For this episode Danny Hurst is joined by Martyn Ware, the multi-platinum producer, composer, 3D soundscape artist, Electronically Yours podcast host and founding member of The Human League and Heaven 17. As a producer, Martyn worked with artists as diverse as Tina Turner and Terrence Trent Darby, before co-founding with Vince Clarke the world-leading immersive 3D soundscape design and composition firm -  Illustrious Company.

Martyn shares how the unique soundscape of the steel producing town he was raised in influenced his music. He also talks about living in London for 40 years and shares the creative processes behind his music.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The sound of the steel forges created a unique soundscape that had a profound effect on Martyn and other musicians from the area.
• Regardless of what type of music you want to experience you can find it being played somewhere in London. 
• The decision to go down the electronic path arose in part from wanting a way to merge the many different forms of music they liked together.
• Being exposed to such an eclectic mix of people and experiences has helped Martyn to keep the music he produces fresh and different. It's always evolving.
• Martyn provides a fascinating insight into how a track is built up element by element.
• Martyn shares how the process he follows when writing a song has evolved, including the pros and cons of having access to new tools such as software.
• London is a place of extremes; a blend of small villages.

BEST MOMENTS

“I can hear that industrial sound in your music.”

“As you entered the town, it sounded almost like a heartbeat.”

“I like the homogenization of different social strata.”

“It seems to me like they're trying to make London into a gated community for rich people .”

“Do you like what it evokes in you? … If it doesn't make me feel anything, it goes in the bin.”

“I can't ever imagine Tina Turner finding anything difficult to sing.”

“There were those who thought electronic music was witchcraft.”

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://martynwareofficial.co.uk 

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/electronically-yours-with-martyn-ware/

https://illustriouscompany.co.uk

https://www.inplaceofwar.net 

HOST BIO

Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst
facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

Today, Danny is joined by Lizzy Roper, a comedian, actress, DJ, the face of Aunt Bessie´s and more. Her grandfather was a Londoner, but her father was born in Spain. When the civil war erupted, they became refugees. Lizzy was born and raised in Whetstone.

Lizzy´s career has included numerous stage roles and parts in 63 movies and TV shows, including Hollyoaks and Waterloo Road. As well as a significant period doing stand up alongside Lenny Beige, Matt Lucas, Sasha Barron Cohen, David Walliams and more. She shares some interesting stories, including why she had to learn Middle English to get her equity card, a funny Pink Panther story and tales of an eclectic mix of celebrities, including Tom Baker, John Hurt, Barry Cryer, Leo Sayer and Robbie Williams.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• By the age of 5 Lizzy was already imitating entertainers she saw on TV. She was born to act.
• In the late 80s, early 90s, London was still affordable, even for struggling actors.
• London is really a series of little towns that are patched together. 
• In the West End, wherever you look, history hits you in the face.
• Once you have lived outside of London for a while you forget that the city has its own behavioural norms.
• The Gielgud Theatre had two previous names.
• The Regency Rooms was known for its cabaret comedy, but a lot of big bands also played there.
• Acting in a soap opera requires a different skillset. The insights Lizzie shares about how they make 2.5 hours of TV in under a week are fascinating.

BEST MOMENTS

“If I go back up there, they tell me I sound like a Cockney t**t.”

“It took me a while to get London.”

“Do you remember that wonderful word “profit share” that translates to profit loss?”

“My acting career took off by going through the back door of Cabaret comedy stand up.”

“When I met you, you were running the asylum at the time.”

“I know I can do a bit of stand-up, but I could not be a street performer.”

“There´s something magical about Liverpool.”

“Hollyoaks, it's more dangerous than a Mexican drug cartel.”

“I haven´t got the London code anymore.”

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1575301

https://www.curtisbrown.co.uk/client/lizzie-roper

HOST BIO

Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst
facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

In this episode, Danny is joined by Chris Spedding, one of the most versatile and well-respected guitarists in the world. As a singer, he had a hit in 1975 with Motorbikin´, produced the Sex Pistols" first recordings and opened for the Rolling Stones in the 1969 Hyde Park concert. Chris has worked with pretty much everyone in music. And most impressively of all, was the Womble with the Flying V.

