Hampshire HistBites
A brilliant history and heritage podcast created by Hampshire History Trust, the charity that also organises Winchester Heritage Open Days.Our aim is to offer everyone the opportunity to delve into the past and go on a journey to discover hidden heritage and hear fascinating untold tales. We usually talk to experts and enthusiasts who are based in Hampshire and/or who have stories to share about Hampshire’s history and heritage. Occasionally though we may go further afield, it just depends where the research and the stories take us!
Hampshire HistBites
When the Messiah came to Andover
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Winchester Heritage Open Days
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Season 4
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Episode 2
Hampshire during the English Civil War was a pretty miserable place. Looting was rife and the population politically divided and plagued by disease. Into this gloomy scene came the London rope-maker William Franklin, a self-proclaimed Messiah, who set up camp in Andover in 1649 with his female companion Mary Gadbury. Was he a visionary or a blasphemer? Local historian Alex Beeton talks to Julie Dypdal about this fascinating tale, the fluctuating fortunes of Franklin and his band of followers and the light this shines on society at the time.
On our website you will find more information about this episode including our fantastic show notes and a downloadable version of the transcript; visit our website by clicking here