A Family History Of...

A grave robbed. A coffin smashed. A body vanished. Martha Oddy had been buried for just days when her grave was found open and her coffin broken. The fifteen-year-old was gone. In this Halloween special episode of A Family History Of… , host Jen Baldwin and guest Paul Bavill (History Rage) follow the clues left behind in a Yorkshire churchyard, from scattered grave clothes to a mysterious box at a coaching inn. What happened to Martha after her burial — and who was waiting for her body on the other side? Host: Jen Baldwin Researcher: Paul Bavill and Jen Baldwin Guest: Paul Bavill Editor: Guy Bettison Script editors: Madeleine Gilbert, Niall Cullen, and Daisy Goddard Producers: Madeleine Gilbert, Ellie Ayton, and James Plumb Designer: Michael McCosh Social media: Sarah Cornes, Ellie Ayton, and Thomas Davis Executive Producers: Helen Kaye and Steve James Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the ancestor you're searching for in the records is someone you'd rather not find? Every family tree contains surprises. Some inspire. Others leave you questioning everything you thought you knew. After exploring the families at the heart of the Battle of Cable Street, host Jen Baldwin examines the darker discoveries hidden in the records, from fascist organisers to enslavers, and asks how we should respond when our ancestors end up on the wrong side of history. How do you reckon with a past you'd rather not claim? Host: Jen Baldwin Researcher: Jen Baldwin and Sidra Baldwin Editor: Guy Bettison Script editors: Madeleine Gilbert, Niall Cullen, and Daisy Goddard Producers: Madeleine Gilbert, Ellie Ayton, and James Plumb Designer: Michael McCosh Social media: Sarah Cornes, Ellie Ayton, and Thomas Davis Executive Producers: Helen Kaye and Steve James Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: J7JXINNELK0PGUSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not everyone wanted the march to be stopped. As one of the British Union of Fascists' most prominent female organisers, Anne Brock-Griggs spent the 1930s campaigning, writing and recruiting in support of the movement. In this episode, host Jen Baldwin and the British Library’s Beth Gaskell examine Cable Street from a seldom-heard perspective, following Anne's story through family records, newspapers and political archives. What drew people towards fascism in Britain, and what happened when those beliefs collided with a community determined to resist them? Advisory note: This episode features themes that listeners may find offensive. These are treated according to the standards of the time and in their historical context. Host: Jen Baldwin Researcher: Jen Baldwin and Sidra Baldwin Guest: Beth Gaskell, Lead Curator of News and Moving Image, British Library Editor: Guy Bettison Script editors: Madeleine Gilbert, Niall Cullen, and Daisy Goddard Producers: Madeleine Gilbert, Ellie Ayton, and James Plumb Designer: Michael McCosh Social media: Sarah Cornes, Ellie Ayton, and Thomas Davis Executive Producers: Helen Kaye and Steve James Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One day in 1936 would shape the rest of this young woman’s life. When Minnie Keeping joined the crowds on 4 October 1936, she was one of thousands opposing fascism on the streets of East London. The events of that day would remain with her for the rest of her life. Joined by British Library Lead Curator Beth Gaskell, host Jen Baldwin traces Minnie's journey from young activist to one of the people who helped preserve the memory of Cable Street for future generations. As the day itself recedes into the past, a different struggle begins: the fight over how it will be remembered. Host: Jen Baldwin Researcher: Jen Baldwin and Sidra Baldwin Guest: Beth Gaskell, Lead Curator of News and Moving Image, British Library Editor: Guy Bettison Script editors: Madeleine Gilbert, Niall Cullen, and Daisy Goddard Producers: Madeleine Gilbert, Ellie Ayton, and James Plumb Designer: Michael McCosh Social media: Sarah Cornes, Ellie Ayton, and Thomas Davis Executive Producers: Helen Kaye and Steve James Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As tensions rise across East London, one family finds itself at the heart of the story. In October 1936, three brothers from a Jewish hairdressing family step out onto the streets of East London as tensions over a planned fascist march reach breaking point. By the end of the day, all three will be under arrest. Host Jen Baldwin and British Library