Episode 67 - Party at the palace: Socialising with the Courtaulds at Etlham Palace in the 1930s

This week, we’re heading back to the 1930s and a property that was something of a party palace. Eltham Palace and gardens, nestled in south-east London, is rich in history, with royal residents that include Edward II, a young Henry VIII and Charles I, who was the last king to visit before the Civil War.

After centuries of neglect, Eltham was then leased to millionaire socialites Stephen and Virginia Courtauld in 1933, who remodelled it as the Art Deco mansion that exists today. Joining us to discuss Etlham’s history and the lives of its colourful residents and visitors is English Heritage’s properties historians team leader, Dr Andrew Hann.

Click here to discover more about Eltham Palace or plan a visit.

Episode 66 - Voices of England: How the railways shaped the nation

This year English Heritage are celebrating the many ways the past has shaped our nation and this week, at a time when mobility is still restricted, we’re looking back at when a new mode of transport changed life in England forever. Before Britain fell in love with the motor car, and long before the dawn of international flights to exotic destinations, the dawn of rail travel marked a new chapter in England’s story. We’re joined by head collections curator, Dr Matt Thompson, to discuss the railways’ lasting legacy on the cultural and physical landscape of England.

Click here to discover more about how different influences helped to shape the story of England.

Episode 65 - From home to heritage: 30 years of care at Brodsworth Hall

On the 30th anniversary of Brodsworth Hall and Gardens in South Yorkshire being gifted to the nation, we are joined by senior curator Kevin Booth, head gardener Dan Hale and head curator of collections Martin Allfrey to chart the rise, fall and revival of this grand country home that was built for the Thelluson family and their servants in the 1860s. Discover how it came to be in English Heritage’s care, why the decision was made to conserve the property ‘as found’ and how it was reopened to visitors in 1995 to share its remarkable stories.

To discover more about Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, click here.

Episode 64 - Defending the Roman Empire: Richborough and the Saxon Shore Forts

This week we’re heading back the 4th century, when the strength of the Roman Empire was being tested across Europe, including here in Britain. To defend our shores from invaders, the Romans built a series of forts along the coast, which are collectively known as the Saxon Shore Forts. Join us as we interview English Heritage senior properties historian Paul Pattison to find out where they were built, what daily life would have been like at them and what happened to them after the Romans left Britain. 

To discover more about Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre, click here.