The BackTracker History Show

One of the great events in the early years of Victoria's reign was a public hanging. It was free and in 1849, there were a total of 23 hangings in the UK.
While figures vary dramatically, there is no reason to doubt that the number of spectators might range anywhere from 20,000 up to 100,000.

So when a beautiful, young servant was condemned to hang at Bristol Goal, there was bound to be a huge turnout to watch the grisly deed. 

Listen to the crime that led up to this punishment that changed Bristol's view's on hangings forever.

THIS PODCAST

This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment.

So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other.

Sound Effects by zapsplat.com

CONTACT ME…

Email: info@backtracker.co.uk

Facebook: @BackTrackerUK

Instagram: @backtrackeruk

Twitter: @BackTrackerUK

SOURCES
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette - Saturday 07 April 1849

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard - Tuesday 24 April 1849

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bristolgaol.jpg

There was lots of social unrest in 1912, when many of the European royal families were uncomfortable with social unrest and revolution threatened the royals’ future. In an effort to connect with the people of the country, it was felt a tour would benefit and it was a tour where the royals reinvented themselves. The royals came with an entourage of 76.

Nominally the King came to open the King Edward VII. Memorial wing of the Royal lnfirmary but during the day he made an extensive tour of the city, received five addresses of loyalty, and knighted Mr Frank Wills on the steps of the Council House, which was more elaborately decorated than at any time people could recall.

THIS PODCAST

This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment.

So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other.

Sound Effects by zapsplat.com

CONTACT ME…

Email: info@backtracker.co.uk

Facebook: @BackTrackerUK

Instagram: @backtrackeruk

Twitter: @BackTrackerUK

SOURCES

Bristol Archives

Western Daily Press - Friday 05 April 1935

Western Daily Press - Saturday 06 April 1935

An American newspaper called her in 1889 "the most learned woman in the world" for her dexterity in writing, research, and public speaking. In England today she is called the god-mother of Egyptology, for her dedication to the Egypt Exploration Society, which she founded. Amelia Blanford Edwards is the British writer and explorer who promoted the protection and preservation of ancient Egyptian sites.

THIS PODCAST

This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment.

So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other.

Sound Effects by zapsplat.com

CONTACT ME…

Email: info@backtracker.co.uk

Facebook: @BackTrackerUK

Instagram: @backtrackeruk

Twitter: @BackTrackerUK

SOURCES

Globe - Monday 28 March 1864

Western Daily Press - Monday 18 April 1892

Edwards, Amelia B. "My Home Life," Arena Magazine, 4 (Boston, 1891), 299-310.

"Gaston Maspero and the birth of the Egypt Exploration Fund (1881- 83), Margaret Drower, Journal of Egyptian Archaeology, 68, 1982.

Flinders Petrie: A Life in Archaeology, Madison, 1995.

The world famous Clifton Suspension Bridge was designed by the great Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, although he never lived to see his creation finished in 1864.

The Clifton Suspension Bridge’s spectacular setting on the cliffs of the Avon Gorge has made it the defining icon of Bristol, drawing thousands of visitors a year just to stroll across for views of the ancient Avon Gorge, elegant Clifton and the magnificent city beyond.

As with anything that has stood the test of time, the bridge comes with many a tale. From Murder attempts to deathly daring, this bridge has seen it all.

In this episode, you'll hear only a few of the many stories linked with this amazing structure, and they'll be brought to life by the amazing vocal talents of Marcus KP and Sandra Hobson from Bradley Stoke Radio as well as Tony Allen, a listener from Worcester. And, of course, a special thank you to all those volunteers at B.O.B. Go to https://www.brunelsotherbridge.org.uk/bob_join.html to see how you can support all the hard work that's going into restoring the bridge.

THIS PODCAST

This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment.

So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other.

CONTACT ME…

• Email: info@backtracker.co.uk
• Facebook: @BackTrackerUK
• Instagram: @backtrackeruk
• Twitter: @BackTrackerUK

SOURCES

Western Daily Press - Thursday 29 September 1870 (Safety advice from Vigilant)

Gloucestershire Echo - Saturday 09 May 1885 (Sarah Ann Henley)

Yorkshire Gazette - Saturday 19 September 1896 (Two girls)

Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust.

Luton Reporter - Friday 25 September 1896

Kirkintilloch Herald - Wednesday 23 September 1896

Western Daily Press - Wednesday 21 October 1936

Western Daily Press - Tuesday 17 November 1936

Brunel's Other Bridge - https://www.brunelsotherbridge.org.uk

Probably the worst thing you can hear when you’re wearing a bikini is “Good for you!”

She was a domestic servant from Yatton in Somerset who was walking to Gloucester to meet her young man. He had recently joined the Militia and was doing training there and she was planning on moving there and finding work. A tragic story of the end of a young girl's dreams.

The part of Lucy Derrick is played by Becky Vicker of St Stephen's Drama Group. 

