Unusual Histories

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]

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, you are once again getting two bridges for the price of one. This time around he takes a look at the fascinating history of Twickenham Bridge and the Richmond Railway Bridge. Including why one of the bridges is misnamed and why it took so long before they were actually built. You will also learn about the connection with Wembley Stadium, why the bridge has bronze hinges, the history of speed cameras and more. As a bonus, Danny also shares a few details about Twickenham Rugby Stadium. 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 * Twickenham Bridge connects the town of St Margaret´s with Richmond. Which is about 3 miles south of the actual area of Twickenham. * Many people confuse Richmond Railway Bridge with the historic Richmond Bridge which is located half a mile away. * The Bridge was designed by Maxwell Ayrton who was also one of the designers of Wembley Stadium. * The Bromsgrove Guild of Applied Arts made all of the bronze decorative features for Twickenham Bridge. * The Richmond Railway Bridge was the first of that type of bridge to be built over the Thames. Today´s bridge replaced that original structure. * A non-fatal railway accident at Norwood led to the Richmond Railway Bridge being rebuilt. BEST MOMENTS “Twickenham Bridge isn´t actually in Twickenham.” “The idea of a concrete bridge in Richmond did not impress the locals at all.” “The first ever Gatso speed camera in the UK was installed on Twickenham bridge.” “Although Grosvenor bridge is considered to have been the first London railway crossing, Richmond railway bridge predates it by 11 years.” “The safety of cast iron in railway construction was called into question.” EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.citybridgefoundation.org.uk [https://www.citybridgefoundation.org.uk] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxwell_Ayrton [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxwell_Ayrton] Great Chertsey Road Plan - https://www.roads.org.uk/ringways/western/m3-a316 [https://www.roads.org.uk/ringways/western/m3-a316] https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2008/july/twickenham-bridge-at-75 [https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2008/july/twickenham-bridge-at-75] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bromsgrove_Guild_of_Applied_Arts [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bromsgrove_Guild_of_Applied_Arts] Barnes Railway Bridge Episode - https://omny.fm/shows/unusual-histories/047-uh [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 covers a different type of structure that spans the River Thames – the lock and weir at Richmond along with it's footbridge and the area surrounding it which includes many historical sites.  Danny explains why the weir and lock were built, the impact it has on the area and its role in maintaining the riverbed. He also shares details of the clever design and management systems that drastically increase the time that section of the river is navigable. 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 * There are 45 locks on the River Thames. * River traffic that wants to use the lock has to pay a substantial toll. * The weir was built to increase the number of hours the river was navigable each day. * Without the lock the waters between Teddington and Richmond would not be deep enough for long periods. * The twin footbridges that cross the Thames at this point close at night. * Richmond Park is the largest Royal Park in London. * Syon Abbey was home to both nuns and monks. BEST MOMENTS “The Old Deer Park in Richmond is not to be confused with Richmond Park itself .” “ In 1983 Richmond lock and Weir and its footbridges became a designated grade two listed structure.” “Allowing the river between the two to completely drain naturally at low tide .” EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.citybridgefoundation.org.uk [https://www.citybridgefoundation.org.uk] Syon Abbey - https://the-past.com/feature/syon-abbey-revisited-reconstructing-late-medieval-englands-wealthiest-nunnery/ [https://the-past.com/feature/syon-abbey-revisited-reconstructing-late-medieval-englands-wealthiest-nunnery/] The Draw Off - https://teddington.nub.news/news/local-news/how-the-thames-between-richmond-and-teddington-will-change-dramatically-this-week 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, you are getting the inside track on the history of two instead of just one bridge. It is the turn of the Kew Railway Bridge and Kew Bridge and some of the iconic features in the surrounding area. He shares the connection between the TARDIS, anti-tank guns, botanical gardens, the Doomsday Book, a hippy encampment, silent movies, Banksy, Turner 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 * The first bridge on the site was built in 1759. * Kew Railway Bridge has a strong Doctor Who connection. * There are 4 medieval villages in the area. * Nearby Kew Gardens are the largest botanical gardens in the world. * Oliver´s Island was named after Oliver Cromwell. Danny explains why this is actually an example of misnaming. * Oliver´s Island sits in the middle of The Thames near Kew. It is a haven for birds including herons and cormorants. * In 1983, both bridges became grade II listed. BEST MOMENTS “Kew Railway Bridge is one of those Marmite bridges. Meaning, for non-British listeners, people either love it or hate it.” “Justice just can't be done in this podcast in describing Kew Gardens. They have to be seen.” “It was often damaged by barges.” “The bridge was sold at auction.” “Banksy famously painted his mountain goat mural just near the southern end of the bridge.” EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.citybridgefoundation.org.uk [https://www.citybridgefoundation.org.uk] Oliver´s Island - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliver%27s_Island 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]