He and Danny discuss his remarkable musical journey from violinist to guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer. Chris´ career has spanned many genres of music including Skiffle, Country & Western, Jazz, punk, rock & roll and the CBGB scene; a career that included headlining the 100 Club Punk Festival and playing with Joan Armatrading, Bryan Ferry, Elton John, Katie Melua and many more.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Chris grew up in Sheffield and arrived in London in 1961, living in Pimlico, Islington, Canonbury, Baker Street and Wimbledon.
• He moved to LA in the 70s and New York in the 90s.
• Chris came back to the UK in part because he was working mainly for Bryan Ferry.
• From the 1950s Denmark St became home to some of the world´s biggest modern music publishers. In the 70s it was the place to go to buy instruments.
• The Rolling Stones recorded their first album on Denmark St.
• Chris started his career playing country music on US Air Force bases, in the UK.

BEST MOMENTS

“At the time, it was much sexier to have a guitar than a violin .”

“Having played with some orchestral members, they're just as bad as the rock and rollers.”

“That was quite depressing seeing so many of the old music shops empty.”

“I was in New York, interesting times.”

“I used to love Amy Winehouse.”

EPISODE RESOURCES

http://www.chrisspedding.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Spedding

Motorbikin´- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Juz4W9yEYA

Toc H - https://tochcentenary.wordpress.com/2021/03/16/the-headquarter-buildings-of-toc-h

HOST BIO

Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst
facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Podcast, he is joined by musician, singer, comedian and podcaster Earl Okin, who has lived in Portobello Road since 1952. He has worked with musicians as diverse as Paul McCartney, Fairport Convention and Van Morrison, regularly headlined on the comedy circuit and celebrates 60 years in showbiz. 

From Earl´s first-hand account you will gain a great insight into how the area around Portobello Road has evolved. He speaks about the Jewish, West Indian and Muslim communities as well as the Fascists, the slum landlord Rachman and a local serial killer. He also shares his memories of the 1st TV´s, trams, early cinema and dozens of stories about some of the world´s biggest music and comedy stars including Billy Connolly and Rik Mayall.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Portobello Road used to be a very poor area.
• When Trinidadians moved in, the British fascists targeted the area to try to drive them out.
• In such a racially and culturally mixed area you soon learn that people rarely fit the stereotypes and labels assigned to them.
• Originally a full orchestra accompanied silent film showings.
• An audience of 12- to 92-year-olds all laugh at Earl´s shows. His comedy crosses the generation gap.
• Alternative comedy has its roots in folk clubs.

BEST MOMENTS

“I discovered from his behaviour that his surname is actually Cockney rhyming slang.”

“By the time I was 8 I was an atheist.”

“The funny thing is that there were less channels, but somehow more choice.”

“He then changed his name to Elton John, so he's sort of got my career.”

“Mine have got English words, so I call it Bossa Britannica.”

“I certainly never do drugs, apart from just standing in Portobello Road and breathing in occasionally.”

“I quit my job, and on Friday, I was on the tour (Wings).”

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.earlokin.net

Yellow Petals - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aDJug04Cd0

https://folklondon.co.uk

Driving out the Fascists from Portobello Road - https://libcom.org/article/beating-back-mosley-notting-hill-1958-baker-baron

Rillington Place Murders - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Christie_(serial_killer)

Café Continental - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caf%C3%A9_Continental

HOST BIO

Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst
facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

Today, Danny speaks to actor, writer, voice artist, comedian and impressionist, Steve Nallon. In this lively episode, Steve shares some great stories about his time working on Spitting Image and with Janet Brown, Mike Yarwood, Rory Bremner, Rik Mayall and scores of other stars. He explains how he developed his iconic Margaret Thatcher impersonation.

Steve shares why, despite being such a prolific performer he actually prefers anonymity over fame. They also discuss the personal and professional adjustments those involved in the entertainment industry make as they age.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• As a kid Steve had a vivid imagination and loved acting out the characters he made up, but he was so shy he couldn´t perform in front of others.
• Even well-known comedians like Les Dawson worried about “dying on their arse”.
• There are comedians that say funny things, those that do funny things and those that simply are funny. Steve explains the difference.
• When an audience does not laugh, it feels incredibly personal.
• Spitting Image became so culturally significant that the FT used photos of the show's puppet versions instead of real politicians.
• The Spitting Image puppets were powerful. Some stars even found themselves becoming more like the puppet version. 
• Most `politicians develop a persona that they use in public.
• Impressions are a caricature, just the essence of a person.
• As you get older doing impressions of certain people becomes harder.
• Writing about things that catch your attention and things you have experience of works well e.g. Steve using Maggie Thatcher in a ghost story.
• From a certain angle the statue of Nelson looks like he is pleasuring himself.
• Steve explains why he has always resisted appearing on TV as himself.