THIS PODCAST

This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment.

So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other.

CONTACT ME…

Email: info@backtracker.co.uk

Facebook: @BackTrackerUK

Instagram: @backtrackeruk

Twitter: @BackTrackerUK

SOURCES

Thornbury Museum http://www.thornburymuseum.org.uk

Thornbury Roots http://www.thornburyroots.co.uk

Bridport News - Friday 16 May 1879

Cornishman - Thursday 10 April 1879

Gloucester Journal - Saturday 03 May 1879

The Boer War had a huge effect on our country and started off a century of conflict. We hear from the Bristol Soldier’s just what life was like on the battlefields of South Africa, in their own words, from letters written to their loved ones in back home in Bristol, England. The South African War was fought between Britain and the self-governing Afrikaner (Boer) colonies of the South African Republic (the Transvaal) and the Orange Free State. (At the outbreak of war, Britain ruled the South African colonies of the Cape and Natal). The war began on October 11 1899, following a Boer ultimatum that the British should cease building up their forces in the region. Special thanks to members of the St Stephen's Drama Group in Soundwell Bristol as well as other presenters from Bradley Stoke Radio for helping to bring the letters to life. You can find out more about them by going to their websites... https://www.bradleystokeradio.com http://www.ststephensdramabristol.co.uk This podcast… This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment. So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other. CONTACT ME… Email: info@backtracker.co.uk Facebook: @BackTrackerUK Instagram: @backtrackeruk Twitter: @BackTrackerUK SOURCES & USEFUL WEBSITES http://www.roll-of-honour.com/Gloucestershire/BristolGlosRegtBoerWar.html Western Daily Press

Elizabeth Blackwell was a Bristol born woman who went onto become the first woman doctor through sheer determination. She overcame many who were against idea to be very influential in not only medicine, but the Suffragette movement as well as slavery. This is a fascinating, yet little known history that we should be proud of.

Here are some of her most famous quotes...

• “It is not easy to be a pioneer but oh, it is fascinating! I would not trade one moment, even the worst moment, for all the riches in the world.”
• “It is well worth the efforts of a lifetime to have attained knowledge which justifies an attack on the root of all evil ... which asserts that because forms of evil have always existed in society, therefore they must always exist.”
• “None of us can know what we are capable of until we are tested.”
• “I DO NOT WISH TO GIVE (WOMEN) A FIRST PLACE, STILL LESS A SECOND ONE- BUT THE COMPLETE FREEDOM TO TAKE THEIR TRUE PLACE, WHATEVER IT MAY BE.”

THIS PODCAST…

This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment.

So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other.

CONTACT ME…

Email: info@backtracker.co.uk

Facebook: @BackTrackerUK

Instagram: @backtrackeruk

Twitter: @BackTrackerUK

SOURCES

National Women's History Museum.

www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk.

Harvard Blackwell Collection.

“Old Dinah Riddiford and her son Luke broke open Daniel Reed’s house and stole several articles there, they were taken up with the articles discovered on them, and committed to Gloucester, tried and both found guilty and received sentence of death.  Luke was reprieved but the poor old woman was executed and her body brought to Thornbury.” And so begins the tale of the oldest woman to be hanged in England, but it doesn't end there as you'll find out when you listen to the whole story of the Riddiford family. Crafted by a self confessed history geek for no financial gain, who enjoys those stories from the past that might have been forgotten, The Backtracker History Show is first aired on Bradley Stoke RadioFM in Bristol, England, before being plonked onto the podcast stage for all to enjoy If you enjoyed the show, don't forget to share or leave feedback. It all helps! Keep in touch via either Twitter or Facebook by using @BackTrackerUK You can also check out my shiny new website at www.backtracker.co.uk

Sources include...

Thornbury Roots

Thornbury Museum

GenesReunited.

Bartholomew Roberts was described as a tall, attractive man, who loved  expensive clothes and jewelry. He was often seen dressed in a gorgeous crimson waistcoat with an expensive hat which had a unique red feather. Even in battles he was well-dressed. On his chests, there was a heavy gold chain with a diamond cross hanging to it. And yet, this dashing young man was the most successful pirate that ever lived and you can hear all about it in this podcast.

"For I have dipped my hands in muddied waters, and withdrawing them find 'tis better to be a commander than a common man!" Bartholomew Roberts to his crew, on becoming their captain, 1719.

Crafted by a self confessed history geek for no financial gain, who enjoys those stories from the past that might have been forgotten, The Backtracker History Show is first aired on Bradley Stoke RadioFM in Bristol, England, before being plonked onto the podcast stage for all to enjoy

If you enjoyed the show, don't forget to share or leave feedback. It all helps!

