Podcast: The women who ruled the East End – remarkable tales of wartime London

Our latest episode promises to captivate listeners with tales of the formidable strength of the women who defined London’s East End during the tumultuous years of the 20th century.

The Women Who Ruled the East End

Joining Kate Thompson is Smithsonian historian Alan Capps, as they delve into the social history of these remarkable women. The East End was a matriarchal society where women in aprons and button-up boots were the backbone of tenement neighbourhoods. These “aunties” ruled the cobblestone streets, fed the children, birthed babies, and laid out the dead, often stepping in when no midwife was available.

This episode marks 83 years since the end of the Blitz, a time when the East End women showcased astonishing resilience amidst the horrors of war. Tune in to hear these unrecognised heroines’ compelling stories and their crucial role in their society.

You can find the latest episode here.