Sistory History

Welcome to our third Kidstory episode! These episodes are dedicated to all budding historians and anyone studying history or desperate for some help with their history homework... Today we explore Canterbury Roman Museum with our resident kidstorian Felix, and try out some typical tools that Romans would have used in their daily lives. If you´d like to visit the museum then you can find everything you need to know here: Canterbury Roman Museum, Kent Music credit goes to our resident composer Alice Morgan (you can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys). If you like what you hear and don´t want to miss out on any future kidstories, then make sure you subscribe to Sistory History! And feel free to hit the like button and of course share with your friends. Blue Sky: @sistoryhistory.bsky.social Instagram: sistoryhistory Email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com Web: Sistory History | sensory history and podcast © 2025 by Sistory History

Welcome to the final episode of our Londinium miniseries, where we consider Minerva, make-up and mixing bowls... In June 2025 we visited Roman London´s Amphitheatre at Guildhall Yard. It´s a great place to lose yourself in for an hour or so - you can wander around the remains of the amphitheatre itself (unearthed in 1988), and view the artefacts found there during the excavations of the 1980s and 90s. We share our favourites with you here - follow the photos on our socials or website: https://www.sistoryhistory.co.uk/post/photos-for-miniseries-londinium-iii-roman-london-s-amphitheatre If you´re inspired to visit, all you need to know is here: Visit London's Roman Amphitheatre | City of London If you enjoy the episode, you might enjoy these too: Internet Archaeol. 42. Fletcher. The Egyptian Hair Pin: practical, sacred, fatal Makeup and Beauty in Ancient Rome - by Crystal King Kitchenalia: Roman Mortarium Music credit goes to our resident composer Alice Morgan, (you can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys). Finally, if you like what you hear then don´t be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us. Blue sky: @sistoryhistory.bsky.social Instagram: sistoryhistory Web: Sistory History | sensory history and podcast Email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com © 2025 by Sistory History

Welcome to episode 2 of our Londinium miniseries, in which we bring you lovely lamps and sensuous scents! In May 2025 we visited the Crypt Museum at All Hallows Church by the Tower, to find out what it can tell us about Roman London. It´s a small but beautifully formed museum that houses some excellent artefacts from the period, as well as Saxon and 16th century finds. Here, we talk you through our favourites from the Roman selection. Photos are on our social media and website: Photos for Miniseries: Londinium II - All Hallows Church If you´d like to visit the museum, check out their website here: ⁠Crypt Museum - All Hallows by the Tower Music credit goes to our resident composer Alice Morgan, (you can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys). Finally, if you like what you hear then don´t be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us. Blue Sky: @sistoryhistory.bsky.social Instagram: sistoryhistory Web: Sistory History | sensory history and podcast Email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com © 2025 by Sistory History

Welcome to episode 1 of our Londinium miniseries! Where we consider the practicalities of naked initiation ceremonies, and Caroline delights us with her extensive collection of key facts... (Did you know that some Roman keys could fold up? And some were designed to break after one use!?!). In April 2025 we visited the London Mithraeum to explore the excellent exhibition space and peruse the artefacts currently on display. The excavation of 2012-2014 yielded a huge array of over 14,000 finds, about 600 of which have been beautifully curated for visitors to enjoy. Here, we talk you through our favourites. If you´d like to visit the London Mithraeum or find out more about the excavations, then try these links: London Mithraeum Lost rivers: The Walbrook | London Museum Walbrook Discovery Programme | Explore and engage with MOLA's current archaeological findings along the banks of the City of London's hidden river the Walbrook 10 Facts About The Secret Roman Cult of Mithras | History Hit Music credit goes to our resident composer Alice Morgan, (you can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys). Finally, if you like what you hear then don´t be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us. Web: Sistory History | sensory history and podcast X (Twitter): @sistoryhistory Instagram: @sistoryhistory Email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com © 2025 by Sistory History

