Queen Emma of Normandy: Much More Than a Wife (Part 1)
Emma of Normandy, often remembered as the wife of King Cnut and the mother of Edward the Confessor, lived a life that transcended her roles as queen and mother. Join Johanna Strong as she interviews Steven Bishop, a PhD candidate at the University of Essex, to explore Emma’s remarkable life and how Winchester became her final resting place.
Steven Bishop, who is part of the History Indoors organization, has led a series of online talks covering topics from the American Civil War to Lady Godiva. To learn more, visit the History Indoors YouTube channel.
Johanna Strong is an expert on the Queens of England, having completed her PhD on Mary I. Her research has been showcased in various platforms, including the Team Queens blog, Tudors Dynasty, and a series for Winchester Cathedral. Follow her work on Twitter @jo_strong_, Instagram @johanna.strong, and her Linktree.
History generally remembers Emma of Normandy as the wife of King Cnut and the mother of the last Anglo-Saxon King of England, Edward the Confessor. However, Emma’s life, as with most Queens, was so much more than the wife and mother of Kings.
Join Johanna Strong as she interviews Steven Bishop about Emma’s amazing life and discover how Winchester became Emma’s final resting place.
Steven Bishop is a PhD candidate in the History Department at the University of Essex, researching how problematic statues can be handled. Steven is also a member of History Indoors, an organisation which has provided free weekly/fortnightly online history talks on topics ranging from the American Civil War to Lady Godiva. To discover more, please see the History Indoors YouTube channel History Indoors - YouTube.
Johanna Strong is no stranger when it comes to Queens of England, having completed her PhD on Mary I at the University of Winchester. Her research has been featured in two Winchester Heritage Open Days “Hampshire HistBites” episodes, on the Team Queens blog, with Tudors Dynasty, on the Tudor Society site, on the Talking Tudors podcast and most recently in a series for Winchester Cathedral. Her first chapter was published in early 2022 in Valerie Schutte and Jessica S. Hower’s Writing Mary I: History, Historiography, and Fiction. If you would like to follow her research, she can be found on Twitter @jo_strong_, Instagram @_johanna.strong_ and at her Linktree.
Further Resources and Links
Check out the latest news around Winchester on the Hampshire Chronicle’s website.
Plan a visit to the Hampshire Record Office and see any edition of the Hampshire Chronicle since 1772.
Stay up to date with local news on Twitter or follow the Hampshire Chronicle on Facebook.
War Reaches Hampshire: Catastrophe in the Cathedral
Hear an imagined account of a witness’ terrifying experience with the Roundheads inside Winchester Cathedral during the English Civil War. Afterwards, Alex Beeton explores Hampshire’s role in the conflict raging across the country.
Hear an imagined account of a witness’ terrifying experience with the Roundheads inside Winchester Cathedral during the English Civil War. Afterwards, Alex Beeton explores Hampshire’s role in the conflict raging across the country.
One day, the halls of Winchester Cathedral are filled with whispered prayers and holy songs. The next, they echo with the roaring of gunfire and hooves crashing over the tombs of holy men.
The English Civil War was a conflict that spared neither the lowest of peasants nor the highest of kings. It was only a matter of time before the winds of war reached Winchester. In this episode, listen to an imagined first-hand account of the damage caused to Winchester Cathedral and the impact it had on the city.
Alex Beeton, a third-year PhD student at Oxford University studying early modern British history, talks about the history of the English Civil War and the fascinating stories of the people involved.
Aisha Al-Sadie
Aisha was born in Scotland and graduated with a BA (Hons) Degree in Fine Art from Edinburgh College of Art. As Learning Officer and Interim Curator Aisha Al-Sadie is passionate about Winchester Cathedral, an incredible building she has had the privilege of working in over the last three years.
Regular listeners may remember Aisha, as this is her third episode for Hampshire HistBites. She narrated an episode in season 3 called ‘Creatures and Kings: A Viking Tale’s Link with Winchester’; and an episode in season 5 called 'Intrigue in the New Forest Leads to a Mystery at Winchester Cathedral'. Do click through for Aisha’s full biography, and to listen to these episodes.
Alex Beeton
Alex is currently a third year PhD student at Oxford University, studying early modern British history. He grew up in Compton and has always loved local history: “Winchester is full of fantastic stories, especially from the Civil Wars, and it’s great to have a chance to talk about them”.
Regular listeners may remember Alex too, as this is his second episode for Hampshire HistBites. Back in season 4, Alex talked about a self-proclaimed Messiah from Hampshire in the episode ‘When the Messiah came to Andover’. Do click through to listen to that episode.
Further Information and Additional Resources
To learn more about the fascinating history that involves Winchester Cathedral, check out their website here. Or why not follow them on their various social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Why not learn more about the exhibition Kings and Scribes: The Birth of a Nation mentioned in this episode, or plan your visit to Winchester Cathedral?
