History Out Loud
By Calderdale Libraries
*Follow us on Twitter/X: @HOL_podcast
*Follow us on Facebook: HOLpodcast
History Out LoudSep 29, 2022
Thornton Village, Birthplace of the Brontës
Thornton village, the birthplace of the Brontës, is often overlooked with regard to its cultural and historical significance.
In this episode, we chat to local historian, Steve Stanworth, about how the family came to be living in Thornton, and the Brontë Birthplace Campaign's mission to preserve and celebrate this important part of history.
https://brontebirthplace.com/
The History of the Running Man of Halifax
It's 2024 and Sarah and Gill are back with another episode!
Join them as they explore the curious history of The Running Man of Halifax, and the infamous Halifax Gibbet...
(Note: we will be discussing execution by decapitation)
A Chrismas Carol Comes to Halifax...
In 1858, Charles Dickens came to Halifax to read his popular novella, ‘A Christmas Carol’.
Join local historian, David Glover, and History Out Loud’s Gill, as they bring this incredible event to life.
This isn’t Dickens' only connection to the town, however, and David has been researching another little-known connection…
Battle of the Bands: The Great Todmorden vs. Hebden Bridge Controversy of 1898
Join regular guest, Sarah, and History Out Loud's Gill, for a true tale of bottle throwing, mud-slinging and bum notes at a 'friendly' brass band competition gone wrong.
Tom Bell: The Exploding Outlaw of Hebden Bridge
Weird Calderdale author, Paul Weatherhead, returns to History Out Loud to unravel the story Tom Bell - outlaw and thief, and detail the various explorations and discoveries inside the labyrinthine 'Tom Bell' caves under Hebden Bridge...
The Mixenden Treasure - PART 2
Join local historian and writer, John Billingsley, and History Out Loud's Gill Carpenter for part two of this true tale of greed, duplicity, sorcery and buried riches in 16th century Yorkshire...
The Mixenden Treasure - PART 1
Join local historian and writer, John Billingsley, and History Out Loud's Gill Carpenter for a true tale of greed, duplicity, sorcery and buried riches in 16th century Yorkshire...
PART 2 out next week ;)
'As Good as a Marriage', with Jill Liddington
To celebrate Anne Lister's birthday we have a very special episode recorded with author and historian, Jill Liddington. Jill is the author of 'Female Fortune: the Anne Lister Diaries, 1833 - 36', and has a brand new book out - 'As Good as a Marriage: the Anne Lister Diaries, 1836 - 38' which explores, interprets and opens up the life Anne Lister shared with Ann Walker during this short but rarely covered time period.
From Suffrage to House-building: the Life of Laura Annie Willson
"I went to gaol a rebel, but I have come out a regular terror".
Just one of many unforgettable quotes from suffragette and house-builder, Laura Annie Willson. In this episode we are joined by local historian, Anne Kirker, to discuss the life and times of this dynamic and inspiring woman.
The Life and Times of a Nuisance Inspector
In our first episode of 2023, Sarah and Gill discuss the life and work of Henry Blackburn, Todmorden's long-suffering Nuisance Inspector.
But what exactly did his job entail?
Sarah has been delving into the library archives and has all the answers...
* If you'd like to find out about Halifax's first Sanitary Inspector, there will be a fascinating display at Halifax Central Library and Archives from the beginning of February.
From Kansas to Halifax: Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show
Who was Buffalo Bill and how did he end up in Halifax?
Saddle up and join Gill and Sarah for a galloping, bullwhacking, sharpshooting ride through the life and times of one of the most famous showmen of the 19th century...
The Life and Times of a Yorkshire Map Maker, with Christopher Goddard
In this episode, History Out Loud has a chat with cartographer and author, Christopher Goddard, about his life as a map maker and his 'expeditions' over the moorlands and through the woods of West Yorkshire..
If you would like to learn more about Chris' work, please visit: https://christophergoddard.net/
The History of Lister Lane Cemetery, with David Glover
If you would like to know more about the Friends of Lister Lane Cemetery you can visit their website: www.listerlanecemetery.co.uk
or email them at: friendsofllc@yahoo.co.uk
The History of Rushbearing and Rush Strewing in Churches across the Northern Counties, with Garry Stringfellow
In this episode we are joined by local historian, writer and a founding member of the Sowerby Bridge Rushbearing Revival, Garry Stringfellow.
