In the Tudor and Stuart period towns in the UK were still predominantly wooden but moving to brick construction was a hallmark of success. Distinctive styles such as Oriel windows and elaborate carvings were seen on the buildings of the wealthy. Meanwhile the houses of the poor remained meagre and crowded.

Join us as we continue our series on the development of town and cities.

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Welcome back to Ye Olde Guide, where we uncover the layered history of England’s towns and cities. In this episode, we journey through the transformative Tudor and Stuart period (c.1500–1700), a time often skipped over in popular imagination—but one that laid the groundwork for the urban England we know today.

Following our exploration of medieval town life, we now delve into an era of upheaval and innovation. From the seismic shifts of the Reformation to the chaos of the English Civil War, this was a time when towns were shaped as much by fire, plague, and poverty as they were by emerging ideas in architecture, planning, and culture.

We examine:

• Why this period matters: Often overshadowed by the grandeur of Georgian design, this era bridges the muddy medieval streets and the structured elegance of later urban planning.
• Urban life and growth: Towns expanded, populations surged, and the earliest signs of modern urbanisation began to appear.
• Political and religious upheaval: The dissolution of monasteries, The Civil War, and the Restoration all left lasting marks on urban society.
• Cultural renaissance: Shakespeare, Bacon, and Newton emerged as England caught up with—and began to surpass—the classical world in science and the arts.
• Social realities: Life was short, cities were young, and the spectres of disease and starvation loomed large. Yet, amid the hardship, towns began to evolve.

We also spotlight London’s pioneering urban experiments—that hinted at the neoclassical ideals to come.

This episode knits together a complex and often overlooked chapter in England’s urban story. It’s a tale of resilience, reinvention, and the roots of modernity.

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The UK was the birthplace of the underground railway, with London’s Tube setting the global standard. So why do so few British cities have metro systems today?

In this episode of Ye Olde Guide, Liam McGrath and Daniel Gooch take a break from city guides to explore the curious case of Britain’s missing metros. From the legacy of Victorian railways and trams to post-war car-centric planning, we unpack the historical, urban, and political reasons why cities like Birmingham, Leeds, and Manchester never got the metro systems their European counterparts enjoy.

The Elizabeth Line was a rare recent bright spot in UK metro growth - but this added another line in London, with Leeds still relying on infrequent suburban rail and buses.

We also look at the cost crisis facing modern transit projects, the economic consequences of limited urban rail, and what the future might hold for public transport in the UK.

Featuring listener feedback, historical insights, and a dash of urbanist frustration—this is one for train lovers, city nerds, and anyone wondering why Britain stopped building underground rail.

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