After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal
History Hit
This is After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds and the Paranormal. The podcast that takes you to the shadiest corners of the past, unpicking history’s spookiest, strangest, and most sinister stories.Join historians Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling, every Monday and Thursday to take a look at the darker side of history. From haunted pubs and Houdini, to witch trials and weird UFO sightings.After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds and the Paranormal - a podcast by History Hit, the world's best history channel and creators of award-winning podcasts Dan Snow's History Hit, Gone Medieval, and Betwixt the Sheets.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
8 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 41min
The Deadly Arctic Witch Trials
Historian Marion Gibson expertly unpacks the chilling Vardø witch trials of 1617, sparked by a catastrophic storm that claimed 40 fishermen. She explores the scapegoating of local women and the Sami community, detailing the pressures that led to coerced confessions. Gibson also sheds light on the cultural context, explaining the intersection of witchcraft beliefs, gender dynamics, and colonial power in Norway. The discussion weaves through themes of fear, othering, and contemporary parallels, elevating the historical narrative into a broader commentary on scapegoating.
10 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 50min
The Great Fire of London As It Happened
In 1666, London faced its darkest hour as the Great Fire engulfed the city. Witnesses’ accounts reveal chaos, scapegoating, and a desperate fight against the flames. The hosts dive into the fire's origin in a bakery, early panics, and the mob violence that erupted amid the disaster. They discuss how the fire changed London's skyline and led to the rebuilding efforts spearheaded by Christopher Wren. This catastrophic event not only reshaped the city but also exposed deep societal tensions during a time of turmoil.
Jan 8, 2026 • 49min
Day in the Life of a Salem Puritan
Dive into the chilling life of Salem Village in 1692, where daily routines involved early prayers and a breakfast of beer and pottage. Discover the stark contrasts between Salem Village and Town, highlighting Puritan extremism and community power. Explore the dynamics surrounding Tituba and the role of otherness in witchcraft accusations. Maddy and Anthony shed light on the tensions that led to hysteria and devastation within the community, ultimately revealing the trials' lasting legacy and the characters behind the infamous events.
30 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 41min
Inside the Victorian Asylum
Dive into the dark world of Victorian asylums, where fear mingled with reform. Discover how the treatment of the mentally ill evolved from chaotic confinement to moral care. Explore Nellie Bly's shocking undercover exposé that shed light on abuses. Learn about the stark differences in admission rules, revealing class dynamics and gender disparities. The hosts discuss the impact of Victorian literature on public perception and the ongoing debates about the utility of asylums versus their horrifying realities. It's an eye-opening look at history's hidden corners.
Jan 1, 2026 • 34min
The Truth About the Conjuring's Ghost Hunters
In this engaging discussion, Joseph Laycock, an expert on exorcism and demonic belief, delves into the iconic ghost hunters Ed and Lorraine Warren. He explores how the Warrens shaped American supernatural beliefs and their controversial methods, including their alleged exploitation of families for fame. Joseph provides insights into the origins of their famed cases, like the Amityville Horror and the Annabelle doll, questioning the authenticity behind these tales. Their lasting impact on pop culture and folklore is examined, shedding light on how myths are created.
7 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 42min
Banshees: Herald of Death
Siobhan McSweeney, a BAFTA-winning actress known for her role in 'Derry Girls', teams up with hosts Anthony and Maddy to explore the haunting world of banshees in Irish folklore. They discuss the eerie wailing associated with death, highlighting a dramatic tale from 1772 about Charles Bunworth's demise. Siobhan shares her childhood memories and insights on keening traditions. The trio also delves into the roots of banshee lore, its role in Irish identity, and the cultural impact of folklore, making for an enchanting and spine-chilling discussion.
13 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 43min
Ghosts of Henry VIII's Palace
Tracy Borman, a bestselling Tudor historian and Joint Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces, takes listeners on a spooky journey through Hampton Court Palace. She shares chilling tales of Catherine Howard's ghost and the Haunted Gallery where she allegedly roamed. Borman recounts personal hauntings, including a haunting chill in the same corridor, and discusses Victorian-era ghost stories that shaped the palace's reputation. The conversation reveals how ghosts bring to life the intimate histories of those who served the royal family.
Dec 22, 2025 • 38min
Dark Truth About Sweeney Todd
Dive into the chilling world of Sweeney Todd, the notorious demon barber of Fleet Street. Explore how Penny Dreadfuls captured the urban fears of 1840s London. Discover the dark culinary connections between pie shops and public anxieties around food adulteration. The hosts shed light on the historical origins of this sensational myth, linking it to broader themes of urban anonymity and class tensions. Plus, trace the evolution of Sweeney Todd through various stage adaptations and its lasting cultural impact.
9 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 43min
The Most Notorious Viking Raid
Dr. Eleanor Barraclough, a historian specializing in the Viking Age, joins the discussion on the notorious raid at Lindisfarne. She reveals how this event sent shockwaves through Europe, highlighting its significance to Christendom. Eleanor explores the evolving nature of Viking raids and their motivations beyond mere terror. She also delves into the psychological impact on victims and the complexities of historical narratives shaped by bias. Listeners gain unique insights into the Viking experience and its lasting effects on history.
16 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 1h 6min
Oscar Wilde's Very Victorian Scandal
Merlin Holland, Oscar Wilde's grandson and a biographer, delves into the tumultuous life of the iconic playwright during his infamous 1895 trial for 'Gross Indecency'. He shares insights about Wilde's Irish roots and influential upbringing, his marriage to Constance, and the scandal involving Alfred Douglas (Bosie) and the Marquess of Queensberry. Holland vividly recounts the brutal legal battles, Wilde's imprisonment, and the profound impact of his work, including 'Dorian Gray'. This thought-provoking discussion sheds light on Wilde's complex legacy and lasting societal influence.
