Unusual Histories

In this episode, which is No. 8 in Danny Hurst´s Monopoly board series, he shares the fascinating history of Pall Mall. It is the home to some of London´s most exclusive and poshest clubs. Sit back and enjoy stories of spies, James Bond, Madonna, Casanova, gentlemen´s clubs and royal connections as well as learning about a weird connection with a croquet-like game and the dictionary. KEY TAKEAWAYS...

In this episode, which is the 7th of Danny Hurst´s Monopoly history series it is the turn of the most expensive light blue property on the board – Pentonville Road. Listen to learn why there is a lighthouse on the street, and its connection with Iggy Pop, Lenin, Trotsky, and the Hatton Garden robbers. He also compares the value of Pentonville Road in 1936, when the game was first sold, to today´s...

In this very first episode of Unusual Histories, Danny begins his exploration of the history you didn't learn at school, covering all of the weird, grizzly, and fascinating bits. Things that not even Horrible Histories covered. This episode kicks off The Monopoly Series, which will take you on a journey around the London Monopoly board to enjoy the varied and interesting history of each iconic loc...

In this episode, which is No. 3 in Danny´s fascinating series which looks at the history of the places on the London Monopoly board he reveals some surprising facts about Whitechapel Road and indeed Whitechapel itself. A street which houses the skeleton of the Elephant Man (John Merrick), also has a strong connection with Jack the Ripper, Ronnie Kray, The Salvation Army, and Banksy.  An interestin...

In this episode, which is No. 6 in Danny´s Monopoly Squares History series you get to learn all about Euston Road. This inner London Ring road which is right on the boundary of the congestion charge zone has been giving drivers grey hair for centuries. The road has seen a lot of change, including the one of the greatest acts of architectural vandalism. It is home to several once-iconic buildings,...

In this episode, which is No. 4 in Danny Hurst´s Monopoly podcast series, we reach the square that is Kings Cross Station. He looks at whether this was where Boudica made her last stand and is buried. Danny also reveals why it is built slap bang next to another major station – St Pancras. Of course, he also covers the Harry Potter connection as well as the history of the St Pancras Renaissance Hot...

In this episode, of Danny Hurst´s Monopoly history series, you get to learn the role Charles Dickens played in making The Angel, Islington famous. The building and the area surrounding it have a long and chequered history, which is why this episode is so interesting. That history involves sheep, Hogarth, Thomas Paine, Charles Dickens, Tony Blair, Boris Johnson, and a murder, as well as a cast of a...

In this episode, which is the 2nd in Danny´s Monopoly Game series. Danny reveals the secrets and incredibly long and varied history of the joint cheapest property on the board – the Old Kent Road.  He explains where the army tank that was located on the street disappeared to, why the nearby roundabout is still known as the Bricklayer´s Arms and the real reason black cab drivers won´t go south of t...