Lead Curator Beth Gaskell uncover the story of the Jacobvitch family, exploring how ordinary residents became caught up in one of the most famous confrontations in modern British history. As East London prepares for a day of uncertainty, the conditions for conflict are already falling into place. Host: Jen Baldwin Researcher: Jen Baldwin and Sidra Baldwin Guest: Beth Gaskell, Lead Curator of News and Moving Image, British Library Editor: Guy Bettison Script editors: Madeleine Gilbert, Niall Cullen, and Daisy Goddard Producers: Madeleine Gilbert, Ellie Ayton, and James Plumb Designer: Michael McCosh Social media: Sarah Cornes, Ellie Ayton, and Thomas Davis Executive Producers: Helen Kaye and Steve James Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As fascism advanced on East London, whole communities fought back. The Battle of Cable Street is remembered as the day East London stopped the fascists. But inside that famous story are very different lives, choices, and consequences. Host and genealogist Jen Baldwin and Beth Gaskell from the British Library uncover the history of this day through ordinary people: Jewish brothers arrested amid the disorder, a young activist who spent decades defending its legacy, and a woman helping build support for fascism itself. Together, their stories reveal a day of resistance, division and conviction, and the people pulled into its path. Listen from 29 September, wherever you get your podcasts. Host: Jen Baldwin Researcher: Jen Baldwin Guest: Beth Gaskell, Lead Curator of News and Moving Image, British Library Editor: Guy Bettison Script editors: Madeleine Gilbert, Niall Cullen, and Daisy Goddard Producers: Madeleine Gilbert, Ellie Ayton, and James Plumb Designer: Michael McCosh Social media: Sarah Cornes, Ellie Ayton, and Thomas Davis Executive Producers: Helen Kaye and Steve James Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beyond the written record, the people of Ironbridge Gorge can still be found in the stories passed down through generations. In this special bonus episode, host Jen Baldwin is joined by her Producer, Ellie Ayton, to answer your questions about researching ancestors at the heart of the Industrial Revolution. Host: Jen Baldwin Guest: Ellie Ayton Editor: Caroline Harrower Script editors: Niall Cullen, Daisy Goddard, and Madeleine Gilbert Producers: Madeleine Gilbert, Ellie Ayton, and James Plumb Designer: Michael McCosh Social media: Sarah Cornes, Thomas Davis, and Ellie Ayton Executive Producers: Helen Kaye and Steve James Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The furnaces have fallen silent – but the stories they left behind are just beginning to be uncovered. Curators, historians and researchers are still piecing together the lives of the families who shaped the Ironbridge Gorge. Forgotten workers. Remarkable archive discoveries. For this special episode, host and genealogist Jen Baldwin is joined by National Trust curators Helen Antrobus and Lauren Collier for a peek behind the scenes. They explore why the story of Ironbridge is far from finished... Host: Jen Baldwin Researcher: Jen Baldwin Guests: Helen Antrobus and Lauren Collier Editor: Caroline Harrower Script editors: Niall Cullen, Daisy Goddard, and Madeleine Gilbert Producers: Madeleine Gilbert, Ellie Ayton, and James Plumb Designer: Michael McCosh Social media: Sarah Cornes, Thomas Davis, and Ellie Ayton Executive Producers: Helen Kaye and Steve James Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A soldier survives war, only to face his greatest struggle at home. Swapping the battlefield for the mines, British Army soldier Matthew Taylor returns home to build a new life. He is confronted by job insecurity and relentless pressure. Host and genealogist Jen Baldwin is joined by historian Alice Loxton to trace Matthew’s journey from soldier to coal miner. Can he survive such brutal conditions? What was the cost of Ironbridge’s rapid change for people like him? Host: Jen Baldwin Researcher: Jen Baldwin Guest: Alice Loxton Editor: Caroline Harrower Script editors: Niall Cullen, Daisy Goddard, and Madeleine Gilbert Producers: Madeleine Gilbert, Ellie Ayton, and James Plumb Designer: Michael McCosh Social media: Sarah Cornes, Thomas Davis, and Ellie Ayton Executive Producers: Helen Kaye and Steve James Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the Coalport China Works, three generations of the Austin family pass down an intricate craft. Their careful work travels the globe, and yet