After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal

Dr. Eleanor Janega, a medieval historian, joins the hosts to discuss the mysterious phenomenon of the medieval dancing plague in 14th and 15th century Germany, including themes of gender, sexuality, urban experiences, and apocalyptic thought. They explore major outbreaks like the St. John's dance in Aachen in 1374 and the dancing plague of 1518, with desperate measures taken to relieve the afflicted individuals. The discussion also delves into the societal beliefs surrounding the Deadly Dancing Plague of 1518 and the role of Saint Vitus in the cessation of the dancing mania. Additionally, they touch on the cultural interpretations and psychological treatment of the dancing plague, intersecting sensual desires, religious beliefs, and physical factors.

Join Maddy & Anthony as they are guided by Dan Schreiber into the world of Bigfoot. Explore the 1967 home-movie that sparked the mystery. Discuss the impact of hoaxes on Bigfoot sightings and the ethical dilemmas involved. Learn about Grover Crayons, a key figure in Bigfoot research, and his unique contributions to the field.

What is it about this case that holds the imagination after all these years? When did that fascination with it begin? How early on did the myths of Jack the Ripper evolve?Anthony and Maddy look at how the newspapers and showmen were quick to pounce on this case, turning these tragic murders into the most infamous true crime story of all.Written by Anthony Delaney. Edited by Tom Delargy. Produced by Freddy Chick. The Senior Producer is Charlotte Long.Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code AFTERDARK sign up at https://historyhit/subscription/ You can take part in our listener survey here.

Malmesbury Abbey in Wiltshire was an institution of national significance from the late seventh century until the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539. It was home to eminent writers and had strong royal connections. It housed the tomb of Æthelstan, first king of all England, and Queen Matilda, wife of Henry I, took a close interest in its affairs. But it was also home to arguably the most immoral abbot of the Middle Ages, the mass-murdering monk John of Tintern. Today we're bringing you an episode of our sister podcast Gone Medieval, where host Matt Lewis finds out more from guest Tony McAleavy, author of the first full-length study of the history of Malmesbury Abbey - ' Malmesbury Abbey 670-1539' - which brings to life its colourful cast of characters.This episode was produced by Rob Weinberg.Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code AFTERDARK sign up at https://historyhit/subscription/ You can take part in our listener survey here.

‘If only walls could talk’ is a phrase which feels particularly relevant to mysterious murder cases throughout history. And in today’s episode, walls do have a story to tell. To celebrate Maddy’s book about Eighteenth-Century graffiti coming out this week, she’s sharing two intriguing murder cases where graffiti played an integral role. First case is a murderous midwife in London, followed by the mystery of the body discovered floating in a Bristol estuary.To find out more about Maddy’s new book, Writing on the Wall: Graffiti, Rebellion and the Making of Eighteenth-Century Britain, click here.Please be aware there is discussion of murder and suicide in this episodeWritten by Maddy Pelling. Edited by Tomos Delargy. Producer is Freddy Chick. Senior Producer is Charlotte Long.Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code AFTERDARK sign up at https://historyhit/subscription/ You can take part in our listener survey here.

The podcast explores the bloody history of Vlad the Impaler, contrasting his real-life brutality with the cultural depiction of Dracula. It delves into medical theories linking Vlad to a blood disease, sets the stage for a vampire narrative, and discusses the influence of Bram Stoker's Count Dracula. The discussion also touches on favorite on-screen vampires and viewer engagement.

Historian John Callow discusses the dark history of Pendle Witch Trials in England. Topics include King James's Daemonologie, Jennet Device's role, societal dynamics, and the decline of witch trials. The podcast dives into the intricate details of the trials, societal perceptions, and the manipulation of children.

He wasn't Irish. He didn't wear green. There were no snakes. So who was the real St Patrick? How did his myth grow? And how did he invent the goatee?Podcaster and comedian Alison Spittle joins Maddy and Anthony today as we head back to 4th/5th century Ireland. Alison's tour dates (including Leake!) are here: http://alisonspittle.com/gigs/Edited by Tom Delargy. Produced by Freddy Chick. Senior Producer is Charlotte Long.Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code AFTERDARK sign up at https://historyhit/subscription/ You can take part in our listener survey here.

Delve into the grim world of medieval torture and executions in England. Learn about the brutal methods used, including hanging, drawing, and quartering. Explore the reality of the rack and misconceptions about torture in medieval England. Compare medieval views on punishment and violence with modern standards. Discover the use of crushing in court proceedings and the effectiveness of extracting pleas.

Mary Ann Cotton is known as the first British female serial killer. A trail of bodies, many her own children, followed her through life. Bodies she happened to have insurance policies out on. Arsenic appears to have been her poison. How very Victorian.But Mary Ann Cotton was only proved to be guilty of killing one of her alleged victims. So was she really a serial killer? How hard could life be for working class women in Victorian society?Maddy tells Anthony the story.Edited by Tom Delargy. Produced by Freddy Chick. Senior Producer is Charlotte Long.Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code AFTERDARK sign up at https://historyhit/subscription/ You can take part in our listener survey here.