148: Seven Dials in the Interwar Years

The London History Podcast, hosted by Hazel Baker from London Guided Walks, explores the rich history of Seven Dials in London during the 1920s and 1930s. In this episode, Professor Matt Holbrooke discusses his book, 'Songs of Seven Dials,' which delves into the cultural history of the area through vibrant archival research. Seven Dials was a diverse and vibrant community, home to migrant communities, working-class families, and bohemian nightlife. The episode covers the significant libel trial involving Sierra Leonian café owner Jim Kitten and his English wife Emily against a right-wing newspaper, highlighting issues of race, class identity, and urban redevelopment. The podcast also touches on the local cafés, clubs, and nightlife that shaped Seven Dials' reputation, the key conflicts and tensions, and personal stories of its residents, providing a detailed glimpse into this colourful and dramatic part of London’s history. 🔗 Connect With Us 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠ 📱 Instagram: @walk_london🐦 Twitter: @guided_walks 📘 Facebook: London Guided Walks

You can listen to 148: Seven Dials in the Interwar Years online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

148: Seven Dials in the Interwar Years is an episode from London History by londonguidedwalks.co.uk.

This episode is 00:32:53 long.

This episode was published on Jan 23, 2026.

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