Ladies Who London

All good things come to those who wait - and we are a day delayed with the pod. We have been slammed with work, so we will release the podcast tomorrow instead. Apologies team, chat amongst yourselves, we will be back tomorrow! Al & Em.x Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When a gory scandal isn't enough, what are you to do, except hold parties on the bodies of the dead? This is what we get from the Enon Chapel Scandal, which was brought to light in 1839 and shocked the public to its core. It didn't shock them enough, however, to close it down - in fact, they went one (quick)step further. Find out the details of this sorry tale on this week's episode. Visit https:/...

This week we take a dive into the crazy world of the Tudor table, and their unusual habits. When what you eat is a smorgasbord of crazy stuff and your table is groaning with sugary delights, how do you keep the devil off your shoulder? Don't worry, we have you covered. We take a look at banquets and peacocks, pots made of sugar and roasted swan. Strap in, folks, we've got the lowdown on dinner pla...

When is an aquarium not an aquarium? When it's in London and it's got no fish. Hear the story of one of London's shortest lived but grandest entertainment centres. We check out the Royal Aquarium, which, despite the name, never really had any fish. Unless you count a dead whale...? Hear tales of epic dives, strange swimming, strong women and acrobats. All under one roof! Visit https://www.ladieswh...

Where do you go if you want to eat wafer thin beef, watch fireworks, listen to Handel and visit brothels all in one place? We've got you. Come with us to Vauxhall. Georgian London explodes into huge pleasure gardens where anything and everything went on. Want to go out in public just wearing a thin chiffon scarf? No worries. Want to hold up beef so thin they were like underpants? Who doesn't?! Wan...

Are you summer body ready? I hope not - that's the off season for bodysnatching... this week we talk about the grisly but intriguing business of bodysnatching. Who was involved? How was it done? What did the public think of it? And how did John Bishop and James May feature in this weird, mysterious world? TW - talk about death and human remains Visit https://www.ladieswholondon.com for the show no...

A cinematic trailblazer, Jill Craigie was one of the foremost female directors in the UK, with a unique look at London life. We find out what took her into the film industry, why she was so important, and how a high profile marriage affected her career. Plus we chat to Emily from 'It's Not That Boring' who runs a platform supporting and promoting women in film. You can find her platform at www.its...

How a drag court case created a tabloid storm in Victorian London, we find out about Thomas Boulton and Frederick Park, who were unceremoniously hauled before a jury after being arrested while out at the theatre in women's clothing. However, this was not the charge they were put on trial for. The actual charge was much more serious, although without evidence to prove their supposed crime. What hap...

One of the foremost artists of the 20thC, we take a look at Dame Barbara Hepworth. Emily takes us on a trot through the life and work of the wonderful artist who is linked to both London and St Ives, and we find out what inspired her art, and where in London you can find her work. We find out where you can take a little break from the hustle and bustle and lose yourself in her art for a short time...

We're delighted to welcome Lara Maiklem to the podcast this week - bestselling author and mudlarker Lara comes to chat to us about mudlarking and her love for London's history. We chat about some of the most exciting obects that Lara has found on the Thames foreshore, as well as finding out an exciting update on one of her more intriguing and headline grabbing finds! You can follow Lara on social...

Heading back to the 1600s, we take a look at the intriguing, mysterious Aphra Benn, the first female English professional writer with an extra little secret to her story. We find out what makes her so interesting, why it is we know so little about her life, and how a stint in the Netherlands ended her up in a bit of hot water! Visit https://www.ladieswholondon.com for the show notes to each episod...

Come up to the top of the hill and find out all about the people's palace, Ally Pally. Up up and away! From huge balloons to Laurence of Arabia, fireworks and fires (oops), Alexandra Palace is the hilltop palace that has always belonged to the community. Find out more in this episode. Visit https://www.ladieswholondon.com/post/alexandra-palace for the show notes to each episode. Get in touch! Inst...

