After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal

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.

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.

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.

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.

Maddy and Anthony dig into their own family history in collaboration with Ancestry! They find stories from the darker side of the past in their own family trees. Huge thanks to Ancestry's genealogists and family historians Jenn Utley, Joe Buggy and Christina Copland.If you haven’t yet, head to here to start your own family history journey today for free. The AncestryDNA kit makes an amazing stocking stuffer. Be sure to subscribe to the Ancestry YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@AncestryUS too!Edited by Tim Arstall. Produced by Freddy Chick, Peta Stamper and Charlotte Long.You can now watch After Dark on Youtube! www.youtube.com/@afterdarkhistoryhitSign 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.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this captivating conversation, Dr. Jess Venner, an ancient historian specializing in Pompeii, shares her insights on the daily lives of its inhabitants before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. She discusses the unique diversity of Pompeii’s population and the humorous graffiti that gives a glimpse into their everyday struggles. Dr. Venner also reveals how the eruption unfolded and the challenges faced by residents trying to escape. Her forthcoming book, 'The Lost Voices of Pompeii,' promises to uncover more untold stories from this haunting historical site.

How dark really were the Vikings? How much of a part did human sacrifice play in their world? And what was their relationship with magic?Joining Anthony and Maddy in today's episode is historian, author and all-round Viking expert Dr Eleanor Barraclough, to take us back to darkest corners of the Viking era.This episode was edited by Tim Arstall. Produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.You can now watch After Dark on Youtube! www.youtube.com/@afterdarkhistoryhitSign 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.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Was this moment the closest Britain came to revolution? When Prime Minister Spencer Perceval lay dying on the floor of the Parliament, many feared it was the start of bloody revolt. We discover the assassin, John Bellingham, and what drove him to commit murder.Edited by Tim Arstall. Produced by Freddy Chick.You can now watch After Dark on Youtube! www.youtube.com/@afterdarkhistoryhitSign 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.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Eleanor Janega, a medieval historian and co-host of the Gone Medieval podcast, dives into the dark side of medieval royalty. She discusses notorious figures like Pedro the Cruel, whose love-led revenge was legendary, and Richard the Lionheart, known for his brutal campaigns and heavy taxes. Janega also examines Isabella the She-Wolf's cunning political maneuvers and Vlad the Impaler’s horrific tactics that birthed his infamous reputation. The conversation heats up as they rank these monarchs by their cruelty and cunning, leaving listeners questioning who truly was the most evil.

With the nights closing in, what better time to re-visit a favourite episode of ours.In 1727, Janet Horne of the Highland community of Dornoch became the last person in Britain to be tried and executed for witchcraft.As the poet Edwin Morgan put it; They tarred her and feathered her, bound her and barrelled her burning in the peat-smoke, while the good folk of Dornoch paused briefly for a look.But maybe the events aren’t quite as black and white as they seem?Maddy Pelling tells Anthony Delaney the story this week.Written by Maddy Pelling. Produced by Freddy Chick. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.You can now watch After Dark on Youtube! www.youtube.com/@afterdarkhistoryhitSign 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.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.