York Civic Trust to Launch Heritage Podcast Series on ‘International Podcast Day’

In celebration of International Podcast Day, York Civic Trust is excited to announce the release of a captivating podcast series that delves deep into York’s rich history and heritage. 

Launching on 30th September, this series promises to engage and inspire listeners with stories from York’s past, told through a mix of documentary, dramatisation and expert interviews.

Exploring York’s Trailblazers.

The series is inspired by the York Trailblazers programme, an initiative celebrating pivotal movements and individuals, past and present, who challenged the status quo at local, national and, in some cases, international levels. 

The podcasts feature topics including local Suffragette Annie Coultate, the Luddites, and the enigmatic “Ivory Bangle Lady”, whose burial highlights York’s ancient connections to a Roman Empire of people from a diverse range of places and backgrounds.

The first podcast is a specially commissioned audio play, written by acclaimed playwright Bridget Foreman (“Everything is Possible”, York Theatre Royal). It dramatises the subject’s story. In this gripping audio play by Bridget Foreman, follow the courageous journey of Annie Coultate, a suffragette who fought tirelessly for women's right to vote in the early 20th century. The drama highlights the personal risks and sacrifices made by women like Annie in their battle for equality and recognition. Her story continues to inspire activists today.

The podcast series also offers in-depth interviews with experts and those connected with the issues celebrated in the podcasts. They delve into the significance and lasting impact of figures such as Annie Coultate. The podcasts also cover some of York’s saddest chapters of history. For example, one podcast tells us about York as the city where many Luddites were tried and, for some, the place of their execution. 

‘York has a rich and diverse history – most of which we do not really celebrate. The York Trailblazers project, made possible by the National Heritage Lottery Fund, including the podcast series we are launching today has brought a lot of this history to life for many people.’ (Andrew Morrison, Chief Executive, York Civic Trust). 

The Trailblazers podcasts were produced by the local theatre company Four Wheel Drive. Executive Producer, Joly Black, said “At Four Wheel Drive, we love telling stories in engaging ways, with a particular interest in heritage and education. It was such a joy to uncover some of the history around these trailblazers. There are so many layers and nuances to these historical stories, and I hope we managed to capture that in the podcasts 

A New Foray into Podcasting for York Civic Trust

Lou Bartley Sophocleous of York Civic Trust said “By launching these podcasts on International Podcast Day, York Civic Trust is making a new foray into the world of podcasting, offering an exciting way for audiences to engage with history. Whether you’re a local resident, campaigner, or fully-fledged history enthusiast, these podcasts offer a fresh and accessible perspective on York’s incredible past and issues that have resonance over time.”

York Trailblazers is curated by York Civic Trust and Make It York and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. There is a vibrant display of awe-inspiring Tansy Beetle sculptures in the city, each one a unique tribute to the remarkable individuals who have shaped York's history. 

Lou Bartley Sophocleous adds: “While the final day of the York Trailblazers’ sculpture trail in the city is Monday 30th September, what better way to find out more on the subject than by tuning in and listening to the podcasts as a journey through York’s vibrant history!”