their names are lost to history... Historian Alice Loxton joins host and genealogist Jen Baldwin to uncover a hidden story of female labour. As the world changes around them, a key question emerges: what happens when a highly prized skill is no longer needed? Host: Jen Baldwin Researchers: Jen Baldwin Guest: Alice Loxton Editor: Caroline Harrower Script editors: Niall Cullen, Daisy Goddard, and Madeleine Gilbert Producers: Madeleine Gilbert, Ellie Ayton, and James Plumb Designer: Michael McCosh Social media: Sarah Cornes, Thomas Davis, and Ellie Ayton Executive Producers: Helen Kaye and Steve James Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Born sixteen years apart, two brothers inherit the same world, but live very different lives. Harry Nicholas spends his days in the foundry. His younger brother follows a path of education and opportunity. Host and genealogist Jen Baldwin is joined by historian Alice Loxton to explore how two brothers navigate the same industrial community in very different ways, raising the question: how much say did ordinary workers have in their own futures? Host: Jen Baldwin Researchers: Jen Baldwin Guest: Alice Loxton Editor: Caroline Harrower Script editors: Niall Cullen, Daisy Goddard, and Madeleine Gilbert Producers: Madeleine Gilbert, Ellie Ayton, and James Plumb Designer: Michael McCosh Social media: Sarah Cornes, Thomas Davis, and Ellie Ayton Executive Producers: Helen Kaye and Steve James Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three families. One revolution. A lifetime of consequences. A story of skill and sacrifice in the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Historian Alice Loxton joins host and genealogist Jen Baldwin to trace three families whose lives were shaped by one of history’s greatest transformations. At Ironbridge Gorge, industry creates opportunity, security and prosperity. But what happens when change begins to leave communities behind? Listen to episode 1 from 1 September. Host: Jen Baldwin Researchers: Jen Baldwin Guest: Alice Loxton Editor: Caroline Harrower Script editors: Niall Cullen, Daisy Goddard, and Madeleine Gilbert Producers: Madeleine Gilbert, Ellie Ayton, and James Plumb Designer: Michael McCosh Social media: Sarah Cornes, Thomas Davis, and Ellie Ayton Executive Producers: Helen Kaye and Steve James Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Memories carved in wood and painted on china. Objects tell us a story of violence remembered and contested. Beyond the written record, Peterloo survives in the objects left behind. For this bonus episode, host Jen Baldwin is joined by Jenny Mabbott from Manchester’s People’s History Museum to explore how fascinating items in the museum’s Peterloo collection reveal the violence, memory, and meaning of the massacre. Through these physical traces, a different perspective emerges: one that captures not just what happened, but how people remembered it, and why. Host and researcher: Jen Baldwin Researcher: Dan Edmonds Guest: Jenny Mabbott Editor: Caroline Harrower Script editors: Niall Cullen, Daisy Goddard, Madeleine Gilbert, Jenny Mabbott and Laura Sullivan Producers: Madeleine Gilbert, Ellie Ayton, and James Plumb Designer: Michael McCosh Social media: Sarah Cornes Executive Producers: Helen Kaye and Steve James Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The violence has stopped – but the fight is only just beginning. In the aftermath of Peterloo, William Cheatham’s story moves from the field into courts, petitions, and public debate. As he seeks recognition for what happened, his experience becomes part of a much larger struggle over how Peterloo will be understood. Joined by historian David Olusoga, host Jen Baldwin explores what justice looked like in 1819, and what happened when ordinary voices tried to be heard within systems determined to shut them out. Host and researcher: Jen Baldwin Guest: David Olusoga Editor: Caroline Harrower Script editors: Niall Cullen, Daisy Goddard, and Madeleine Gilbert Producers: Madeleine Gilbert, Ellie Ayton, and James Plumb Designer: Michael McCosh Social media: Sarah Cornes Executive Producers: Helen Kaye and Steve James Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The crowd shifts. Panic spreads. Escape is no longer guaranteed. As events at St Peter’s Field spiral, William Cheatham is caught in a moment of sudden and overwhelming violence at the hands of the Yeomanry. What began as a peaceful gathering fractures into chaos as the crowd tries