After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal
After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal explores the darker side of history, covering topics like haunted pubs, witch trials, and UFO sightings. Hosted by historians Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling, the podcast releases new episodes every Monday and Thursday. It is produced by History Hit, a history channel and podcast network based in the UK.
Episodes
America's 'Innocent Axe-Murderer' Lizzie Borden
Today we're revisiting an episode which explores one of the most infamous trials in American history. Lizzie Borden's story is breathtaking even today.In 1893 she was accused of using an axe to murder her father and step-mother.The case obsessed America and despite evidence against her, Lizzie was let off. Was that justice? Maddy Pelling tells Anthony Delaney the story today.Edited by Tomos Delarg
How Grim Were Victorian Slums?
We've spent a lot of time in of Victorian London on this podcast- a world of cobbled streets, grimy buildings and crowded homes. But how accurate is this- what was it really like to live in the slums of Victorian London?Our guest today is Dr. Jackie Riding! Jackie is a specialist in the history of the 18th and 19th centuries, and her most recent book, ‘Hard Streets: Working-Class Lives in Charlie
Dark History From The Caribbean Plantations
In 1675, a planned uprising by the enslaved people of Barbados was crushed before it had a chance to come to fruition. For three years, the conspirators' lives revolved around secrecy. But the discovery of their plan resulted in brutal reprisals by the British, and the deaths of over forty people.In this episode, Anthony and Maddy are joined by Dr Misha Ewen from the University of Sussex to discus
When Medieval Peasants Attacked London
In 1381, thousands of ordinary people rose up against the Crown, marched on London, and came close to bringing England’s political establishment to its knees... In this episode, Anthony and Maddy are joined by our very own Matt Lewis to discuss the Peasants’ Revolt: why it happened, who led it, and what this extraordinary uprising tells us about life in medieval England.This episode was edited by
Georgian London's Celebrity Criminal
What is it about a ‘bad boy’ that we love? That’s as true today as it was in the 18th century. In this episode of After Dark, Anthony and Maddy unravel the extraordinary rise, daring escapes, and final end of Jack Sheppard- the thief who became history's first celebrity criminal...This episode was edited by Hannah Feodorov. Produced by Tomos Delargy and McKenna Fernandez. The senior producer was F
The Wild Story of America's Biggest Traitor
Benedict Arnold was celebrated as a war hero of the American Revolution before he betrayed George Washington and the Continental Army by joining the British.In today's episode Anthony and Maddy take you through his rise and infamous plot to hand over West Point, cementing his name as history's ultimate symbol of treachery.This episode was edited by Anna Brant. Produced by Tomos Delargy and McKenna
Is This New York's Craziest Murder Case?
This week we're revisiting a favourite episode set in New York at the end of the 20th century.The year is 1897, and this murder case has it all: a villain, an incredibly useless police force, and a duck who saves the day.The incredible Dr Cat Byers (@heymorguegirl) joins Maddy and Anthony to tell this story.Edited by Tomos Delargy. Produced by Freddy Chick. Senior Producer is Charlotte Long.After
Magdalene Laundries: Ireland's Dark Secret
The Magdalene Laundries existed throughout Ireland up until the late 20th century. Women and young girls were sent to these institutions that were run by orders of nuns. They were told they could not leave, and were forced to work - all because they were perceived to be ‘fallen’ and in need of salvation, fixing. It is a truly dark and complex history we are only now beginning to really peel back t
The Brutal Murder of Catherine Howard
Today we're delving back into the After Dark vaults to revisit our classic episode on the death of the short-lived Tudor queen.In 1540 Henry VIII was getting old, and his eyes turned to teenager Catherine Howard.He fell hard and fast for Catherine - his "rose without a thorn" - but when he found out about her past, all hell broke loose.Amidst all the panic and confusion, who was this young woman w
