Museums are at the heart of storytelling for towns and cities. We discuss how the scope, excitement and emersion of local museums helps narrate the history of urban development and culture.

Our conversation explores the significance of local museums in preserving culture and democratising history. It delves into the presentation of town history, highlighting examples such as York Castle Museum and Sea City in Southampton. Fun and uniqueness aspects are also discussed, featuring Ipswich Museum and Black Country Living Museum. Additionally, the podcast touches on the scope of museums, including their coverage of various topics beyond local matters such as Coventry and Hull transport museums, and the immersive experiences offered by museums like Milestones in Basingstoke and Black Country Living Museum.

Discover Southampton's rich history – from its Saxon roots and pivotal role in medieval trade to its emergence as a major port in the 19th century. Explore the city's political ties, maritime connections, and the profound impact of the Titanic sinking. Southampton's cultural landscape includes the influential International Boat Show, connections to entertainment through Benny Hill and UK Garage. While medieval remnants add historical charm, post-war rebuilding has altered the city's visual continuity. Join us as we delve into Southampton's past, present, and its unique identity as a maritime hub.

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Embark on a journey through time with Ye Olde Guide as we delve into the origins of English towns. In this episode, we unravel the practical and theoretical definitions of urban life, tracing its evolution from the late Stone Age to the Norman Conquest. Discover how early communities transformed from nomadic tribal settlements to clustered focal points with hints of unified governance. Explore the archaeological evidence that sheds light on prehistoric permanent housing, causewayed enclosures, Bronze Age settlements, Iron Age hillforts, and Roman towns. Uncover the stories behind Roman civitates, Saxon burghs, and trading wics, and witness how towns shaped the landscape before and after the Norman conquest. Join us as we uncover the foundations of English towns, where communal living and urban planning began to shape the course of history.

Welcome to Ye Olde Guide.  In this episode we are exploring Stoke-on-Trent including:

• Its renowned pottery industry, which thrived due to the factory system and the influence of Josiah Wedgwood. Pottery played a significant role in shaping the city's population and character.
•  A proud musical legacy, with famous musicians like Robbie Williams hailing from Stoke-on-Trent. Williams' connection to his hometown is evident in his songs and his support for the local football club, Port Vale.
• Exploring a unique polycentric city, formed by the federation of six separate towns. The political decision to unify the towns was driven by the need for coordinated public services and amenities.
• Inevitably, we will mention a famous footballer...

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🏰🌆🔍 Explore the legacy of England's city walls and their hidden histories in this fascinating podcast episode.
 
We discuss cities where walls have left a lasting legacy including York, Chester, Berwick upon Tweed, Southampton, Exeter and London.  We discover how these walls were once essential for defence and trade, and why they fell into decline over time. With just a few remaining walls, learn how English  civic authorities made decisions about what historic features of their towns were worth preserving, and how walls have become an important part of the branding and tourism of historic towns.

Listen now at https://yeoldeguide.com/walls/ and discover the legacy of England's remaining walls! #history #architecture #citywalls #podcast #heritage #England

From its esteemed position in political history to its thriving cultural scene, Cambridge has something for everyone. In this episode, we'll take you on a journey through five categories that showcase the city's unique heritage:

• Politics & War: Discover how Cambridge played a key role in British politics and produced 14 prime ministers.   Plus, a gruesome artefact of another leader...
• Culture: a major influence on British comedy and sport.
• Science and Industry: Cambridge is home to some of the most important scientific discoveries in history, which are celebrated in a range of world-class museums and institutions.
• Urban Landscape: Cambridge is a city dominated by university buildings that represent nearly all styles of architecture to be found in Britain. We'll take a closer look at some of the city's most iconic landmarks and how the university shaped its urban landscape.
• Reality vs expectations.  How does Cambridge match up to its fame?

Comments and feedback are always welcome on our website yeoldeguide.com or on Twitter @yeoldeguide.

Join us for an insightful and entertaining journey through the history of Cambridge!

What are the festive traditions of the towns and cities of England?  We revisit some of the towns we've visited on the podcast to explore how Christmas has been celebrated over the ages.

We wish all our listeners a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

A podcast guide to the history and heritage of Warrington.

Warrington is not usually on the tourist trail but nevertheless boasts abundant history:

• A key river crossing point leading to the town being a key location in the English Civil war
•  The centre of many industries which have left a legacy on the Warrington skyline
• The location of early innovations in water and rail transport
• Home of a famous horse
• A town greatly expanded in the twentieth century, but with an architecturally rich Victorian core