Welcome to our second Kidstory episode! Dedicated to all budding historians and anyone studying history or desperate for some help with their history homework... In this episode, ably assisted by 10yr old Felix, we talk about what the Ancient Romans ate and drank, what their restaurants were like, and what they got up to at dinner parties... Music credit goes to our resident composer Alice Morgan (you can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys). If you like what you hear today and don't want to miss out on any future Kidstory episodes, then make sure you subscribe to Sistory History! And feel free to hit the like button and of course share with your friends and family. Blue Sky: @sistoryhistory.bsky.social X: @sistoryhistory Instagram: sistoryhistory Email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com Web: https://www.sistoryhistory.co.uk/ © 2025 by Sistory History

Welcome to our very first kids episode! Dedicated to all budding historians and anyone studying history or desperate for some help with their history homework... In this episode, ably assisted by 10yr old Felix (who's been learning about Egypt at school), we investigate how the Ancient Egyptians used magic and medicine to cure themselves. Think tree bark, magic spells, crocodile poo and lots of honey! Music credit goes to our resident composer Alice Morgan (you can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys). If you like what you hear and don't want to miss out on any future Kidstory episodes, then make sure you subscribe to Sistory History! And feel free to hit the like button and of course share with your friends. X: @sistoryhistory Blue Sky: @sistoryhistory.bsky.social Instagram: sistoryhistory Email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com Web: Sistory History | sensory history and podcast © 2025 by Sistory History

In this seasonal episode from our archive, we take a sensory deep dive into the ancient Roman, mid-December festival of Saturnalia. You can expect a delightful combination of naked singing, elf hats and Christmas jumpers. Plus we find out just how much wine some employers expected their staff to get through during the festival... P.S it's a LOT. Sources for this episode are: Letters from a StoicEpigramsLetters Fancy finding out more? Try these: Saturnalia: Meaning, Festival & Christmas | HISTORYThe Wild Holiday That Turned Ancient Rome Upside Down Music credit goes to our two resident composers: Phil Russell and Alice Morgan (you can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys). Finally, if you like what you hear then don't be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us. X: @sistoryhistory Blue Sky: @sistoryhistory.bsky.social Instagram: sistoryhistory Email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com Web: ⁠⁠Sistory History | sensory history and podcast⁠ © 2024 by Sistory History

Join us for a seasonal episode all about the Roman festival of Saturnalia. We talk elf hats, Christmas jumpers & naked singing. If that doesn't tempt you then we don't know what will!!

Welcome to the season 3 finale! In this episode we take a sensory stroll down the lanes of Georgian London, to find out how and why gin became so popular. And why it caused so much public disruption that the government introduced no less than 8 Gin Acts in a sustained and determined effort to control its consumption. Our sources are: * Article from The Evening Chronicle (19th February 1835), by Charles Dickens * The Life and Uncommon Adventures of Captain Dudley Bradstreet (1755, p.78-79), by Dudley Bradstreet * Extract from the report The Police in the Metropolis (August 1816) * Extract from a House of Commons debate on drunkenness (3rd June 1834, column 98) Tips for further reading if you fancy: Drinking with the Georgians - Discover Your Ancestors - Phil Wood enjoys an 18th century tipple The Eighteenth Century Gin Craze – All Things Georgian The Complete and Slightly Insane History of Gin in England | VinePair Liquid Bewitchment: Gin Drinking in England, 1700–1850 — The Public Domain Review History of gin (1728 - 1794) Music credit goes to our two resident composers: Phil Russell and Alice Morgan. You can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys. Finally, if you like what you hear today then don't be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us. X: @sistoryhistory Blue Sky: @sistoryhistory.bsky.social Instagram: sistoryhistory Email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com Web: ⁠Sistory History | sensory history and podcast © 2024 by Sistory History