18th Century France's Most Outrageous Spy
The Chevalier d’Éon was one of France’s most daring spies... until they began making headlines for all the wrong reasons.Armed with explosive state secrets and at the centre of a very public scandal over their identity, d’Éon went from trusted agent to international sensation.Join Anthony and Maddy as they explore this story of espionage, blackmail and disguise.This episode was edited by Anna Bran
The Spy Who Fooled The Nazis
She was the only person during World War Two to parachute from Britain behind enemy lines into Nazi-occupied Germany, all while wearing a dress.Who was Agent Zo? And what were the incredible missions she was involved in as part of the Polish resistance?Joining Anthony and Maddy to tell her story today is author and historian Clare Mulley, who wrote the book Agent Zo: The Untold Story of a Fearless
The Murder That Changed Britain
Ruth Ellis made history in 1955 when she was the last woman hanged in Britain.She shot and killed her abusive lover, the racing driver David Blakely, at point blank range on a spring evening outside a pub.What events led up to this seemingly cold-blooded moment? And is it right that Ellis was recently granted a pardon for this murder?Trigger warning: this episode contains themes of abuse which som
How To Be A Medieval Spy
Look closely at the Bayeux Tapestry and you will see a medieval spy.But far from the world of James Bond gadgetry, what was medieval spycraft like? Why were they referred to as 'little birds'? And why were women often used in medieval espionage?Joining Anthony and Maddy today is Professor of Medieval History at Cardiff University and expert in all things medieval spycraft, Jenny Benham.This episod
What Did The Vikings Do With Their Dead?
The world of Viking death rituals and their beliefs surrounding the afterlife is truly fascinating... What happened when a Viking died? What ceremonies and practices did they partake in? And what awaited the spirits of the dead when they departed the world of the living? Today we welcome our returning guest and go-to expert on all things Viking Eleanor Baraclough! Eleanor is a historian and a
Wild Shipwreck and Cannibal Story That Inspired Moby Dick
When a whaling ship sank in 1820, her crew were cast adrift thousands of miles from land, and faced starvation, madness, and death. Their ordeal would become one of the most extraordinary survival stories in maritime history… and would become immortalised by Herman Melville's novel, Moby-Dick.This episode was edited by Hannah Feodorov. The producer was Tomos Delargy. Senior Producer is Freddy Chic
Britain's Bloodiest Mutiny
The captain of the HMS Hermione was a sadist even by the not-very-high standards of the British Royal Navy in the 1700's. He was a prolific flogger, subjecting his crew to the cat-of-nine-tails. It was hardly a surprise when his crew rose up and mutinied. Even if the British Navy couldn't for one second let them get away unpunished.This is the brutal and bloody story of Britain's most horrific mut
Murder In The Medici Court
In Medici Florence there were two ways of maintaining power - one was money and the other was murder. Isabella de’ Medici was the believed daughter of the Medici patriarch, a patron of the arts and a sparkling wit. But that meant nothing to her own husband, who murdered her, or her own brother, who turned a blind eye.Maddy and Anthony are joined by Estelle Paranque author of numerous books, includ
The Most Disastrous Voyage in Navy History
It's hard to wrap your head around all the disasters that befell Captain Anson's Royal Navy voyage around the world in the 1740s. Rampant scurvy, horrendous storms, marooning and mutiny to name but a few. 90% of the original crew never returned. Those who made it back to Britain were hailed as heroes for surviving!The one and only Dan Snow joins Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling for this unbelieva
Britain's Worst Airship Disaster
"It's like the Titanic, except you've never heard of it. And in a way, it's even weirder."So says today's guest, Cautionary Tales' host, Tim Harford, about the disastrous story he's taking Anthony and Maddy through.Airships were the ocean liners of the skies, and in the 1920s, Britain had ambitions to connect the Empire in this way. Until it all went tragically wrong.Listen to more of Tim's Cautio
Would You Rather Be On The Titanic Or In Pompeii?
