Here for the History

Revealing the surprising historical origins of everyday traditions and objects AI summary

BBC Sounds Visit website › History · EN · 24 episodes · latest 2026-11-12

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What it is about

Alice Loxton and Ben Henderson reveal the surprising moments in history behind the traditions, customs and objects all around us.Watch on iPlayer: https://bbc.in/4yZXE7U

Publisher’s own description, taken unchanged from the podcast feed.
(C) BBC 2026

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Latest episodes

Why Do We Still Have a Monarchy? Part 1

2026-11-12 · 35 min

The British Royal Family is arguably one the most famous in the world. Throughout history, monarchies across the globe have been replaced, often by presidents, after civil wars, rebellions and invasions. So how has the…
Why Do Brits Love Curry?

2026-11-05 · 34 min

How did curry become Britain’s “national dish”? Ben Henderson and Alice Loxton explore curry’s imperial origins, the first Indian restaurant in Britain, and the postwar curry house boom. Key Sources: Curry: A Tale of…
Where Did Cash Come From?

2026-10-29 · 31 min

When you find a coin down the back of the sofa, have you ever wondered where it came from? Do you know your farthings from your pennies? Your guineas from your pounds?From ancient Lydia and Roman Britain to the founding…
Do Brits Have Bad Teeth?

2026-10-22 · 28 min

British people have terrible teeth. That’s the stereotype - but is it true? And what’s the story behind it?Ben Henderson and Alice Loxton explore how Brits got a reputation for bad teeth thanks to our love of sugar, and…
Where Did The Modern Toilet Come From?

2026-10-15 · 31 min

Have you ever stopped to think about the technological marvel that is the modern toilet? Alice Loxton and Ben Henderson chart a course from a Roman fort in Northumberland via Victorian London to a council flat in 20th…
Why Are We Obsessed With Work?

2026-10-08 · 37 min

Do you ever feel like work is taking over your life? Well, society didn’t always place so much value on work ethic.Ben Henderson and Alice Loxton uncover the surprising history behind our modern obsession with hard…
Why Don’t We Wear Hats Anymore?

2026-10-01 · 31 min

For centuries leaving the house without a hat would be like leaving the house without your phone or keys - you simply wouldn’t do it. But these days, headwear is an optional add on - a fashion choice, a weather…
Why Are We Dog Obsessed?

2026-09-24 · 34 min

Dogs are man’s best friend - but has it always been that way? Ben Henderson and Alice Loxton look into how humans and dogs first got acquainted, we’ll hear about the tough lives of medieval dogs, and we’ll reveal how…
Who Invented the “Whodunit”?

2026-09-17 · 37 min

It was the vicar that did it! In the billiards room! With a candlestick! To many fans of a murder mystery, this is perhaps a familiar sounding phrase from a classic “whodunit”. But just how did this endlessly popular…
Where Do Manners Come From?

2026-09-10 · 35 min

Ben Henderson and Alice Loxton explore how Renaissance books on courtly conduct inspired an era of civility.They untangle the 18th century age of politeness, and we’ll find out how the Victorians shaped the way we…

Episode details from the publisher’s feed. Playback happens at the publisher.

Publisher details

Owner: BBC
Oldest episode in feed: 06/2026
Typical length: 32 min
Format: Episodic Newest first, episodes stand alone

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