There are between 3 and 4 seasons every year and each season has between 5 and 12 episodes. Click on the pictures to listen and find out more about each episode.
Season 9
Summer 2024
Dan Snow is a BAFTA award winning historian, broadcaster and television presenter. Dan makes programmes around the world on a range of historical topics, from the abandoned Viking churches of Greenland to war damaged sites of Timbuktu. He is the host of one of the world’s biggest history podcasts, Dan Snow’s History Hit and is the Founder and Creative Director of History Hit TV, a digital history television channel described by the Times as ‘The Netflix of History.’
Dunbar's work is featured heavily in the newly opened Blavatnik Art, Film and Photography Galleries at the Imperial War Museum, London. Dunbar's work is the subject of a talk at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.
Rebecca Abrams is a British author, teacher and journalist, based in Oxford. She is a long-standing tutor on the Masters in Creative Writing at the University of Oxford and a regular literary critic for the Financial Times.
Rebecca Abrams is a British author, teacher and journalist, based in Oxford. She is a long-standing tutor on the Masters in Creative Writing at the University of Oxford and a regular literary critic for the Financial Times.
Daniella Gonzalez is a Medievalist and Cataloguer at the UK Parliamentary Archives. She is also a member of the Hampshire Archives Trust team, where she is responsible for.
Join HistBites’ host Julian Gerry as he interviews Doug Coulson, curator and trustee of the world’s only Hovercraft Museum, located in Lee-on-the-Solent. Founded in 1987, the museum boasts the largest collection of hovercraft archives, films, and historical crafts globally. Doug, who has been a volunteer since the late 90s, shares insights into this unique institution.
Season 8
Summer 2022
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.
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.
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 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.
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 this episode, Southwick Brewhouse tenant Martin Bazeley and manager Matt Hallett explore the brewery’s rich history and the ambitious efforts to restore it.
Season 7
Spring 2022
Fay Stevens takes us on a tour of the Walkeology project, inviting us to walk and connect with material culture around us, collecting and curating as we go. We can all create a ‘wunderkammer’ – a cabinet of curiosities – that mirrors our experience, emotions and environment as we go.
Hampshire has a rich and vibrant cultural history, but how can it be made accessible to future generations? Join us and Hampshire Cultural Trust’s Chief Executive, Paul Sapwell as we explore how history is being shared in Hampshire.
In the quiet village of Hursley near Winchester, where spitfires were once made, the faint outline of a very large house can be seen on a croquet lawn. Dave Key and Stuart Rippon reveal the archaeological discovery underneath.
On 10 April 1912, the RMS Titanic began its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City. Southampton tourist guide Mary Taylor covers how the disaster five days later impacted the city.
At the bottom of the River Hamble in Hampshire, a mighty warship lies buried in the mud. How did it get there? Dr Ian Friel, a writer and historian, explores the fascinating story.
Join us for a fascinating insight into the history of little-known Pear Tree Church in Southampton, whose influence in the Anglican Church extends worldwide- and whose intrigue reaches deeper, and darker, than meets the eye. From beginnings as a small outpost across the river to a spa-town hub for a network of families involved in trade and tragedy, Peartree has lived an interesting life. Listen in for more!
What do Ancient Romans, Medieval Anglo-Saxons, and modern residents of Winchester have in common? Historian Elizabeth Proudman explains how one river links generations of humanity together.
Season 6
Winter 2021
In our final podcast of 2021, Andy Silen-McMillin joins Holly Marsden to trace the journey of chocolate across early modern Europe and its many uses as a product. It’s the perfect pre Christmas listen!
In episode two of this series, Holly Marsden joins Johanna Strong in uncovering the demand for chocolate in early modern England. We’ll hear of the importance of chocolate as a symbol of power and prestige for kings and queens - and of the darker elements behind its arrival in Stuart England.
When Europeans discovered chocolate in 16th century Mesoamerica, desire for this delicacy exploded back home. However there was a cruel side to chocolate, first of three episodes on chocolate, we learn the methods used by Europeans to meet chocolate demands.
The UK’s historic walking trails have been used for millennia. Roman sandals have walked the same paths as modern trainers. But these routes are in danger of disappearing forever. Join Peter and Paul from the Hampshire Ramblers to learn how they’re being saved!
Winchester is a city immersed with history, no matter where you look there is a past to discover and thanks to Instagrammer Miss Winchester we can discover its fascinating hidden history together
Season 5
celebrating Heritage Open days 2021
In this podcast our final one of the festival season, Histbites goes in search of answers and finds a quiet success story behind some of the best of what the county has to offer.
Join Barry Shurlock, Trustee at Hampshire Archives Trust for a fascinating Hampshire HistBites podcast on the richness of archives locally and nationally.
In 2020 Winchester College helped launch our festival season, and so we're delighted that they are returning again this year with another fascinating podcast.
Join Hampshire Cultural Trust and Hampshire HistBites for a fascinating podcast on food in World War II.
Every story is worth recording - join us for a fascinating chat with Padmini Broomfield and discover everything there is to know about recording oral history.
Aisha Al-Sadie, Learning Officer at Winchester Cathedral features in the latest Hampshire HistBites podcast specially produced for this year’s Heritage Open Days festival.
We’re delighted to begin Season 5 with an episode created by Cathy Booth. Cathy helped launch HistBites in 2020, and so seems perfect she has returned to open our special festival season.
Season 4
Summer 2021
A fascinating tale of extraordinary logistics, unvetted cooks, panelling from Winchester College and a butler walking in on secret meetings.
Join us as we discover the incredible story of the other Matilda in Winchester.