Sound the trumpets! The day has finally arrived: Maddy Pelling is back on After Dark!To welcome her back into the coven, we're playing a game of historical 'Would You Rather?'. Listen on to hear Anthony and Maddy decide between the many awful scenarios in history they would rather find themselves in.If you've also asked yourself, 'Would you rather be a 17th century plague doctor or an 19th century
The Story of England's First Drag Queen
Born John Cooper, "Princess Seraphina" was one of the first English Drag Queens. Princess Seraphina was an 18th-century gentleman’s servant who openly embraced her feminine drag persona. But in May 1732, a man named Thomas Gordon robbed her of her clothes and money. The court case that followed was astounding.Today Anthony Delaney takes Kate Lister back to the riotous streets of 18th century
The Woman Who Had Sex With Ghosts
Ida Craddock is a name that should be much, much better known. She was a maverick sex educator who fought violent censorship in turn of the century America. She also loudly announced to the world that she was married to a ghost and that their sex life was great, thank you very much.Dr Kate Lister tells this story taken from her new book Flick: The Story of Female Pleasure, available everywhere.Edi
The Tragic Execution of a Victorian Murderess
In 1856, Martha Brown was led to the scaffold and hanged for the murder of her abusive husband. Her execution was clearly an injustice, even at the time. While Martha was condemned, multiple other female killers were spared the noose. In this episode, Anthony talks with Dr Rose Wallis from the University of West England Bristol about the societal implications of Martha's fate.Edited by Hannah Feod
The Witch Men of Iceland
When we think of the great witch trials of history, we usually picture innocent women accused of impossible crimes... but that wasn't always the case.In the frozen, windswept landscapes of 17th-century Iceland, a wave of witch trials led to the persecution and execution of men accused of practising dark magic.Why were male witches feared more than female ones? And what happens when ancient Norse m
The Secret Lesbian Affair under Mary Queen of Scots
16th century Scotland was a hard time to be a woman, far harder if you happened to be a woman who loved women. Yet from this dark time a dazzling lightness has survived - the secret lesbian love poetry of Marie Maitland. Marie's story is groundbreaking, uplifting and heartbreaking and is being shared with the world for the first time by our guest today Ashley Douglas whose new book With My Own Han
The Murder Network That Terrified Versailles
In 17th century France, Louis XIV's court sparkled with luxury. It also teemed with poison, occult rituals and aristocrats trying to murder their way up the social ladder.What started with one poisoned Easter pie uncovered a criminal network stretching from the backstreets of Paris to the bedchamber of the Sun King himself.Joining Anthony to uncover this criminal underworld is special guest co-hos
History's Greatest Ghosts with Uncanny's Danny Robins
In this special episode of After Dark. Anthony and Uncanny’s Danny Robins delve into historical ghost stories and explore why our obsession with death and the paranormal remains an integral part of the human experience.Danny will be at the Crossed Wires podcast festival, which takes place between 2nd-5th July in Sheffield. All tickets, including Danny’s headline show of Uncanny Cold Cases and his
Most Famous Murder In Ancient Egypt
Millenia ago, a plot was hatched within the highest echelons of Egyptian society which ended with royal blood being spilt. This assassination, known as the Harem Conspiracy, and the following trial would fascinate historians for the next three thousand years... Who was behind the plot? How close did they come to seizing the throne? And what can archaeology tell us about Egyptian society as a whole
The Dark History of the Quakers
17th century England was a world turned upside down.A civil war resulted in King Charles I being executed, and from this moment a religious movement called the Quakers grew rapidly.Far from the pacifists we think of them as today, Quaker leaders shocked the country with their radical approach, including attempts to resurrect the dead.Taking us back to the 17th century today is Dr Erica Canela, his
The Sicilian Catacombs of the Living Dead
*Warning: this episode contains discussions of child death*Deep beneath the sunny streets of Palermo Sicily, the Capuchin Catacombs are home to over a thousand people, most of them still standing in their Sunday best.Why did the residents of the catacombs want to be buried standing up? And how have their remains survived centuries?Joining Anthony today as a special guest co-host is Cat Irving, Hum
How Boudica Took On The Roman Empire
Ancient Britain was occupied by the Romans, and tension was building with local tribes.Their brutal occupation reached a breaking point.So what happened when Queen Boudica stood up to the might of the Roman Empire? Bloody battles followed and Roman occupation in Britain changed forever. Her incredible life and story will shock and surprise you.Taking you back to Iron Age Britain is the incredible
The Gruesome History of Sexual Disease
*Warning: this episode contains discussions of puss*Gonorrhea and syphilis are no laughing matter, especially in a time before antibiotics.How were symptoms first recorded and what were the disturbing treatments people endured?Joining Anthony today as a special guest co-host is Cat Irving, Human Remains Conservator at Surgeons’ Hall in Edinburgh, to take us back through this gruesome history.Edite
Who tried to kill Queen Victoria?
