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Secret Hampshire

Explore fascinating stories from Hampshire. To share ideas with the team, please email [email protected]

Radio Solent,17 episodes

Episodes

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'The David Attenborough of his day'
Born in West End, Richard St Barbe Baker was a pioneer with a passion for trees.
05 Dec 2025,4 mins
The 'screaming flame' of the New Forest
Brice Stratford shares a folklore tale associated with the Schultze gunpowder factory.
04 Nov 2025,4 mins
The gruesome tale of Lady Lisle
Lady Alice Lisle's spirit is said to linger within The Eclipse Inn in Winchester.
31 Oct 2025,8 mins
Portsmouth's paranormal appeal
Why the city is a magnet for ghost hunters.
25 Oct 2025,4 mins
Debunking the myths of New Forest witches
Witchcraft plays a big role in Burley's history. Mel James meets a modern-day witch.
30 Aug 2025,4 mins
Fulling Mill: Life in a 13th century cottage
A glimpse into life inside one of the oldest continuously occupied buildings.
26 Jul 2025,5 mins
When the map was rewritten
Which towns were once part of Hampshire and why did they move?
12 Jul 2025,4 mins
The Bevois of Bevois Valley
Unearthing the medieval legend behind the name.
21 Feb 2025,5 mins
Inside Southampton's biggest medieval vault
Exploring an 800-year-old vault once used for royalty, wine and shelter.
30 Dec 2024,9 mins
Remembering the nations that served Britain
Veteran reflects on the importance of the Commonwealth War Graves in Southampton.
11 Nov 2024,3 mins
Was Rudyard Kipling locked in a Southsea cellar?
Why the author is said to have spent six "unhappy" years in Portsmouth.
17 Oct 2024,7 mins
Portsmouth's salty secret
Uncovering the old uses of the Great Salterns Recreation Ground.
07 Oct 2024,4 mins
Southsea's 'forgotten' author and aircraft designer
Behind the blue plaque: Portsmouth resident Nevil Shute Norway.
07 Oct 2024,7 mins
Hilsea's musical gun fortress
Exploring life inside the walls of a 150-year-old gun fortress in Portsmouth.
13 Sep 2024,5 mins
The hauntings of Bursledon Brickworks
Paranormal investigators take a closer look at the site on the outskirts of Southampton.
22 Apr 2024,5 mins
Unlocking a hidden rum distillery in Portsmouth
Hidden deep inside a locked 18th century fort lies 100 barrels of rum.
28 Mar 2024,6 mins
The mystery of Portsmouth's narrow front doors
We explain the history behind the city's thin doorways.
08 Mar 2024,5 mins