The latest edition of The London Society’s London Explained podcast series took a long time to put together, and I should know: I researched, wrote and presented it. However, I and the show’s producer, Andrew McGibbon, of BBC Radio 4 fame (and other sorts as well) got there in the end. You can listen to the result of our efforts HERE.
Our mission was to emphasise the fundamental importance of the River Thames to London’s past – it literally gave the city life – to its present and to its future as an attraction, as a place where Londoners gather to celebrate their city, and as an environmental asset too. The focus was on the north bank of the river where it flows past the Houses of Parliament and the Victoria Embankment.
I am very grateful to the four people who agreed to be interviewed for the project:
- Professor Greg Clark, one of the most knowledgable and eloquent urbanists on the planet.
- Heike Neurohr, a visionary partner with architectural practice Hawkins\Brown.
- Toby Heysham, chief executive of Hemiko, a driving force behind Project SWAN.
- Ruth Duston, chief executive of the London Heritage Quarter BID.
Along with some choice pieces of historical archive material, the podcast also contains painstakingly gathered “found sound” from beside Big Ben and along the Embankment. I am particularly proud of the bits where you can hear the tidal waters slopping up against the steps in front of Cleopatra’s Needle that lead right down to river. I even managed to avoid getting my feet wet.
The podcast was funded by LHQ, with The London Society, as always, retaining full editorial control. All concerned are very grateful for the BID’s support. The podcast is 30 minutes long. Enjoy.
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