Welcome back to Sistory History!
And we're kicking off season 4 in the proper Roman way with an episode about the salutatio, the early morning client-patron ritual that you should definitely not try out for yourself if you're in any way a fan of a lie-in...
Our sources (and guests) are:
"Commentariolum Petitionis", section IX, by Quintus Tullius Cicero
"To Gallus", epigram 10.82, by Martial
"De Brevitate Vitae", 14.3-14.4, by Seneca the Younger
"Satire 1", lines 95-99 & lines 132-136, by Juvenal
Music credit goes to our two resident composers: Phil Russell & Alice Morgan. You can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys.
Finally, if you like what you hear today then don't be shy! Please take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us.
Blue Sky: @sistoryhistory.bskysocial
Instagram: sistoryhistory
Email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com
Web: Sistory History | sensory history and podcast
© 2025 by Sistory History
Welcome to our third Kidstory episode! These episodes are dedicated to all budding historians and anyone studying history or desperate for some help with their history homework...
Today we explore Canterbury Roman Museum with our resident kidstorian Felix, and try out some typical tools that Romans would have used in their daily lives.
If you´d like to visit the museum then you can find everything you need to know here: Canterbury Roman Museum, Kent
Music credit goes to our resident composer Alice Morgan (you can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys).
If you like what you hear and don´t want to miss out on any future kidstories, then make sure you subscribe to Sistory History! And feel free to hit the like button and of course share with your friends.
Blue Sky: @sistoryhistory.bsky.social
Instagram: sistoryhistory
Email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com
Web: Sistory History | sensory history and podcast
© 2025 by Sistory History
Welcome to the final episode of our Londinium miniseries, where we consider Minerva, make-up and mixing bowls...
In June 2025 we visited Roman London´s Amphitheatre at Guildhall Yard. It´s a great place to lose yourself in for an hour or so - you can wander around the remains of the amphitheatre itself (unearthed in 1988), and view the artefacts found there during the excavations of the 1980s and 90s. We share our favourites with you here - follow the photos on our socials or website:
If you´re inspired to visit, all you need to know is here: Visit London's Roman Amphitheatre | City of London
If you enjoy the episode, you might enjoy these too:
Internet Archaeol. 42. Fletcher. The Egyptian Hair Pin: practical, sacred, fatal
Makeup and Beauty in Ancient Rome - by Crystal King
Music credit goes to our resident composer Alice Morgan, (you can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys).
Finally, if you like what you hear then don´t be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us.
Blue sky: @sistoryhistory.bsky.social
Instagram: sistoryhistory
Web: Sistory History | sensory history and podcast
Email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com
© 2025 by Sistory History
Welcome to episode 2 of our Londinium miniseries, in which we bring you lovely lamps and sensuous scents!
In May 2025 we visited the Crypt Museum at All Hallows Church by the Tower, to find out what it can tell us about Roman London. It´s a small but beautifully formed museum that houses some excellent artefacts from the period, as well as Saxon and 16th century finds. Here, we talk you through our favourites from the Roman selection. Photos are on our social media and website: Photos for Miniseries: Londinium II - All Hallows Church
If you´d like to visit the museum, check out their website here: Crypt Museum - All Hallows by the Tower
Music credit goes to our resident composer Alice Morgan, (you can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys).
Finally, if you like what you hear then don´t be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us.
Blue Sky: @sistoryhistory.bsky.social
Instagram: sistoryhistory
Web: Sistory History | sensory history and podcast
Email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com
© 2025 by Sistory History
Welcome to episode 1 of our Londinium miniseries!
Where we consider the practicalities of naked initiation ceremonies, and Caroline delights us with her extensive collection of key facts... (Did you know that some Roman keys could fold up? And some were designed to break after one use!?!).
In April 2025 we visited the London Mithraeum to explore the excellent exhibition space and peruse the artefacts currently on display. The excavation of 2012-2014 yielded a huge array of over 14,000 finds, about 600 of which have been beautifully curated for visitors to enjoy. Here, we talk you through our favourites.
If you´d like to visit the London Mithraeum or find out more about the excavations, then try these links:
Lost rivers: The Walbrook | London Museum
10 Facts About The Secret Roman Cult of Mithras | History Hit
Music credit goes to our resident composer Alice Morgan, (you can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys).
Finally, if you like what you hear then don´t be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us.
Web: Sistory History | sensory history and podcast
X (Twitter): @sistoryhistory
Instagram: @sistoryhistory
Email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com
© 2025 by Sistory History
In this seasonal episode from our archive, we take a sensory deep dive into the ancient Roman, mid-December festival of Saturnalia. You can expect a delightful combination of naked singing, elf hats and Christmas jumpers. Plus we find out just how much wine some employers expected their staff to get through during the festival... P.S it's a LOT.
Sources for this episode are:
Fancy finding out more? Try these:
Music credit goes to our two resident composers: Phil Russell and Alice Morgan (you can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys).
Finally, if you like what you hear then don't be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us.
X: @sistoryhistory
Blue Sky: @sistoryhistory.bsky.social
Instagram: sistoryhistory
Email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com
Web: Sistory History | sensory history and podcast
© 2024 by Sistory History
Welcome to the season 3 finale!
In this episode we take a sensory stroll down the lanes of Georgian London, to find out how and why gin became so popular. And why it caused so much public disruption that the government introduced no less than 8 Gin Acts in a sustained and determined effort to control its consumption.
Our sources are:
* Article from The Evening Chronicle (19th February 1835), by Charles Dickens
* The Life and Uncommon Adventures of Captain Dudley Bradstreet (1755, p.78-79), by Dudley Bradstreet
* Extract from the report The Police in the Metropolis (August 1816)
* Extract from a House of Commons debate on drunkenness (3rd June 1834, column 98)
Tips for further reading if you fancy:
Drinking with the Georgians - Discover Your Ancestors - Phil Wood enjoys an 18th century tipple
The Eighteenth Century Gin Craze – All Things Georgian
The Complete and Slightly Insane History of Gin in England | VinePair
Liquid Bewitchment: Gin Drinking in England, 1700–1850 — The Public Domain Review
Music credit goes to our two resident composers: Phil Russell and Alice Morgan. You can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys.
Finally, if you like what you hear today then don't be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us.
X: @sistoryhistory
Blue Sky: @sistoryhistory.bsky.social
Instagram: sistoryhistory
Email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com
Web: Sistory History | sensory history and podcast
© 2024 by Sistory History
Welcome to season 3, episode 5!
In this episode we brave the high seas as we discuss some perhaps overlooked aspects of life in the Georgian Royal Navy.
Our sources are as follows - you can find the visuals on our social media and website: https://www.sistoryhistory.co.uk/blog
* Gold and steel combined fork/knife belonging to Lord Admiral Nelson (visual source)
* A Treatise on the Scurvy (p.191-193), by James Lind
* A Voice from the Main Deck (extract from chapter 3), by Samuel Leech
* Photographs of various toilets on board HMS Victory (visual sources)
Keen to find out more? Try these:
Empire of the Deep, by Ben Wilson
Empire of the Deep by Ben Wilson | Waterstones
Lieutenant Paul Harris Nicholas’ Account of the Battle of Trafalgar - The Dear Surprise
What Did Sailors in the Georgian Royal Navy Eat? | History Hit
A Sailor’s Life in Lord Nelson’s Navy | War History Online
Nelson fork and knife - Search Images (bing.com)
Music credit goes to our two resident composers: Phil Russell and Alice Morgan. You can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys. Also we must credit the United States Navy Band - Caroline shared their rendition of 'The Roast Beef of England' during her second source discussion. This was found on Wikipedia: The Roast Beef of Old England - Wikipedia
Finally, if you like what you hear today then don't be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us.
Web: https://www.sistoryhistory.co.uk/ X: @sistoryhistory
Instagram: sistoryhistory
Email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com
© 2024 by Sistory History
Welcome to season 3, episode 4!
In this episode we meander through the walkways (some brightly lit, some dimly lit), of Georgian London's pleasure gardens. Think entertainments, music, fireworks, wandering hands and overpriced snacks...