BEST MOMENTS

“I always was a performer. As a kid .. I would become all these different people.”

“What didn't come naturally was performing in front of an audience.”

“You die on your arse.”

“Be open to anything, and everybody…that was the BBC training in 1975.”

“I did attempt Trump, but it was so bad they cut it.”

“I was walking down Brewer St a couple of days ago and there was only one sex shop.”

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.nallon.com

HOST BIO

Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst
facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Podcast, he is joined by former Manchester City midfielder and  football agent, Barry Silkman, who grew up in the East End. He shares his insights into what it was like then as well as how he became a professional football player despite there being quite a lot of prejudice against Jews at the time.

Barry talks about the pubs, local characters (including The Krays) and how people from different cultures developed a close community. As you would expect there are also a few footballing insider stories.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The area has changed so much that when Barry went back there 18 months ago at times he didn´t really know where he was.
• When Barry was a kid, the area was very Jewish. Now, not many Jews live there.
• Despite its bad reputation, the East End of Barry´s childhood was a very safe place.
• The community was quite mixed. There were differences but most people integrated so everyone got along.
• Petticoat Lane market, one of London’s oldest, was always very busy. Both of Barry´s parents worked there for many years.

BEST MOMENTS

“Now everyone's so wary .. the dimension of the East End has changed.”

“I'm very proud of my heritage.”

“Three out of four doors were wide open until 10 at night…There weren’t people getting mugged, getting stabbed.”

“The first time I played against Spurs, it was just a strange feeling.”

“What I went through being Jewish as a kid made me mentally and physically very strong, so nothing gets me down.”

“A lot of our friends were Indian people from Brick Lane, because we went to school with them.”

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Silkman

Petticoat Lane Market History - https://surveyoflondon.org/map/feature/1742/detail

Demographics of Stepney - https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/Documents/Borough_statistics/Ward_profiles/SDSG-Ward-Profile.pdf

Jewish Football Players - https://www.jta.org/2022/02/25/sports/british-jews-love-soccer-so-why-are-there-no-jews-in-the-premier-league

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Cable_Street

https://www.jewisheastend.com/garden.html

HOST BIO

Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst
facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s podcast he once again speaks to someone who grew up in London. Today, it is the turn of Adam and the Ants guitarist, songwriter and record producer Marco Pirroni, who has appeared alongside some of the most well-known names in music, including not only Adam Ant, but also Sinéad O'Connor, Siouxsie Sioux, Sid Vicious, Shakespeare's Sister and many others.

He shares some memories of growing up just off the Caledonian Road, Camden when it wasn't fashionable, Soho and the West End; a life that compared starkly with living in America. Naturally, he also shares some great insights and stories about London´s music scene, especially in the 70's, 80s and 90s, punk and New Wave, Vivienne and Malcolm's shop on the Kings Road, the story behind Prince Charming and whether the Ants are ever likely to tour again.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Until the late 80s, virtually every shop in London closed early.

Each area of London had its own very distinctive character, usually heavily influenced by which immigrant groups lived there.

Malcolm McClaren´s punk clothes shop originally sold Teddy Boy clothing designed by his then girlfriend, Vivienne Westwood.

Malcolm liked to be mischievous, sometimes he involved Marco. Marco shares a couple of those stories.

The Roxy launched some great bands including Generation X and The Clash.

BEST MOMENTS

“In the early 80s, it (London) was still pretty dead… nothing was ever open.”

“All their fans were trying to gravitate to something else. Suddenly, this 50s clothes things was happening on the King's Road.”

“My mum and dad ran a restaurant. Everyone in it was Italian. Anyone who ever came around was Italian.”

“I was born in London. I am very happy to die in London, when the time comes.”

“Punk sort of influenced everything so much so that everyone forgets that it was that that did it.”

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marco_Pirroni

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-pirroni-433373b4

Convent - https://dvrbs.camdenhistory.com/camden-religion/camdennj-church-perpetualrosaryconvent.htm

Pet shop - https://nickygrace.co.uk/2013/01/10/the-old-pet-shop-in-camden-town

Malcolm McClaren´s punk clothes shop - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex_(boutique)

HOST BIO

Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst
facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

In this episode of his Unusual Histories Podcast, Danny Hurst changes things up a bit by talking to experts and residents of London. This time he speaks to Cathi Haragaden, a global citizen, holistic health and well-being consultant, director of Healthy Spaces Limited and Feng Shui consultant.

