In the late 1500s, Britain was, spiritually speaking, in something of a confusing place for the average citizen. With the protestant reform in full swing, many old traditions were being unceremoniously cast aside by the officials, whilst still being clung to by the public, leading to a thriving underground trade in charms and trinkets and the quiet trade of ... Show More
Mar 3
The 19th Century West Ham Vanishings
The East London district of West Ham might be best known globally for the football team of the same name, but in the late 19th century, the area became famous for something much darker. West Ham, and in particular, a single road within the district, became the scene for a series ... Show More
1h 6m
Feb 17
George Psalmanazar, The Man From Formosa
In the early 1700s, when maps still had blank spaces and “here be dragons” felt like a reasonable warning, a stranger arrived in Europe with a fantastic story to tell. Calling himself George Psalmanazar, and claiming to be a native of far-off Formosa, where people lived in underg ... Show More
49m 29s
Jan 2024
411. The Man in the Iron Mask
In the late 17th century, during the glorious reign of Louis XIV, the Sun King, France was at its apogee, with royal absolutism at its zenith. But, beneath the gold and glamour of Louis’ reign, there lay a terrifying darkness: a prison system into which people could be disappeare ... Show More
48m 25s
Oct 2022
Helen Duncan, (Not) Scotland’s Last Witch
<p>Helen Duncan is sometimes described as Scotland’s last witch, or the last person imprisoned for witchcraft in Britain, or the last person to be tried under the UK’s 1735 Witchcraft Act. None of those are quite accurate.</p> <p>Research:</p> <ul> <li>Undiscovered Scotland. “Hel ... Show More
40m 17s
Oct 2023
Ann Radcliffe, Gothic Great Enchantress, Part 2
<p>Once Ann Radcliffe retired from publishing, all kinds of rumors started to spread about her, including some that distressed her greatly. After she died, there was even more speculation.</p> <p><strong>Research:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "A ... Show More
37m 30s