to break free. In the second episode of this series, host Jen Baldwin and historian David Olusoga trace how this violence unfolds - not just on the field, but beyond it - through witness accounts and surviving records. Host and researcher: Jen Baldwin Guest: David Olusoga Editor: Caroline Harrower Script editors: Niall Cullen, Daisy Goddard, and Madeleine Gilbert Producers: Madeleine Gilbert, Ellie Ayton, and James Plumb Designer: Michael McCosh Social media: Sarah Cornes Executive Producers: Helen Kaye and Steve James Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Men, women and children gather at St Peter’s Field, fuelled by hope, unaware of the chaos that’s to come. In August 1819, tens of thousands gather in Manchester for one of Britain’s largest ever peaceful protests. Among them is weaver William Cheatham, who has travelled miles to stand with the crowd. As anticipation builds at St Peter’s Field, host Jen Baldwin and historian David Olusoga explore the ideas, tensions, and fears surrounding this unprecedented meeting. Because before the violence begins, the conditions for it are already falling into place. Host and researcher: Jen Baldwin Guest: David Olusoga Editor: Caroline Harrower Script editors: Niall Cullen, Daisy Goddard, and Madeleine Gilbert Producers: Madeleine Gilbert, Ellie Ayton, and James Plumb Designer: Michael McCosh Social media: Sarah Cornes Executive Producers: Helen Kaye and Steve James Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An assault on men, women and children; one ordinary man’s fight for justice. Join host and genealogist Jen Baldwin and acclaimed writer, broadcaster and historian David Olusoga as they uncover one man’s experience of the Peterloo Massacre and its lifelong consequences. In August 1819, tens of thousands of people gathered in Manchester for one of the largest peaceful protests Britain had ever seen. William Cheatham was one of them. This single day would shape the rest of his life. Could such brutal violence ever be rectified? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A heartfelt look at your stories and questions sparked by our Somme series. What does the Somme mean to you? How do you go about researching a First World War ancestor? In this bonus episode, host and genealogist Jen Baldwin is joined by her producer and history-lover, Ellie Ayton, to explore your questions and stories from the most recent series. From fresh perspectives on the Attenborough brothers’ experiences to some very poignant personal remembrances, their conversation is led by you, the listeners. Host and researcher: Jen Baldwin Editor: CM87Edits Script editors: Niall Cullen, Daisy Goddard, and Madeleine Gilbert Producers: Madeleine Gilbert, Ellie Ayton, and James Plumb Designer: Michael McCosh Social media: Sarah Cornes Executive Producers: Helen Kaye and Steve James Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A deeply personal story of sacrifice, brought into focus by the fragments that remain. In this special episode, host and genealogist Jen Baldwin turns to a wartime story that’s closer to home - one discovered within the family tree of her guest, Harvey Henson, Somme specialist and volunteer with the Commonwealth Graves Commission. Harvey joins Jen to trace the story of his ancestor, Private Harold Ranson, who was killed during the Battle of the Somme. What did he experience during the First World War? What did his family endure after his tragic death? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three brothers. A legacy of love and loss. The war has transformed life on Druid Street. After the Armistice, how does the Attenborough family navigate the lasting impact of years of conflict? In this final chapter of their story, host and genealogist Jen Baldwin and her guest Harvey Henson, Somme expert and Commonwealth War Commission Communications Coordinator, explore some poignant moments of remembrance. The fighting had stopped, but not before leaving a painful mark on the Attenboroughs. While navigating unimaginable loss, how does an ordinary family carve out a new normality for themselves? Host and researcher: Jen Baldwin Guest: Harvey Henson (Commonwealth War Graves Commission) Editor: CM87Edits Script editors: Niall Cullen, Daisy Goddard, and Madeleine Gilbert Producers: Madeleine Gilbert, Ellie Ayton, and James Plumb Designer: Michael McCosh Social media: Sarah Cornes Executive Producers: Helen Kaye and Steve James Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.