Yesterday's London Times

Providing up to 5 million passenger journeys a day, the London Underground is integral to the city's infrastructure.  It's impossible to imagine how the city would function without it.But why would something built for purpose become a source of admiration and entertainment?  A Transport for London style guide provides powerful evidence: "Every Underground station should include at least one moment of delight and surprise, to improve customers' journeys and the working environment for staff."A-ha! Let's meet some Tube superfans.Jen tells a story about Underground trainspotters and highlights the Tube in pop culture, while Mares looks at people who attempt the citywide Tube Challenge. We'll think about the nature of challenge, the history of tube spotting and racing challenges, and some of the unique and engaging personalities for whom the Tube (and Overground) truly is a constant delight and surprise.See our SHOW NOTES for photos, links, sources, and more.

At Yesterday’s London Times, we are all about inquiry, questions and stories, particularly stories that are new to us or that we just want to know on a deeper level. We seek out people, places, and facets of history that are lesser known, quirkier, or even downright strange. We also like to shine a spotlight on those who really do - or have done - amazing things, but perhaps have been forgotten over time, or lost in the shuffle of a typical news cycle or history text. We especially love discovering stories about people who contribute to the collective good of humanity in some way. Early on in our  partnership, we (Jen and Mares) immediately recognized our common love and admiration for the London Underground, or Tube, for the Tube is something more than just the transportation system beneath our feet. It supplies life to the city of London, and with up to 5 million passenger journeys on any given day, it is the veins and arteries that allow all of the movement that keeps the city going and makes it such a special place.Join us throughout the following year as we randomly choose destinations across the city to “visit”. We will virtually hop on the Tube and bring the city to your ears as we search for adventures around the stations of the iconic Underground map.  We will ask ourselves:Who lives here now? Who has lived here in the past? What are the stories that live within the streets of this area? What do the people -  or perhaps the ghosts of former inhabitants - of this area want to teach us?What are some places to visit, what might I eat? What is quirky or unique about this part of London? What can I learn from this area? The journey begins today. Where do you think the Tube will take us today?As you listen, we invite you to follow along in our show notes to enhance your experience with us. 

A little romance?What began as a fluff piece about an eccentric romance novelist turned into a snapshot of a century through the eyes of someone who lived it to the fullest.Meet Barbara Cartland: extravagant, exaggerated, and … pink. As author of 723 books, she remains the most prolific romance novelist of all time. If you’ve ever seen her, you won’t likely forget her, dripping in jewels, layered in make up, clad in fuchsia, and riding in her classic white Rolls Royce.  We’ll follow Barbara through the Great War, to 1920’s London with the Bright Young Things, to writing, motherhood, political involvement, and World War II.  And she’s just getting started, hitting the peak of her career in the 1980s, in her eighties. Along the way, we’ll rub elbows, (well, maybe more than elbows) with movers and shakers of many decades.  For example, have you ever heard of Lord Beaverbrook? Also, you won’t believe who joins the family in the 1970s!We wrap up with a game you can join in at home.  It’s called Oh, Barbara.While we have little in common with Barbara, and share few of her opinions, we have to respect someone who called her own shots and refused to be sidelined as an octogenarian.  See our SHOW NOTES for photos, some quite rare, sources, and such.

Bears. Cute. Cuddly. But when we looked at them through the long lens of London history, it got complicated pretty quickly.Join us as we take the ursine plunge, and think about….the bears that roamed Britain 7000 years ago the Tower menagerie,blood sports such a bearbaiting, especially popular during the Elizabethan period,the invention of the stuffed bear and its significance in the Great War, Pooh and Paddington, two special bears with London ties, and share unexpected commonalitiesPlus, to kick off our exploration of underground and rail stations this year, we’re going to Paddington!Our SHOW NOTES round out your listening experience, with photos, drawings, clips, links, sources, and more.

It's a Yesterday's London Times tradition - the Boxing Day episode!Relax along with us as we look back at some of the people and places we met on the podcast this year. Half of our episodes sent us time traveling throughout the Sixties in different centuries of British history, and the other episodes were our regular mix of quirky yet thoughtful takes on the city we love.We  present our annual YLT awards to some people who are unforgettable.  And not always in a good way.  The final award is always our Defender of the Collective Good Award, presented to the character(s) that most made a positive impact on their community.Jen and Mares share some of their favorites: those pieces that make life just a bit better.And we'll close with a look forward at our plans for 2024 at YLT. We're excited.See our SHOW NOTES for referenced in the episode, plus links and drinks.

WELCOME TO OUR 50th EPISODE!In the final stop of our ‘60s YLT Time Machine, we touch down in the 1560’s just in time for a Tudor Christmas. In a deeply divided nation in which religion is politicized, we’ll see how the young Queen Elizabeth finds her own path.The Tudor Christmas was a respite from work and from unrelenting poverty. It was a time of revelry and a loosening of societal roles.Our visit to the Tudor Christmas will ignite our senses.  Along the way, we’ll …Share a dramatic moment with Queen Elizabeth at her first Christmas service as sovereign,Spruce up the place with seasonal décor,Experience 12 full days of partying, including games, plays, carols, wassailing, and feasts,Run into some unique roles: a boy bishop, a Lord of Misrule, mummers, and masque players,See how ancient magic influenced and remained with the holiday.We’ll end up at Greenwich Palace and spend Twelfth Night with Good Queen Bess herself.  The activities, the exotic and sometimes disturbing feasts, and the political minefield of royal gift giving.Our SHOW NOTES are FULL of artwork, videos, links to eBooks, recipes, and much more. 

In our 2021 episode, “Here is Vogue, In Spite of it All!”, we explored how the British edition of the iconic fashion  magazine evolved into an outlet for groundbreakingVogue wartime journalism. As we studied the reasons behind that seemingly unlikely transformation, we met some strong, creative, and intellectually brilliant women, among them the complex and multitalented Lee Miller. In this episode, we examine her fascinating life of contrasts more deeply, and:- consider the impact of intense childhood trauma in her art and writing - learn of her contributions to the surrealist art movement - celebrate her photographic inventiveness- reflect on the importance and legacy of her career as a war correspondent during the Second World War- marvel at the intensity and depth of creativity that characterised  the many endeavors Miller pursued and subsequently mastered  throughout the course of her life She was well known for her beauty, and yes - she did bathe in Hitler’s private quarters just hours after the dictator fled his quarters,  defeat finally imminent - but there is so much more to the that  story and her legacy as a whole. Join us, as we examine this iconic woman  on a deeper level, for Lee Miller lived an  incomparable life, indeed.Don’t forget to visit our SHOW NOTES  for  bonus content!  You'll find:the photographic journey that Jen & Mares describe in the episodeimages of Miller as a Roaring 20s Vogue modelexamples of her photographs, as well as evidence of her role as a muse to the prominent surrealist artists of the time some of her most iconic WWII images, many of which proved the existence of the Holocaust to the world  a list of source citations and the recipe for this episode's cocktail: The Ode to Lee!

It’s getting all wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey at YLT as we celebrate a huge milestone in British culture: the 60th anniversary of the iconic Doctor Who!In this episode, we : look at the unlikely-for-the-time trio who launched Doctor Who back in 1963discuss the basic premise of the showexamine its importance as a British cultural phenomenonreflect on the symbolism and deeper messages within the seriesconsider the discourse surrounding the show and how it contributes to progressive societyexplore the show’s legacy and importance in 2023For some, Doctor Who is a campy romp that provides an occasional escape from reality, while for others, it’s a community with which to deeply connect.  Whether you’re a dedicated Whovian for whom the show is a lifestyle, or a complete newcomer to the series, there’s something here for everyone in the time and space continuum. Join us, as we celebrate this iconic moment in British pop culture history!Don’t forget to visit our  SHOW NOTES  for fun bonus content!  You'll find:photos of the BBC employees who founded the showimages of all 15 official doctors and a few of the Doctor’s most iconic enemies (and frenemies!)links to several websites to help you continue your journey down the DW rabbit holea bibliography to begin to build your own Doctor Who library and this episode's two Who-inspired drink recipes, the Doctor No. 1 and the Banana Daiquiri! 

Let's do the Time Warp... it's the Rocky Horror episode!Though many people have seen the cult classic film, few people know about its origins in a 63 seat London theatre.  In this episode, we : delve into the creative team and cast responsible for its deviant mayhem, sharing their back stories and how they all converged in time and place in early '70s London,take a trip back in time to its first performance,follow the Rocky Horror road to Hollywood, pinpoint when this movie became a new creation based on a fan-conceived and fan-scripted interactive experience,consider Rocky Horror Picture Show as a cosplay pioneer,  andmark its legacy as young adult rite of passage, opening up ideas about identity, gender, and sexuality.For some, Rocky Horror was a fun and raucous night out, for others, it provided a safe and dependable community for creativity and a sense of belonging.  Come along for the ride!And come over to our SHOW NOTES for such fun bonus content!  You'll find:rare photos from its original London run (spoiler: Tim Curry as a blonde?), a ticket to a performance 2 weeks into its initial run (costing 80 p - oh, the longing), original program, a link to the full original script, articles, and interviews,and this episode's drink recipe, the "Hot-Pa-Toddy, Bless My Soul."

Hop in the YLT time machine, we are on the move once again, but brace yourself: 1666 awaits. How do everyday people survive constant war, devastating plague, and raging destruction all within the span of a very short window of time? In this episode, we examine the perseverance of Medieval Londoners, and explore many themes of life in the 17th century that surprisingly overlap with some of the lived experiences of many in contemporary society. We question if these somewhat hidden connections can provide us with education and insight into our current world. Many 17th century Londoners believed the end times must be near. Join us as we dive into their world and imagine what it must have been like to live in such an incredibly tumultuous and chaotic decade of catastrophic calamities.  Photos, link, sources, and more at our show notes can be found HERE

In this 60’s time travel event, we explore deep! We’re in the 1060s, further, in history than we’ve ever gone on YLT.How can a simple craft help us to think about a complex, political and military event? We examine the Norman conquest, the battle of Hastings, through the Bayeux tapestry.You’ll meet the major players and dig deeper to discover some of the incongruous and enigmatic characters on the art piece.We’ll think about how the embroidery has survived a millennium while being threatened and used for political power.And finally, we’ll consider the Bayeux embroidery as inspiration for homage and satire.Photos, link, sources, and more at our show notes HERE.

We’re back to the Sixties again; this time, the 1360s!Before commercial travel, a pilgrimage provided tourism with a spiritual twist. A veneration vacation, so to speak.Today, people travel for spiritual reasons to Mecca, the Ganges. Jerusalem, Israel, Mount Fuji, El Camino de Santiago de Compostela,  and other destinations.  The medieval pilgrimage was deeply linked to religion, social structures, politics, health, and the economy.In this episode, we’ll think about…·        Who went on pilgrimages and why?·        Travel decisions: Where to go, how to get there, what to bring with you.·        What actually happened once the destination was reached.  Was there any element of fun involved?We’ll dive into the pilgrim experience by simulating a journey to the Walsingham Shrine.  Along the way, we’ll better understand the medieval significance of indulgences and relics.   Photos, sources, and more at our show notes HERE.   Instagram and Threads: yesterdayslondontimespodcast Facebook: Yesterday’s London Times Twitter: @YLT_PodEpisode image from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales via Wikimedia Commons.

Are you ready for a break? Do you just need to get away? YLT understands, so let’s escape for a bit and go on holiday together! In this episode, we will:- examine the history of leisure in Britain and the evolution of paid leave from work- consider how public transportation increased mobility and accessibility to the seaside from Victorian era onward - take a look at the Victorian trend of “dark tourism”- study the legislation and cultural shifts that gave working class people opportunities for leisure- take a deep dive into the legacy of the great British Holiday Camp, with a special focus on Butlin’sEveryone deserves a holiday from time to time, and that includes you! So roll up, roll up - we’re leaving the city and heading to Skegness!For more fun, photos, and to see our sources, please visit our show notes, or reach out to us on the socials:Instagram: yesterdayslondontimespodcastFacebook: Yesterday’s London TimesTwitter: @YLT_PodComing soon: more on Reddit & TikTok

To celebrate London Pride 1st July, we share a tour through queer London history, anchoring at Gay’s the Word, a Bloomsbury book shop that has played a pivotal role in queer life and history.We’ll think about…the systems that have oppressed, how oppression can stoke the spirit of activism,unusual alliances in times of struggle,how a bookstore can serve as beacon and safe harbor, a specific story of mutual support that is nearly impossible to believe, andthe struggle for identity and the collective good.Photos, sources, and more at our SHOW NOTES PAGE.Note: Episode image from Gay's the Word.

It’s that time of the year in certain places around the world. The ending of a school year sometimes comes with yearbooks, collections of formal and informal photos that capture memories.Often, yearbooks have awards.  Who will be Most Likely to Succeed? Who’s the Most Athletic?  Who will be dubbed Class Clown?In this episode, Jen and Mares each nominate two Londoners from any time in history, for yearbook awards, and tell stories behind the nominees.We don’t want to spoil the surprises, but Jen will be telling stories around the award themes Most Unique and Life of the Party while Mares unearths tales about one of London’s Best Dressed and her nominee for Cutest Couple. Photos, audio and video sources, and all of our research links can be found on our show notes page .

We're mere days away from the coronation of King Charles III, and it seems like a good time to explore the fact and legend of British coronations. We'll think about:* this unusual ritual that it is both a state occasion of the transfer of title and a religious rite, * what the ritual says about Britain and also about the incoming monarch, * some elements to watch for in the ceremony itself,After the break, all hell nearly breaks loose as we have fun, Horrible History style, with three of the most botched coronation ceremonies in British history.  Charles' team: If you're listening, and we KNOW you are, consider this a cautionary tale.Some really unique images and our sources can be seen at our SHOW NOTES PAGE HERE.

The YLT time machine is cranked up and running and has once again dropped Jen and Mares in the 1960s, this time to examine two women deemed notorious by the media of the age: Margaret of Argyll and Shirley Pitts. One is remembered as an oversexed duchess and the other as a relentless thief, but upon deeper examination their lives are much more nuanced than those oversimplified descriptions would lead one to believe. In this episode we will:* examine the reasons for their notoriety and critique their subsequent legacies * debate the fairness of those public legacies * consider the role gender plays in their media portrayals* speculate upon how their stories might have been written differently if they were unfolding today It’s always a wild ride in the time machine, and we are so pleased to have you join us as we examine now society portrays and remembers “notorious” women.Visit our show notes, with lots of photos and more, HERE.

This episode begins in the 1660s, when a puppeteer named Signor Bologna performs with marionettes in Covent Garden.  The star of the show is the Italian commedia dell’arte character, Pulcinella. British will audiences take to him and make him their own, as Pulcinella morphs into the iconic Punch.We’ll look at:The history of this character, How his attributes adapted to an English audience, The factors that changed his act from bawdy satire for gents into a family show,How Victorian progress cemented Punch and Judy as seaside attractions, The current state and controversy of Punch and Judy and violence,Current media influenced by the Punch and Judy show,One particular Punch puppeteer and HER legacy.See our show notes, with lots of photos and more, HERE.

This episode takes us to the Spitalfields neighborhood of London.He will explore a most unusual house nearly 300 years old.Will think about…a young 18-year-old who shows up in London in the Swinging 60sand eccentric young man who dreamed big and made his dreams come truehow a place marks person, and how people mark the places they  call homeWhile in Spitalfields, will meet the Huguenots, and put another piece of the London immigrant puzzle together.More than ever you’ll want to see the photographs in our show notes here.

Kim Philby is often mentioned as the ringleader of the Cambridge Spy Ring, but an overwhelming amount of evidence points to the flamboyant and outlandish Guy Burgess as the most prolific and proficient of the group. What makes Burgess stand out, both personally and professionally?  In this episode, we'll: Explore the what motivated Burgess to turn on the country that showered him with status and privilege Study the social system that protected his often obvious treachery from exposure Examine Burgess as both an insider who was a product of his time and an outsider who never quite fit in with the era or his surroundingsContemplate the legacy of Burgess as an individual and the Cambridge Spy ring as a wholePhotos and sources can be found in our show notes HERE.