Back When | History Podcast Podcast By National Trust cover art

Back When | History Podcast

Back When | History Podcast

By: National Trust
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About this listen

 Imagine being a fly on the wall of history.

Historians Helen Antrobus and James Grasby take you inside the stories of the people, places and moments that made us.

Experience the Great Stink of London. Make an entrance onto the Georgian dating scene. Find out if you'd survive a medieval battle and unlock the secrets of Britain’s space race.

Our past is all around us. And we'll be transporting you behind the scenes at landmarks from castles to dance halls and WWII bunkers to workhouses. You’ll meet people from all walks of life whose fascinating stories have shaped who we are now.

Lean in for a tale from time: Back When.

You'll get a new story every fortnight. Follow Back When on your favourite podcast app to make sure you never miss an episode.

This podcast is made by the National Trust, Europe’s biggest conservation charity. Looking after history, nature and beauty for everyone to enjoy.

Discover more from National Trust podcasts

Follow Wild Tales, our podcast for nature lovers:
podfollow.com/wild-tales

Listen to Ranger Rae and the Wildlifers, our kids' podcast:
podfollow.com/national-trust-kids-podcast

See videos of the National Trust Podcast on Youtube:
www.youtube.com/@nationaltrustcharity/podcasts

Get in touch with feedback and ideas for stories you'd like to hear:
podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk National Trust World
Episodes
  • The Tale of Beatrix Potter | Writer, Scientist, Sheep Farmer

    The Tale of Beatrix Potter | Writer, Scientist, Sheep Farmer
    Jun 25 2025
    Many of us grew up reading about Peter Rabbit and Mrs Tiggywinkle, but how much do you know about the woman behind the stories?
    In this episode we explore the lesser-known sides of Beatrix Potter. Discover how her love of natural science, fascination with fungi and knack for sheep farming formed one of Britain's most celebrated authors.

    [Ad] This podcast is sponsored by CEWE, Europe’s leading photo printing company. Every image you capture tells a story. Discover ideas for curating your special memories and creating gifts for loved ones. From the award-winning CEWE PHOTOBOOK to wall art made from your favourite photos.
    Start creating your story at     www.cewe.co.uk

    Production
    Host: James Grasby
    Producer: Nikki Ruck
    Sound editor: Jesus Gomez and Nikki Ruck

    Discover more
    For more information about Beatrix Potter, her life, works and art go to: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/history/people/beatrix-potter

    Follow the National Trust Podcast on your favourite podcast app.     If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk
    Show more Show less
    23 mins
  • Ela, Sheriff of Wiltshire | A Medieval Marvel

    Ela, Sheriff of Wiltshire | A Medieval Marvel
    Jun 11 2025
    In 1196, 9-year-old Ela was hidden away in France after becoming the third Countess of Salisbury.
    After being discovered and brought back to England by a knight who supposedly sang underneath windows to find her, Ela went on to become one of the thirteenth century's most influential women.

    As well as being a peeress, Ela is also known for being the Sheriff of Wiltshire, breaking social norms and defying the intensely patriarchal society she was in. As the King's representative in the county, she would’ve been responsible for upholding the Crown's law and bringing its enemies to justice, supervising the royal lands in the area, and much more.

    Ela was incredibly powerful, assertive, resolute and devout – she lay the foundation stones for two religious houses, more than 16 miles apart, in a single day. The first was Hinton Priory in Bath, and the second was Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire, where less than ten years later, Ela was elected its first abbess.

    National Trust Historian Helen Antrobus heads to Lacock to discover the story behind this medieval marvel.

    [Ad] This podcast is sponsored by CEWE, Europe’s leading photo printing company. Every image you capture tells a story. Discover ideas for curating your special memories and creating gifts for loved ones. From the award-winning CEWE PHOTOBOOK to wall art made from your favourite photos.
    Start creating your story at www.cewe.co.uk

    Production
    Presenter: Helen Antrobus
    Producer: Jack Glover and Lily Long
    Sound Designer: Jesus Gomez

    Contributor: Emma Zadeh

    Discover More

    https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wiltshire/lacock

    https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/history/people/remarkable-women-in-history

    https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/history/what-happened-in-a-medieval-abbey-church

    If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story idea, you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk
    Show more Show less
    14 mins
  • Graveyard of Ships | The Royal Anne Galley

    Graveyard of Ships | The Royal Anne Galley
    May 28 2025
    On 10 November 1721 the Royal Anne Galley sank after hitting treacherous rocks at Lizard Point in Cornwall, tragically claiming the lives of more than 200 people.
    The dead include Captain Francis Willis and his crew who had been on their way to Barbados to hunt down pirates.
    Join Helen and marine archaeologist David Gibbins as they uncover the tale of the 300-year-old wreck and the disaster's eerie aftermath.
    The Royal Anne Galley is one of thousands of shipwrecks around Britain's coastline. Its haunting story reveals the realities of 18th Century life and death at sea.

    [Ad] This podcast is sponsored by CEWE, Europe’s leading photo printing company. Every image you capture tells a story. Discover ideas for curating your special memories and creating gifts for loved ones. From the award-winning CEWE PHOTOBOOK to wall art made from your favourite photos.
    Start creating your story at www.cewe.co.uk

    Production
    Host: Helen Antrobus
    Producer: Michelle Douglass
    Sound Editor: Jesus Gomez

    Contributor
    David Gibbins

    Discover More:
    Discover David Gibbins’ A History of the World in 12 Shipwrecks:
    https://davidgibbins.com/a-history-of-the-world-in-twelve-shipwrecks
    Find out more about The Lizard in Cornwall:
    https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/lizard-point
    Head to National Trust on Youtube for podcast videos and shorts:
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbSxeBQ-U-goXdmkiNBSrrg
    If you’d like to get in touch with feedback or a story idea you can contact us at podcasts@nationaltrust.org.uk
    Show more Show less
    14 mins
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