Queen Victorian was an icon of Britain at the zenith of its power... but that didn't mean she was invulnerable to attack. In today’s episode, we’ll be exploring some of the many assassination attempts on Victoria's life. We’ll be discussing the massive changes Britain was experiencing during this time and how this might have motivated these attackers… Some of them are pretty wild.Our guest today i
Burke & Hare's Serial Killing Dissection Business
What did Ancient Egyptians discover while dissecting bodies? What did the first medieval dissecting manual say? Who were the serial killers who supplied 19th century surgeons with bodies in Edinburgh?Joining Anthony today as a special guest co-host is Cat Irving, Human Remains Conservator at Surgeons’ Hall in Edinburgh, to take us back through this bloody history.Edited by Anna Brant and Tim Arsta
Ancient Rome's Bloodiest Murders
Today we're delving back to an early episode of After Dark, where Anthony and Maddy explore the goriest murders of Ancient Rome.From flesh-eating fish and humiliating deaths inside sacks, to a deadly re-enactment of the Icarus myth. For a culture that is seen as an emblem of civilisation (whatever that means), the Romans expended a lot of creative energy on inventing new ways to kill people. And o
The Doctor Who Shocked Victorian Britain
What lurks behind the door of Dr. Kahn's Grand Anatomical Museum in Victorian London?Step inside and find out what shocked the public (and medical establishment) of the 19th century Britain so much, that it was eventually forced to close.To take you there today, Anthony is joined by guest co-host Cat Irving, Human Remains Conservator at Surgeons’ Hall in Edinburgh.Edited by Anna Brant and Tim Arst
Inside the Egyptian Underworld
For the Ancient Egyptians, death marked the beginning of a new chapter: a journey through a shadowy realm of trials, monsters, and divine judgment, ruled by the God Osiris. What does the Ancient Egyptian Underworld, the Duat, tell us about their culture, their society and morality?Our guest for today is Dr. Campbell Price! Campbell is our go-to Ancient Egypt expert, he is Curator of Egypt and Suda
400 Year Old Artist's Dark Revenge
Artemisia Gentileschi's paintings personify female rage against men. She paints women beheading men, hammering nails into their skulls, brandishing their dead faces. In her personal life, Artemisia was the victim of sexual abuse, torture and public shaming. Can we read her traumatic personal life into her work?Edited by Anna Brant and Hannah Feodorov. Produced by Stuart Beckwith. Senior Producer i
BONUS: Hear a chapter of Maddy's new book, Hoax
Hear a chapter of Maddy's new book, "Hoax: Truth and Lies in the Age of Enlightenment". It's out now! It's the story of three women and their hoaxes in the age of Enlightenment. One saw ghosts, the other claimed magic powers, the third was a Princess. Were these hoaxes entirely of their own making? Why were the public transfixed?For more information, click here.After Dark will return to its normal
Human Sacrifice In The Aztec Empire
When you think of the Aztec Empire, what do you picture? Human sacrifice?In today's episode, Anthony is joined by Aztec expert Dr. Caroline Dodds Pennock, to unpack why we fetishise the Aztecs in this way, why ritualised violence is certainly not limited to this civilisation in this time in history, and who it benefitted to think of them in this way.Edited by Hannah Feodorov. Produced by Stuart Be
The Dark Mystery of Princess Caraboo
Today we are celebrating the upcoming publication of Maddy's new book 'Hoax: Truth and Lies in the Age of Enlightenment' by sharing one of the stories from it. This is the story of a fake Princess from far-off lands who hoaxed Georgian Britain. What was the truth of her story?Get your copy here: https://profilebooks.com/work/hoax/Edited by Hannah Feodorov and Anna Brant. Produced by Tomos Delargy.
