After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal

Helen Rappaport, a renowned expert on the Russian Revolution and the Romanov family, delves into the haunting final days of Tsar Nicholas II and his family. She highlights the socio-economic disparities that contributed to their downfall and Alexandra's struggle to fit societal expectations. The podcast also covers the chaos leading up to the abdication and the desperate circumstances faced by the family during their house arrest. Rappaport offers expert insights into the significance of their tragic fate and the historical context surrounding their last days.

Dive into the chilling story of Mary Mallon, known as Typhoid Mary, who unknowingly spread disease across communities. Learn about the societal implications of her actions and the public's obsession with her life. Explore her tragic isolation as an asymptomatic carrier, battling stigma while seeking work. The podcast reveals a deeper narrative, highlighting the evolution of public health and the complexities of living with such a notorious label. Discover the grim legacy left behind and the advancements in medical science that followed.

In a fascinating discussion, Dr. Mikki Brock, a historian specializing in religion and the supernatural in early modern Scotland, unpacks the evolving notion of the devil. She explores the haunting tale of 'Half-Hang Maggie' and the societal fears tied to her resurrection. The conversation dives into the tensions of 17th-century Scottish Calvinism and the impact of the Enlightenment on perceptions of evil. Dr. Brock also highlights the lasting influence of the devil in modern culture and politics, revealing deep-seated human fears that persist today.

Dive into the chaotic twilight of Henry VIII's reign, where declining health met political strife. Explore the stark contrast between his rotting body and the royal image portrayed in Holbein's portrait. Discover the power struggles among women in his life and the eerie silence surrounding his death. Unpack the urgencies of succession and the strategic legacy left for his children. With a mix of humor and history, this tale sheds light on a turbulent monarch's final days and lasting impact on England's future.

In this insightful conversation, Professor Michelle Brock, a specialist in the history of religion and the supernatural, details the evolution of the devil's image throughout history. She reveals how the devil transitioned from an abstract notion to a beautiful yet fearsome figure during the medieval period. The discussion delves into 17th century Scotland, examining the witch trials, societal fears, and the impact of Calvinist beliefs. Brock also explores the devil's role in spiritual warfare, highlighting its significance in church engagement and moral guidance.

(2/2) As the Great Fire of London worsens mob rule begins to appear and a hunt for a scapegoat takes over. Maddy Pelling tells Anthony Delaney the story, including a special contribution from Pete Zymanczyk, a retired LFB firefighter who is now a City of London Guide. They offer dozens of historical tours of the City of London. Find out more: https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Edited by Tomos Delargy. Produced by Freddy Chick. 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.After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The moment Mary Queen of Scots set foot in England, she became Elizabeth I's prisoner. Mary was fleeing from war and misogyny, hoping for help from her fellow queen. What lay ahead was twenty years of increasingly desperate imprisonment and, eventually, her death.Maddy Pelling and Anthony Delaney's guest to tell this story is Jade Scott author of the new book Captive Queen: The Decrypted History of Mary, Queen of Scots.Edited by Matt Peaty. Produced by Freddy Chick. 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.After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(1/2) London's Burning! London's Burning! Disaster strikes in 1666 as the dense, mostly wooden, city of London begins to burn. Who started the fire? Why did it spread like none before or since?Maddy Pelling tells Anthony Delaney the story, including a special contribution from Pete Zymanczyk, a retired LFB firefighter who is now a City of London Guide. They offer dozens of historical tours of the City of London. Find out more: https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Edited by Matt Peaty. Produced by Freddy Chick. 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.After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grigori Rasputin, Russian mystic, survived multiple assassination attempts on the same night. He was poisoned, he was shot, he was drowned in a freezing St Petersburg river. His corpse was emasculated. What is myth here and what is truth? Who was the real Rasputin? Why did so many people want him dead?Our guest today is Douglas Smith, author of the acclaimed biography Rasputin: The BiographyEdited by Tomos Delargy. Produced by Sophie Gee. 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/All3 MediaAfter Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What lurks beneath the dark waters of Loch Ness? The legendary monster? A piece of Celtic folklore? A warning of the Nazis' rise to power? A fraudster?Today Anthony and Maddy are examining grainy photographs, picking over descriptions of monsters and trying to work out what it all means.Written by Anthony Delaney. Edited by Tom Delargy. Produced by Freddy Chick. Senior Producer is Charlotte Long.This episode contains sound effects from Zapsplat.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.After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.