What is rushbearing? When did it begin? Why do remnants of the custom survive today?
Garry has all the answers...
From Todmorden to Chicago: Sam Fielden and the Haymarket Riot of 1886 - PART TWO
Seasoned History Out Loud guest, Sarah Browning, is back for the second and concluding episode of this transatlantic story.
From Todmorden to Chicago: Sam Fielden and the Haymarket Riot of 1886 - PART ONE
"...and then, if they love the truth, they must tell to each other what is truth or what they think is the truth; that is the sum of my offending."
How did Todmorden man, Sam Fielden, end up at the centre of the famous 1886 Haymarket Riot in Chicago? This month's guest, Sarah Browning, has been investigating...
The Legend of Robin Hood and Kirklees Priory (EPISODE 2)
Join us again for part two of the ever-morphing legend of Robin Hood. In this episode Paul Weatherhead and John Billingsley are back with Gill Carpenter to discuss documented hauntings and supernatural experiences at the grave on the Kirklees estate.
For further reading check out these two books:
- ‘Weird Calderdale – Strange and Horrible Local History’, by Paul Weatherhead.
- ‘Hood, Head and Hag – Further Folk Tales from Calderdale’, by John Billingsley.
The Legend of Robin Hood and Kirklees Priory (EPISODE 1)
Local folklorist, John Billingsley and 'Weird Historian' Paul Weatherhead make a welcome return to History Out Loud to discuss the legend of Robin Hood, his death at Kirklees Priory and the mysterious goings on thereafter...
This will be a bumper two-parter - we had so much to say!
*For further reading, check out these two books:
- 'Hood Head and Hag - Further Folk Tales from Calderdale', by John Billingsley
- 'Weird Calderdale - Strange and Horrible Local History', by Paul Weatherhead.
In Search of Ann Walker
We know lots about 19th Century lesbian diarist Anne Lister but what about her Halifax neighbour and long term lover Ann Walker? To mark 168 years since Ann Walker's death; Sarah caught up with Diane and Alexa from In Search of Ann Walker to find out what new information they have uncovered in the Archives and how they are starting to piece together Ann Walker's life..
To find out more about Ann Walker check out Welcome - In Search of Ann Walker
Follow In Search of Ann Walker on twitter at @SearchingForAnn
For information about Anne Lister Birthday Week including Ann Walker day check out Anne Lister Birthday Festival 2022 - Visit Calderdale and anne lister birthday week
BLAST FROM THE PAST: Severe Winters from Calderdale History, and Beyond...
We can all think back to winters in our past that have left an icy imprint on our memory; however, quite a few of us were not alive during the most recent, truly harsh winters to hit the United Kingdom and none of us have experienced the worst winters on record.
Join Sarah Browning and Gill Carpenter for a decidedly chilly episode...
Haunted Skies - with Paul Weatherhead
Sarah and Gill are joined once again by 'Weird Calderdale' author, Paul Weatherhead, to discuss UFOs, alien abductions and strange goings on in the Calder Valley...
James Bolton - 18th Century Halifax Naturalist
In this episode Sarah tells Gill all about 18th Century Halifax Naturalist, Mycologist and Artist James Bolton
The Halifax Slasher - Razor Blade Terror
The first of two episodes recorded with 'Weird Calderdale' author, Paul Weatherhead.
'In the winter of 1938, while Europe braced itself for war, the people of Halifax were in a state of nervous panic. Reports had begun to emerge of a razor blade wielding maniac leaping out from the town’s many dark alleys and yards, slashing his helpless victims and then disappearing into the night with almost supernatural speed.'
Churn Milk Joan - Folklore and Landscape with John Billingsley
In this episode we are joined again by local folklore expert John Billingsley. We'll be asking what is it about Calderdale and in particular the Calderdale landscape that makes it so rich in folkore. We'll be talking boggarts, witches and the story of Churn Milk Joan..
