Tales from the Green Benches: An Oral History of Parliament
Have you ever wondered how MPs get involved in politics, get elected or how the role effects their personal life?
Using the History of Parliament’s extensive Oral History archive of over 200 interviews with former MPs, Tales from the Green Benches offers an insider’s view into life as a Member of Parliament.
Hosted by Dr Emma Peplow, Head of Contemporary History at the History of Parliament Trust, and Dr Alex Lock, historian and curator at the British Library.
Find out more about the History of Parliament’s Oral History Project below, and listen to some of our Oral History interviews with former MPs:
Episodes
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Episode 1: Tales from the Green Benches: An Oral History of Parliament What was it like to arrive in Parliament …
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Episode 2: Tales from the Green Benches: An Oral History of Parliament Many of us have an interest in politics …
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Episode 3: Tales from the Green Benches: An Oral History of Parliament For many MPs the hardest part of a …
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Episode 4: Tales from the Green Benches: An Oral History of Parliament Westminster is a place built on relationships, both …
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Episode 5: Tales from the Green Benches: An Oral History of Parliament During much of the twentieth century, the stereotypical …
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Episode 6: Tales from the Green Benches: An Oral History of Parliament One point that all of our oral history …
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Live Episode: Tales from the Green Benches: An Oral History of Parliament On 4 June 2025 the History of Parliament …
Other Podcasts
The History of Parliament team have also been involved in podcasts across various other channels!
Historic Royal Palaces Podcast
25 June 2026
George III – ‘Tyrant’ King of the American Colonies?
Speaking with Polly Putnam and Dr Rachel Herrmann, Dr Robin Eagles – Editor, House of Lords, 1660-1832 – discusses George III’s legacy in the United States and whether his label of ‘tyrant’ is a fair representation.
Gone Medieval – History Hit
30 January 2026
The Parliament of Bats: the Plantagenets at War
Matt Lewis and Dr. Hannes Kleineke – Editor of the History of Parliament’s House of Commons, 1461-1504 section – explore one of the most explosive parliaments in English history and an episode that presaged the Wars of the Roses.
Materials of State – BBC Radio 4
2025
David Cannadine examines the history of the British constitution through the objects which make it so unique.
Series Researcher: Dr Martin Spychal, Senior Research Fellow at the History of Parliament Trust.
Made in association with the History of Parliament Trust.
Prime Ministers’ Props – BBC Radio 4
2016-2023
David Cannadine explores how an object or prop can come to define a political leader.
Series Researcher: Dr Martin Spychal, Senior Research Fellow at the History of Parliament Trust.
History Extra Podcast
16 September 2023
British parliament: everything you wanted to know
Speaking with Spencer Mizen, Dr Stephen Roberts – Editor of the History of Parliament’s House of Commons, 1640-1660 volumes – answers queries on the history of Britain’s legislature, from medieval practices to strange traditions.