How do we remember the struggle of medieval sex workers? Lucy Coleman Talbot explains how the Winchester Cathedral keeps the memory of the Winchester Geese alive.

Also discussed is the history of Crossbones Graveyard throughout the years and its link between modern and medieval sex work. The modern social issues around sex work have existed for centuries, discover how we can remember the Geese for a brighter future.

For more information, including who the Winchester Geese were, details of the first podcast please visit our website: https://www.winchesterheritageopendays.org/hampshire-histbites-episodes. You can also on our website read the full show notes and download a written transcript of this podcast

Did you know that from the 12th to 17th century Southwark in London was controlled by the Bishop of Winchester? Among other powers, the Bishop had the right to license and tax the borough’s prostitutes, they became known as the ‘Winchester Geese’. 

Lucy Coleman Talbot sheds light on the Bishops' involvement, as well as the suffering endured by medieval sex workers and how we know their story from a graveyard. 

For more information, including show notes and a transcription, please visit our website https://www.winchesterheritageopendays.org/hampshire-histbites-episodes

When most people see someone’s initials scratched into the wall of the cathedral, the carvings are dismissed as graffiti and vandalism. However, those letters tell a story about the Winchester Cathedral in centuries past and the people that walked under its vaulted ceilings. Is it history, vandalism, or both? Dr. Cindy Wood explores the controversial topic.

For more information, including a transcript and further information, go to out website: https://www.winchesterheritageopendays.org/introduction-histbites

Arts and crafts probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of British Army Flying, but in this fascinating podcast Dan Ball explores the unique way the Army Flying Museum in Middle Wallop is using craft to involve the local community with our aviation history.

And that’s not the only thing on this podcast! With over 150 years of history, the Army Air Corps and its predecessors have a fascinating story that spans some of the UK’s most tumultuous moments. The Army Flying Museum brings these tales to the modern day with dazzling realism. Dan talks about how they pull it off, along with some of the exciting things on display. How did a child-sized dummy hidden in the back of a garden shed become one of the pieces? Uncover the incredible story!

For more information, including show notes and a transcript, visit our website: 
https://www.winchesterheritageopendays.org/hampshire-histbites-episodes

Martin Jakeman is the founder and artistic director of the Winchester based Theatre company,Historical Huzzahs. He explores how theatre and live performances can be used to teach audiences about history in an active and engaging style. Learn how the idea developed from his time performing on the streets of Winchester, hearing the real stories of British citizens on the home front of World War II, working with the illustrator of Horrible Histories, and more.

Today, most people can hum along to the tune of “Drunken Sailor,” but the grim origins behind the lyrics are often overlooked. In this episode Martin Jakeman from Historical Huzzahs reveals the truth. 

You will also discover how the shanties kept morale high at sea, how they changed with the invention of steam ships, and how the tradition is kept alive. You may be surprised by the latter!

For more information, including a transcript of the episode and our show-notes, go to our website: www.winchesterheritageopendays.org/introduction-histbites

Christopher Mulvey, Emeritus Professor of English at the University of Winchester and a trustee of the English Project, takes us on a historical journey of the English Language, explaining how invasions, colonisation and transatlantic naval and aeronautical dominance have all influenced the way we speak in Britain today.

Professor Mulvey also discusses dialect, sociolects and how London English has been adopted in Hampshire. His dream is to build a multi-million-pound museum in Winchester, dedicated to the fascinating complexities of the English Language.

For more information including a transcript, visit our website: www.winchesterheritageopendays.org/hampshire-histbites-episodes

Join James Freeman and Cathy Booth in this fascinating podcast. James eagerly shares his love of the King Alfred buses. This service, set up by the Chisnell family in the 1900’s, was unique to Winchester. 

James has spent a lifetime trying to bring back the buses from all over the world to their final stop. Each bus has a story and James brings that to life in this episode. He also discusses traffic, womens’ role in buses and the changing face of this well-loved transport. 

This episode is a bonus episode, specially produced for Winchester Heritage Open Days 2020 festival.

For more information, including the transcript of this episode and our show-notes, please visit: www.winchesterheritageopendays.org/introduction-histbites

Join Sophie Hacker at Winchester College as she speaks with Dr Sarah Griffin and Revd Canon Dr Roland Riem about a Book of Hours. 

The three explore the Christian Book of Prayers, its shifting purpose throughout history, and how the intricate and colourful pages were made. They also discuss the meaning of the strange religious art: is a chicken with a dragon’s body simply that, or did the artists have something deeper in mind?

This episode is a bonus episode, specially produced for Winchester Heritage Open Days 2020 festival.

For more information, including a transcript of the episode and our show-notes, go to our website: www.winchesterheritageopendays.org/introduction-histbites

Until 1990, the vast history of diving was limited to temporary exhibits in maritime museums. That changed with the founding of the Historical Diving Society. Learn about the humble origins of the global community that exists today, as well as local diving history like the wrecks of the HMS Gladiator, HMS Royal George, and the Mary Rose. 

For more information, including transcription and show-notes, go to our website: www.winchesterheritageopendays.org/introduction-histbites