Unusual Histories

In this episode of his Unusual Histories Podcast, Danny Hurst changes things up a bit by talking to experts and residents of London. This time he speaks to Cathi Haragaden, a global citizen, holistic health and well-being consultant, director of Healthy Spaces Limited and Feng Shui consultant.   Today, she and Danny discuss the role history, architecture, Feng Shui principles, evolving population demographics have on an area. They do this using Notting Hill, Portobello Road and Thamesmead, where Cathi has lived, as examples.     If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.     KEY TAKEAWAYS   ·      Notting Hill has always been home to an eclectic mix of people from different classes and countries. ·      Even before the Roger Miller film made the area famous, it had a unique vibe. ·      Despite the prevalence of racism in the UK, at certain stages, the community spirit of Notting Hill has remained strong and giving. ·      Thamesmead was built on an old chemical works, and a lot of its residents looked ill. ·      The stark concrete buildings of Thamesmead significantly impacted how the place felt, which in turn influenced the people who lived there. ·      For thousands of years Feng Shui has been used in architecture as a way to channel energy to one place in a city. Examples can be found throughout the world. ·      The space we live in is to some extent a reflection of who we are. But it also influences who we become, so making changes to your home´s look and layout will have a significant impact on you.     BEST MOMENTS “The energy of the cultural difference basically allowed the Portobello Road and beyond it to have a different energetic match.” “I've lived all over the world, and one of the best places I've lived was Notting Hill.”  “I could see there were good intentions there to cater for overspill from London ... but it was made with concrete.” (Thamesmead)     EPISODE RESOURCES   Feng Shui Mastery Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feng-shui-mastery-show-with-cathi-hargaden/id858155885 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feng-shui-mastery-show-with-cathi-hargaden/id858155885] https://www.fengshuimasteryshow.com [https://www.fengshuimasteryshow.com] https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathi-hargaden-064ba7151 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathi-hargaden-064ba7151]   Wall Street - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094291 [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094291] Film – Notting Hill - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0125439/   HOST BIO Historian, performer and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can. CONTACT AND SOCIALS https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst [https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst] facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638 [http://facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638] https://twitter.com/dannyhurst [https://twitter.com/dannyhurst]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720]

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, he reaches the last of the bridges that cross the river Thames, in London – Hampton Court Bridge. You will find out why a bridge had to be built in this specific location and why it had to be torn down and redesigned multiple times. The first, of which despite being so stunning that Canaletto created an engraving of it, only lasted for 25 years. You will also gain a fascinating insight into the history of Hampton Court Palace, including its ghosts, most famous residents and the King James Bible. If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos. KEY TAKEAWAYS * Hampton Court bridge was not built for Henry VIII as many people think. * The bridge is the only one that enables you to cross from Greater London into a different county. * The structure in place today is the 4th Hampton Court Bridge iteration. * Hampton Court Palace has been open to the public since 1838. * Unusually, the bridge was built by a ferry master. * When the latest version of the bridge was built, two smaller rivers had to be diverted. * The current version of the bridge was the first ferro-cement bridge over the Thames. BEST MOMENTS “It opened in 1753 and was built in the fashionable Chinese Willow pattern style, with seven steep curved spans and pagoda style piers in the centre.” “Changing the flow of the Thames and causing navigational issues when trying to get through the arches of the bridge.” “The oldest surviving hedge maze in Britain, Hampton Court is a mixture of Tudor and Baroque styles after a huge redesign.” “The palace (Hampton Court) itself is noted by architecture historians as an example of transitioning styles.” EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.citybridgefoundation.org.uk [https://www.citybridgefoundation.org.uk] https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace [https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace] https://www.orleanshousegallery.org/collection/the-first-bridge-at-hampton-court HOST BIO Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can. CONTACT AND SOCIALS https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst [https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst]facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638 [http://facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638] https://twitter.com/dannyhurst [https://twitter.com/dannyhurst]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720]

