After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal
History
About
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 Hi...
Episodes
- 400 Year Old Artist's Dark Revenge
This episode examines the work of 17th-century artist Artemisia Gentileschi, focusing on her powerful depictions of female rage and violence. It questions whether her traumatic personal life, including experiences of sexual abuse and publi…
- BONUS: Hear a chapter of Maddy's new book, Hoax
This episode features a reading from Maddy's book, "Hoax: Truth and Lies in the Age of Enlightenment." The chapter focuses on three women from the Enlightenment period who were involved in hoaxes, exploring themes of perceived ghosts, magi…
- Human Sacrifice In The Aztec Empire
Anthony speaks with Aztec expert Dr. Caroline Dodds Pennock about the prevalence and perception of human sacrifice in the Aztec Empire, exploring the historical context and the reasons behind the civilization's fetishisation.
- The Dark Mystery of Princess Caraboo
This episode discusses the story of Princess Caraboo, a historical figure who hoaxes Georgian Britain. The content is featured in Maddy's book, "Hoax: Truth and Lies in the Age of Enlightenment."
- The Haunting of Cock Lane
This episode discusses "The Haunting of Cock Lane," a famous 1762 ghost story, as featured in Maddy Outerbridge's book, "Hoax: Truth and Lies in the Age of Enlightenment." The discussion explores whether the haunting was a hoax.
- Speaking with the Dead: Ancient Necromancy
This episode of After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal examines ancient necromancy in Mesopotamia. Dr. Irving Finkel joins to discuss practices of seeking counsel from the dead and what people hoped to learn from spirits.
- Dark Side of Prehistoric Britain
Historian Ronald Hutton joins After Dark to discuss evidence of violence and ritual activity in prehistoric Britain. The episode explores archaeological findings including monumental tombs, stone circles, and human remains.
- Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Anthony and guest Gareth Russell examine the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Duchess Sophie, in Sarajevo in 1914. They discuss the couple's relationship and how the event initiated the First World War.
- Titanic's Biggest Myths Debunked
Anthony and guest Gareth Russell examine common myths surrounding the sinking of the Titanic. They discuss topics such as the treatment of third-class passengers, the role of lifeboats, and the actions of the ship's band.
- The Murder that Shook Mary Queen of Scots
Historian Gareth Russell joins host Anthony to discuss the 1566 murder of David Rizzio at the dinner party of Mary, Queen of Scots. They examine the circumstances surrounding the event, the involvement of Lord Darnley, and Mary's reaction.
- The Victorian Sex Scandal of Fanny & Stella
Historian and drag queen HRH Aphrodite joins Anthony to discuss the 19th-century lives and high-profile scandal of Fanny Park and Stella Boulton. The episode examines their transgression of Victorian gender norms.
- Henry VIII's Descent into Darkness
Historian Gareth Russell joins Anthony to examine the theories surrounding the reign of Henry VIII. They discuss whether his notorious actions were typical for a monarch of his time or symptomatic of a personal decline.
- The Victorian Era's Wildest Murder
This episode of After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal examines the 1879 murder of Julia Martha Thomas by her servant, Kate Webster, in Victorian London. It explores the details of the crime and what it reveals about life during that…
- The Real Outlander
Maddy Pelling and Dr. Alexandra Dold discuss the historical reality behind the Outlander series, focusing on the Jacobite uprisings and Bonnie Prince Charlie. The episode explores 18th-century Scottish history.
- The Man Who Ate Everything
Guest historian Dr. Cat Byers joins host Anthony to examine the story of Tarrare, an 18th-century Frenchman known for his insatiable appetite. They discuss the historical reports regarding his diet and allegations of cannibalism.
- Britain's First Ghost Hunt
Eleanor Janega joins Anthony Delaney to discuss the 1760s haunting of a Georgian mansion, widely considered the first modern ghost hunt. The episode explores how this case established the template for future investigations of haunted house…
- Dark Side of the Celts: Wicker Men and trophy heads
Professor Ronald Hutton joins the podcast to discuss the darker aspects of ancient Celtic civilization, including their rituals, the use of trophy heads, and the historical reality of the wicker man.
- Were the Princes in the Tower murdered?
Eleanor Janega and Matt Lewis discuss the mystery of what happened to the Princes in the Tower after they vanished in 1483. This episode examines the historical disappearance of Edward V and his brother Richard.
- The Human Cost of Fame
In this episode, public historian and author Greg Jenner explores the historical origins and evolution of celebrity, from ancient times to the modern era. The discussion covers how the concept of fame has shaped lives throughout history.
- The Black Death As It Happened
Dr. Eleanor Janega joins the podcast to discuss historical eyewitness accounts of the Black Death. The episode examines how people experienced and documented the pandemic.
- Who Killed Julius Caesar?
Dr. Jess Venner joins Anthony to recount the assassination of Julius Caesar on the Ides of March in 44 BCE. They discuss the events surrounding the conspiracy by Roman senators to prevent Caesar from becoming king.
- The Medieval Murder of Thomas Becket
Anthony and guest Eleanor Janega discuss the life and death of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the conflict between church and crown in the medieval period.
- Mysterious History of Tarot Cards
Maddy and Anthony have their Tarot cards read by Melissa Mercury, who discusses the history and design of the cards. They explore the meanings of specific cards, including the Swords and Death.
- Origins of Victorian Murder Detectives
Anthony Delaney joins Maddy Pelling to explore the reality of Victorian homicide detectives. The discussion examines their history, the murder cases that defined them, their investigative methods, and how they compare to fictional portraya…
- Who Was the Man In The Iron Mask?
Maddy Pelling joins Anthony Delaney to discuss the historical mystery of the Man in the Iron Mask, a prisoner held by Louis XIV. They examine the facts and myths surrounding his identity and confinement.
