Women have played an integral role in shaping London’s history, from trailblazing figures who defied societal norms to unsung heroines who left a lasting impact. In the London History Podcast, we explore the stories of these remarkable women, their struggles, and their contributions to society.
Below, we’ve curated a list of our top episodes on women’s history, covering inspiring figures, historical movements, and fascinating events. Listen in and uncover the rich and often overlooked stories of the women who helped shape London.
Women’s History Podcast Episodes
1. Episode 93: Hannah Snell, the Female Soldier
🔎 Episode Summary:
Hannah Snell, an 18th-century English woman who disguised herself as a man to enlist in the British Army, driven by a desire to find her missing husband. She served for several years before ultimately revealing her true identity. Demonstrating remarkable bravery, she proved herself as a capable soldier and was even wounded in battle. When her story became known, she was recognised as a heroine and even took the stage.
📌 Main Themes:
- Hannah Snell’s life in London: Hannah Snell moves to Wapping, London, with her family.
- Hannah Snell the Soldier: The transformation of Hannah Snell and her military life.
- Hannah Snell the Sailor: Hannah Snell’s Adaptation and Naval Service.
- Hannah Snell returns home: The journey of Hannah Snell back to England.
- Hannah Snell’s later years: The after-fame life of Hannah Snell and her tragic end.
2. Episode 103: Annie Besant and Mid-19th Century London
🔎 Episode Summary:
Explore the various views of Annie Besant’s life, from her childhood and early marriage to her evolution into a fearless activist and orator. As we trace her journey, we will also bring to life the rich and complex world of mid-century London, a city with political tensions, groundbreaking discoveries, and sweeping social reforms. We will be examining the key events of this transformative era and uncover how London’s dynamic atmosphere shaped Annie’s path and fuelled her passion for change.
📌 Main Themes:
- Who is Annie Besant?: Introduction to Annie Besant’s life and unwavering dedication to social, spiritual, and political change.
- Annie Besant’s early life: Learn about Annie Besant’s early years and what influenced her activism and reformist work.
- Annie Besant’s escape from poverty: Discover how Annie escaped from poverty and fostered intellectual growth.
- London in 1847: Uncover how London was in 1847 and how the struggle of the working poor shaped the experiences of its people—including Annie Besant.
- The married life of Annie Besant: Understand how the challenges of Annie’s marriage shaped her for advocacy for women’s rights, autonomy, and education.
- Early writing career of Annie Besant: Annie’s early writing career opened a new beginning to her journey as a social reformer and activist.
3. Episode 104: Women’s Rights Activist: Annie Besant
🔎 Episode Summary:
Join Hazel Baker on a journey through the life and times of Annie Besant, a remarkable woman who left a lasting mark on Victorian London’s dynamic and often challenging world. Annie’s experiences in London shaped and fueled her determination to drive change. Discover the struggles she endured and the victories she achieved. Prepare to be inspired as we embark on an unforgettable journey into the life of Annie Besant’s extraordinary path.
📌 Main Themes:
- The journey of Women’s Rights Advocate Annie Besant: Discover how Annie Besant was defined by her activism, ultimately shaping her legacy.
- Igniting a heated debate: How Annie Besant’s journey into activism began and how she became a prominent public speaker and advocate for free thought.
- Annie Besant’s pursuit of knowledge: Understand Annie’s commitment to education, reform, and justice.
- Annie and the Matchgirls of the East End: Learn how Annie used journalism as a tool to expose social injustices.
- Annie Besant and The School Board: Discover how Annie showed dedication and commitment to education and social justice.
- Theosophical Society: The journey of Annie Besant into Theosophy and how it marked a significant shift in her spiritual beliefs.
4. Episode 116: Caroline Crachami – The Sicilian Fairy
🔎 Episode Summary:
Join Hazel Baker together with Charlotte Hopkins, who has a self-published book entitled ‘The Ballad of Caroline Crachami, The Sicilian Fairy’. Together they will be discussing who Caroline Crachami is and how she captivated public curiosity, drew medical interest, and found herself—willingly or not—entangled in London’s growing fascination with ‘curiosities.’ Her life is more than just an intriguing biography; it provides insight into the societal attitudes, scientific explorations, and ethical dilemmas of her time.
📌 Main Themes:
- The introduction of Caroline Crachami: Get to know who Caroline Crachami was (also known as the Sicilian Fairy).
- Caroline Crachami’s performing name: Discover how Caroline was given multiple names, raising questions about identity.
- Rediscovering Caroline Crachami’s Story: Learn how Charlotte Hopkins first encountered Caroline’s story and what led her to write a fresh, poetic perspective of Caroline’s life.
- The meaning behind ‘The Ballad of Caroline Crachami, The Sicilian Fairy’: Explore why the word ‘Ballad’ was chosen for the book’s title.
- Balancing historical accuracy: How Charlotte Hopkins carefully provides a balance between factual accuracy and artistic license.
- The mystery of Caroline’s appearance: Understand why accuracy on how Caroline truly looked is uncertain.
- Exploitation of physical differences in Georgian society: Caroline’s story showed a broader issue of how children with disabilities were treated and exploited.
- Disability and Entertainment: The dark nature of historical attitudes towards disabilities and entertainment.
- Tragic fate of Caroline Crachami: Uncover the story of Caroline’s eventual death.
- Emotional connection to Caroline’s story: How Charlotte Hopkins found it difficult to ‘let go’ of Caroline after years of researching and writing about her.
5. Episode 117: Eleanor of Aquitaine
🔎 Episode Summary:
Explore the remarkable life of Eleanor of Aquitaine, a woman of politics, culture, and society of her time. To place her within the grand narrative of London’s history, we must journey back to the 12th century—an era brimming with political intrigue, territorial disputes, and colossal figures who shaped the course of English history.
📌 Main Themes:
- Eleanor of Aquitaine’s Political Influence: Discover who Eleanor of Aquitaine was and how her political engagement was shaped.
- Eleanor’s Political Leadership in London: How Eleanor played a crucial role in political influence and how she shaped governance during her era.
- Eleanor’s Public Presence in London: Eleanor re-established a strong female presence in governance after she was removed from London’s public eye.
- The role of Eleanor in London’s economy: How Eleanor’s involvement in London’s administration helped solidify the city as a financial and political hub.
- Trade and relationship between London and Aquitaine: Eleanor facilitated trade to strengthen economic ties between London and Aquitaine.
- The influence of queens on women’s roles in London society: How the presence of queens like Eleanor of Aquitaine shaped various levels of society.
- Contrast between Eleanor’s experiences in London and Aquitaine: Eleanor’s deep connection to Aquitaine contrasts with her experiences in London.
- Lack of Eleanor’s direct architectural or artistic legacy in London: No surviving artifacts or architectural structures in London can be directly linked to Eleanor.
- Evidence of Eleanor’s governance style: Learn what documents highlight Eleanor’s active involvement during her time.
- Londoners’ perception of female authority: Eleanor challenged the traditional views of medieval women by her active involvement.
More Women’s History Episodes You’ll Love
- Episode 132: Suffragette or Suffragist? – Journey back to the early 20th century, a period when the streets of London and beyond became the battleground for one of the most pivotal campaigns in the fight for women’s rights: the struggle for the right to vote. Listen to episode 132: Suffragette or Suffragist? Now
- Episode 121: Suffragette Annie Kenney – Explore the fascinating life of Annie Kenney together with Hazel Baker and Kirstie Shedden as they unravel the intricacies of her activism, alliances, and contributions to women’s suffrage, painting a vivid picture of a crucial chapter in London’s history. Listen about Suffragette Annie Kenney Now
- Episode 13: London Statues: Medical Women – How many statues of notable women can be found in London? Join Hazel Baker as she shares the stories of four trailblazing women who made significant contributions to medical science. While three of them are honoured with statues in London, one is not… Listen about London’s statues of medical women now
Why Women’s History in London Matters
Understanding the role of women in London’s history is crucial to gaining a fuller perspective on the city’s social, political, and cultural development. Women have often been overlooked in historical narratives, yet they played vital roles as leaders, activists, and community builders. Recognizing their contributions not only provides a more complete picture of London’s past but also inspires future generations by highlighting bravery, resilience, and courage to fight for equality.
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