Unearth the Past Podcast

About me
and the show

Join TV historian Dr Michala Hulme, as she takes a fun approach to genealogy & family history. Each week she is joined by special guests and will discuss the latest family history news and record releases. New episodes are released every Monday. 

Rating: 5 out of 5.

What a great start to this podcast! Can’t wait for the next episode. Lots of useful tips for people starting out in their family history research, and lots of laughs along the way. Thank you.

Kelly WW – review left on Apple podcasts

Rating: 5 out of 5.

A very interesting podcast… Lots of tips and advice, for those thinking of searching their family history. Easy to listen to and some lighthearted banter made it even more enjoyable.

Jan Anne Ward – review left on Apple Podcasts

S3 Ep11: Fashion, Fishing and a lot of Family History: Unearthing the Past with the Queen of Vintage Sophia Rosemary Unearth the Past: A family history & genealogy podcast

Send us a textIn this episode of Unearth the Past, Dr Michala Hulme steps into the world of vintage fashion by delving into the extraordinary family history of fashion influencer and vintage queen Sophia Rosemary. What unfolds is a gripping tale of hardship, resilience, and unexpected revelations—a history shaped by strong women, wartime sacrifice, and even a Victorian-era crime.Through archival records and historical sources, Sophia uncovers a gripping courtroom drama involving one of her ancestors—a theft scandal that played out in 19th-century England. But that’s just the beginning. As we trace her lineage through the early 20th century, we uncover the heartbreaking story of her great-great-grandfather, Herbert Simpson, who died at Gallipoli during World War I, and explore the working-class struggles of families in Lancashire and Yorkshire, enduring poverty, war, and social upheaval.Sophia reflects on how her ancestral past has shaped her identity today—how the stories of her bold, resourceful female ancestors connect to her love of vintage fashion, her deep appreciation for nostalgia, and her passion for Northern Soul culture. From her grandmother Edith, who refused to let polio define her, to newspaper reports documenting family members involved in unlicensed pub operations, petty theft, and even fishing championships, this journey paints a vivid and raw picture of Northern working-class life across generations. Join us as we unearth the past with the brilliant Sophia Rosemary.Useful linksDr Michala HulmeSophia RosemaryTop of the Town Vintage Support the show
  1. S3 Ep11: Fashion, Fishing and a lot of Family History: Unearthing the Past with the Queen of Vintage Sophia Rosemary
  2. S3 Ep10: From Moradabad to Merseyside: Unearthing the past with pop icon Holly Johnson
  3. S3 Ep9: A Taskmaster, a Knackerman and an Architect: Unearthing the Past with YouTuber Zac Alsop
  4. S3 Ep8: Finding May's Mum: Unearthing the Past with PR Pioneer Lisa Morton
  5. S3 Ep7: A lot of Darwen and a tiny bit of Corfu: Unearthing the Past with Adidas Spezial's Gary Aspden