The Haunting of Cock Lane
Today we are celebrating the upcoming publication of Maddy's new book 'Hoax: Truth and Lies in the Age of Enlightenment' by sharing one of the stories from it. The haunting of Cock Lane is the most iconic ghost story in London's long history, taking place in the year 1762. Was it a hoax?Pre-order your copy of Maddy's book now: https://profilebooks.com/work/hoax/Maddy tells Anthony Delaney the stor
Speaking with the Dead: Ancient Necromancy
In Ancient Mesopotamia, the boundary between the living and the dead was not always fixed... some even believed it could be crossed. But why would the living seek counsel from the dead? How common were these practices? And what answers did people hope the spirits might reveal?In this episode, Anthony is joined by the brilliant Dr. Irving Finkel! Irving is a returning guest and Curator in the Depar
Dark Side of Prehistoric Britain
Across prehistoric Britain people raised vast stone circles, buried their dead in monumental tombs, and left offerings in rivers and bogs. Archaeologists have uncovered skeletons bearing signs of violence, carefully arranged human bones, and bodies that may have been killed in ritual…Out guest today is fan favourite Ronald Hutton. Ronald is a returning guest, having been on numerous episodes of Af
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
On a summer day in Sarajevo in 1914, a young man fired two rounds of his pistol in the middle of the street, killing a Royal couple... He didn't know it then, but his actions would cause a chain reaction, resulting in the First World War. But who were Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, the Duchess Sofie? What kind of relationship did they have? And how did a single, chaotic day unravel into on
Titanic's Biggest Myths Debunked
Is it true that third-class passengers were locked below decks? Or that more lifeboats would have saved more lives? Did the band really play as the Titanic went down? Anthony is joined once again by the marvellous Gareth Russell to debunk the myths around the disaster. Gareth's book is The Ship of Dreams: The Sinking of the Titanic and the End of the Edwardian Era.Research by Phoebe Joyce. Edited
The Murder that Shook Mary Queen of Scots
On the night of Saturday the 9th of March, 1566, a pregnant Mary Queen of Scots was having a dinner party.It was a night that ended in the brutal murder of one of her closest friends, David Rizzio, led by her husband, Lord Darnley.How did this happen? How did Mary handle this traumatic moment? And did Mary have a Scottish or French accent?!Joining Anthony once more as special guest co-host is auth
The Victorian Sex Scandal of Fanny & Stella
The Victorians are seen as the ultimate guardians of rigid gender boundaries.When Fanny Park and Stella Boulton transgressed those imagined lines, they triggered a scandal that reached the length and breadth of Britain.To tell this story Anthony is joined by HRH Aphrodite, historian, artist and drag queen.You can now watch After Dark on Youtube: www.youtube.com/@afterdarkhistoryhitEdited by Hannah
Henry VIII's Descent into Darkness
He's known as one of history's most murderous kings, but was he always a monster? Or was he acting in ways expected of a king during his time.Joining Anthony as special guest co-host is author and historian Gareth Russell, to explore the theories that support the latter.Did the break from Rome set him off on a violent spiral? Did a fall from a horse in a jousting tournament really start his descen
The Victorian Era's Wildest Murder
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.