Halifax Zoo and Amusement Park - a little-known enterprise
In this episode Sarah and Gill will be discussing the rise and fall of the Halifax Zoo and Amusement Park - animals galore, great escapes, balloon ascents and all the fun of the fair...
A Todmorden Murder; the case of Clara Law (Part Two)
This is part two of two of our episode looking at the murder of Clara Law at the Todmorden Co-Operative in 1891. We are joined by our colleague Sarah B from Todmorden Library
This is a pretty grim tale and includes discussions around murder, suicide and sexual assault. We reference local newspaper reports from the time which include graphic descriptions of the crime scene.
A Todmorden Murder; the case of Clara Law (Part One)
Today we are joined by Sarah B from Todmorden Library to tell us all about the case of Clara Law who was found dead in the Todmorden Co-Operative Building in 1891. this is Part one of a two part episode
This is a pretty grim tale and includes discussions around murder, suicide and sexual assault. We reference local newspaper reports from the time which include graphic descriptions of the crime scene.
A Stoney Gaze - Archaic Stone Heads with John Billingsley
Ever feel like you're being watched?
In this episode Sarah and Gill are joined by regular H.O.L guest, John Billingsley, for a fascinating journey into the cult of the stone head.
Bring your Indiana Jones hat.
The Final Journey: Calderdale's Corpse-ways with John Billingsley
When Sylvia Plath Met Yorkshire
In this episode Sarah and Gill discuss Sylvia's first impressions of the Calder Valley through an exploration of the letters and poetry she wrote at the time.
Anne Lister and Shibden Hall with Angela Clare (Part Two)
The second part of a two part podcast. Sarah and Gill chat to Angela Clare, Collections Officer at Calderdale Museums, which includes Shibden Hall, home of Halifax landowner, traveller, mountaineer and lesbian diarist Anne Lister.
In this episode we'll be talking about The Moss House, the novel Angela has written about Anne Lister and Ann Walker and also some of the other women in Anne Lister's life.
This podcast was recorded as part of Anne Lister's 230th birthday celebrations, as well as Shibden Hall's 600th birthday! For a virtual tour of Shibden Hall and to read all Anne's birthday diary entries visit https://museums.calderdale.gov.uk/
Find out more about Anne's diaries and the transcription project here https://wyascatablogue.wordpress.com/exhibitions/anne-lister/
Also check out readings of Anne's birthday diary entries here https://anchor.fm/calderdale-cultural-dest
Anne Lister and Shibden Hall with Angela Clare (Part One)
The first of a two part podcast; Sarah and Gill chat to Angela Clare, Collections Officer at Calderdale Museums, which includes Shibden Hall, home of Halifax landowner, traveller, mountaineer and lesbian diarist Anne Lister.
This podcast was recorded as part of Anne Lister's 230th birthday celebrations, as well as Shibden Hall's 600th birthday! For a virtual tour of Shibden Hall and to read all Anne's birthday diary entries visit https://museums.calderdale.gov.uk/
Find out more about Anne's diaries and the transcription project here https://wyascatablogue.wordpress.com/exhibitions/anne-lister/
Also check out readings of Anne's birthday diary entries here https://anchor.fm/calderdale-cultural-dest
What is Folklore with John Billingsley
Today Sarah and Gill are joined by local author and folklore expert John Billingsley. We'll be asking what does folklore actually mean, which stories do we remember and pass on and which stories do we forget; and what does that mean for folklore. John will also spin us some folk tale yarns from Calderdale including the story of Devil's Rock.
The 1835 Halifax election
In our first podcast Sarah and Gill will be talking about window breaking, bribery, corruption and power at the 1835 election in Halifax.
You can view the poll book from the 1835 election and Benjamin Wilson's Struggles of an Old Chartist at our online visual archive Weaver to Web. https://www.calderdale.gov.uk/wtw
Introducing History Out Loud (extended trailer)
Welcome to History Out Loud, Chat from the Stacks, a brand new podcast from Calderdale Libraries. Join Gill Carpenter and Sarah Rose as we delve deep into our local studies collection.
Our first episode is out on Friday 19th March 2021 and will be looking at the 1835 Halifax election.