The Bookshop, The Draper, The Candlestick Maker: The history of the high street
Event Date: Tuesday 16th June 2026 | Time: 7pm – 8pm
Hidden Histories
About this event
The Bookshop, The Draper, The Candlestick Maker: The history of the high street
What makes a high street? And are they really dying – or merely changing, as they have always done? What were they like in the past? How did we shop in the days before ready-to-wear, self-selection, pre-packaged food or even affordable glazing? And is it really all about the retail – or do people, buildings and a sense of place play a role in it all as well?
Historian Annie Gray joins us to give us the lowdown on one of Britain’s best-loved spaces; one we purport to love, but which we often neglect. Based on the research for her most recent book, she’ll whiz us through what she'd bring back, bringing to life the high streets of our parents, grandparents and many great-ancestors, and putting the modern shopping experience into historic context. Expect humour, nostalgia and Annie’s trademark forthrightness: you'll never walk through a city centre in quite the same way again.
Boundless members stay tuned until the end of the event to be in with a chance of winning a copy of Annie's book.
Please head over to Crowdcast to register for this event:
Meet the speaker - Annie Gray
Dr. Annie Gray is a leading British food historian, author, and broadcaster specializing in British food and dining from around 1600 to the present, known for her work on BBC Radio 4's The Kitchen Cabinet, her books like The Greedy Queen and Victory in the Kitchen, and her appearances on TV shows like Victorian Bakers, bringing historical food to life through engaging stories and research. She also works as a consultant for heritage sites and writes for publications like The Guardian and Delicious Magazine, making history accessible and relevant through everyday food.