Our sources are:
* Edinburgh Encyclopedia, 1830 edition
* Evelina (Letter 46), by Frances Burney
* The Microcosm of London, 1808-1810
* Bill of Fare for Vauxhall Gardens, 1823 (visual source)
Accompanying photos can be found on X, Instagram and our website:
BLOG & PHOTO GALLERY | Mysite (sistoryhistory.co.uk)
Fancy finding out more?
Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens - Jane Austen articles and blog
London's centre of intrigue and scandal - BBC Travel
Regency History - Vauxhall Gardens Cascade
Music credit goes to our two resident composers: Phil Russell and Alice Morgan. You can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys.
Finally, if you like what you hear today then don't be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as that helps new listeners to find us.
Web: https://www.sistoryhistory.co.uk/
X: @sistoryhistory
Instagram: sistoryhistory
Email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com
©2024 by Sistory History
Welcome to season 3, episode 3! In this episode we explore the sensory delights of Georgian coffee houses. And it wasn't all just coffee and cake... In fact it wasn't at all coffee and cake! There were a huge variety of activities on offer, from lectures to business deals to medical consultations. All washed down with a nice dish of bitter, brown liquid. Maybe with a bit of sludge at the bottom if you were lucky. Our sources for today are: * Regency coffee recipe from: The House Book; or, Family Chronicle of Useful Knowledge, and Cottage Physician. W.M Scott, 1826 * London Gazette (edition 10495), 1765 * The Chapter Coffee House - extract from p.179 of John Timbs' book: Club Life of London (Anecdotes of the Clubs, Coffee-Houses and Taverns of the Metropolis During the 17th, 18th and 19th Centuries). * Letter 6 by Cesar de Saussure, October 29th 1726 Accompanying photos can be found on X, Instagram and our website: https://www.sistoryhistory.co.uk/post/photos-for-se03e03-the-georgians-wake-up-smell-the-coffee Interested to find out more? https://londonist.com/london/history/covent-garden-s-georgian-coffee-shop-brothel-hybrid https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/English-Coffeehouses-Penny-Universities/https://brewminate.com/newspapers-gossip-and-coffeehouse-culture-in-early-modern-england/ https://brewminate.com/newspapers-gossip-and-coffeehouse-culture-in-early-modern-england/https://encyclopedia.odeuropa.eu/items/show/23 https://encyclopedia.odeuropa.eu/items/show/23https://www.thehistoryoflondon.co.uk/coffee-houses/ Music credit goes to our two resident composers: Phil Russell and Alice Morgan. You can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys. Finally, if you like what you hear today then don't be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as that helps new listeners to find us. Web: https://www.sistoryhistory.co.uk/ X (Twitter): @sistoryhistory Instagram: sistoryhistory Email: mailto:sistoryhistory@gmail.com ©️ 2024 by Sistory History
Welcome to season 3, episode 2!
In this episode we delve into the depths of the Georgian ballroom. We consider the people, the clothes, what the ballroom looked and felt like, and the rules...there were a lot of rules! Luckily there were also a lot of etiquette manuals available to help you along the way.
As usual we consider all this from a sensory perspective, using a selection of primary sources:
* Jealousy Glass or Polemoscope https://www.vanleestantiques.com/product/polemoscope-18th-century/
* Extract from chapter 2 of Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
* Article written by J Addison from The Spectator, dated 27th June 1711
* Article from The Galignani Messenger, 28th February 1821
A photo of the polemoscope can be found on X and Instagram, as well as our website: www.sistoryhistory.co.uk%2Fpost%2Fphotos-for-s03e02-the-georgians-strictly-ballroom
Keen to learn more? Try these:
https://janeausten.co.uk/blogs/womens-regency-fashion-articles/polemoscope-georgian-jealousy-glasses
https://thecozydrawingroom.com/2013/11/30/how-to-spy-on-a-suitor-without-looking-like-youre-trying/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fOs3B0_wJU
And do try to visit the Fan Museum if you find yourself near Greenwich or the London area - it's well worth it! https://www.thefanmuseum.org.uk/
Music credit goes to our two resident composers: Phil Russell and Alice Morgan (you can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys). Finally, if you like what you hear then don't be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us.