Today, she and Danny discuss the role history, architecture, Feng Shui principles, evolving population demographics have on an area. They do this using Notting Hill, Portobello Road and Thamesmead, where Cathi has lived, as examples.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

·      Notting Hill has always been home to an eclectic mix of people from different classes and countries.

·      Even before the Roger Miller film made the area famous, it had a unique vibe.

·      Despite the prevalence of racism in the UK, at certain stages, the community spirit of Notting Hill has remained strong and giving.

·      Thamesmead was built on an old chemical works, and a lot of its residents looked ill.

·      The stark concrete buildings of Thamesmead significantly impacted how the place felt, which in turn influenced the people who lived there.

·      For thousands of years Feng Shui has been used in architecture as a way to channel energy to one place in a city. Examples can be found throughout the world.

·      The space we live in is to some extent a reflection of who we are. But it also influences who we become, so making changes to your home´s look and layout will have a significant impact on you.

BEST MOMENTS

“The energy of the cultural difference basically allowed the Portobello Road and beyond it to have a different energetic match.”

“I've lived all over the world, and one of the best places I've lived was Notting Hill.”

 “I could see there were good intentions there to cater for overspill from London ... but it was made with concrete.” (Thamesmead)

EPISODE RESOURCES

Feng Shui Mastery Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feng-shui-mastery-show-with-cathi-hargaden/id858155885

https://www.fengshuimasteryshow.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathi-hargaden-064ba7151

Wall Street - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094291

Film – Notting Hill - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0125439/

HOST BIO

Historian, performer and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst
facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, he reaches the last of the bridges that cross the river Thames, in London – Hampton Court Bridge. You will find out why a bridge had to be built in this specific location and why it had to be torn down and redesigned multiple times. The first, of which despite being so stunning that Canaletto created an engraving of it, only lasted for 25 years.

You will also gain a fascinating insight into the history of Hampton Court Palace, including its ghosts, most famous residents and the King James Bible.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Hampton Court bridge was not built for Henry VIII as many people think.

• The bridge is the only one that enables you to cross from Greater London into a different county.

• The structure in place today is the 4th Hampton Court Bridge iteration.

• Hampton Court Palace has been open to the public since 1838.

• Unusually, the bridge was built by a ferry master.

• When the latest version of the bridge was built, two smaller rivers had to be diverted.

• The current version of the bridge was the first ferro-cement bridge over the Thames.

BEST MOMENTS

“It opened in 1753 and was built in the fashionable Chinese Willow pattern style, with seven steep curved spans and pagoda style piers in the centre.”

“Changing the flow of the Thames and causing navigational issues when trying to get through the arches of the bridge.”

“The oldest surviving hedge maze in Britain, Hampton Court is a mixture of Tudor and Baroque styles after a huge redesign.”

“The palace (Hampton Court) itself is noted by architecture historians as an example of transitioning styles.”

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.citybridgefoundation.org.uk

https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace

https://www.orleanshousegallery.org/collection/the-first-bridge-at-hampton-court

HOST BIO

Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst
facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, he reaches Kingston-Upon-Thames the location of two of the oldest bridges in London. As a bonus, he also tells you about a nearby bridge that is even older than the ones at Kingston. 

Danny reveals the connection the bridges have with salmon, witch trials, the incredibly violent traditional football matches, twin power stations, the oldest shipyard on the river, Braveheart and much more.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Until Putney Bridge opened in 1729, Kingston was the only place to cross The Thames between Staines and London Bridge.

• The blue plaque on Kingston Bridge references one of the area's lost industries.

• The nearby Clattern Bridge is thought to be the oldest intact bridge in London.

• There has been a bridge in the area since Roman times.

• The original Kingston Bridge was made of cast iron.

• Kingston Upon Thames was where 7 Saxon kings were crowned, including one king that the locals mostly keep quiet about.

• Kingston was the first royal borough in England.

• The stone the bridge is made from is self-cleaning.

BEST MOMENTS

“The first power station closed in 1959 the second in 1980.”

“The coronation stone stands outside the Guild Hall in Kingston and has a coin from the reign of each of those aforementioned 7 kings (crowned here).”

“Clattern Bridge is thought to date back to around 1175 making it not only one of the oldest intact bridges in London, but also one of the oldest in England.”

“While politicians filibustered (about replacing the bridge), nature intervened, and during a particularly intense frost in 1814 a whole section of the bridge collapsed.”

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.citybridgefoundation.org.uk

Barnes Bridge episode - https://omny.fm/shows/unusual-histories/047-uh

HOST BIO

Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720