Living in Paris during the Revolution and Reign of Terror might not seem like the right place at the right time, but if your job is to make wax sculptures of heads, it’s kind of perfect.

In this episode we meet Marie Tussaud, and follow along as she creates a London institution.

Follow along as we:

• Meet little Marie, living with a doctor who makes wax anatomical models,
• Rub elbows with royals and rabble-rousers in Paris before and during the Revolution and Reign of Terror
• Hit the road with Madame Tussaud and Sons waxworks
• Settle in London and develop a wax museum known the world around
• Meet some of the museum’s famous and infamous, including a candlelit tour of the Chamber of Horrors

Come on over to our SHOW NOTES for bonus content including photos and links.

We begin this episode by thinking about the work of people's hands. We wonder about the connections between knitting and history, trade, the industrial revolution, social connection, activism, and new interpretations.

Along the way, we’ll:

• visit Tudor England, when the wool trade was at its economic core and resulted in some pretty intense legislation for common citizens,
• check in on technology like framework knitting and the surprising etymology of the term Luddite,
• observe the long term effects on handicrafts by the Industrial Revolution, and uncover some excesses of the Victorians while we’re at it,
• take knitting forward through wars, the Great Depression, changing technologies such as synthetic fabrics, and rapidly changing relationships between people and the clothes they wear,
• honor knitwear designers who brought the craft forward,
• marvel at the confluence of the Riot grrl, the growth of DIY culture, and the internet that allowed learning, inspiration, and community to flourish,
• connect the dots with examples of craftivism around the world,
• pay tribute to the good done by Brixton’s Craft Forward organization,
• leave breadcrumbs for self study on topics like contemporary fashion,
• share resources for getting involved,
• and … you didn’t think we’d do an episode on knitting and not mention Tom Daley, did you?

This is a very visible episode.

See our SHOW NOTES for photos, articles, and much more.

Episode photo by Steve Forrest from Workers’ Photos Archive.

In this episode, we journey through the fascinating and often surprising history of Scotland Yard, the iconic home of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS). Inspired by last week’s episode about the haunting tales of the Tower of London, we shift focus to uncover the evolution of law enforcement in London. From the chaotic days of watchmen during the 18th century gin craze to the formation of the Bow Street Runners and ultimately Sir Robert Peel’s revolutionary vision for modern policing, we explore how the MPS came to be.

But history isn’t always pretty, and neither is policing. Alongside the famed rooftop firing ranges and Houdini escapades, we dive into controversies and tragedies, from the wrongful shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes to the horrific murder of Sarah Everard by a serving officer. We discuss how these events have shaped public perception of the force and the reforms still needed today.

Along the way, we share quirky anecdotes about Scotland Yard’s Black Museum, rooftop firing ranges, and connections to the Beatles. Plus, you’ll hear about trailblazing figures like Edith Smith, the UK’s first female officer with arrest powers, and the challenges she faced during World War I.

Come along with us as discuss:

• The Origins of Policing in London: From the medieval constables and watchmen to the Bow Street Runners and their drunken escapades.
• Scotland Yard’s Iconic History: Why it’s called Scotland Yard (spoiler: it has nothing to do with Scotland), its evolution, and its global cultural impact.
• The Quirks of Crime Fighting: Tales from the Black Museum and a few blunders, including a painting heist that left Scotland Yard red-faced.
• Pivotal Moments in Policing: How the world wars, the development of forensics, and societal shifts influenced Scotland Yard’s role and structure.
• Women in Policing: The trailblazing work of Edith Smith and the shift toward gender equality in law enforcement roles.
• Controversies and Tragedies: The cases of Jean Charles de Menezes and Sarah Everard and their lasting impacts on public trust and police accountability.

Whether you’re a history buff, a true-crime aficionado, or someone fascinated by the inner workings of iconic institutions, this episode offers a deep dive into the stories that shaped one of the most recognized police forces in the world. So grab a cup of tea (or gin, we won’t judge!) and join us as we uncover the secrets of Scotland Yard.

For more information, including photos, sources, and suggestions for further reading, don’t forget to visit our show notes!

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