The Real Outlander
The book and TV series "Outlander" has introduced millions of fans to Scottish history and the story of the Jacobites.One of those fans is Maddy Pelling! Maddy is back (in a pre-recorded episode) to delve into the tragic story of the Bonnie Prince Charlie and his army.Joining her today is Dr. Alexandra Dold, expert and scholar in all things Outlander, to take you back to the 18th century Scottish
The Man Who Ate Everything
Listener warning: this episode contains a description of cruelty to animalsOne of the strangest tales to emerge from Napoleonic France was that of Tarrare - the man who ate everything. The stories go that he ate corks, cats, snakes and was even guilty of cannibalism. Is this myth or reality? Anthony is joined by Dr Cat Byers, historian of the Paris Morgue to tell this tale.Edited by Tim Arstall. P
Britain's First Ghost Hunt
It was the original modern ghost hunt, the one that set the template for all the haunted houses to come. When a wealthy plantation family moves into a crumbling Georgian mansion in the 1760's the haunting begins. By the end even royalty were on tenterhooks. Eleanor Janega joins Anthony Delaney for this episode.Edited by Tim Arstall. Produced by Stuart Beckwith.You can now watch After Dark on Youtu
Dark Side of the Celts: Wicker Men and Trophy Heads
The Ancient Celts: feared in battle, guided by Druids, and bound together by ritual.Long before Rome pushed north, Celtic peoples ruled forests, hilltops, and river valleys. But in this episode we'll be discussing the darker aspects of this ancient civilisation...We are very lucky to be joined by Professor Ronald Hutton as our guest. Ronald is a returning fan favourite having been on numerous epis
Were the Princes in the Tower murdered?
It's one of history's greatest mysteries - 'what happened to the Princes in the Tower?' In 1483, young Edward V and his brother Richard were awaiting Edward's coronation. But next thing we know, they vanished and their uncle Richard III has taken the throne. So what happened?Eleanor Janega guides Anthony through this episode, with a special guest appearance by Eleanor's 'Gone Medieval' co-host Mat
The Human Cost of Fame
You might think the idea of “celebrity” is a modern invention. In reality, its roots stretch back centuries... perhaps even millennia. People have always been fascinated by the rare individuals who rise above the crowd and capture public attention. Whether admired or despised, the famous have always held a powerful grip on our curiosity.In this episode, we explore the dark origins of 'celebrity':
The Black Death As It Happened
Eyewitness accounts of life during the Black Death are surprising. Sure, there's horror. But there's also d*ck jokes, complicated scientific theories, and buttock-obsessed priests. Taking Anthony through it all is Dr Eleanor Janega, from our sister podcast 'Gone Medieval'.Edited by Hannah Feodorov and Anna Brant. Research by Phoebe Joyce. Produced by Freddy Chick.You can now watch After Dark on Yo
Who Killed Julius Caesar?
In 44 BCE, Roman senators assassinated Julius Caesar to stop his ascent towards becoming a king. Dr Jess Venner takes Anthony blow-by-blow through the deadly events of the Ides of March.Dr Jess Venner's new book The Lost Voices of Pompeii: The Final Day in Seven Lives' will be out in April.This episode was edited by Hannah Feodorov. Produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Freddy Chick
The Medieval Murder of Thomas Becket
Anthony is joined by the iconic Eleanor Janega from our sister podcast 'Gone Medieval' to tell the story of the most famous murder of the medieval world - Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Cantebury.How did a bromance between Thomas and his king turn into a deadly divide between church and crown?This episode was edited by Hannah Feodorov. Produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Freddy Chic
Mysterious History of Tarot Cards
Maddy and Anthony get their Tarot cards read by Melissa Mercury! As well as reading their cards, Melissa tells us about the history of Tarot cards and who is responsible for their iconic design.Find out why Swords aren't always bad and why the Death card can be good news!This episode was edited by Tim Arstall. Produced by Tomos Delargy and Vilde Oksnes. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.You can
Origins of Victorian Murder Detectives
We have an image in our heads of Victorian Homicide Detectives, but what was the reality? Who were they? What murder cases shaped their history? What methods did they use? Were they anything at all like Sherlock Holmes?Anthony Delaney takes Maddy Pelling on this journey through the history of the Victorian Homicide Detective.Edited by Tim Arstall, produced by Freddy Chick.You can now watch After D
Who Was the Man In The Iron Mask?