Welcome to season 3, episode 5! In this episode we brave the high seas as we discuss some perhaps overlooked aspects of life in the Georgian Royal Navy. Our sources are as follows - you can find the visuals on our social media and website: https://www.sistoryhistory.co.uk/blog * Gold and steel combined fork/knife belonging to Lord Admiral Nelson (visual source) * A Treatise on the Scurvy (p.191-193), by James Lind * A Voice from the Main Deck (extract from chapter 3), by Samuel Leech * Photographs of various toilets on board HMS Victory (visual sources) Keen to find out more? Try these: Empire of the Deep, by Ben Wilson Empire of the Deep by Ben Wilson | Waterstones Lieutenant Paul Harris Nicholas’ Account of the Battle of Trafalgar - The Dear Surprise What Did Sailors in the Georgian Royal Navy Eat? | History Hit A Sailor’s Life in Lord Nelson’s Navy | War History Online Nelson fork and knife - Search Images (bing.com) Music credit goes to our two resident composers: Phil Russell and Alice Morgan. You can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys. Also we must credit the United States Navy Band - Caroline shared their rendition of 'The Roast Beef of England' during her second source discussion. This was found on Wikipedia: The Roast Beef of Old England - Wikipedia Finally, if you like what you hear today then don't be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us. Web: https://www.sistoryhistory.co.uk/ X: @sistoryhistory Instagram: sistoryhistory Email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com © 2024 by Sistory History

Welcome to season 3, episode 4! In this episode we meander through the walkways (some brightly lit, some dimly lit), of Georgian London's pleasure gardens. Think entertainments, music, fireworks, wandering hands and overpriced snacks... Our sources are: * Edinburgh Encyclopedia, 1830 edition * Evelina (Letter 46), by Frances Burney * The Microcosm of London, 1808-1810 * Bill of Fare for Vauxhall Gardens, 1823 (visual source) Accompanying photos can be found on X, Instagram and our website: BLOG & PHOTO GALLERY | Mysite (sistoryhistory.co.uk) Fancy finding out more? Vauxhall Gardens Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens - Jane Austen articles and blog London's centre of intrigue and scandal - BBC Travel Regency History - Vauxhall Gardens Cascade Music credit goes to our two resident composers: Phil Russell and Alice Morgan. You can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys. Finally, if you like what you hear today then don't be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as that helps new listeners to find us. Web: https://www.sistoryhistory.co.uk/ X: @sistoryhistory Instagram: sistoryhistory Email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com ©2024 by Sistory History

Welcome to season 3, episode 3! In this episode we explore the sensory delights of Georgian coffee houses. And it wasn't all just coffee and cake... In fact it wasn't at all coffee and cake! There were a huge variety of activities on offer, from lectures to business deals to medical consultations. All washed down with a nice dish of bitter, brown liquid. Maybe with a bit of sludge at the bottom if you were lucky. Our sources for today are: * Regency coffee recipe from: The House Book; or, Family Chronicle of Useful Knowledge, and Cottage Physician. W.M Scott, 1826 * London Gazette (edition 10495), 1765 * The Chapter Coffee House - extract from p.179 of John Timbs' book: Club Life of London (Anecdotes of the Clubs, Coffee-Houses and Taverns of the Metropolis During the 17th, 18th and 19th Centuries). * Letter 6 by Cesar de Saussure, October 29th 1726 Accompanying photos can be found on X, Instagram and our website: https://www.sistoryhistory.co.uk/post/photos-for-se03e03-the-georgians-wake-up-smell-the-coffee Interested to find out more? https://londonist.com/london/history/covent-garden-s-georgian-coffee-shop-brothel-hybrid https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/English-Coffeehouses-Penny-Universities/https://brewminate.com/newspapers-gossip-and-coffeehouse-culture-in-early-modern-england/ https://brewminate.com/newspapers-gossip-and-coffeehouse-culture-in-early-modern-england/https://encyclopedia.odeuropa.eu/items/show/23 https://encyclopedia.odeuropa.eu/items/show/23https://www.thehistoryoflondon.co.uk/coffee-houses/ Music credit goes to our two resident composers: Phil Russell and Alice Morgan. You can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys. Finally, if you like what you hear today then don't be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as that helps new listeners to find us. Web: https://www.sistoryhistory.co.uk/ X (Twitter): @sistoryhistory Instagram: sistoryhistory Email: mailto:sistoryhistory@gmail.com ©️ 2024 by Sistory History

