Changing Britain’s Past and Heritage’s Future (Part 1)
The burning of Birmingham in July 1791 wasn’t just a riot,it was the moment dissent and nonconformity became forces that would shape Britain forever. In this episode, Sarah Dowd is joined by Chris Smith, Chair of the Historic Chapels Trust, and Steve Pilcher, longtime champion of historic chapels and communities across England.
With the backdrop of Priestley’s house in ashes and the mob shouting “Church and King,” Sarah Dowd, Chris Smith, and Steve Pilcher unravel what nonconformity really meant from centuries-long struggles for religious freedom, to communities building chapels for themselves, and the surprising legacy these “dangerous outsiders” handed to modern British society. Expect stories of radical architecture, Quaker leases stretching five millennia, and why these now-empty chapels matter more than ever.
This episode is dedicated to Sarah Dowd’s Aunt Sandra, in honour of 60 years of Songs of Praise.
Sarah, Chris and Steve will return next week for Part II, looking at how chapels challenged society, why regulation matters, and how to be nonconformist in heritage today.
About Sarah Dowd:
I’m Sarah Dowd – writer, speaker, heritage and arts consultant, producer, and all-around nerd – here to share the stories of our past that make us laugh, gasp, and mutter: It’s History… For F***k’s Sake.
For 25+ years I’ve created immersive, inclusive experiences that bring history alive, from rallying Second World War convoys through London to staging performances between Pearly Kings and Gen Z creatives. My work spans museums, cathedral crypts, pop-up theatres, global brands, and community projects across the UK and beyond. As a Canadian living between the UK and France (with a late ADHD diagnosis that fuels my curiosity and creativity), I zigzag through culture, history, and big ideas, but never boring ones. Every week on HistoryFFS, we explore how history echoes through today, make sure you are following the show so you don’t miss an episode.
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