The Victorian Gaslamp Podcast

Dr Mary Murdoch came from a comfortable life and developed a passion of medicine that would see her have a lasting influence on the society she lived in. Advocating women having careers in medicine, a suffragette and car owner she was well known for racing at speed to aid the sick and injured.

Dr Edward Jenner isn’t a name known to most of us yet he can be credited with the title of having saved more people in history than any other person. The hideous disease that is smallpox makes an unwelcome visitor to the podcast this episode and we learn of the man that created a new discipline in medicine.  

In the era before social media we didn’t have the concerns of violent or vacuous influences upon out children. Well actually we did – and their viral influence continues through to this day. Welcome to the incredible phenomena that were the Penny Dreadfuls.  

The 19th century saw many cultural changes in all aspects of life. Not excluded from these changes was how we arrived and enjoyed that Special Day. This episode takes a look at the legacy we still enjoy today of the traditions for when we say ‘I do’

This episode takes a look at some of the history behind tattooing in the United Kingdom and the cultural and social influences that defined this art during this era.

This last episode for 2025 has a look at the lives of two men that were large parts of Queen Victoria’s life after the passing of her beloved Prince Albert. John Brown and Mohammad Abdul Karim (aka the Munshi) served her majesty faithfully over decades of devoted service.

This episode takes a look at the life of Robert Bald. Now regarded as the father of Scottish engineering he was not only technically brilliant but strove to improve the lives of the men women and children working in the terrible conditions in coal mines.

Imagine being a woman in Victorian England well known for having a scandalous father but less well known for your aptitude for mathematics. Except that your mother makes sure that you’re introduced to some of the best minds of the century and you go on to literally help change the future of humanity. Ladies and gentleman, may I introduce Augusta Ada King, Countess of Lovelace  

This episode I take a look at something dear to many of our hearts – those furry or feathered friends that become part of our family!

This episode we’re back in the Royal Navy looking at the remarkable life of Sir James Ross. He would go on to travel the world from top to bottom – literally. Leading an amazing life, one of the ships he served with would be immortalized in an anthem well known to many of you…

Finally I’m back! Thank you for your patience and it’s great to have episodes coming up for you again. This episode we’re heading off to Wales for a look at an interesting rioting style..

In this HUGE season finale episode I look at the life of Josephine Butler. Probably one of the most amazing women of the Victorian era she spent her life dedicated to the rights of women, especially those economically disadvantaged, and in particular, prostitutes. A pioneer of feminism, Josephine fought and raised the age of consent as well as fighting against invasive police examinations of women...

This week I take a look at something intrinsic to our perception of the Victorian Era – Steam. And more specifically the advent of the technology that created railways – an invention that changed the culture and society of the time. George Stephenson and his son Robert created the first viable locomotive. This episode I look at their influence on society and their amazing invention.

This episode I take a look at the life of the Prince of Wales. Not William, but Queen Victoria’s son. Albert Edward, known to his family as ‘Bertie’. He changed the way we perceive royalty with an influence still extant today.

This episode I look at the Prime Minister William Lamb. 2nd Viscount Melbourne he was PM when Princess Victoria became Queen Victoria. As Prime Minister, Lamb was a great influence on the young Queen and instrumental in the formation of countries around the world, including Canada and New Zealand.

This 50th episode of the Podcast takes a look at our ostensible patron, Queen Victoria and her life being married to her much loved Prince Albert.

Concluding my two part look at the grave robbing mercenaries that shocked the Kingdom with their horrendous crimes. The most famous of these being William Burke and William Hare.

Beginning a two part podcast, these episodes I’ll be looking at the fact that Edinburgh makes way to many smart people that make advances by not following the rules. Also, a great deal of grave robbing. With decomposed bodies and murder, it was never going to be pretty…  

This episode I take a short look at the history of Policing in the 19th century United Kingdom. From a perceived military force, the Metropolitan Police became a civilian entity that sought to serve all the people of London and the Kingdom at large.

This episode I look at the shocking 1811 crime that became known as the Rathcliff Highway Murders. Horrible violence and shoddy investigations created a sadly typical Victorian tragedy.

This weeks episode looks at the 6th Baron Byron. George Gordan Byron was a legend in his own lifetime. With an amazing heritage he tore through British society in the most scandalous ways. A brilliant poet his life was the stuff of gossip, slander and literary respect.

This episode I look at the education systems in Victorian England. Sure they had the rich schools, but you’ll learn about a man who with determination and a sack of potatoes, changed the lives of tens of thousands of children  

I’m back! And with a new episode out before Christmas. This time I look at the life of the man of military man and Irish landlord Charles Cunningham.

This episode I take a look at the remarkable life of Dr Elizabeth Garret Anderson. The first woman to hold a medical licence in the United Kingdom.

This episode I take a look at the infamous Opium Dens of London. Also, I talk about tea and the world’s first monster corporation!