Posts by Gudrun
Why You Should Look for Writing Inspiration in Unexpected Places
Our front room is full of books. Organised alphabetically and by genre on the black Billy Bookcases so we can find what we want easily. A visitor was once taken aback and somewhat disturbed by them all. Then they said: “Oh, but you’re a writer. That’s why you’ve got so many books.” I looked at…
Read MoreMy Eighth Business Birthday
I knew I’d missed writing one business birthday blog, but I hadn’t realised that I’d missed two! So, I’m not going to attempt to give a summary of the last three years. I’m not sure I can remember it all anyway! I haven’t done any blogging since about 2020 either. Not great in my line…
Read MoreTime Pieces History: S4, B2: An Interview with Paul Couchman
Introduction An interview with Paul Couchman, the Regency Cook, about his work, the townhouse and the surprising lockdown success of a fictional housekeeper. What You’ll Hear 1:23: Paul’s role and his interest in history 2:23: Regency townhouse restoration 4:56: Biggest challenge and success 6:30 Cookery workshops and lectures 10:26 The feisty Mrs Finnegan 16:45 Visiting…
Read MoreTime Pieces History: S4, E12: Emmeline Pankhurst
Introduction The life and times of Emmeline Pankhurst: activist, political campaigner and agitator for women’s rights. What You’ll Hear 1:07: Suffragettes or Suffragists? 2:11: Early days 3:03: Political activity 5:26: World War I and its aftermath 6:05: Emigration, return and decline in health Prefer to read instead? Click here for a transcript – no email…
Read MoreTime Pieces History: S4, E11: Bess of Hardwick
Introduction The story of Bess of Hardwick, who became the second-richest woman in England in the 16th century, and whose passion for architecture left a mark on Derbyshire. What You’ll Hear 01:23: Bess’ early life 02:20: Second marriage 03:42: Scandal at the Tudor court 05:01: Fourth marriage 06:11: Construction of Hardwick Hall Prefer to read…
Read MoreWhy Your Heritage Site Needs Digital Marketing to Survive Lockdown Two
Introduction Over the weekend (October 2020), the British government announced another national lockdown, to last a minimum of four weeks, requiring all but essential service businesses to close. This wasn’t a surprise, with infection rates rising daily, but everyone in the country hoped it could be avoided. By Thursday, 5 November, bars, restaurants, gyms, cinemas…
Read MoreTime Pieces History: S4, E10: Empress Wu
Introduction The story of Wu Zetian, China’s only female monarch, and her ruthless and bloodthirsty climb to the top. What You’ll Hear 1:07 Introduction 2:00 Arrival at court 3:27 Return to favour 4:33 Ascent to power 7:36 Death and legacy Prefer to read instead? Click here for a transcript – no email required! This episode…
Read MoreTime Pieces History: S4, E9: Cleopatra
Introduction Cleopatra, her bloody quest for the throne and her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. What You’ll Hear 1:02: Early days 1:58: Growth of influence 2:37: Relationship with Caesar 3:25: Return to Egypt 4:06: Relationship with Mark Antony Prefer to read instead? Click here for a transcript – no email required! This…
Read MoreTime Pieces History: S4, E8: Margaret Beaufort
Introduction The story of ‘the mother of the Tudors’ and of King Henry VII, Margaret Beaufort. What You’ll Hear 1:02: Margaret Beaufort’s early life 2:10: The beginning of the Tudor dynasty 3:35: Edward IV takes the throne 4:39: Conspiracies and rebellions 5:58: The Battle of Bosworth Field 7:33: The King’s Mother Prefer to read instead?…
Read MoreTime Pieces History: S4, E7: Amy Johnson
Introduction The British flying pioneer What you’ll hear 1:23: Early life 2:04: First flights 3:03: Record attempts 4:10: Life and achievements 5:19: Death Prefer to read instead? Click here for a transcript. No email needed.
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