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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
  • Jane Austen | The Georgian Dating Scene

    Jane Austen | The Georgian Dating Scene
    Sep 10 2025
    What was dating like in Jane Austen’s day? Georgian Britain is certainly an era associated with courtship and marriage, but what were the rules you had to date by?
    Join Cultural Heritage Curator Tim Moore, in Bath, as he reflects on what we know, through the life and works of Jane Austen.
    [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: Helen Antrobus
    Production and Sound: Claire Hickinbotham
    Sound Design: Jesus Gomez
    Contributor:
    Dr Tim Moore, Cultural Heritage Curator
    Discover More:
    Find out more about the Bath Assembly Rooms project | Bath | 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
    20 mins
  • Plant Hunters | A Botanical Quest Down Under

    Plant Hunters | A Botanical Quest Down Under
    Aug 27 2025
    In 2018 a team of intrepid explorers came in to the possession of a treasure map - one which would see them venture half way around the world to the Australian island of Tasmania. Those explorers were a team of garden experts from across the UK and Ireland who were now on a historic mission to save and catalogue plants for the benefit of people and the planet.

    Following in the footsteps of the historic plant hunters, find out what was in store for the team of modern-day collectors and how natural history has helped to shape gardens around the world.

    Production
    Host: James Grasby
    Producer: Jack Glover
    Sound Design: Jesus Gomez

    Contributors
    Charlie Bancroft and team BIBET
    Caroline Ikin

    Images courtesy and with thanks from the Royal Botanic Gardens of Tasmania. All Rights Reserved.

    Discover More
    Explore a garden lovers home at Nymans in West Sussex where some of the collected species are now flourishing https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/nymans

    Read Charlie’s report here: https://merlin-trust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/718-Charlie-Bancroft-compressed.pdf

    Find out more about historic plant hunters from our friends at Kew Gardens https://www.kew.org/read-and-watch/adventure-and-discovery-around-the-world-with-plant-hunters

    BIBET Botantic Gardens
    Republic of Ireland https://www.botanicgardens.ie/kilmacurragh/
    Northern Ireland https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/mount-stewart Wales https://botanicgarden.wales/
    Tasmania https://gardens.tas.gov.au/

    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
    23 mins
  • A Garden Fit for Bridgerton

    A Garden Fit for Bridgerton
    Aug 13 2025
    Join a tour of a garden designed for pleasure, as we relive its party heyday.

    Claremont in Surrey once played host to events described as the lovechild of a festival and a palace garden party. Presenter James Grasby uncovers the best spots, the shenanigans they elicited, and the most incredible views reminiscent of scenes from hit Netflix drama, Bridgerton.
    [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: Claire Hickinbotham
    Sound Design: Jesus Gomez
    Contributors
    Author: David Coke
    Hannah Greig: Professor of History at Royal Holloway, University of London.
    Discover More
    Claremont still holds events throughout the year, from live theatre to yoga sessions.
    Events at Claremont Landscape Garden
    You can also hire rowing boats, walk your dog here, or grab a cuppa! Here’s a map: 2023-claremont-map.pdf

    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
    An earlier version of this episode was previously available
    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
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