In this podcast, we explore how Winchester’s folklore, dating from the medieval period, tells us about the English version of the Old Norse Valkyrja, a figure of Old Norse myth.
Romsey Abbey was an incredibly important abbey for women right from the time of its foundation in the early tenth century right up until its semi-dissolution in the sixteenth century
David Spurling reveals some of Hyde 900’s incredible finds and shares how you get involved with community digs and more this summer.
The Whitchurch Silk Mill offers centuries of history inside its walls. Shannon Bye and Zoë Umpleby reveal its fascinating stories from both the past and present.
Throughout history, the Royals have made their mark all across Hampshire. Dr. Gabby Storey unveils the unique stories of four important sites in the county.
Local historian Alex Beeton talks to Julie Dypdal about this fascinating tale and the light it shone on our society at the time
Phil Watts, Bells Advisor for the Winchester diocese reveals all to Cathy Booth in this fascinating heritage podcast as he tells the stories of Hampshire’s extraordinary bells and shares how has bell ringing changed over the centuries.
Season 3
Spring 2021
Just over two hundred years after her birth, Florence Nightingale’s legacy is still seen in modern nursing. Winchester artist Sophie Hacker reveals Nightingale’s story and the efforts to preserve her story through stained glass.
Brush the snow off your coat and sit by the fire as Aisha Al-Sadie recounts a Norse folk tale in the Volsunga Saga. A story of treachery, intrigue, and action awaits!
John Pilkington continues discussing his exciting adventures across the globe. In this latest episode he shares with us tales from Bolivia, Antarctica, Russia, and more.
Join us on a travel adventure following the trail of Marco Polo along the ancient Silk Road to China,
Since its foundation in 1884, St. Swithun’s School has been at the forefront of female education. Elly Crookes reveals the school’s history and the priceless artifacts located within its archives.
Technology advances, empires rise and fall, and the world changes. However, there is one constant throughout history: us! Carey Fleiner explores history through her research and work at the British Museum.
Did you know that Winchester once had two railway stations? Join Claire Dixon as she reveals the hidden history surrounding the Chesil Railway Station.
You don’t need to look far to see that we’re living in unusual times. However, not even COVID-19 can outlast history. Learn how Zoe Viney is helping to document the lives of everyday people like you for future generations.
Rivers, streams, and other bodies of water are the lifeblood for Hampshire’s wonderful natural resources. Join us as we discover their history and the challenging work to protect them in the modern age.
Dr Alex Langlands, a familiar face from the BBC Victorian Farm series, reveals how material foraged from our local landscape can be turned into practical and beautiful objects that connect us with the natural world.
Join Hampshire Histbites’ very own Nicky Gottlieb and Becky Brown as they talk about their incredible team who make HistBites possible, future podcasts and the 2021 Heritage Open Days festival.
Season 2
Winter 2020/2021
Guest hosts, Catherine and Madelaine, discuss those heritage treasures that are apart of our everyday life but hidden in plain sight!
Join Cecily and Rachel as they share their passion for dramatising the stories of Hampshire's ‘unheard, unsung and unvisited’
Mary I made history when she became Queen of England, yet little of her life has been interpreted at Wolvesey Castle and Hampton Court Palace, where some of her life changing moments occurred.
The life of Mary I has deep connections with both Winchester Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. How was she forgotten by these churches? Johanna Strong uncovers the truth.
As civil war rages across England, Empress Matilda and her forces lay siege to the key city of Winchester. Who will emerge victorious when her opponents strike back?
Eoghan Proudfoot, founder of Proudfoot & Co, explores the traditional methods he uses to preserve British culture and create distinctive drinks.
Do you remember the excitement you felt last time you received a handwritten letter, or what about that moment you came across a letter from your family's past?
Join Lucy and Ellie in the second part of their deep dive into the history of medieval sex workers in London and Surrey ー the Winchester Geese. In this episode, Lucy and Ellie discuss the Geese’s legacy in the modern era.
Throughout the Winchester Cathedral’s history, hundreds of people have made their mark on its walls. From the sophisticated to the lewd and rude, Dr Cindy Wood reveals the stories behind the carvings.
Season 1
Summer/Autumn 2020
Arts and crafts probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of British Army Flying, but Dan Ball explores the unique way it is being used in Hampshire to get local communities involved with aviation history.
From the roaring cannons of pirate ships to packed air raid shelters of World War II, Martin Jakeman discusses how history can be more than words on a page.
The image of ragged sailors singing sea shanties as waves crash onto the deck is inseparable from our view of sailing. In this podcast Martin Jakeman discusses the history and function of this Royal Navy tradition.
Join Christopher Mulvey and discover why the speech of a North Sea island has become the global language, why Her Majesty doesn’t speak like a Hampshire farmer, and what Winchester’s got to do with it!
Join us as we talk to James Freeman, and discover the fascinating story behind the Friends of King Alfred Buses, as well as more on the buses and the King Alfred Bus Company.
Join Sophie Hacker as she speaks with Dr Sarah Griffin and Revd Canon Dr Roland Riem about a Book of Hours.
Join Emma and us as she guides us through recipes, cake faking and Churchill’s call for more beer!
It’s 1906 and Winchester Cathedral is on the verge of collapse. Learn how a humble diver saved over 800 years of history.
And, what started as a few passionate individuals grew into an international web of Historical Diving Societies. Gary Wallace Potter takes us through the journey.
Hampshire is a county rich with centuries of history and culture. Discover how HistBites will bring the fascinating stories to you.
Lucy Coleman Talbot sheds light on the role of the Bishops of Winchester, as well as the suffering endured by medieval sex workers and how we know their story from a graveyard.