Welcome to season 3, episode 2! In this episode we delve into the depths of the Georgian ballroom. We consider the people, the clothes, what the ballroom looked and felt like, and the rules...there were a lot of rules! Luckily there were also a lot of etiquette manuals available to help you along the way. As usual we consider all this from a sensory perspective, using a selection of primary sources: * Jealousy Glass or Polemoscope https://www.vanleestantiques.com/product/polemoscope-18th-century/ * Extract from chapter 2 of Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen * Article written by J Addison from The Spectator, dated 27th June 1711 * Article from The Galignani Messenger, 28th February 1821 A photo of the polemoscope can be found on X and Instagram, as well as our website: www.sistoryhistory.co.uk%2Fpost%2Fphotos-for-s03e02-the-georgians-strictly-ballroom Keen to learn more? Try these: https://janeausten.co.uk/blogs/womens-regency-fashion-articles/polemoscope-georgian-jealousy-glasses https://thecozydrawingroom.com/2013/11/30/how-to-spy-on-a-suitor-without-looking-like-youre-trying/ https://www.countrylife.co.uk/luxury/curious-questions-did-english-ladies-really-have-a-secret-language-of-fans-260053 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fOs3B0_wJU And do try to visit the Fan Museum if you find yourself near Greenwich or the London area - it's well worth it! https://www.thefanmuseum.org.uk/ Music credit goes to our two resident composers: Phil Russell and Alice Morgan (you can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys). Finally, if you like what you hear then don't be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us. Web: https://www.sistoryhistory.co.uk/ X (Twitter): @sistoryhistory Instagram: sistoryhistory Email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com ©️ 2024 by Sistory History

In this episode we're joined by historian, author and broadcaster, Professor Michael Scott, to talk about his book "X Marks the Spot: An Adventurous History of Archaeology". The book explores 8 amazing archaeological discoveries, which we discuss from our usual sensory perspective. From Machu Picchu to the Silk Roads, to the Uluburun Shipwreck, there's something for everyone and plenty of awe-inspiring moments to choose from. And if that's not enough to convince you to tune in, the episode also includes a healthy dose of history-based Lego chat... X Marks The Spot is now available in paperback and you can pick up a copy in all good bookshops: X Marks the Spot by Michael Scott | Hachette UK (hodder.co.uk) Music credit goes to our resident composer Alice Morgan (you can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys). Finally, if you like what you hear then don't be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us. Web: Sistory History | sensory history and podcast X (Twitter): @sistoryhistory Instagram: sistoryhistory Email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com © 2024 by Sistory History

Welcome to season 3! Whether you're a loyal follower or a new listener, it's lovely to have you with us. In this first episode we explore Georgian Fashion. Perhaps not the usual things you might expect though... We've headed down a less well-trodden path strewn with umbrellas, fake bottoms, glasses and hair towers. As usual we'll be considering our topic from a sensory perspective and using contemporary sources to help us. The sources for this episode are: * Article from the Bath Chronicle, 31st May 1773. * The Bum Shop, print by artist and caricaturist Thomas Rowlandson. * Portrait by Henry Edridge of Princess Sophia, daughter of George III and Queen Charlotte. * Extract from The Sylph (Letter XIII), a novel by Georgiana Duchess of Devonshire. Accompanying photos can be found on X and Instagram, as well as our website: Photos for S03E01 - The Georgians: Dress to Impress (sistoryhistory.co.uk) Here are some extras if you'd like to learn more: Georgian Hair and Clothing – Fashionable but Fatal – All Things Georgian (wordpress.com) Historical Fashion: Georgian Women’s Hairstyles – Just History Posts Beau Brummell by Ian Kelly | Waterstones Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire by Dr Amanda Foreman | Waterstones The Time Traveller's Guide to Regency Britain by Ian Mortimer | Waterstones Music credit goes to our two resident composers: Phil Russell and Alice Morgan (you can find Alice on Instagram -missalicekeys). Finally, if you like what you hear the don't be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us. Web: Sistory History | sensory history and podcast X (Twitter): @sistoryhistory Instagram: sistoryhistory Email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com ©️ 2023-2024 by Sistory History

Welcome back to Sistory History, the sensory history podcast hosted by sisters Laura & Caroline. This time we've fast-forwarded a few thousand years to see what the Georgians got up to. Our conclusion? They got up to quite a lot! From enormous hair to coffee house conversations, there's plenty to talk about. Make sure to subscribe now so that you don't miss anything! Music credit goes to our resident composer Alice Morgan, (you can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys). If you like what you hear then don't be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us. Web: ⁠https://www.sistoryhistory.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X (Twitter): @sistoryhistory Instagram: sistoryhistory Email: ⁠sistoryhistory@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ©️ 2024 by Sistory History