Web: https://www.sistoryhistory.co.uk/
X (Twitter): @sistoryhistory
Instagram: sistoryhistory
Email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com
©️ 2024 by Sistory History
In this episode we're joined by historian, author and broadcaster, Professor Michael Scott, to talk about his book "X Marks the Spot: An Adventurous History of Archaeology".
The book explores 8 amazing archaeological discoveries, which we discuss from our usual sensory perspective. From Machu Picchu to the Silk Roads, to the Uluburun Shipwreck, there's something for everyone and plenty of awe-inspiring moments to choose from. And if that's not enough to convince you to tune in, the episode also includes a healthy dose of history-based Lego chat...
X Marks The Spot is now available in paperback and you can pick up a copy in all good bookshops:
X Marks the Spot by Michael Scott | Hachette UK (hodder.co.uk)
Music credit goes to our resident composer Alice Morgan (you can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys).
Finally, if you like what you hear then don't be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us.
Web: Sistory History | sensory history and podcast
X (Twitter): @sistoryhistory
Instagram: sistoryhistory
Email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com
© 2024 by Sistory History
Welcome to season 3! Whether you're a loyal follower or a new listener, it's lovely to have you with us.
In this first episode we explore Georgian Fashion. Perhaps not the usual things you might expect though... We've headed down a less well-trodden path strewn with umbrellas, fake bottoms, glasses and hair towers.
As usual we'll be considering our topic from a sensory perspective and using contemporary sources to help us. The sources for this episode are:
* Article from the Bath Chronicle, 31st May 1773.
* The Bum Shop, print by artist and caricaturist Thomas Rowlandson.
* Portrait by Henry Edridge of Princess Sophia, daughter of George III and Queen Charlotte.
* Extract from The Sylph (Letter XIII), a novel by Georgiana Duchess of Devonshire.
Accompanying photos can be found on X and Instagram, as well as our website: Photos for S03E01 - The Georgians: Dress to Impress (sistoryhistory.co.uk)
Here are some extras if you'd like to learn more:
Georgian Hair and Clothing – Fashionable but Fatal – All Things Georgian (wordpress.com)
Historical Fashion: Georgian Women’s Hairstyles – Just History Posts
Beau Brummell by Ian Kelly | Waterstones
Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire by Dr Amanda Foreman | Waterstones
The Time Traveller's Guide to Regency Britain by Ian Mortimer | Waterstones
Music credit goes to our two resident composers: Phil Russell and Alice Morgan (you can find Alice on Instagram -missalicekeys).
Finally, if you like what you hear the don't be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us.
Web: Sistory History | sensory history and podcast
X (Twitter): @sistoryhistory
Instagram: sistoryhistory
Email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com
©️ 2023-2024 by Sistory History
Welcome back to Sistory History, the sensory history podcast hosted by sisters Laura & Caroline.
This time we've fast-forwarded a few thousand years to see what the Georgians got up to. Our conclusion? They got up to quite a lot! From enormous hair to coffee house conversations, there's plenty to talk about. Make sure to subscribe now so that you don't miss anything!
Music credit goes to our resident composer Alice Morgan, (you can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys).
If you like what you hear then don't be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us.
Web: https://www.sistoryhistory.co.uk/
X (Twitter): @sistoryhistory
Instagram: sistoryhistory
Email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com
©️ 2024 by Sistory History
Our campaign concludes here, with episode three. We consider cavalry masks, dragon standards and also discuss some of the merits of Emperor Septimius Severus. (Definitely one of the better ones in our view).
Head over to X, Instagram or our website to look at the accompanying photos:
https://www.sistoryhistory.co.uk/post/photos-for-miniseries-third-legion-life-in-the-roman-army
If you're reading this before 23rd June 2024 then you still have time to catch the British Museum exhibition that this miniseries is based on, "Legion: life in the Roman army":
https://www.britishmuseum.org/exhibitions/legion-life-roman-army
Music credit goes to our resident composer Alice Morgan, (you can find Alice on Instagram - missalicekeys).
Finally, if you like what you hear then don't be shy! Please do take the time to like, rate, subscribe and share, as this helps new listeners to find us.
Web: https://www.sistoryhistory.co.uk/
X (Twitter): @sistoryhistory
Instagram: sistoryhistory
Email: sistoryhistory@gmail.com
©️ 2024 by Sistory History
