Shrouded in Scandal: Stamford's Lesser-Known Dark History with Bill Cunningham

Undercurrent Stories

In this repeat from one of the show's most popular episodes you are invited to join us on a stroll down the historic lanes of Stamford, where the tales of Saxon settlers and Georgian grandeur intertwine, brought to vivid life by my guest, local historian and raconteur, Bill Cunningham. As Bill peels back the layers of time, we wander from the River Welland's influence on the town's inception to the stone-crafted beauty that defines its aesthetic today. We muse over the significance of Stamford's position on the storied route from London to York, where ancient inns like The George have quenched the thirst of travelers for a millennium, and we peek into the future with The Mayors Guides, set to continue the tradition of sharing Stamford's historical riches.
The architectural splendour of St George's Square serves as a backdrop for tales both inspiring and sinister; it's not just a setting for period dramas but a stage where the drama of history itself unfolded. Bill shares the gripping stories of Arnold Leese, whose love for camels and fascism painted a complex portrait of Stamford's past, and Edward Edwards, whose naval legacy is forever entwined with the Bounty's mutiny. These narratives are testament to the fact that beneath the town's resplendent facade lie stories of intrigue and the human condition in all its shades.
Our journey wouldn't be complete without the chilling tales of Stamford's darker denizens, notably Thomas Bacon, whose life story reads like a Victorian gothic novel. As Bill recounts the accusations of murder and arson that followed Bacon from Stamford to London and beyond, one can't help but shiver at the grim chapters written into the town's history. Yet, the conversation isn't all gloom; we wrap up reveling in the town's architectural triumphs, void of the macabre overtones associated with characters like John George Haigh. With Bill's encyclopedic knowledge and lively banter, your appreciation for Stamford's historical and structural fabric will be irreversibly enriched.
Please note error at 17.25. Date should be 1842 not 1642.
For more information about Stamford and on Bill Cunningham please see;

https://www.thestamfordtownguidedtours.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/408182023445227/

https://www.instagram.com/williamdavidcunningham/?hl=en

This episode was recorded a few weeks before the Covid -19 Lockdown.

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