On this week's episode we chat to Siddy Holloway, presenter of Secrets of the London Underground about the abandoned tube station used as a WW2 bunker, Down Street. She gives us some fascinating facts about the abandoned underground sites, and how Churchill made a very specific request for the development of the station Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All welcome to peek behind the curtain of one of London's most secretive gay clubs, the 1930s 'Caravan Club'. We take you off for a bit of LGBTQ history, as we travel back in time to the 1930s, where it was illegal to be gay in the UK. We invite you to join us in one of the most infamous, secretive gay clubs - will it be raided? Will it stay secret? And most importantly, will Cyril ever get his ma...

A secret 19thC operating theatre hidden in the attic of an old church, and the women who braved the surgeon's knife. This week Emily and Alex are on site at the Old Operating Theatre in London Bridge, taking a look at the fascinating history of this place of hope and fear, as women were operated on before anaesthesia or antiseptic. How long would a surgeon take to amputate a limb, how would that h...

The tragic story of a boy prince, the machiavellian invaders, and a cursed gem fought over in blood - this week we trace the tale of one of the most famous jewels in the world, the Koh I Noor diamond. How did it come to be in the English crown jewels? How many different nations fought over it for centuries? And is the curse real? We take a look at one of the most unlikely stories of greed, power a...

The man under your feet - we unearth the story of the amazing Frank Pick, and his invaluable contribution to London's tube. When the London Underground came together after the wilderness years (!), Frank was at the front of reorganising the system into the one that we recognise today. It's thanks to him that the Underground is a symbol of London all around the world. Plus we take a look at Harry B...

London's heritage gas lamps are under threat - we talk to Tim Bryars, Luke Honey and Simon Callow about the fight to save them. 300 of London's heritage gas lamps are being ripped out to be replaced with LED replacements. Tim Bryars and Luke Honey have taken on the challenge of stopping this happening without due consultation, and they need YOUR help! We also are thrilled to chat to the actor Simo...

Come with us to the chocolate houses of old St James, where the air was thick, the clubs were exclusive, and the chocolate ran from the trees. Sounds too good to be true? That's what we thought, until we opened those secretive front doors and took a peek behind some of the most exclusive houses in St James, who served hot chocolate as an expensive pleasure. We find out why Madame White was so impo...

Seen as the first musical, the Beggar’s Opera changed london’s theatre scene with a snarky, modern satirical bite. In order to take on the rival theatres, John Rich went off-piste and produced this anti-opera worn by John Gay. With a clever mix of poking fun at the great and the good, plus retooling popular tunes, it was a roaring success which led to the creation of one of london’s most well know...

London is a city of centuries of immigration. This week we travel east to Spitalfields, to look at the fantastic area known as Banglatown. We check out the impact of several centuries of newcomers to London, focusing particularly on the more recent Bangladeshi arrivals, and how that has shaped the area into a glorious mix of east meets west. We take a look at the yearly festival which is a celebra...

Happy festivities everyone! Here's a little round up to see you through to 2022. See you next year! Stay safe and happy. Alex and Emily.x Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Come join the Christmas fun, where Emily and Alex head around London in a black cab, together with special guests. We chat all things Christmas and London, and tell you where to go to get the best festive fun this year. Where to find our guests; Olly from @DiscoverRealLondon on socials Lottie www.missmagpietours.com and @miss_magpie_tours on Instagram Fiona @fionalukasguide on Instagram Check out ...

One of Hollywood's most scandalous women, we talk champagne in shoes, bed hopping and caustic wit with the whirlwind of a woman that was Tallulah Bankhead. Although an American, she spent the best part of 10 years in London cultivating her career, seemingly spending most of it stripping naked and hopping into bed with anyone she laid her eyes on. Known for her caustic wit and her ability to render...

Think you know the story of Pocahontas? Think again. We unpack the real story behind the Powhatan Princess, and why she came to England. Is it all as joyous and loving as the Disney movie shows? Why was she visiting the Banqueting Hall in London? And what happened to her after her time in London? We uncover the tragic true story of this remarkable young woman. WE HAVE A NEW WEBSITE! Check out www....