Charles Darwin. To learn about the stories of more remarkable women with a connection to our sites, go to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/women-in-history/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This year we’re celebrating the many ways the past has shaped our nation through our year-long ‘Voices of England’ campaign – and here on the podcast we’re launching our own investigations, starting with an interview with English Heritage trustee Professor Ronald Hutton to discuss the legacy of pre-Christian beliefs. Discover what the earliest settlers in England believed, the evidence that can still be found in our historic landscapes, our ancient ritual monuments and our language, and how the arrival of Christianity changed English society as a whole. To find out more about our Voices of England campaign, go to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/voicesofengland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’ve travelled to Saxtead Green Post Mill in Suffolk to meet Jonathan Sullivan, whose family have owned and run the mill for generations, along with English Heritage national project manager Joseph James and millwright Tim Whiting to reveal the work that has just gone into restoring and repairing this unique agricultural gem. Discover the mill’s history, the challenges of caring for it and what visitors can expect during a visit today. To find out more about the mill or plan a visit, go to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/saxtead-green-post-mill/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

March is Women’s History Month and to celebrate, we’re joined in the studio by English Heritage’s Curatorial Director Anna Eavis, to discuss the stories of a selection of the inspirational women who are honoured with blue plaques at their former London homes. Learn about the lives and accomplishments of women’s rights campaigners Millicent Garrett Fawcett and Emmeline and Sylvia Pankhurst, pioneering chemist Rosalind Franklin, journalist Martha Gelhorne and more – and discover how English Heritage are hoping to attract more female blue plaque nominations in future. To find out more about the blue plaques scheme, go to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques/support-the-scheme/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ahead of the launch of new cookery book, How to Cook the Victorian Way with Mrs Crocombe, we meet the book’s authors, senior properties historian Andrew Hann and food historian Annie Gray, to discover the story of Audley End’s former head cook Avis Crocombe and the recipes she left behind. Learn about Mrs Crocombe’s working life at Audley End, why Bob Stride, a descendent of the Crocombe family, decided to donate her original recipe book to English Heritage, and how she has since become an unlikely YouTube sensation. To find out more about Audley End House and Gardens, and plan a visit, go to www.englishheritage.org.uk/audley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re joined by Senior Properties Historian Dr Michael Carter to discuss how he came across a previously unpublished list of relics that were at Battle Abbey in the mid-15th century. Discover how he has been able to show that at least some of the relics were likely the gift of William the Conqueror and had originally been in the Anglo-Saxon royal treasury, and that others were given by King John, having been collected by his brother, Richard I, while on Crusade in the Holy Land. Plus, we explore the wider medieval belief in relics and pilgrimage – and other English Heritage sites where relics were kept. To find out more about Battle Abbey and plan a visit, go to www.englishheritage.org.uk/battle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The story of Queen Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley has fascinated people for more than 450 years. Their relationship has been explored in books, films and on TV, most recently by Cate Blanchett and Joseph Fiennes in the film Elizabeth, and by Helen Mirren and Jeremy Irons in the series Elizabeth I. They certainly shared an emotional connection on each other throughout their lives, but were they ever really lovers? Ahead of Valentine’s Day, we interview head properties curator Dr Jeremy Ashbee to reveal the real story of their supposed romance and Dudley’s now legendary attempt to woo England’s ‘Virgin Queen’ over 19 days in 1575 at Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire. To find out more about Kenilworth Castle and plan a visit, go to www.englishheritage.org.uk/kenilworth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following an archaeological dig to discover the secrets of the Root House that once sat in the mysterious Mithraic Glade of Wrest Park in Bedfordshire, we meet senior properties historian Dr Andrew Hann and PhD student Jemima Hubberstey to reveal why the glade was created and the literary inspiration behind it. Plus, we reveal what the Root House was, how it was used, and its unique connection to the story of this spectacular estate. To find out more about Wrest Park and plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/wrest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re at Dover Castle in Kent to take an exclusive tour of the ‘Dumpy’ level of its secret underground tunnels with Cold War expert Mark Bennett. Once fully equipped and designed to keep those inside 'safe' from nuclear fall-out, the austere rooms and tunnels are now largely devoid of their equipment, furnishings, fixtures and fittings, but still retain a chilling air of the Cold War. Discover when the tunnels were built, why Dover Castle was selected and how you can take a tour of the tunnels today. To find out more about Dover Castle and our exclusive Members’ tours of the ‘Dumpy’ level of the secret war tunnels, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/dover Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve managed to convince English Heritage head gardener John Watkins to down tools and join us for a one-to-one gardeners’ question time to talk us through what goes into maintaining our historic gardens. Discover how our gardening teams are busy preparing for spring, the key jobs they can be found doing over the winter period and the sites where you can eat the produce from our historic kitchen gardens. To find out more about our gardens and plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/historic-gardens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re joined in the studio by two experts on Roman history – English Heritage Properties Historian Dr Andrew Roberts and Curator for the north east Rachel Wilkinson – to reveal what life would have been like for the Roman soldiers stationed and living along Hadrian’s Wall. Discover what garrison life would have been like, how the soldiers coped with the harsh British winters and the artefacts that offers clues to their daily life in our museums today. To find out more about Hadrian’s Wall or plan a visit to any of the English Heritage sites along it, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/hadrians-wall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re inspired to try something new in 2020 then volunteering with English Heritage might just be what you’ve been looking for. We head behind the scenes at Stonehenge to meet three volunteers with very different roles to find out what a day in their volunteering life is like – and we reveal the other opportunities available to get involved across the country. To find out more about volunteering with English Heritage, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/volunteer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy New Year from English Heritage. If you’re looking for inspiration for places to visit over the months ahead, then this is the episode for you. We’re joined in the studio by head historic properties curator Dr Jeremy Ashbee, head of learning and Interpretation Dr Dominique Bouchard, and senior properties historian Dr Steven Brindle to discover the English Heritage sites where the course of history was changed forever. Listen on to find out what three sites and events each of our experts nominated, why they were pivotal to English and even global history, and what you need to know about each of them. To plan a visit to any of the sites mentioned, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve come over all festive this week as we take a break from the studio to reveal the history of carolling with English Heritage Trustee Ronald Hutton and bring you an exclusive carol concert from Bolsover Castle in Derbyshire in time for the big day! Get in the Christmas spirit with The Chesterfield Philharmonic Choir as they sing a selection of festive favourites and discover the story behind each of them. To plan a visit to Bolsover Castle, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/bolsover Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re in the studio with English Heritage Trustee Ronald Hutton to discuss many of the weird and wonderful Christmas traditions that many of us take for granted. Listen on to discover the story behind Santa Claus, the yule log and Christmas cards, trees and stockings, not to mention the puzzling traditions of kissing under mistletoe, wassailing, Mummers' plays and the Lord of Misrule. To read about the history of Christmas through the ages go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/christmas/the-history-of-christmas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices