National Trust Podcast: series eight

Isaac Newton's apple tree protected by willow fence in the garden with the farmhouse at the background at Woolsthorpe Manor, Lincolnshire. — The apple tree at Woolsthorpe Manor, Lincolnshire | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Immerse yourself in the past or explore the natural world from your armchair in series eight of the National Trust Podcast. Solve a medieval murder mystery, journey to remote corners or learn how to garden in unconventional spaces.

Take your pick of our latest episodes from series eight, or follow the National Trust Podcast on your favourite podcast app for when you're on the go.

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Isaac Newton | The Gravity of Good Friends

Sir Isaac Newton is best known for coming up with the theory of gravity after an apple fell down beside him at his home, Woolsthorpe Manor in Lincolnshire. In this episode, Garden Manager Heather Birkett talks about Newton's legacy as one of the greatest minds of all time, and also his less-known friendship with astronomer Edmund Halley, who helped get Newton's ideas into the world.

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17:51

Murder in the Castle

On 18 March 978 AD, the 16-year-old King Edward the Martyr was stabbed in the back at Corfe Castle in Dorset and died shortly after. But who was the murderer, or murderers? Join curator James Grasby, author Anna Groves and some ghostly figures as they try to figure out who committed the regicide. This episode is sponsored by family history website, Findmypast.

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23:46

WWII 'Brown Babies' | A Hidden History

Historian David Olusoga tells the story of the children born to white British mothers and black American GIs during the Second World War, dubbed Britain's 'Brown Babies' in the African American press at the time. David joins Carol and Ann as they revisit their childhood home, Holnicote House in Somerset, which was used to care for around 30 'Brown Babies' during the 1940s.

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23:40

Introducing: Step Into The Past | The Craftsmen of Calke Abbey

In this collaboration with family history website, Findmypast, hear from Professor Suzannah Lipscomb and her guest Sandy as they travel to the not-so-stately home of Calke Abbey in Derbyshire. Their journey reveals Sandy's longstanding connection to the estate and its early Baptist congregation. This podcast is by our sponsors Findmypast.

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46:24

Sycamore Gap: One Year On

On 27 September 2023, the famous Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland was felled overnight in an act of vandalism, triggering a far-reaching wave of shock and sorrow. In this episode, join gardener Heather Birkett as she explores the significance of this beloved landmark, the aftermath of its loss and the community’s efforts to preserve its memory.

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26:33

Northern Ireland Adventure | Sea Safari at Rathlin Island

Ranger Kate Martin continues her adventure along Northern Ireland's causeway coast, this time exploring life under water. A stretch of water between the mainland and Rathlin Island is home to some of the world’s most unique wildlife and infamous shipwrecks. This episode is sponsored by Tourism Ireland.

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24:40

Northern Ireland Adventure | Beyond the Bridge

The island of Carrick-a-Rede is home to a single building – a fisherman's cottage that has stood for centuries. Join Ranger Kate as she heads to the island and crosses its famous rope bridge, and learn how it became the focal point for a community and rich coastal traditions. This episode is sponsored by Tourism Ireland.

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23:20

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

City growing with Tayshan Hayden-Smith

Spending time in nature is essential for our wellbeing, but it can be challenging when access to green space is limited. Learn how to enjoy nature in unconventional places, as ex-professional footballer Tayshan Hayden-Smith shares how he created a community garden in the heart of London. This episode is sponsored by Blue Diamond Garden Centres.

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23:08

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

My dog walk saved me

Christian was at the lowest point in his life when he decided to do something drastic. Hear how his six-year trek around the UK coastline turned his life around, with the help of his dog and best friend, Jet. This episode is sponsored by natural pet food maker, Forthglade.

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22:55

125 Treasures | The needle on the lawn

The Philae Obelisk at Kingston Lacy in Dorset is an ancient reminder of a very different world. Learn about its origins, why it came to be in England and how its hand-carved inscriptions were key to unlocking the secrets of Egyptian hieroglyphs. This episode is presented by actor Alison Steadman, and is sponsored by family history website, Findmypast.

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28:17

Poetry and music in bloom with Simon Armitage and LYR

Join us as we celebrate the season of blossom with poetry and music written and produced by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage and his band LYR. In this episode, Simon shares the inspiration behind his poetry, and the band discuss how they produced the song Blossom: A CV and collaborated with community choirs as part of the Blossomise project.

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17:09

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

Coming up on the National Trust Podcast

In the second half of the series, join us for a trip to the coast in Northern Ireland, hear how heritage sites are mitigating the effects of climate change, and mark one year since the Sycamore Gap tree was felled. We'll also revisit some old episodes to celebrate World Ranger Day and inspire your summer adventures.