After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal

It was one of the most gruesome crimes of the Victorian era... and it ended up in David Attenborough's garden! Kate Webster, a servant, killed and dismembered her mistress, Julia Martha Thomas in 1879. It's a story that show us the everyday life of Victorian Londoners, and how that world can be turned upside down.Edited by Tomos Delargy, Produced by Freddy Chick. Senior Producer is Charlotte Long.You can now watch After Dark on Youtube: www.youtube.com/@afterdarkhistoryhitProduced by Stuart Beckwith. Edited by Tom Delargy. Senior Producer is Charlotte Long.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.  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.

Dive into the dark and haunting life of Mary Queen of Scots, where betrayal and violence set the stage for her tragic demise. Explore chilling ghost sightings linked to her legacy and their significance in Scottish folklore. Discover the emotional weight of her history amid tales of her spectral appearances at Loch Leven Castle. Unravel the intriguing ghost story of her loyal companion, a small white dog, and how ghostly narratives intertwine with pub culture. This journey fuses history and the supernatural, inviting curiosity about the past.

Why are the Knights Templar surrounded by myths and legends? Is there any truth to the tales of the Holy Grail or that the Knights survived? Why does this medieval order, which disappeared in the 14th century, continue to enthral us today?To uncover the real history of the Knights Templar we are joined by Dan Jones - historian, author, podcaster and host of This Is History, whose series The Iron King is all about man who destroyed the Templars - King Philip the Fair.Edited by Tomos Delargy. Produced by Freddy Chick. Senior Producer is 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.

Explore the intense final days of Abraham Lincoln, culminating in his assassination by John Wilkes Booth. Discover the chaos and urgency that filled the theater on that fateful night, and how Lincoln’s complex legacy was at stake. Delve into the political turmoil that followed his death and the contrasting approaches of his successor. The podcast also reflects on the lasting impact of assassinations throughout history, illustrating their significant shifts in societal direction. This gripping narrative reveals the tragic intersection of myth and reality.

In a captivating discussion, Professor Robbie Richardson, an expert on Indigenous and European cultural interactions, examines the mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke. He sheds light on the famous clue 'Croatoan,' exploring the lives and perspectives of the Croatoan people. The conversation dives into the complexities of colonial legacies, the overlooked journeys of Indigenous individuals to London, and the need to recenter historical narratives around Indigenous experiences. Richardson's insights challenge long-held misconceptions and offer a fresh view on this historical enigma.

In this intriguing discussion, Campbell Price, an Egyptologist and curator at the Manchester Museum, sheds light on the underbelly of Ancient Egypt. He delves into the harsh realities faced by workers constructing the pyramids and challenges the notion of slavery in their labor force. Price reveals the brutal practices of ancient warfare, including the disturbing collection of trophies. The conversation pulls back the curtain on ancient beliefs, highlighting how magic and ritual intertwined with the daily lives of Egyptians, offering a captivating glimpse into their complex society.

Misha Ewen, a lecturer in early modern history and author of The Virginia Venture, joins to unravel the mystery of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in America. They explore the intriguing fate of the lost colony of Roanoke, the significance of family in colonization, and how legends have evolved over time. Ewen discusses the contested identity of Virginia and the implications of the mysterious Dare stones, shedding light on how these stories intersect with issues of race and nationalism in American history.

Hallie Rubenhold, a best-selling historian known for her fresh perspectives on historical narratives, dives into the notorious Dr. Crippen murder case that captivated Edwardian Britain. She explores the societal shifts of the time, the deceptive dynamics within the Crippen household, and the haunting nature of domestic violence. The discussion reveals the psychological complexities of the key individuals involved, particularly the sociopathy of Crippen and Ethel's ambitions, shedding light on how this shocking crime redefined public discourse around murder.

Emma Southon, a historian and author, dives into the gruesome realities of ancient Rome, a civilization often glorified yet steeped in brutality. She reveals chilling tales of execution methods like 'the sack' for patricide, exposing the normalization of violence against slaves. The conversation explores the morbid entertainment of gladiatorial combat and public executions, reflecting societal values and power dynamics. Southon also discusses a shocking case of domestic murder revealing the dark intricacies of justice in Roman society.

Join Ceri Houlbrook, a lecturer in history and folklore and author of 'Folklore: A Journey Through the Past and Present', as she unravels the mystery of Spring-Heeled Jack—Victorian London's bizarre urban legend. They explore terrifying encounters, his supernatural powers, and how this figure embodied societal fears amid radical change. The discussion connects folklore with class struggles, reflecting on how legends like Jack mirror the anxieties of their time and evolve with society's landscape.