Forgotten Towns

Series 12 Episode 11 - LARGS (# 1,000 Visited 25/08/2025)Renfrewshire, Scotland : Population 11,260 (Rank # 858)The show that sees us reach the end of the trail: Will your narrator escape with sobriety or dignity? Will he be bludgeoned by his AI sidekick? All will be revealed in this feature-length final episode.MUSICSo You'll Aim Toward the Sky - GrandaddyWe've Been Everywhere - Forgotten Towns ft. PatriciaBye Bye - The CleanTHANKSThe priorietor and patrons of Broome Lodge, LargsThe staff and patrons of Sharp's Bar, LargsThe staff and patrons of The Three Reasons, LargsThe staff and patrons of The Paddle Steamer, LargsCaledonian MacBrayneVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see ⁠https://forgottentowns.org

Series 12 Episode 10 - GOUROCK (# 999 Visited 25/08/2025)Renfrewshire, Scotland : Population 10,350 (Rank # 909)An emergency episode of '999' heralds the 999th town on our list.MUSIC999 BBC1 Theme Tune - Roger BoltonI Can See For Miles - The WhoTHANKSMichael BuerkThe staff of Cleats Bar, GourockThe Buildings of Scotland (Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 12 Episode 9 - GREENOCK (# 998 Visited 25/08/2025)Renfrewshire, Scotland : Population 42,680 (Rank # 249)Our antepenultimate excursion takes us 'doon the watter' to Sugaropolis.MUSICMusic Box Dancer - Frank MillsThis Town - The Go-Go'sThe Last Farewell - Roger WhittakerDurham Town (The Leavin') - Roger WhittakerTHANKSThe Buildings of Scotland (Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 12 Episode 8 - PORT GLASGOW (# 997 Visited 25/08/2025)Renfrewshire, Scotland : Population 14,620 (Rank # 697)Get yourself filled in on Port Glasgow's shipbuilding as we go diving for pearls of wisdom.MUSICMusic Box Dancer - Frank MillsShipbuilding - Robert WyattTHANKSThe Buildings of Scotland (Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 12 Episode 7 - BARRHEAD (# 996 Visited 25/08/2025)Renfrewshire, Scotland : Population 17,610 (Rank # 592)Save your thankses; we're flushing out Shanks's... and other elements of Barrhead's industrial past.MUSICMusic Box Dancer - Frank MillsCarry On At Your Convenience (Opening Theme) - Eric RogersDurham Town (The Leavin') - Roger WhittakerTHANKSThe Buildings of Scotland (Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 12 Episode 6 - NEWTON MEARNS (# 995 Visited 25/08/2025)Renfrewshire, Scotland : Population 26,600 (Rank # 401)Bagpiping suburban fact into travelogue fiction.MUSICMusic Box Dancer - Frank MillsScotland The Brave - The Auld Town Band & PipesTHANKSThe Buildings of Scotland (Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire) - Pevsner, N. et alF EdgarVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 12 Episode 5 - BONHILL (# 994 Visited 24/08/2025)Dunbartonshire, Scotland : Population 9,050 (Rank # 988)Is the Leven going to get us down, or will we distract ourselves with the not-so-great library of Alexandria? The first half of the final season winds up in Dunbartonshire.MUSICHeartsong - Gordon GiltrapDear Catastrophe Waitress - Belle & SebastianDurham Town (The Leavin') - Roger WhittakerVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 12 Episode 4 - ERSKINE (# 993 Visited 24/08/2025)Renfrewshire, Scotland : Population 15,510 (Rank # 658)The one where we pay tribute to the late Anne Gregg, for no obvious reason.MUSICHeartsong - Gordon GiltrapGet On Up - James BrownThe Last Farewell - Roger WhittakerDurham Town (The Leavin') - Roger WhittakerTHANKSAnne Gregg (1940-2006)BBC Holiday 89 (Episode 11 - 16/03/1989)The staff of Spar, ErskineThe Buildings of Scotland (Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 12 Episode 3 - JOHNSTONE (# 992 Visited 23/08/2025)Renfrewshire, Scotland : Population 16,090 (Rank # 639)What local lad Gordon Ramsay might've made of my black pudding supper is anyone's guess and, as he'd probably have peppered Callum's karaoke with profanity, it's just as well we didn't invite him.MUSICHeartsong - Gordon GiltrapSmalltown Boy - S3 Klassiker (orig. Bronski Beat)I Am A Cider Drinker - The Wurzels (orig.)Forever In Blue Jeans - Neil Diamond (orig.)Some Girls - Racey (orig.)This Town - The Go-Go'sThe Last Farewell - Roger WhittakerDurham Town (The Leavin') - Roger WhittakerTHANKSThe staff of Sandro's, JohnstoneThe staff and patrons of Callum's Bar & Kitchen, JohnstoneThe Buildings of Scotland (Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 12 Episode 2 - GIFFNOCK (# 991 Visited 23/08/2025)Renfrewshire, Scotland : Population 12,300 (Rank # 802)Don't panic! My AI companion makes an unexpected return to the fray, but Giffnock has coped with worse in the past.MUSICHeartsong - Gordon GiltrapPanic - The SmithsThe Last Farewell - Roger WhittakerDurham Town (The Leavin') - Roger WhittakerTHANKSThe staff of the Giffnock CafeThe Buildings of Scotland (Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 12 Episode 1 - CLARKSTON (# 990 Visited 23/08/2025)Renfrewshire, Scotland : Population 9,860 (Rank # 939)The final season gets underway in this slice of Scotland's suburbia where things can occasionally get explosive.MUSICDurham Town (The Leavin') - Roger WhittakerHeartsong - Gordon GiltrapThis Town - The Go-Go'sThe Last Farewell - Roger WhittakerTHANKSThe Buildings of Scotland (Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 11 Episode 9 - TEIGNMOUTH (# 989 Visited 14/04/2025)Devon, England : Population 15,597 (Rank # 652)We pay homage to doomed single-handed sailor Donald Crowhurst as we, like him, wave goodbye to England for the final time.MUSICSailing By - Ronald BingeThe Deception - iLiKETRAiNSEternal Father Strong To Save - Portsmouth Cathedral Choir & CongregationTHANKSThe staff and patrons of The Ship Inn, TeignmouthThe Buildings of England (Devon) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

We find simmering local hostility beyond the elegant wildfowl and picture postcard scenery of this Devon seaside resort.

Series 11 Episode 7 - KINGSTEIGNTON (# 987 Visited 14/04/2025)Devon, England : Population 10,857 (Rank # 877)We find out all about the King's Town on the Teign... or Kingsteignton as we like to call it, to save time in another jam-packed 5 minute episode.MUSICTubular Bells Part II (Sailor's Hornpipe) - Mike OldfieldLondon Girls - Chas 'n' DaveTHANKSThe staff of The Kings Arms, KingsteigntonThe Buildings of England (Devon) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 11 Episode 6 - NEWTON ABBOT (# 986 Visited 14/04/2025)Devon, England : Population 26,951 (Rank # 395)What links Charles I, Serge Pizzorno, William III and David Vine? The answer is Newton Abbot, and you may now add me to that list.MUSICTubular Bells Part II (Sailor's Hornpipe) - Mike OldfieldDrag Racer - The Doug Wood BandProcessed Beats - KasabianPop Looks Bach - Sam FonteynFire - KasabianTHANKSThe staff of The Railway Brewhouse, Newton AbbotCrossCountry TrainsThe Buildings of England (Devon) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 11 Episode 5 - BRIXHAM (# 985 Visited 13/04/2025)Devon, England : Population 16,977 (Rank # 607)Ever confuse Brixham with Brixton? Today's trip to the seaside helps identify some basic differences.MUSICTubular Bells Part II (Sailor's Hornpipe) - Mike OldfieldThe Guns Of Brixton - The ClashDown To Margate - Chas 'n' DaveTHANKSThe staff of Rockfish, BrixhamThe staff of The Queen's Arms, BrixhamStagecoach South WestThe Buildings of England (Devon) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 11 Episode 4 - PAIGNTON (# 984 Visited 11/04/2025)Devon, England : Population 66,878 (Rank # 142)Amidst beery distractions of the nearby CAMRA AGM and a visit to Paignton's own brewery, we take a stroll around this popular Devon resort.MUSICClassical Gas - Mason WilliamsPainter Man - Boney MTHANKSThe organizers, staff and attendees of the Campaign for Real Ale AGM 2025The congregation of All Saints Church, TorreThe staff and patrons of Paignton Conservative ClubThe Buildings of England (Devon) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 11 Episode 3 - IVYBRIDGE (# 983 Visited 11/04/2025)Devon, England : Population 11,727 (Rank # 827)Find out whether one hour's parking is enough for us to properly get to grips with the 'Gateway to the Moors'.MUSICClassical Gas - Mason WilliamsLondon Girls - Chas 'n' DaveTHANKSThe Buildings of England (Devon) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 11 Episode 2 - PLYMSTOCK (# 982 Visited 11/04/2025)Devon, England : Population 25,610 (Rank # 419)Do you think you could have bettered our host on the 'Plymstock Charity Shop Challenge'?MUSICClassical Gas - Mason WilliamsLove Will Tear Us Apart - Joy DivisionLondon Girls - Chas 'n' DaveOn Broadway (Live) - Gary NumanF.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E. - Pulp with the Anne Dudley OrchestraTHANKSThe staff of Plymstock PDSA Charity ShopThe Buildings of England (Devon) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 11 Episode 1 - TAVISTOCK (# 981 Visited 11/04/2025)Devon, England : Population 12,504 (Rank # 795)This sunny season opener sees booksellers battling for my custom as we return to South West England.MUSICClassical Gas - Mason WilliamsLondon Girls - Chas 'n' DaveTHANKSThe proprietors of The Bahamas, TorquayThe staff of The Book Stop, TavistockThe congregation of St Eustachius, TavistockThe Buildings of England (Devon) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 10 Episode 10 - CAMBUSLANG (# 980 Visited 24/02/2025)Lanarkshire, Scotland : Population 29,100 (Rank # 366)We give the Scottish government a bloody nose but fail to impress Midge Ure during this farewell to Lanarkshire.MUSICMoscow - Orange JuiceVienna - UltravoxTHANKSScotrailThe staff of The John Fairweather, CambuslangVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 10 Episode 9 - BLANTYRE (# 979 Visited 24/02/2025)Lanarkshire, Scotland : Population 16,900 (Rank # 611)As the rhetorical question has it, who shall explore the birthplace of the explorer himself? The answer: me.MUSICMoscow - Orange JuiceLoaded - Primal ScreamA Horse With No Name - AmericaThe Quiet Man O' Lanarkshire - Alexander BrothersWalk Like A Panther - The All Seeing I (ft. Tony Christie)THANKSFirst BusVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 10 Episode 8 - EAST KILBRIDE (# 978 Visited 24/02/2025)Lanarkshire, Scotland : Population 75,120 (Rank # 122)We chart the development of our largest previously unvisited town via the music of habitually underappreciated local band, The Jesus & Mary Chain.MUSICDeep One Perfect Morning - The Jesus & Mary ChainApril Skies - The Jesus & Mary ChainHappy When It Rains - The Jesus & Mary ChainHalfway To Crazy - The Jesus & Mary ChainJust Like Honey - The Jesus & Mary ChainSomething's Wrong - The Jesus & Mary ChainVegetable Man - The Jesus & Mary Chain (orig. Pink Floyd)Surfin' USA - The Jesus & Mary Chain (orig. The Beach Boys)THANKSFirst BusThe staff of Hudsons, East KilbrideVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 10 Episode 7 - HAMILTON (# 977 Visited 24/02/2025)Lanarkshire, Scotland : Population 54,080 (Rank # 179)Forget Lewis or Alexander. This is the original Hamilton. But is it the best? Take five minutes listening to find out.MUSICMoscow - Orange JuiceTiptoe Through The Tulips - Tiny TimA Horse With No Name - AmericaThe Quiet Man O' Lanarkshire - Alexander BrothersPawn Shops And A Liquor Store - The VegabondsThe Darlings Of Lumberland - They Might Be GiantsTHANKSScotrailVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 10 Episode 6 - LARKHALL (# 976 Visited 24/02/2025)Lanarkshire, Scotland : Population 14,740 (Rank # 690)We head to the terminus of the Argyle Line to get outside a 'full Scottish' and inspect a tall crumbling viaduct.MUSICMoscow - Orange JuiceA Horse With No Name - AmericaThe Quiet Man o'Lanarkshire - Alexander BrothersTHANKSThe staff of The LaverockhaVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 10 Episode 5 - VIEWPARK (# 975 Visited 22/02/2025)Lanarkshire, Scotland : Population 15,770 (Rank # 648)It may not be one of the smallest towns, but Viewpark is probably one of the more anonymous. We attempt to get an insight... before actually getting a taxi.MUSICHit & Miss - The John Barry SevenA Horse With No Name - AmericaJoe Le Taxi - Vanessa ParadisTHANKSA1 Radio CarsVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 10 Episode 4 - BELLSHILL (# 973 Visited 22/02/2025)Lanarkshire, Scotland : Population 20,290 (Rank # 524)Forget New York and London; this Lanarkshire town punches way above its weight in the music department. Your pop correspondent reports.MUSICIs It Music? - Teenage FanclubU Got The Look - Prince & Sheena EastonA Horse With No Name - AmericaThe Quiet Man O' Lanarkshire - The Alexander BrothersTHANKSScotrailVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 10 Episode 3 - WISHAW (# 972 Visited 22/02/2025)Lanarkshire, Scotland : Population 30,290 (Rank # 352)Scotland slide towards Calcutta Cup defeat whilst bar room conversation takes a distinctly morbid turn.MUSICHit & Miss - The John Barry SevenA Horse With No Name - AmericaThe Quiet Man O' Lanarkshire - The Alexander BrothersTHANKSScotrailBig DaveyThe staff of The Imperial Bar, WishawVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 10 Episode 2 - CARLUKE (# 972 Visited 22/02/2025)Lanarkshire, Scotland : Population 13,320 (Rank # 758)We map the good and the bad of Carluke via questionable beer choices in the quietest available local bar.MUSICHit & Miss - The John Barry SevenA Horse With No Name - AmericaThe Quiet Man O' Lanarkshire - The Alexander BrothersTHANKSScotrailM A BicknellThe staff of The Kirkton Inn, CarlukeVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 10 Episode 1 - LANARK (# 971 Visited 22/02/2025)Lanarkshire, Scotland : Population 9,050 (Rank # 989)Season 10 eventually gets out of the blocks after a false start with a visit to the ancestral home of the co-operative movement.MUSICHit & Miss - The John Barry SevenA Horse With No Name - AmericaThe Quiet Man O' Lanarkshire - The Alexander BrothersTHANKSCaledonian SleeperAvanti West CoastScotrailM A BicknellThe staff of New Lanark Visitor CentreVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 9 Episode 8 - BALLYCLARE (# 970 Visited 21/10/2024)County Antrim, Northern Ireland : Population 9,919 (Rank # 934)In between 'bus uncertanties, Ballyclare is our final town on the clockwise circumnavigation of The North.MUSICJoy - Apollo 100It's Grim Up North - The Justified Ancients Of Mu MuI'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) - The ProclaimersThe Visitors - ABBAForgotten Towns - The ChristiansFor Reasons Unknown - The KillersTHANKSUlsterbusThe staff and patrons of The Sportsman's Inn, BallyclareVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 9 Episode 7 - BALLYMENA (# 969 Visited 21/10/2024)County Antrim, Northern Ireland : Population 29,467 (Rank # 362)Centuries of musical conflict culminate in £2 wasted on Charlie's 'Higher / Lower' sweep: just a standard Monday afternoon in this NI market town.MUSICJoy - Apollo 100Strawberry Fields Forever - The BeatlesWindmills Of Your Mind - Noel HarrisonTHANKSNorthern Ireland RailwaysThe staff and patrons of Charlie's, BallymenaVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 9 Episode 6 - BALLYMONEY (# 968 Visited 21/10/2024)County Antrim, Northern Ireland : Population 10,393 (Rank # 908)This may be a slightly run-down hotbed of disaffection with the mainstream, but it does have its own pop plant.MUSICJoy - Apollo 100Strawberry Fields Forever - The BeatlesWindmills Of Your Mind - Noel HarrisonTHANKSNorthern Ireland RailwaysJeeves And Wooster - Granada TelevisionThe staff of Tesco, BallymoneyVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 9 Episode 5 - COLERAINE (# 967 Visited 21/10/2024)County Londonderry, Northern Ireland : Population 24,630 (Rank # 436)If it was good enough for a Mesolithic hut circle, it's probably a reasonable bet for my Ulster fry.MUSICJoy - Apollo 100Strawberry Fields Forever - The BeatlesWindmills Of Your Mind - Noel HarrisonTHANKSUlsterbusNorthern Ireland RailwaysThe staff of Rocca, ColeraineVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 9 Episode 4 - LIMAVADY (# 966 Visited 20/10/2024)County Londonderry, Northern Ireland : Population 12,047 (Rank # 811)Live music ends up dominating our evening, albeit lacking any rendition of 'Danny Boy' nor any obvious plaque commemorating Richard Branson's visit.MUSICTell Me When My Light Turns Green - Dexys Midnight RunnersDignity - Deacon Blue (orig.)Strawberry Fields Forever - The BeatlesWindmills Of Your Mind - Noel HarrisonTHANKSUlsterbusThe staff and patrons of The Blackbird, Derry / LondonderryThe staff and patrons of The Crown Bar, LimavadyThe proprietor of Shandon House, LimavadyVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 9 Episode 3 - STRABANE (# 965 Visited 20/10/2024)County Tyrone, Northern Ireland : Population 13,147 (Rank # 770)What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than crossing back and forth across the Foyle in the midsts of Storm Aloysius?MUSICTell Me When My Light Turns Green - Dexys Midnight RunnersStrawberry Fields Forever - The BeatlesWindmills Of Your Mind - Noel HarrisonTHANKSUlsterbusThe staff and patrons of Brannigan's Bar, LiffordThe staff and patrons of Farmers Home, StrabaneVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 9 Episode 2 - OMAGH (# 964 Visited 19/10/2024)County Tyrone, Northern Ireland : Population 19,682 (Rank # 543)We duck politics in favour of crispy aromatic duck on a Saturday night in Tyrone's friendly county town.MUSICTell Me When My Light Turns Green - Dexys Midnight RunnersVirginia Plain - Roxy MusicStrawberry Fields Forever - The BeatlesWindmills Of Your Mind - Noel HarrisonTHANKSUlsterbusThe proprietor and guests of Pinewood Lodge, OmaghThe staff of Riverside Chinese, OmaghThe staff and patrons of Tipplers, OmaghSt Columba's Church, OmaghVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 9 Episode 1 - DUNGANNON (# 963 Visited 19/10/2024)County Tyrone, Northern Ireland : Population 14,332 (Rank # 709)Season 9 slides into gear as our circumnavigation of Northern Ireland resumes in this diverse outpost of Timorean culture, whilst I short-change a barmaid.MUSICBagpuss Opening Theme - Sandra Kerr & John FaulknerTell Me When My Light Turns Green - Dexys Midnight RunnersStrawberry Fields Forever - The BeatlesWindmills Of Your Mind - Noel HarrisonTHANKSUlsterbusThe staff and patrons of Quinn's Bar, DungannonVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 8 Episode 7 - COOKSTOWN (# 962 Visited 19/10/2024)County Tyrone, Northern Ireland : Population 11,620 (Rank # 837)We get harangued by a street preacher then left in stasis waiting for a stout as Season 8 draws to a close.MUSICI Got Mine - MotörheadDay Trip To Bangor - Fiddler's DramTHANKSUlsterbusThe Lifeboat Fellowship, DungannonThe staff of The Cartwheel Bar, CookstownAnd There's More - Central TelevisionVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 8 Episode 6 - CRAIGAVON (# 961 Visited 19/10/2024)County Armagh, Northern Ireland : Population 64,193 (Rank # 151)We narrowly avoid getting mown down on the Garvaghy Road and meet an opinionated dog who says 'No!'MUSICI Got Mine - MotörheadDay Trip To Bangor - Fiddler's DramTHANKSNorthern Ireland RailwaysUlsterbusVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 8 Episode 5 - NEWRY (# 960 Visited 18/10/2024)County Armagh / County Down, Northern Ireland : Population 26,893 (Rank # 397)Will we reach this, our last hitherto unvisited Northern Irish city, before they pull down the blinds for the night?MUSICI Got Mine - MotörheadDay Trip To Bangor - Fiddler's DramMissing - Everything But The GirlTHANKSUlsterbusNorthern Ireland RailwaysThe staff of The Crispy Cod, NewryThe staff of The Mourne Country Hotel, NewryVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 8 Episode 4 - BANBRIDGE (# 959 Visited 18/10/2024)County Down, Northern Ireland : Population 16,653 (Rank # 615)Join us as we ascend Northern Ireland's steepest high street towards one of its more convivial boozers.MUSICMandrill - Patrick ColbyDay Trip To Bangor - Fiddler's DramTHANKSUlsterbusThe staff and patrons of The Old Tavern & Snug, LisburnVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 8 Episode 3 - LISBURN (# 958 Visited 18/10/2024)County Down / County Antrim, Northern Ireland : Population 45,410 (Rank # 227)We take a train to Northern Ireland's third largest city; split between two counties, but fairly consistently of one tradition.MUSICMandrill - Patrick ColbyDay Trip To Bangor - Fiddler's DramTHANKSNorthern Ireland RailwaysThe staff of Smithfield House, LisburnVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 8 Episode 2 - NEWTOWNBREDA (# 957 Visited 18/10/2024)County Down, Northern Ireland : Population 15,005 (Rank # 678)Catch up on the latest episode, in which our hero gets corrected over county boundaries by an 8 year old and spends quarter of an hour in a shopping centre.MUSICMandrill - Patrick ColbyJump In The Pool - Friendly FiresDay Trip To Bangor - Fiddler's DramTHANKSTranslink MetroVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 8 Episode 1 - COMBER (# 956 Visited 18/10/2024)County Down, Northern Ireland : Population 9,078 (Rank # 987)We touch down in Northern Ireland with a 'bus pass and every intention to put it through its paces.MUSICDay Trip To Bangor - Fiddler's DramMandrill - Patrick ColbyTHANKSEasyJetUlsterbusThe staff of The John Hewitt, BelfastThe staff of The First & Last, ComberVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 7 Episode 10 - BEDLINGTON (# 955 Visited 24/08/2024)Northumberland, England : Population 16,987 (Rank # 605)A year after we whizzed past on the 'bus, we finally catch up with Bedlington and its eponymous terrier.MUSICDown In Albion - BabyshamblesTwo By Two - ChrisTHANKSThe staff of Lidl, BedlingtonThe staff of The Hoptimist, BedlingtonThe Buildings of England (Northumberland) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 7 Episode 9 - SALTASH (# 954 Visited 17/06/2024)Cornwall, England : Population 15,919 (Rank # 644)Before waving goodbye to Cornwall we pause on the frontier to explore Saltash and gaze upon its famous bridges.MUSICFloral Dance - Brighouse & Rastrick Brass BandThe Great Escape - We Are ScientistsGet Down - Gilbert O'SullivanWay On Down - Elvis PresleyGo West - Village PeopleVictoria - The KinksTHANKSKeith MurrayThe staff of The Two Bridges, SaltashThe Buildings of England (Cornwall) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 7 Episode 8 - LISKEARD (# 953 Visited 17/06/2024)Cornwall, England : Population 9,453 (Rank # 959)Your host spends his birthday in this ancient stannery town whilst Freddie has a run-in with a gull.MUSICIn Da Club - 50 CentHappy Birthday - Altered ImagesGet Down - Gilbert O'SullivanWay On Down - Elvis PresleyGo West - Village PeopleVictoria - The KinksTHANKSFreddieC Babbs & R J VipondKeith MurrayThe staff of The Red Lion, LiskeardThe Buildings of England (Cornwall) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 7 Episode 7 - BODMIN (# 952 Visited 16/06/2024)Cornwall, England : Population 15,681 (Rank # 649)We visit Cornwall's old county town to learn about manumission in the name of St Petroc and uncompromising justice in the sight of Keith Murray.MUSICFloral Dance - Brighouse & Rastrick Brass BandGet Down - Gilbert O'SullivanWay On Down - Elvis PresleyGo West - Village PeopleVictoria - The KinksTHANKSFreddieC Babbs & R J VipondKeith MurrayThe staff of The Hole In The Wall, BodminThe Buildings of England (Cornwall) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org

Series 7 Episode 6 - ST BLAZEY (# 951 Visited 16/06/2024)Cornwall, England : Population 10,397 (Rank # 907)With monastic roots, transport links and time-travelling literature, there's more to St Blazey than its proximity to famous bio-domes.MUSICFloral Dance - Brighouse & Rastrick Brass BandGet Down - Gilbert O'SullivanWay On Down - Elvis PresleyGo West - Village PeopleVictoria - The KinksTHANKSThe staff and patrons of The Packhorse Inn, St BlazeyThe Buildings of England (Cornwall) - Pevsner, N. et alVisit the UK's 1,000 largest settlements with Alexander Rennie. For full details of both challenge and podcast, see https://forgottentowns.org