History podcasts playlist

The showcase in the Treasure Room at Hill Top, Sawrey, Cumbria, the home of Beatrix Potter — The showcase in the Treasure Room at Beatrix Potter's home, Hill Top in Cumbria | © National Trust Images/Geoffrey Frosh

Be transported through time with our history podcasts playlist. Hear about the origins of drag performance, the boys who became the Beatles or the scientist behind the tales of Peter Rabbit and Mrs Tiggywinkle.

Take your pick of history podcast episodes on this playlist, or follow the full National Trust Podcast series on your favourite podcast app for when you're on the go.

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A history of drag

Discovering drag opened up a new world of expression and performance for drag queen Misty Monique. Join Misty as she takes to the stage at Smallhythe Place in Kent and learn more about how this art form began in British theatre.

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20:28

The Cedar Children

In March 1939, a group of Jewish child refugees arrived in Waddesdon village after escaping Nazi Germany. Retrace the steps of the Cedar Children and uncover a story of survival and hope.

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21:14

The horse on the staircase

Join actor Alison Steadman as she explores the story behind Hambletonian, Rubbing Down – a 19th-century painting by artist George Stubbs. Learn more about this controversial piece and the events that led to a court case.

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26:02

Deserts, deception and decay

A secret wilderness is hidden along the Suffolk coast, where endangered plants and animals live alongside abandoned buildings. Find out about the strange events rumoured to have taken place at Orford Ness and the dangers left behind from its military past.

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21:14

The tale of Beatrix Potter

Meet the woman behind the beloved characters of Peter Rabbit and Mrs Tiggywinkle. With a family of pets and a love of natural science, explore the lesser-known sides of Beatrix Potter and how her 'little books' helped to protect the Lake District.

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25:16

Dust detectives

Just beneath our feet lies a hidden world of ancient curiosities, but sorting the rarities from the rubbish requires specialist skills. Join us as we go on an archaeological adventure at Oxburgh Hall in Norfolk.

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24:19

The inventor's playground

Buckle up for a safari through the manufactured landscape surrounding Cragside in Northumberland. Once home to the inventor of hydroelectricity, Lord Armstrong, the gardens were designed to impress – with exotic plants, engineered streams and towering trees.

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23:24

The treasure on the wall

Historic houses can act as treasure boxes, keeping special objects safe inside their walls. But what happens when unusual activity starts to affect the house? Find out how conservators devised a rescue plan to save one precious item surrounded by crumbling walls.

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23:42

Cartref y cyfieithydd (Welsh version)

Mae'r Gymraeg yn un o ieithoedd byw hynaf Ewrop, ond pa ran chwaraeodd ffermdy bychan ger Penmachno yng ngoroesiad yr iaith hyd heddiw? Ymunwch a Betsan Powys wrth iddi fynd ar siwrne i Dŷ Mawr Wybrnant i ddysgu mwy am Esgob William Morgan, un o gewri'r genedl sy'n cael ei adnabod gan lawer fel gwaredwr yr iaith Gymraeg.

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27:42

Not lost in translation (English version)

Welsh is one of Europe's oldest living languages, but if it wasn’t for one man and one very special book, this key element of Wales’ cultural heritage could have been lost for ever. In this episode, join presenter Lowri Morgan as she travels to the small farmhouse of Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant in North Wales to hear the full story.

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32:42

On the fringe of extinction

Wandering through the house at Knole in Kent, you probably wouldn’t realise that there’s an endangered heritage craft lurking amid the antique furniture. In this episode, find out how Knole’s house team are doing all they can to ensure the survival of this centuries-old technique.

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25:49

The Beatles' beginning

If you stumble upon 20 Forthlin Road in Liverpool without knowing its history, you may assume it’s an unremarkable house, on an unremarkable suburban street. But this inconspicuous place was the childhood home of Sir Paul McCartney, and saw the beginning of four musical legends.

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28:10

Black hiking

As a black Brit from London, podcast producer Sean used to think that going on a hike was an alien concept, and he's not the only one. Join Sean as he takes his sister on her first ever hike, and learn about the history of black explorers.

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31:01

Operation Hillside

Now and again we discover new aspects to a place we thought we knew everything about. This was the case at Hughenden in Buckinghamshire, where a volunteer happened to stumble across a wartime secret.

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20:57

The Dior of décor

Learn about the life of designer Anthony Denney, a former resident of Rainham Hall in London. You've probably never heard his name, but he may have influenced the clothes you wear, how you decorate your home and even the food you eat.

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23:58

100 Years of Mystery

While many of us are familiar with Agatha Christie’s characters, just how well do we know the woman behind the books? As we celebrate 100 years of Christie's publications, we take a look back at her life through the eyes of her grandson at her beloved Greenway House in Devon.

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12:39

Going underground | Inside a Roman gold mine

The remains of the UK's only Roman gold mine lie deep under the Carmarthenshire hills in Wales. Head underground to find out how the Romans discovered this precious metal and uncover the secrets that are still hidden in the darkness. This episode is sponsored by family history website, Findmypast.

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24:21

The Workhouse | One step up from prison?

In the Victorian era, workhouses were designed to provide shelter and work for people in poverty. In reality, it was a last resort for those with no other option. Follow in the footsteps of the 'inmates' at The Workhouse and Infirmary at Southwell, Nottinghamshire and discover what life was like for the people who lived here. This episode is sponsored by family history website, Findmypast.

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26:09

The mysterious tale of the Ferguson's Gang

Uncover the secrets of the 1930s Ferguson's Gang – a group of masked women who raised funds for the National Trust in unusual ways. Hear how their daring stunts and mischievous activities made a lasting impact on the nation's heritage. This episode is sponsored by family history website, Findmypast.

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29:33

The last voyage

When archaeologists at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk discovered an imprint of an Anglo-Saxon burial ship, it would be the most impressive medieval grave ever found in Europe. Embark on the ship's final journey and learn more about the people who took it to its resting place 1,400 years ago.