Welcome to Hampshire HistBites

Written By Winchester Heritage Open Days

We love how Heritage Open Days is a festival for all ages. It stretches across all generations but links us together with what we share in common. Young can learn from old and vice versa but unless that history is brought to life it can remain just words and dates in a text book.

That’s why Heritage Open Days is so brilliant. It encourages us to explore our past, to ask questions, to look more closely. This year, partly in response to Covid-19, we decided we wanted to feature interviews with some of the organisers and local people of Hampshire, asking them to share their fascinating stories about local and national history. So with the help of some amazing volunteers we have created ‘Hampshire HistBites’, a brand new history and heritage podcast.

At a glance, Winchester is a city preserved in history—sheltered from the winds of time and change. Upon closer inspection, you will discover that there are new stories and developments happening around every corner. It’s the job of Andre
Week after week for 250 years, the Hampshire Chronicle has been a steadfast source of news. With the internet and social media becoming increasingly important elements of our lives, how has the Chronicle adapted? What are its plans for the future?
Within the complex of historic buildings, traces of the past can be seen tucked away in shadowy corners and carved into stone walls. In the latest episode, Mark Udall, General Manger @kingjohnshouse, also talks about the effort to bring the past of
Over the course of centuries, how many times can one building change ownership? How many voices of the past echo within its rooms and halls? These are questions that Mark Udall, General Manager of @KingJohnsHouse in Romsey, seeks to answer as he join
In the 1920s, a historic discovery was made within a crowded tenement building in Romsey. Mark Udall explores the fascinating history @kingjohnshouse holds within its walls in the next episode of HistBites - released this Wednesday! #Romsey #Hampshi
The story of Black John, a free African carpenter who chose to make a living in Southampton at the turn of the 16th century, is just one of the individuals brought it to life with the Sarah Siddons Fan Club theatre performance company. In the latest
The latest episode of Season 8 is out today - follow the link in our bio to listen! HistBites host Julian Gerry is joined by Dr Abdoulie Sanneh, Community Cohesion and Diversity Officer at Southampton City Council. Together they explore the history
In 1492, an African carpenter stepped off an Italian galley onto the Southampton docks. Dr Abdoulie Sanneh, Community Cohesion and Diversity Officer at Southampton City Council, explores his story in the latest episode of Season 8 - released this Wed
In the beautiful village of Amport, an owl hoots, and then a baker’s daughter pays a magical price for her cruelty. ‘The Baker’s Daughter of Amport’ is one of many local legends that Amanda Kane-Smith @TestValleyTales brings t

We are really only just at the start of this exciting project but with your help we are sure it will go on to prove to be a fascinating journey of discovery.

Launched 17th August 2020, you can join us every Wednesday as we delve into the past and go on a journey to discover some Hampshire's best, and occasionally unknown, history.

We'll be speaking to experts and enthusiasts and asking them to reveal some of our hidden heritage as well as share with you fascinating untold tales.

Visit Our Podcast HQ
Winchester Heritage Open Days

We aim to encourage local residents and visitors to be aware of and to cherish the incredible heritage within and around the city of Winchester, by providing accessible opportunities to discover and explore local history, architecture, culture and nature.

We do this by encouraging local organisations and individuals to open their buildings for free and to put on/host special tours, performances, and talks as part of Heritage Open Days, as well as organising our own events and exhibitions during the Heritage Open Days festival period and at other times throughout the year. Everything we promote and organise we do in partnership with others.

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Hampshire HistBites: Uncovering the History Beneath Our Feet