‘Pleasing terrors’: the origins and continuing popularity of ghost stories

If you’re planning to enjoy a scary book or film from the comfort of your home this Halloween, you’ll be continuing a long tradition.  

Since the earliest civilisations, humans have been fascinated by the idea of ghosts, death and the afterlife. This time on The English Heritage Podcast, Amy chats with Dr Michael Carter and Dr Beverley Clack about religion, philosophy and the spiritual questions we tackle through the telling of ghost stories.  

From medieval monks and revenants to a few modern-day stories from English Heritage sites, don’t listen to this one with the lights off… 

Don’t forget to follow this podcast and leave a review if you love the show.  

Join: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/join/  

Podcast listeners can get 20% off the first year of an annual membership. Use code POD20 at checkout. * 

Support our work: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/  

The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a limited company, no. 07447221, registered in England and Wales. 

*Offer is available through the use of this code and valid for new memberships by annual Direct Debit only. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion, on life memberships or renewals. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices