PODCAST · history
Speaking with Shadows
by English Heritage SWS
When you’re wandering about a historic place, what voices do you hear echoing off the walls? Are they the ones you learnt about at school – or do you wonder about the shadowy, quiet voices that may have gone unheard?Speaking with Shadows is the podcast that listens to the people that history forgot. From castles on the south coast to Hadrian’s Wall in the far North, join presenter Josie Long as she travels across the country to seek out six stories from the hidden corners of England’s history.
Episodes
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Vigilant State – York Cold War Bunker and the Royal Observer Corps
Josie Long visits York Cold War Bunker, one of over 1,500 bunkers and monitoring posts across the UK that were in operation during the Cold War, and the only example which still exists without alterations today. But perhaps the most interesting thing about the bunker are the people who worked...
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The Polish Special Forces Soldiers of Audley End
In this episode, Josie Long uncovers a group of daring Polish soldiers and their secret wartime history in Essex. She visits Audley End House, known during the Second World War as Station 43, to find out about the Cichociemni: elite special forces soldiers who volunteered to go above and beyond…
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The Patients of Chiswick House Asylum
If you’ve heard the horror stories of experimental pre-20th-century psychiatry, this episode might surprise you. Josie Long heads to Chiswick House in south-west London to find out about its life as a private asylum for people with mental illnesses in the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Who were…
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James Chappell, the Heroic Servant of Kirby Hall
Josie Long heads to Kirby Hall in Northamptonshire on the trail of a mysterious man who saved the life of the owner of this fine house. James Chappell’s heroic story lives on in local legend, but who was this black servant, living as a free man? And what new questions does his story raise or add…
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The Workhouse at Framlingham Castle
This time, we’re turning the cruel, inhumane image of Victorian workhouses on its head. Josie Long heads to a Suffolk village to unravel the evolution of poor laws as well as the birth of modern health and social care. Framlingham Castle once served as a workhouse, lodgings and administrative...
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Bolsover Castle’s Philosopher Duchess
Josie Long traces the footsteps of the indomitable 17th-century duchess Margaret Cavendish: a writer, philosopher, feminist and author of one of the first ever sci-fi novels. This student of the human mind and spirit dressed against convention and made her way into the prestigious but...
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Speaking with Shadows Returns on Tuesday 29th March
Josie Long returns on Tuesday 29th March with a brand new series of Speaking with Shadows. Once again, Josie is travelling the country to uncover the hidden histories of English Heritage sites, with incredible stories that throw a new light onto our nation's story. She'll challenge the image of...
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Far From Home – The People of Hadrian's Wall
Set on a spectacular ridgeline in the Cumbrian hills, Birdoswald Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall was once a meeting place for communities from across the Roman Empire. Men, women and children travelled from as far afield as Spain and Syria in order to serve at the empire’s north-western frontier. At...
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Bonus Episode: Tracing the Origins of Witchcraft Beliefs
In this bonus episode you’ll hear the extended interview with Professor Diane Purkiss from episode 5 of the podcast. In her discussion, Diane explores the origins of witchcraft beliefs and how the figure of the witch was born. This episode contains content that may not be suitable for younger...
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From Queen to Captive – Witchcraft, Women and Power
It's the winter of 1420 and Joan of Navarre, Queen of England has been imprisoned by her stepson King Henry V. A rich widow and an influential political figure, Joan has been accused of witchcraft and plotting to kill the king and now awaits her fate imprisoned in the keep of Pevensey Castle. In...
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Bonus Episode: A Wedding March by John Brocklesby
Our last episode uncovered the stories of some of the conscientious objectors who were imprisoned at Richmond Castle during the First World War. In this bonus episode Ruth Ecuyer tells the full story of how John Brocklesby, one of the conscientious objectors, came to write a wedding march for…
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Voices from the Walls – Richmond Castle’s Conscientious Objectors
Beside Richmond Castle’s imposing Norman keep lies an unassuming military cell block with an extraordinary secret. Its fragile walls are inscribed with thousands of graffiti, many of them left by conscientious objectors detained there during the First World War. These were men from all walks of...
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The Medieval Massacre of the Jews of York
In 1190 one of the darkest events in York’s history took place at the site of Clifford's Tower. Trapped by an angry and violent mob, the city's entire Jewish community, who were taking refuge inside York Castle’s tower, were confronted with the impossible decision of either taking their own lives...
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Bonus Episode: Voices of the Portchester Prisoners
In our last episode (2) we traced the story of the black prisoners of war who were imprisoned at Portchester Castle during the Napoleonic wars. In this bonus episode we learn more about the prisoners’ stories through the French prisoner of war theatre that took place at Portchester, and a new…
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The Caribbean Prisoners of Portchester Castle
When France declared war on Britain in 1793 their overseas colonies were also drawn into the ensuing conflict. Black prisoners of war captured from the French Republic in the eastern Caribbean were among the thousands brought to Portchester Castle and imprisoned there. Arriving in Portsmouth...
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A 1930s Pioneer – The First Female Pageant Master
The early 20th century saw a craze for historic pageants – huge theatrical events with casts of thousands. Gwen Lally called herself England’s first female pageant master, and in 1932 she arrived at Battle Abbey in Sussex with great ambitions for her latest show. It was unusual for a woman to…
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Trailer
Welcome to Speaking With Shadows from English Heritage, the podcast that listens to the people that history forgot. Presented by Josie Long. Launching on Tuesday 8 October 2019. Every two weeks Josie travels to an English Heritage site to uncover a lesser-known part of its past. She speaks to...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
When you’re wandering about a historic place, what voices do you hear echoing off the walls? Are they the ones you learnt about at school – or do you wonder about the shadowy, quiet voices that may have gone unheard?Speaking with Shadows is the podcast that listens to the people that history forgot. From castles on the south coast to Hadrian’s Wall in the far North, join presenter Josie Long as she travels across the country to seek out six stories from the hidden corners of England’s history.
HOSTED BY
English Heritage SWS
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Speaking with Shadows have?
Speaking with Shadows currently has 17 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Speaking with Shadows about?
When you’re wandering about a historic place, what voices do you hear echoing off the walls? Are they the ones you learnt about at school – or do you wonder about the shadowy, quiet voices that may have gone unheard?Speaking with Shadows is the podcast that listens to the people that history...
How often does Speaking with Shadows release new episodes?
Speaking with Shadows has 17 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Speaking with Shadows?
You can listen to Speaking with Shadows on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Speaking with Shadows?
Speaking with Shadows is created and hosted by English Heritage SWS.
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