During Winchester Heritage Open Days in 2021, Alex Beeton held an online talk where he discussed the role of Winchester College during the Civil War, and had a curious story involving bribery and sugar. Why not check out his talk on our YouTube channel here.
Please note that this is the last episode of Season 8 and the HistBites team are taking a break, but plan to return with a brand new season in due course. We have lots of great podcast content planned: if you’d like to join our team; if you know of a great Hampshire tale; or you are a Hampshire-based historian with a national or international story to share, do get in touch. We’d be delighted to hear from you, and maybe you or your story could appear in our next season.
250 Years of History with the Hampshire Chronicle
Since 1772, the Hampshire Chronicle has served as a spotlight for important events across the county. Chief Reporter and Head of News Andrew Napier covers its past, present, and future.
Since 1772, the Hampshire Chronicle has served as a spotlight for important events across the county. Chief Reporter and Head of News Andrew Napier covers its past, present, and future.
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 Andrew Napier and a dedicated team of journalists to find these events and bring them to readers across the county.
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? Andrew Napier tells the story.
Andrew Napier is the Head of News at the Hampshire Chronicle and Romsey Advertiser, as well as acting as Chief Reporter for the Southern Daily Echo. He covers all stories from Winchester and the surrounding areas. Andrew first joined the Daily Echo in 1988, and began working across the wider range of local outlets when changes in ownership brought the Chronicle, Advertiser and Echo together.
The Hampshire Chronicle is a weekly newspaper, founded in 1772 - and, proudly, has never missed an edition throughout its history, regardless of strikes, bad weather or war. Though its reporters (currently numbering six) are still based in central Winchester, the Chronicle left its traditional printing base on the city's High Street in the early years of this century. Today, a regularly-updated website is a key outlet for the paper - alongside its traditional Thursday compact edition, which retains strong circulation figures, and continues to 'chronicle' local events and play an important role in the civic and cultural life of the area, just as it has done for the last 250 years.
The Chronicle is now part of the Newsquest Media Group, together with its sister papers the Romsey Advertiser (founded in 1896) and Southern Daily Echo (1888). Newsquest is one of the largest local media organisations in the UK.
Further Resources and Links
Check out the latest news around Winchester on the Hampshire Chronicle’s website.
Plan a visit to the Hampshire Record Office and see any edition of the Hampshire Chronicle since 1772.
Stay up to date with local news on Twitter or follow the Hampshire Chronicle on Facebook.
From Riches to Rags, then Restoration - King John’s House
In the 1920s, a historic discovery was made within a crowded tenement building in Romsey. Mark Udall explores the fascinating history King John’s House holds within its walls.
In the 1920s, a historic discovery was made within a crowded tenement building in Romsey. Mark Udall explores the fascinating history King John’s House holds within its walls.
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 King John’s House, seeks to answer as he joins our host, Richard North.
Within the complex of historic buildings, traces of the past can be seen tucked away in shadowy corners and carved into stone walls. In this episode, Mark also talks about the effort to bring the past of King John’s House to life.
Mark Udall is the General Manager of King John's House and Museum, but may occasionally be seen around the House and gardens in the guise of Hubert de Burgh, first Earl of Kent and confidant to both King John and his son King Henry III. Mark joined the Museum from Stonehenge, a journey of 35 miles and 4,000 years, from neolithic to medieval, following a career teaching and managing in Higher Education.
King John’s House
The building now known as King John's House has interesting and much contested medieval origins. It has also been in almost continuous use for 800 years. There is a known and certain connection with Romsey Abbey – but much more that is less clear in the history of this beautiful building.
King John’s House is actually a complex of medieval, Tudor and Victorian buildings, surrounded by a beautiful period-style garden, all of which are rich in history. Once (in latter centuries) part of Church Court, a sprawling complex of slum buildings which has now disappeared, what we now know as King John’s House was in continuous occupation and use for over 800 years.
Guided tours of the House tell the story of its discovery and of the people who have lived and worked in and around this enigmatic building over its lifetime. The building and gardens are host to events and exhibitions all year around and from 2022, over spring and summer, you may meet some of the Travellers Through Time who frequent them. From the Ladies of the Queen Isabella's Bedchamber to Tudor gardeners gossiping in the physic garden.
There is also a warm welcome on-site at Miss Moody’s Tea Room- a quintessentially English spot that opens onto beautiful period gardens, and offer the perfect location to form your own view on the House’s fascinating and contested story!
Black John: Southampton’s 16th Century African Entrepreneur
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 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.
Black John was a free African carpenter who chose to make a living in Southampton at the turn of the 16th century. Dr Abdoulie Sanneh reveals John’s story and how he brought it to life with the Sarah Siddons Fan Club theatre performance company. Additionally, Dr Sanneh talks about his own story of coming to Southampton from the Gambia and founding The United Voice of African Associations (TUVAA), a non-profit organisation for blacks and Africans in Hampshire.
