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In this episode of Unearth the Past, Dr Michala Hulme steps into the world of vintage fashion by delving into the extraordinary family history of fashion influencer and vintage queen Sophia Rosemary. What unfolds is a gripping tale of hardship, resilience, and unexpected revelations—a history shaped by strong women, wartime sacrifice, and even a Victorian-era crime.

Through archival records and historical sources, Sophia uncovers a gripping courtroom drama involving one of her ancestors—a theft scandal that played out in 19th-century England. But that’s just the beginning. As we trace her lineage through the early 20th century, we uncover the heartbreaking story of her great-great-grandfather, Herbert Simpson, who died at Gallipoli during World War I, and explore the working-class struggles of families in Lancashire and Yorkshire, enduring poverty, war, and social upheaval.

Sophia reflects on how her ancestral past has shaped her identity today—how the stories of her bold, resourceful female ancestors connect to her love of vintage fashion, her deep appreciation for nostalgia, and her passion for Northern Soul culture. From her grandmother Edith, who refused to let polio define her, to newspaper reports documenting family members involved in unlicensed pub operations, petty theft, and even fishing championships, this journey paints a vivid and raw picture of Northern working-class life across generations. Join us as we unearth the past with the brilliant Sophia Rosemary.

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Dr Michala Hulme

Sophia Rosemary

Top of the Town Vintage 

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