London History

134. Organ Grinders of Little Italy

Listen on

Episode notes

Welcome to the London History Podcast. In this episode, we journey through the cobbled streets of Victorian London, where the sound of barrel organs and the chatter of Italian voices once filled the air.

Join Hazel Baker as she uncovers the remarkable story of Little Italy—a vibrant immigrant enclave in Clerkenwell, shaped by migration, resilience, and transformation. We’ll walk the lanes immortalised by Dickens, meet the artisans and street musicians who brought the city to life, and explore how their music became the soundtrack of London’s streets.

From the crowded workshops of Eyre Street Hill to the legal battles over street music, this is a tale of hope, hardship, and the indelible mark left by London’s Italian community. Tune in for Episode 134: Organ Grinders of Little Italy

For all other episodes visit London Guided Walks