Back When | History Podcast

H.G. Wells | The Father of Science Fiction

Back When | History Podcast

Show Notes

Time travel, Martian invasions and free love all have one thing in common - H.G. Wells. Helen Antrobus explores how the world was changed through the writings of one author as H.G. Wells brought science fiction to the masses with the War of the Worlds, the Time Machine and many more iconic stories. Discover how a series of underground tunnels and a telescope in an attic room helped to pave the way for the sci-fi we know today.

[Ad] This podcast is sponsored by CEWE, Europe’s leading photo printing company. Every image you capture tells a story. Discover ideas for curating your special memories and creating gifts for loved ones. From the award-winning CEWE PHOTOBOOK to wall art made from your favourite photos. Start creating your story at www.cewe.co.uk

Production Presenter: Helen Antrobus Producer: Jack Glover + Sophie Wilkinson Sound Design: Jesus Gomez

Contributors Mark Syson-Harvey Sophie Wilkinson

Discover more Uppark is currently closed for essential maintenance and repairs and will reopen in summer 2025. Keep up to date with the latest news and reopening dates by visiting https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/uppark-house-and-garden/uppark-essential-repairs-project

Find out more about other great books and authors in our collection by visiting https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/history/art-collections/great-books-in-our-collections

If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at [email protected]

More from Back When | History Podcast

Mar 25, 2026

Back When is wrapping up and we wanted to say a massive thank you for time travelling with us over all our stories.

Mar 11, 2026

The Farne Islands are a group of 28 islands off the Northumberland coast in England’s Northeast. They are home to Atlantic grey seals and a breeding colony of sea birds, but they are also the former residence of a courageous, but very modest, Victorian heroine.

Feb 25, 2026

Have you heard of the Burke and Hare murders? Sixteen people killed in under a year. Join Helen Antrobus as she explores one of history’s most notorious killing sprees, and its links to body snatching. [Ad] This podcast is sponsored by CEWE, Europe’s leading photo printing company. Every image you capture tells a story. Discover ideas for curating your special memories and creating gifts for loved ones. From the award-winning CEWE PHOTOBOOK to wall art made from your favourite photos. Start creating your story at www.cewe.co.uk

Feb 11, 2026

Behind the grand exterior of Hughenden Manor in Buckinghamshire is a secret history, that lay hidden for decades.

Jan 28, 2026

What was life like at The Workhouse? Join James Grasby as he becomes an inmate and tours an atmospheric Workhouse building in Nottinghamshire. With its bare walls and floors, cast iron beds, and the hollering voices of costumed re-enactors, a visit to the Southwell Workhouse is a sobering experience. [Ad] This podcast is sponsored by CEWE, Europe’s leading photo printing company. Every image you capture tells a story. Discover ideas for curating your special memories and creating gifts for loved ones. From the award-winning CEWE PHOTOBOOK to wall art made from your favourite photos. Start creating your story at www.cewe.co.uk

See all episodes →