Unusual Histories

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 (in...

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 s...

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...

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...

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...

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, he looks at two of London´s quirkier river crossings. Starting with the footbridge that connects Eel Pie Island to Twickenham. A bridge that was built as an alternative to visitors to the island at one time having to practically walk on water at certain times of the day. As well as sharing the history of the bridge Danny reveals Eel...

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Bridge History Series, he shares the history of Richmond Bridge. Explaining why despite there being a dire need for a permanent crossing in the area, locals initially objected to the plans drawn up in 1772 and how that was overcome. The way the bridge was funded is also quite unusual, Danny explains why and how the cash to build it was raised. He also shares the co...

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, you are once again getting two bridges for the price of one. This time around he takes a look at the fascinating history of Twickenham Bridge and the Richmond Railway Bridge. Including why one of the bridges is misnamed and why it took so long before they were actually built. You will also learn about the connection with Wembley Sta...

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, he covers a different type of structure that spans the River Thames – the lock and weir at Richmond along with it's footbridge and the area surrounding it which includes many historical sites.  Danny explains why the weir and lock were built, the impact it has on the area and its role in maintaining the riverbed. He also shares deta...

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, you are getting the inside track on the history of two instead of just one bridge. It is the turn of the Kew Railway Bridge and Kew Bridge and some of the iconic features in the surrounding area. He shares the connection between the TARDIS, anti-tank guns, botanical gardens, the Doomsday Book, a hippy encampment, silent movies, Bank...

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series it is the turn of Chiswick Bridge, one of London´s newest bridges. Listen in to learn about its connection with the Oxford Cambridge University boat race, the philanthropist Quinton Hawk and two other bridges further along the Thames. As well as why and how it was constructed and the role the railway had in the growth of the areas th...

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories London Bridge Series, it is the turn of Barnes Railway Bridge. The Bridge is also a pedestrian bridge which over the decades has carried members of bands like The Beatles, Queen and The Rolling Stones across the Thames to record some of their biggest hits at the legendary Olympic Studios. Sadly, the glam rock star Marc Bolan also died nearby.    I...

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, he reaches Hammersmith Bridge, one of London´s more colourful and impressive bridges. Despite being London´s weakest bridge it has not been rebuilt, since 1887. Danny explains why the riverside beneath it is prone to flooding and why keeping it from falling to pieces requires a staggering amount of maintenance. He also busts several...

For this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, you get two bridges for the price of one as Danny shares the intriguing history of both Fulham Railway Bridge and Putney Bridge. The story includes the boat race, numerous name changes, Isambard Kingdom Brunel´s assistant, William Jacomb, Fredrick Simms, Gottleib Daimler, Shelley, The Omen and busting several urban legends. If you...

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, it is the turn of Wandsworth Bridge. Something that sounds like a bit of a dry subject, but don´t worry Danny has found some surprisingly interesting things to say about it. Including, where its name and colour scheme comes from came from, why it is Putney Bridge's poorer cousin and its connection to A Clockwork Orange. If you can´t...

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, he shares the details of one of London´s lesser-known bridges – Battersea Railway Bridge, which confusingly is also known by two other names. Even more confusing is the naming of all of the stations the railway takes you to, it´s like the Twilight Zone. Fortunately, Danny unpicks it all and reveals the area´s connection with hot air...

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, he reaches Battersea Bridge. A bridge that many argue is located in the wrong place, to the point where Londonist.com describes it as – “The equivalent of a zebra crossing on a hairpin bend.” A lot of river users crash into it.  Danny explains how it ended up being built there and shares its connection between the sewage system, Pri...

In this episode, of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories London Bridge Series, he shares the fascinating history of Albert Bridge, which, when it first opened was known as “The Trembling Lady.” Danny explains why that was, why it looks like a fairground ride and shares its connection to The Pogues, John Betjeman and A Clockwork Orange. He also shares why the area is bristling with blue plaques and memo...

In this episode, of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, he reaches Chelsea Bridge which has a longer history than you might expect. He explains why it was opened by the Canadian PM instead of a British dignitary, its connection to biker culture, the Chelsea Pensioners, The Sex Pistols, Sloane Rangers, the 1st official football match and the awful Glasgow smile injury. Danny also covers...

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, he shares the fascinating history of one of London´s lesser-known bridges -  Grosvenor Bridge. Weirdly, it is actually 10 connected bridges. He also shares some of the history of historic buildings in the area, including the Battersea Power Station which delayed the launch of BBC2. At some point, Danny also mentions an inflatable pi...

In this episode, of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, he arrives at Vauxhall Bridge. There is evidence of a bridge near this site which dates back to around 4000 BC. As a result, some people argue that this is the oldest bridge in the capital, instead of London Bridge. Danny takes you for a spin through its fascinating history. Including, its connection to knights, a green giant, Jame...

In this episode, of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, he explores the fascinating stories surrounding Lambeth Bridge. He shares the origins of its name, why the bridge was built at that location and why at first it was only used by pedestrians. As well as sharing the bridge´s connection to Harry Potter, it's tentative link to pineapples as well as the teen novel The Enemy. If you can´...

In this episode of the Bridge Series, Danny Hurst reaches Westminster Bridge, Central London's second-oldest bridge. Danny explains why at certain times of the day, the shadows cast by the bridge look like huge phallic symbols, why many paintings of the bridge are not accurate and why 12 nightwatchmen had to be stationed on the bridge.  He also explains why it is painted green, what that little hu...

In this episode, which is the 7th in Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, he reaches Charing Cross Bridge,  another of London´s railway bridges along with walkways either side. You will learn how parts of the original bridge are being used today in London and Bristol, the bridge's connection with the UK´s first ice cream shop, cabman shelters, the sewage system, a factory Charles Dickens...

In this episode, which is the 6th in Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, he shares some fascinating stories about London´s Waterloo Bridge. The location of an a highly unusual assassination, an accidental hanging, a cardboard city and a book market which are all part of its rich history. Also learn about Waterloo stations Only Fools and Horses connection, why the  bridge was mostly buil...