In this seasonal episode from our archive, we take a sensory deep dive into the ancient Roman, mid-December festival of Saturnalia. You can expect a delightful combination of naked singing, elf hats and Christmas jumpers. Plus we find out just how much wine some employers expected their staff to get through during the festival... P.S it's a LOT.

Sources for this episode are:

Fancy finding out more? Try these:

Music credit goes to our two resident composers: Phil Russell and Alice Morgan (you can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys).

Finally, if you like what you hear then don't be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us.

X: @sistoryhistory

Blue Sky: @sistoryhistory.bsky.social

Instagram: sistoryhistory

Email: [email protected]

Web: ⁠⁠Sistory History | sensory history and podcast⁠

© 2024 by Sistory History

Welcome to the season 3 finale!

In this episode we take a sensory stroll down the lanes of Georgian London, to find out how and why gin became so popular. And why it caused so much public disruption that the government introduced no less than 8 Gin Acts in a sustained and determined effort to control its consumption.

Our sources are:

* Article from The Evening Chronicle (19th February 1835), by Charles Dickens

* The Life and Uncommon Adventures of Captain Dudley Bradstreet (1755, p.78-79), by Dudley Bradstreet

* Extract from the report The Police in the Metropolis (August 1816)

* Extract from a House of Commons debate on drunkenness (3rd June 1834, column 98)

Tips for further reading if you fancy:

Drinking with the Georgians - Discover Your Ancestors - Phil Wood enjoys an 18th century tipple

The Eighteenth Century Gin Craze – All Things Georgian

The Complete and Slightly Insane History of Gin in England | VinePair

Liquid Bewitchment: Gin Drinking in England, 1700–1850 — The Public Domain Review

History of gin (1728 - 1794)

Music credit goes to our two resident composers: Phil Russell and Alice Morgan. You can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys.

Finally, if you like what you hear today then don't be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us.

X: @sistoryhistory

Blue Sky: @sistoryhistory.bsky.social

Instagram: sistoryhistory

Email: [email protected]

Web: ⁠Sistory History | sensory history and podcast

© 2024 by Sistory History

Welcome to season 3, episode 5!

In this episode we brave the high seas as we discuss some perhaps overlooked aspects of life in the Georgian Royal Navy.

Our sources are as follows - you can find the visuals on our social media and website:

* Gold and steel combined fork/knife belonging to Lord Admiral Nelson (visual source)

* A Treatise on the Scurvy (p.191-193), by James Lind

* A Voice from the Main Deck (extract from chapter 3), by Samuel Leech

* Photographs of various toilets on board HMS Victory (visual sources)

Keen to find out more? Try these:

Empire of the Deep, by Ben Wilson

Empire of the Deep by Ben Wilson | Waterstones

Lieutenant Paul Harris Nicholas’ Account of the Battle of Trafalgar - The Dear Surprise

What Did Sailors in the Georgian Royal Navy Eat? | History Hit

A Sailor’s Life in Lord Nelson’s Navy | War History Online

Nelson fork and knife - Search Images (bing.com)

Music credit goes to our two resident composers: Phil Russell and Alice Morgan. You can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys. Also we must credit the United States Navy Band - Caroline shared their rendition of 'The Roast Beef of England' during her second source discussion. This was found on Wikipedia:

Finally, if you like what you hear today then don't be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us.

Web: https://www.sistoryhistory.co.uk/

Instagram: sistoryhistory

Email: [email protected]

© 2024 by Sistory History

Welcome to season 3, episode 4!

In this episode we meander through the walkways (some brightly lit, some dimly lit), of Georgian London's pleasure gardens. Think entertainments, music, fireworks, wandering hands and overpriced snacks...

Our sources are:

* Edinburgh Encyclopedia, 1830 edition

* Evelina (Letter 46), by Frances Burney

* The Microcosm of London, 1808-1810

* Bill of Fare for Vauxhall Gardens, 1823 (visual source)

Accompanying photos can be found on X, Instagram and our website:

BLOG & PHOTO GALLERY | Mysite (sistoryhistory.co.uk)

Fancy finding out more?

Vauxhall Gardens

Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens - Jane Austen articles and blog

London's centre of intrigue and scandal - BBC Travel

Regency History - Vauxhall Gardens Cascade

Finally, if you like what you hear today then don't be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as that helps new listeners to find us.

Web: https://www.sistoryhistory.co.uk/

X: @sistoryhistory

Instagram: sistoryhistory

Email: [email protected]

©2024 by Sistory History

Welcome to season 3, episode 3!

Welcome to season 3, episode 2!

In this episode we delve into the depths of the Georgian ballroom. We consider the people, the clothes, what the

As usual we consider all this from a sensory perspective, using a selection of primary sources:

* Jealousy Glass or Polemoscope https://www.vanleestantiques.com/product/polemoscope-18th-century/

* Extract from chapter 2 of Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

* Article written by J Addison from The Spectator, dated 27th June 1711

* Article from The Galignani Messenger, 28th February 1821

A photo of the polemoscope can be found on X and Instagram, as well as our website: www.sistoryhistory.co.uk%2Fpost%2Fphotos-for-s03e02-the-georgians-strictly-ballroom

Keen to learn more? Try these:

https://janeausten.co.uk/blogs/womens-regency-fashion-articles/polemoscope-georgian-jealousy-glasses

https://thecozydrawingroom.com/2013/11/30/how-to-spy-on-a-suitor-without-looking-like-youre-trying/

https://www.countrylife.co.uk/luxury/curious-questions-did-english-ladies-really-have-a-secret-language-of-fans-260053

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fOs3B0_wJU

And do try to visit the Fan Museum if you find yourself near Greenwich or the London area - it's well worth it! https://www.thefanmuseum.org.uk/

Music credit goes to our two resident composers: Phil Russell and Alice Morgan (you can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys). Finally, if you like what you hear then don't be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us.

Web: https://www.sistoryhistory.co.uk/

X (Twitter): @sistoryhistory

Instagram: sistoryhistory

Email: [email protected]

©️ 2024 by Sistory History

In this episode we're joined by historian, author and broadcaster, Professor Michael Scott, to talk about his book "X Marks the Spot: An Adventurous History of Archaeology".

The book explores 8 amazing archaeological discoveries, which we discuss from our usual sensory perspective. From Machu Picchu to the Silk Roads, to the Uluburun Shipwreck, there's something for everyone and plenty of awe-inspiring moments to choose from. And if that's not enough to convince you to tune in, the episode also includes a healthy dose of history-based Lego chat...

X Marks The Spot is now available in paperback and you can pick up a copy in all good bookshops:

X Marks the Spot by Michael Scott | Hachette UK (hodder.co.uk)

Music credit goes to our resident composer Alice Morgan (you can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys).

Finally, if you like what you hear then don't be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us.

Web: Sistory History | sensory history and podcast

X (Twitter): @sistoryhistory

Instagram: sistoryhistory

Email: [email protected]