Keep in touch via either Twitter or Facebook by using @BackTrackerUK

You can also check out my shiny new website at www.backtracker.co.uk

In 1928, Filton held it’s Great Air Pageant organised by the Bristol & Wessex Aeroplane Club, which had only been founded in the previous October. A show of all that Filton had become famous for with aerial displays and all the newest aviation technology to wow the crowds.

After the euphoria of an amazing event, the next day proved to bring the worst tragedy to befall two pilots whose lives were ahead of them.

Crafted by a self confessed history geek for no financial gain, who enjoys those stories from the past that might have been forgotten, The Backtracker History Show is first aired on Bradley Stoke RadioFM in Bristol, England, before being plonked onto the podcast stage for all to enjoy

If you enjoyed the show, don't forget to share or leave feedback. It all helps!

Keep in touch via either Twitter or Facebook by using @BackTrackerUK

You can also check out my shiny new website at www.backtracker.co.uk

When Bessie Smith sang the blues, everybody stopped to listen. She had a powerful, earthy voice which embodied all the misery and sadness of the world. She was probably one of the best female blues singers who ever lived but she lived too high, drank too much and died tragically on 26 September 1937, in Clarksdale, Mississippi.

Bessie was the first bisexual, alcoholic, beaten by segregationists, cheated out of songwriting royalties, dark skinned singing sensation. She was also the first black, female superstar.

Crafted by a self confessed history geek for no financial gain, who enjoys those stories from the past that might have been forgotten, The Backtracker History Show is first aired on Bradley Stoke RadioFM in Bristol, England, before being plonked onto the podcast stage for all to enjoy

If you enjoyed the show, don't forget to share or leave feedback. It all helps!

Keep in touch via either Twitter or Facebook by using @BackTrackerUK

You can also check out my shiny new website at www.backtracker.co.uk

PODCAST EXCLUSIVE! 

She was internationally known as 'The only Female Fakir in the World!' Koringa performed alongside four female assistants, all dressed in Eastern costumes, and five live crocodiles, the largest named Churchill. Her particular expertise was the art of mesmerism or hypnotism: she startled her audience with her ability to walk on the heads of hypnotized crocodiles in a specially designed tank whilst wearing a necklace of live serpents. Her stage persona as a wildly coiffured green-tinted exotic was artfully crafted and drew on a number of influences within performance history.

Crafted by a self confessed history geek who enjoys those stories from the past that might have been forgotten, The Backtracker History Show is first aired on Bradley Stoke RadioFM in Bristol, England, before being plonked onto the podcast stage for all to enjoy

If you enjoyed the show, don't forget to share or leave feedback. It all helps!

Keep in touch via either Twitter or Facebook by using @BackTrackerUK

In May 1891, a married couple, desperate for money, decide to leave family and friends in Bristol to walk to Manchester for the possibility of work. They have their travels cut short by a heinous crime in Thornbury. What led up to it and what happened next! A look into life at a time of hardship and struggles in the South West of England.

Crafted by a self confessed history geek who enjoys those stories from the past that might have been forgotten, The Backtracker History Show is first aired on Bradley Stoke FM in Bristol, England, before being plonked onto the podcast stage for all to enjoy! 

If you enjoyed the show, don't forget to share or leave feedback. It all helps!

Keep in touch via either Twitter or Facebook by using @BackTrackerUK

The story about the last moments on 17th April 1960 when a rock legend passed away. His concert at the Bristol Hippodrome and that fateful taxi ride to the airport that ended in disaster. Eddie Cochran was the man behind such classic hit songs as “Summertime Blues” and “C’mon Everybody,”.

This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment.

So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other.

CONTACT ME…

Email: info@backtracker.co.uk

Facebook: @BackTrackerUK

Instagram: @backtrackeruk

Twitter: @BackTrackerUK

On the night of October 23, 1817 the sailing packet William & Mary , en route from Bristol to Waterford in Ireland, struck a rock near Flat Holm in the Bristol Channel and sank within 30 minutes.

 It was a clear night, the water was calm and there was a gentle wind blowing, but the negligence and selfish behaviour  of the crew is said to be  what caused the accident, and was largely responsible for the subsequent loss of life.

This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment.

So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other.

CONTACT ME…

Email: info@backtracker.co.uk

Facebook: @BackTrackerUK

Instagram: @backtrackeruk

Twitter: @BackTrackerUK

The sad but true tale of William and Matthew during WW1 when they were on guard north of Bristol.

This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment.

So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other.

CONTACT ME…

Email: info@backtracker.co.uk

Facebook: @BackTrackerUK

Instagram: @backtrackeruk

Twitter: @BackTrackerUK

Welcome to the first Backtracker podcast where we stroll down the path through historical news and see what we can find. As this is the first one I’ve done, please be kind, but if you want to get in touch, go to @BackTrackerUK on Twitter.

This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment.

So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other.

CONTACT ME…

Email: info@backtracker.co.uk

Facebook: @BackTrackerUK

Instagram: @backtrackeruk

Twitter: @BackTrackerUK