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, he reaches Kingston-Upon-Thames the location of two of the oldest bridges in London. As a bonus, he also tells you about a nearby bridge that is even older than the ones at Kingston.  Danny reveals the connection the bridges have with salmon, witch trials, the incredibly violent traditional football matches, twin power stations, the oldest shipyard on the river, Braveheart and much more. If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos. KEY TAKEAWAYS * Until Putney Bridge opened in 1729, Kingston was the only place to cross The Thames between Staines and London Bridge. * The blue plaque on Kingston Bridge references one of the area's lost industries. * The nearby Clattern Bridge is thought to be the oldest intact bridge in London. * There has been a bridge in the area since Roman times. * The original Kingston Bridge was made of cast iron. * Kingston Upon Thames was where 7 Saxon kings were crowned, including one king that the locals mostly keep quiet about. * Kingston was the first royal borough in England. * The stone the bridge is made from is self-cleaning. BEST MOMENTS “The first power station closed in 1959 the second in 1980.” “The coronation stone stands outside the Guild Hall in Kingston and has a coin from the reign of each of those aforementioned 7 kings (crowned here).” “Clattern Bridge is thought to date back to around 1175 making it not only one of the oldest intact bridges in London, but also one of the oldest in England.” “While politicians filibustered (about replacing the bridge), nature intervened, and during a particularly intense frost in 1814 a whole section of the bridge collapsed.” EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.citybridgefoundation.org.uk [https://www.citybridgefoundation.org.uk] Barnes Bridge episode - https://omny.fm/shows/unusual-histories/047-uh HOST BIO Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can. CONTACT AND SOCIALS https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst [https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst]facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638 [http://facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638] https://twitter.com/dannyhurst [https://twitter.com/dannyhurst]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720]

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, he looks at two of London´s quirkier river crossings. Starting with the footbridge that connects Eel Pie Island to Twickenham. A bridge that was built as an alternative to visitors to the island at one time having to practically walk on water at certain times of the day. As well as sharing the history of the bridge Danny reveals Eel Pie Island´s connection with ballroom dancing, the clockwork radio, jazz, Acker Bilk and George Melly, as well as rock acts like The Rolling Stones. Eric Clapton, the WHO, Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Rod Stewart, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath and more. He also shares details of the calmer, but nonetheless fascinating history of Teddington footbridge, which is located near a strange obelisk. Including its connection with D-day, Tommy Cooper, Black Books, The Avengers and Opportunity Knocks. If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos. KEY TAKEAWAYS * The footbridge that connects Twickenham to Eel Pie Island only spans half of the river so is not usually counted as a Thames crossing. * The Eel Pie footbridge was originally called Snapper's Bridge, Danny explains why during the episode. * At one time, this stretch of The Thames dried out every day. Danny reveals why and what was done to solve this problem. * The Eel Pie footbridge closed for 5 years * Teddington Lock is tidal and vital for keeping the river navigable. * Teddington Bridge consists of two bridges broken up by an island. * The weir at Teddington was destroyed by nature during a very cold winter. Danny explains how. BEST MOMENTS “Before this bridge appeared visitors used to have to use the ferry service, or else, before 1894, walk across the river, which was possible, believe it or not,” “Ironically, the hotel burnt to the ground two years later.” “After several incidents of attempted sabotage, the lock keeper was granted permission to carry firearms.” EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.citybridgefoundation.org.uk [https://www.citybridgefoundation.org.uk] Richmond Lock and Weir episode - https://poddtoppen.se/podcast/1723833083/unusual-histories/the-bridge-series-richmond-lock-and-weir [https://poddtoppen.se/podcast/1723833083/unusual-histories/the-bridge-series-richmond-lock-and-weir] https://www.eelpiemuseum.co.uk HOST BIO Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can. CONTACT AND SOCIALS https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst [https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst]facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638 [http://facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638] https://twitter.com/dannyhurst [https://twitter.com/dannyhurst]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720]

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Bridge History Series, he shares the history of Richmond Bridge. Explaining why despite there being a dire need for a permanent crossing in the area, locals initially objected to the plans drawn up in 1772 and how that was overcome. The way the bridge was funded is also quite unusual, Danny explains why and how the cash to build it was raised. He also shares the connection with The Beatles, John Constable, JMW Turner, a yacht crash and a heron sanctuary.  If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos. KEY TAKEAWAYS * Richmond Bridge is the oldest of the Thames crossings that hasn't been replaced in London. * The first building to be built in the area, in the 13th century, was Henry 7th Palace, who was the Earl of Richmond. * Because the hill at Richmond was too steep for laden carriages to tackle, they had to cross at Kingston Bridge. * There is still a warning sign on the bridge that states that anyone caught vandalising Richmond Bridge will be punished by transportation. * In 1937 the bridge was widened to accommodate the heavy traffic that used the area. * In 1952, Richmond Bridge became grade one listed. BEST MOMENTS “The bridges in Richmond are actually a bit of an anomaly on the Thames.” “Richmond Bridge is the last Bridge on the stretch as the river meanders back westwards.”  From above, it doesn't look as confusing as it sounds, but by the bridges on this stretch, nobody actually knows which side they're on.” “Upon her death, all the tolls were abolished.” EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.citybridgefoundation.org.uk [https://www.citybridgefoundation.org.uk] Tontine funding explained - https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/tontine.asp [https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/tontine.asp] HOST BIO Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can. CONTACT AND SOCIALS https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst [https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst]facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638 [http://facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638] https://twitter.com/dannyhurst [https://twitter.com/dannyhurst]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720]