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Back When | History Podcast

Back When | History Podcast

Written 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

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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
  • Body Snatching | The Burke and Hare Murders

    Body Snatching | The Burke and Hare Murders
    Feb 25 2026

    Have you heard of the Burke and Hare murders?
    Sixteen people killed in under a year.
    Join Helen Antrobus as she explores one of history’s most notorious killing sprees, and its links to body snatching.

    [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: Claire Hickinbotham
    Sound Designer: Jesus Gomez

    Contributors
    With thanks to Susie Lennox Discovering A Darker Side To History | My Macabre Roadtrip

    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • Operation Hillside | Lifting the Official Secrets Act

    Operation Hillside | Lifting the Official Secrets Act
    Feb 11 2026
    Behind the grand exterior of Hughenden Manor in Buckinghamshire is a secret history, that lay hidden for decades.

    A chance encounter between a former British intelligence operative and a volunteer uncovered mysteries from inside a once top-secret headquarters.

    Discover the story of how in the 1940s Hughenden Manor became a secret base for the Air Ministry to produce target maps for RAF Bomber Command. And helped shape the outcome of WWII.

    A listener note, a version of this episode first aired on the National Trust Podcast in 2021.

    Production
    Host: James Grasby
    Producer: Sean Douglas
    Sound editor: Jesus Gomez

    Discover more
    Find out more about visiting Hughenden Manor:
    https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/hughenden
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • The Workhouse | One Step Up From Prison?

    The Workhouse | One Step Up From Prison?
    Jan 28 2026

    What was life like at The Workhouse?

    Join James Grasby as he becomes an inmate and tours an atmospheric Workhouse building in Nottinghamshire.

    With its bare walls and floors, cast iron beds, and the hollering voices of costumed re-enactors, a visit to the Southwell Workhouse is a sobering experience.

    [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: Claire Hickinbotham
    Sound Editor: Jesus Gomez

    Contributors
    With thanks to the staff and volunteers at The Workhouse and Infirmary and Steven King | Nottingham Trent University

    Discover more
    Find out more about the history of The Workhouse and Infirmary www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/the-workhouse-and-infirmary

    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
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