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Back When | History Podcast

Back When | History Podcast

By: National Trust
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About this listen

 Imagine being a fly on the wall of history.

Historians Helen Antrobus and James Grasby take you inside the stories of the people, places and moments that made us.

Experience the Great Stink of London. Make an entrance onto the Georgian dating scene. Find out if you'd survive a medieval battle and unlock the secrets of Britain’s space race.

Our past is all around us. And we'll be transporting you behind the scenes at landmarks from castles to dance halls and WWII bunkers to workhouses. You’ll meet people from all walks of life whose fascinating stories have shaped who we are now.

Lean in for a tale from time: Back When.

You'll get a new story every fortnight. Follow Back When on your favourite podcast app to make sure you never miss an episode.

This podcast is made by the National Trust, Europe’s biggest conservation charity. Looking after history, nature and beauty for everyone to enjoy.

Discover more from National Trust podcasts

Follow Wild Tales, our podcast for nature lovers:
podfollow.com/wild-tales

Listen to Ranger Rae and the Wildlifers, our kids' podcast:
podfollow.com/national-trust-kids-podcast

See videos of the National Trust Podcast on Youtube:
www.youtube.com/@nationaltrustcharity/podcasts

Get in touch with feedback and ideas for stories you'd like to hear:
podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk National Trust World
Episodes
  • World Heritage Heroes: Petra, Kingston Lacy and the Next Generation

    World Heritage Heroes: Petra, Kingston Lacy and the Next Generation
    Dec 17 2025
    In this bonus episode, from the rose-red stones of the Nabataean city of Petra to the curiosity of William Bankes and today's young heritage explorers, we go behind the scenes with the quiet heroes who carry our shared past forward. Join James Grasby as he meets the people protecting heritage in the face of great challenges and discover how Bankes' home of Kingston Lacy in Dorset is connected with an ancient wonder of the world, the city of Petra in Jordan.

    We’re taking a few weeks off over the festive period and will be back in the new year with our usual Back When episodes.

    [Ad] This episode was brought to you by the International National Trusts Organisation, also known as INTO. INTO is a global network which brings together heritage organisations from all across the world, working collectively to protect and celebrate cultural and natural heritage. www.into.org

    This recording was made possible through INTO’s Withstanding Change project which has been funded by the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund. The project helps communities and places adapt to climate change through restoring and safeguarding heritage. https://cultural-protection-fund.britishcouncil.org

    Producer: Jesse Edbrooke
    Presenter: James Grasby
    Sound Editor: Jesus Gomez

    Discover More:

    Read more about Petra, As-Salt and the Petra National Trust by clicking the following link: https://petranationaltrust.org

    Read more about Kingston Lacey here:
    https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/kingston-lacy

    Read more about Coleshill and Buscott and the heritage skills centre here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/heritage-and-rural-skills-centre

    The National Trust cares for places so people and nature can thrive. Everyone can get involved, everyone can make a difference. Nature, beauty, history. For everyone, for ever. You can donate to us at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/donate

    If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story idea, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • The Home Where Time Stood Still | Mr Straw's House

    The Home Where Time Stood Still | Mr Straw's House
    Dec 3 2025
    Why is a semi-detached house in Nottinghamshire frozen in time?
    Join us on a visit to 7 Blythe Grove in Worksop, or Mr Straw’s House as it’s now known, to tour the rooms that have barely changed since the 1930’s.
    Discover more about the family who lived there, and why they chose to live in a bygone era, long after the world around them had changed.

    [Ad] This podcast is sponsored by CEWE, Europe’s leading photo printing company. Every image you capture tells a story. Discover ideas for curating your special memories and creating gifts for loved ones. From the award-winning CEWE PHOTOBOOK to wall art made from your favourite photos.
    Start creating your story at     www.cewe.co.uk

    Production
    Presenter: James Grasby
    Producer: Claire Hickinbotham
    Sound: Jesus Gomez

    Contributors
    With thanks to the staff and volunteers at Mr Straw's House

    Discover More
    If you’d like to visit Mr Straw’s house, you’ll need to book. You can do that up to 4 weeks in advance. Mr Straw's House | Nottinghamshire | National Trust
    The collection of their belongings is fascinating. Here are some of the things you’ll be able to see Collection highlights at Mr Straw’s House | National Trust
    There’s also space outside to enjoy, and you could take a walk around Worksop, just as the Straw sons did every Sunday. There are details of how to book onto a monthly walk here The garden at Mr Straw’s House | Notts | National Trust

    If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk
    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • Queen Victoria and the Cult of Death

    Queen Victoria and the Cult of Death
    Nov 19 2025
    Warning: Please be advised that this episode contains content that may be upsetting to some listeners

    Queen Victoria’s grief not only shaped her own reign but also inspired the Victorian era’s deep fascination with death and mourning.
    Join James Grasby and curator Clara Woolford as they uncover how funerary practices, attitudes toward the dead, and one monarch’s sorrow came to define an age.

    [Ad] This podcast is sponsored by CEWE, Europe’s leading photo printing company. Every image you capture tells a story. Discover ideas for curating your special memories and creating gifts for loved ones. From the award-winning CEWE PHOTOBOOK to wall art made from your favourite photos.
    Start creating your story at www.cewe.co.uk

    Production:
    Host: James Grasby
    Producer: Pippa Tilbury-Harris & Michelle Douglass
    Sound Editor: Jesus Gomez

    Contributor:
    Clara Woolford

    Discover More:
    You can learn more about Victorian life with a visit to Cragside in Northumberland:
    Cragside | Northumberland | National Trust

    If you’d like to get in touch with feedback or a story idea you can contact us at
    podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk
    Show More Show Less
    13 mins
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