Born in the small west African country of Gambia, Abdoulie Sanneh came to Southampton University in 2002 to study for an MSc in Health Education and Promotion. He later completed his PhD at the same university. Abdoulie settled down in Southampton with his wife and four children. He has since worked with a wide range of voluntary organisations across the city and has been known as one of the inspirational community leaders in the city. Abdoulie is the chair and a founding member of The United Voice of African Associations and he is currently the Community Cohesion and Diversity Officer of Southampton City Council. He recently served as an ambassador for Southampton’s bid to become the City of Culture.
Further Resources
Watch Dr Sanneh play Black John in “Six Characters in Search of a History” - a video created by the Sarah Siddon’s Fan Club.
Join The United Voice of African Associations on their Facebook page.
Learn more about Sarah Siddons Fan Club via their website, or follow them on Facebook.
The book ‘Six Characters in Search of a History’ is available at Sea City Museum, God’s House Tower Museum and October Books in Southampton, and P&G Wells in Winchester.
Myths and Legends of the Test Valley
Amanda Kane-Smith is a professional storyteller and author based in Hampshire. In this episode, she reveals fascinating local legends and discusses her book Test Valley Tales.
Amanda Kane-Smith is a professional storyteller and author based in Hampshire. In this episode, she reveals fascinating local legends and discusses her book Test Valley Tales.
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 brings to life as a storyteller. Combining magic, mythical creatures, and real locations in the Test Valley, her book Test Valley Tales takes readers on a journey across history through fascinating stories and beautiful illustrations.
Additionally, Amanda explores her work as a ‘Merry-go Round storyteller’ at events, festivals, libraries, and other locations across Hampshire.
Amanda Kane-Smith is a professional storyteller and author based in Hampshire. She specialises in interactive, high-energy storytelling and has a wealth of stories up her sleeve ready to share.
Under the name Merry-go-Round Storytelling, Amanda also specialises in storytelling workshops and interactive storytelling, craft, and drama sessions for children.
Amanda has worked with a variety of organisations and charities including, The National Trust, English Heritage, and The Hawk Conservancy Trust.
In 2021, Amanda created 'Test Valley Tales', an Arts Council Funded project which brings local locations to life through folk tales and legends. The project combines local legends and new stories set in 10 family friendly locations around the borough, and is shared as an illustrated book of short stories and a storytelling podcast. The project aims to encourage people to visit the locations, enjoy the landscape and imagine the stories taking place.
Additional Information and Resources
Visit Amanda Kane-Smith’s website, buy Test Valley Tales, or listen to the Test Valley Tales Podcast by visiting her website Merry-Go-Round-Storytelling.
Below you can find three extracts from her podcast - Test Valley Tales:
Barley, Hops, and Toil: Ingredients to Southwick Brewhouse’s Success
In this episode, Southwick Brewhouse tenant Martin Bazeley and manager Matt Hallett explore the brewery’s rich history and the ambitious efforts to restore it.
In this episode, Southwick Brewhouse tenant Martin Bazeley and manager Matt Hallett explore the brewery’s rich history and the ambitious efforts to restore it.
In 1957, Master Brewer Dick Olding produced his last batch of beer and retired at the age of 81. Martin Bazeley and Matt Hallett join Julian Gerry to share Olding’s story, as well as the decades of history and tradition behind the brewing process. Keep listening to learn about the vital role of the brewery during the Second World War!
The History of Southwick BrewHouse
Suthwyk Ales was started by Hampshire farmer Martin Bazeley in 2000. This was the first farm diversification project started by Martin, a tenant farmer in the village of Southwick. When farming came under pressure due to low milk and cereal prices at the time, Martin started to look at the other assets of the farm.
One of which was the ability to grow award winning malting barley on the chalky slopes of Portsdown Hill, overlooking Portsmouth.
The brand is named using the old spelling of the historic village name, with the logo depicting the Southwick Priory ruins. Way back in 1150, the Canons of Portchester Castle established a Priory at 'Suthwyk', as it was then known. Following the Dissolution, the Priory gradually became the ruined wall remaining today, but the village of Southwick continued its rich historical journey.
Brewing was part of that history until 1957 when Dick Olding, the last Master Brewer retired and the Brewhouse door was closed behind him. It was his skills that ensured Generals Montgomery and Eisenhower, and the American troops billeted on surrounding farms were never denied a pint in the village pub as they planned ‘Operation Overlord’, the D-Day offensive, from Southwick House.
Martin opened up the Southwick Brewhouse to the public in 2005 as a beer shop and steam brewery museum. Son-in-law Matt came on to manage the Brewhouse sometime in 2012.
Martin Bazeley is the tenant at Southwick BrewHouse.
Matt Hallett is the manager at Southwick Brewhouse.
Further Information and Additional Links
Learn more about the Southwick Brewhouse on Facebook, follow them on Instagram or visit their website.
If you enjoyed this episode, then why not watch Master Brewer Dick Olding at work or check out the Southwick D-Day Revival event.
This episode is part of Season 8 of Hampshire HistBites. If you are enjoying what we do share your thoughts on social media or tell a friend.