In this episode of the Bridge Series, Danny Hurst reaches Westminster Bridge, Central London's second-oldest bridge. Danny explains why at certain times of the day, the shadows cast by the bridge look like huge phallic symbols, why many paintings of the bridge are not accurate and why 12 nightwatchmen had to be stationed on the bridge.

He also explains why it is painted green, what that little hut on the edge of Westminster Pier is used for and its connection with the Daleks, Blofeld and Danny Boyle.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Pressure from the Archbishop of Canterbury and the ferrymen meant that Westminster Bridge nearly did not get built.
• Many of the early paintings of the bridge include architectural features that the bridge does not have.
• The design of the bridge made it a dream location for muggers and pickpockets.

BEST MOMENTS

‘This poem can be found on a plaque halfway across the bridge. ´

‘These are among the few remaining gas lamps in the UK and are maintained by a specialist team.’

‘Boudicca has been inaccurately represented as an English hero for generations.’

HOST BIO

Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst
facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

Podcast Description

"History is a nightmare from which I am trying to awake." James Joyce.

That was me at school as well. Ironically, I ended up becoming a historian. The Unusual Histories podcast is all about the history you don't learn at school, nor indeed anywhere else. Discover things that you didn't know that you didn't know, fascinating historical luminaries and their vices and addictions, and the other numerous sides of every story.

Danny continues his Unusual Histories podcast with the Bridge Series, remaining in London travelling east to west to look at the bridges which span the Thames. He looks at their design, construction and history, along with the history of the areas in which they're located on both sides of the river. This series kicks off with an exclusive interview with Dirk Bennett of the City Bridge Foundation, the organisation which looks after London's bridges. Tower Bridge is marking its 130th anniversary this month and Dirk talks to Danny about the history of the bridge as well as the new exhibition that is opening for it.

If you love history; or indeed if you hate history, this is the podcast for you…