- The Dark Truth about the Haitian Revolution
In this episode, hosts Anthony and Maddy are joined by Professor Marlene Daut to discuss the origins and history of the Haitian Revolution. They explore the events of 1791 and the revolution's role in the permanent abolition of slavery.
- The French Revolution's Reign of Terror
Dr. Michael Rapport joins the show to discuss the French Revolution and the period known as the Reign of Terror. The episode examines how the revolution's ideals shifted into this dark chapter.
- The Dark Truth about Wuthering Heights
Anthony and Maddy explore the origins, historical reception, and biographical influences behind Emily Brontë's novel Wuthering Heights. The episode examines how the lives of the Brontë family in Victorian England shaped the gothic themes w…
- Bloody Beginning of the French Revolution
This episode of After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal examines the 1789 Storming of the Bastille and the start of the French Revolution. Guest Michael Rapport discusses the historical significance of the fortress as a symbol of powe…
- Al Capone and the Valentine's Day Massacre
Authors Anthony and Maddy are joined by Jonathan Eig to discuss the history of the 1929 Valentine's Day Massacre in Chicago. They examine the factors that led to the event, how it unfolded, and the subsequent investigation into Al Capone.
- Dark Truth About Victorian 'Freak Shows'
This episode covers the life of Julia Pastrana, a Mexican woman who was exploited as a Victorian sideshow attraction. It examines her experience and the broader history of Victorian 'freak shows'.
- Essex's Darkest Witch Hunt
This episode explores the 16th-century St Osyth witch hunt, where a folk healer's conviction initiated a series of accusations and trials. Marion Gibson joins the show to discuss how this case influenced future witch hunts across England.
- Who Was the Witchfinder General?
This episode explores the life of 17th-century witch hunter Mathew Hopkins, the 'Witchfinder General,' and his campaign of persecution across East Anglia.
- Inside A Medieval Leper Colony
Anthony and Maddy explore the realities of life in a medieval leper colony, examining the historical significance of the 'leper bell' and the 'living funeral' ritual. The episode distinguishes between common myths and historical facts rega…
- The Victorian's Dark Obsession with Ancient Egypt
Historian Dr. Jay Sullivan joins hosts Anthony and Maddy to discuss the Victorian era's fascination with Ancient Egypt. They explore phenomena including mummy unwrapping parties and gothic literature inspired by the period.
- The Deadly Arctic Witch Trials
Historian Marion Gibson joins Anthony and Maddy to discuss the 1617 witch trials in Vardø, Norway, following a storm that caused significant loss of life. The episode examines how the town's residents blamed local women and the indigenous…
- The Great Fire of London As It Happened
Anthony and Maddy examine eyewitness accounts of the Great Fire of London in 1666, discussing its origin at Pudding Lane, the spread of the fire, the resulting scapegoating, and its impact on the city's development.
- Day in the Life of a Salem Puritan
Hosts Anthony and Maddy explore the daily life of a resident in Salem Village during the period of the witch trials. They examine the atmosphere and routines of the time.
- Inside the Victorian Asylum
In this episode, Maddy Pelling discusses the reality of life inside Victorian asylums with host Anthony Delaney. They explore the history of these institutions and their role in the Victorian era.
- The Truth About the Conjuring's Ghost Hunters
In this episode, hosts Maddy and Anthony discuss the lives and claims of ghost hunters Ed and Lorraine Warren with guest Professor Joseph Laycock. The conversation explores whether the Warrens' accounts were fabricated or if they held genu…
- Banshees: Herald of Death
Siobhan McSweeney joins hosts Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling to explore the Irish folklore of the Banshee, a spirit said to herald death through keening. The episode includes the account of a man in 1772 who reportedly heard the Banshee…
- Ghosts of Henry VIII's Palace
Joint Chief Curator Tracy Borman joins hosts Maddy Pelling and Anthony Delaney to discuss the hauntings and history of Hampton Court Palace. The episode explores reports of apparitions including Catherine Howard and other Tudor-era figures.
- Dark Truth About Sweeney Todd
Maddy and Anthony investigate the historical origins and inspirations behind the story of Sweeney Todd, the demon barber of Fleet Street.
- The Most Notorious Viking Raid
Maddy and Anthony are joined by Dr. Eleanor Barraclough to discuss the Viking raid on the monastery at Lindisfarne and its historical impact. The episode explores the cultural and psychological effects of this event in North East England.
- Oscar Wilde's Very Victorian Scandal
In this episode, Anthony and Maddy discuss the 1895 trial of Oscar Wilde, who was charged with "Gross Indecency." They are joined by Wilde's grandson, Merlin Holland, to explore the author's life and legal challenges.
- Does Every Family Hold A Dark Past?
Maddy and Anthony explore their own family histories with help from Ancestry genealogists, uncovering darker stories within their family trees. This episode of After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal features research from Jenn Utley,…
- What Happened The Day Pompeii was Destroyed?
Historian Dr. Jess Venner joins hosts Anthony and Maddy to discuss the lives of Pompeii's inhabitants and the events surrounding the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. They explore archaeological findings that reveal the stories of the city's vic…
- The Dark Side of the Vikings
Historian Dr. Eleanor Barraclough joins hosts Anthony and Maddy to discuss the darker aspects of the Viking era, including human sacrifice and their relationship with magic.
- The Only Prime Minister Ever Assassinated
This episode explores the 1812 assassination of British Prime Minister Spencer Perceval by John Bellingham. It also examines the immediate political climate and fears of potential revolution following the murder.
- Who Was Medieval Europe's Most Evil Monarch?
In this episode of After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal, guest Dr. Eleanor Janega joins the host to discuss and analyze some of the most notorious and cruel monarchs of Medieval Europe to determine who was the worst of them all.