Our campaign concludes here, with episode three. We consider cavalry masks, dragon standards and also discuss some of the merits of Emperor Septimius Severus. (Definitely one of the better ones in our view). Head over to X, Instagram or our website to look at the accompanying photos: https://www.sistoryhistory.co.uk/post/photos-for-miniseries-third-legion-life-in-the-roman-army If you're reading this before 23rd June 2024 then you still have time to catch the British Museum exhibition that this miniseries is based on, "Legion: life in the Roman army": https://www.britishmuseum.org/exhibitions/legion-life-roman-army Music credit goes to our resident composer Alice Morgan, (you can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys). Finally, if you like what you hear then don't be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us. Web: https://www.sistoryhistory.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X (Twitter): @sistoryhistory Instagram: sistoryhistory Email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ©️ 2024 by Sistory History

Marching onwards (in very orderly and organised Roman fashion)... We continue our miniseries dedicated to the British Museum exhibition, "Legion: life in the Roman army". Here we have episode two, where, among other things, you'll learn a surprising amount about tent flaps. Head over to X, Instagram or our website to look at the accompanying photos: https://www.sistoryhistory.co.uk/post/photos-for-miniseries-second-legion-life-in-the-roman-army If you're reading this before 23rd June 2024 then you still have time to catch the exhibition: Legion: life in the Roman army | British Museum Music credit goes to our resident composer Alice Morgan, (you can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys). Finally, if you like what you hear then don't be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us. Web: https://www.sistoryhistory.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X (Twitter): @sistoryhistory Instagram: @sistoryhistory Email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ © 2024 by Sistory History

What do tweezers and tent flaps have in common? Or purses and party invitations? Barrels and brooches? Give up yet...? The Roman army of course! In March 2024 we visited the British Museum exhibition, "Legion: life in the Roman army". There was so much to see that instead of our usual exhibition-based bonus episode, we decided to make a miniseries instead. Here we have the first episode in that series - head over to X, Instagram or our website to look at the accompanying photos: https://www.sistoryhistory.co.uk/post/photos-for-miniseries-first-legion-life-in-the-roman-army If you're reading this before 23rd June 2024 then you still have time to catch the exhibition: https://www.britishmuseum.org/exhibitions/legion-life-roman-army Music credit goes to our resident composer Alice Morgan, (you can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys). Finally, if you like what you hear then don't be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us. Web: https://www.sistoryhistory.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X (Twitter): @sistoryhistory Instagram: @sistoryhistory Email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ © 2024 by Sistory History

Tea will likely always be associated with Britain, referred to by many as its national drink. But the first tea was reputedly drunk in China, way back in the 3rd millennium BC. The story goes that a tea leaf fell into some water being boiled for the emperor, and he found the taste so refreshing that he felt compelled to start a trend... Japan followed suit in around the 8th century, and soon popularised the now famous tea ceremonies, but it wasn't until the 17th century that large scale importation into Europe began. And after that, the rise of tea was unstoppable! We visited a beautiful exhibition curated by the Horniman Museum in London, to discover more about the history of tea across the world. In this episode we talk about our favourite exhibits. Accompanying photos can be found on our website: ⁠BLOG & PHOTO GALLERY | Mysite (sistoryhistory.co.uk) "Chá, Chai, Tea" - runs until 7th July 2024 and is free to visit. There are lots of other interesting things to do at the Horniman, so you can easily while away many delightful hours there! Find out more about the exhibition, the museum, and tea, via these links: 茶, चाय, Tea (Chá, Chai, Tea) - Horniman Museum and Gardens Homepage - Horniman Museum and Gardens UK Tea & Infusions Association - History of Tea Music credit goes to our resident composer Alice Morgan, (you can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys). Finally, if you like what you hear then don't be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us. Web: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.sistoryhistory.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X (Twitter): @sistoryhistory Instagram: @sistoryhistory email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com © 2024 by Sistory History