For decades a mysterious figure was held prisoner by Louis XIV. His face was covered, his identity was a secret beyond all others. Why? Who was this figure? How much of the story is myth and how much is fact? Maddy Pelling tells Anthony Delaney the story today.This episodes was edited by Tim Arstall. Produced by Stuart Beckwith and researched by Phoebe Joyce. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Y
The Dark Truth about the Haitian Revolution
The Haitian Revolution is the only successful, permanent slave revolt in history, resulting in the creation of an independent state.Haiti is also the first modern nation of the world to permanently abolish slavery.So what happened the August night of 1791 when the enslaved people of what was known as Saint-Domingue, rose up and started burning plantations?It's a history that involves American and
The French Revolution's Reign of Terror
The French Revolution was famously inspired by ideals such as republicanism and individual liberty. Yet, for all its promises of freedom, the Revolution also descended into what is often considered its darkest chapter... the Reign of Terror.Today's guest is Dr Michael Rapport, a Reader in Modern European History at the University of Glasgow and is author of works including ‘The Napoleonic Wars: A
The Dark Truth about Wuthering Heights
Wuthering Heights, written by Emily Brontë in 1847, depicts a gothic world full of violence and passion, set against the wild Yorkshire Moors.So how did the daughter of a clergyman create such a story? How was it received at the time? And what darkness and intrigue happened in the Brontê's lives that could have influenced such stories?With a new Wuthering Heights film being released, Anthony and M
Bloody Beginning of the French Revolution
The Storming of the Bastille in 1789 marked the beginning of the French Revolution... the day a Parisian crowd stormed the royal fortress-prison that had come to embody absolutist power. This is the story of how mounting unrest erupted into full-scale revolution, and how one looming stone fortress became a lasting symbol of freedom, violence, and the power of the people.Today’s guest is Michael Ra
Al Capone and the Valentine's Day Massacre
Bootleg liquor. Tommy guns. Gangs ruling the city with crooked cops.The Valentine's Day Massacre in 1929 Chicago sounds cinematic, but the fear and the bloodshed was very real.What was the perfect storm that created this horrifying moment? How did it unfold? And how did the cops finally catch their man?Joining Anthony and Maddy today is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jonathan Eig, to take us ba
Dark Truth About Victorian 'Freak Shows'
Julia Pastrana was a Mexican woman exploited as a sideshow attraction in life and grotesquely exhibited even after her death because of her appearance. Her story is part of the dark history of the Victorian 'freak show'. Anthony tells Maddy the story.This episode was edited by Hannah Feodorov. Produced by Stuart Beckwith and researched by Phoebe Joyce.You can now watch After Dark on Youtube! www.y
Essex's Darkest Witch Hunt
This is the story of a 16th century cunning woman, a folk healer, who was found guilty of being a witch. Accusations spiralled until more than a dozen women faced the threat of death. The St Osyth witch hunt became a landmark case, setting a dark precedent for the witch hunts that would explode across the country in the century that followed.Our guest today is Marion Gibson, author of 'Witchcraft:
Who Was the Witchfinder General?
Mathew Hopkins, also known as the ‘Witchfinder General,’ was responsible for a campaign of terror across 17th-century England. In just a few short feverish years, his witch hunts swept through East Anglia, resulting in the deaths of dozens of people… Edited by Tim Arstall, Produced by Tom Delargy, Senior Producer was Freddy Chick.You can now watch After Dark on Youtube! www.youtube.com/@after
Inside A Medieval Leper Colony
Come back with us to a Medieval leper colony.What was life really like for patients inside the gates? What did it mean when the 'leper bell' rang? And what happened at a 'living funeral'?Join Anthony and Maddy as they separate popular myth from fact, taking you through a typical day inside a leper colony in medieval Europe.This episode was edited by Tim Arstall. Produced by Freddy Chick and resear
The Victorian's Dark Obsession with Ancient Egypt
The Victorians had a lot of twisted fascinations, but their fixation on Ancient Egypt might be the darkest of the lot.From 'mummy unwrapping parties' (yes, really), to gothic stories of romances with mummified bodies and beetles that came to life.Was this a desire to connect with the past? Something darker? Or maybe both.Joining Anthony and Maddy today is historian and author Dr Jay Sullivan, to h
The Deadly Arctic Witch Trials
It all started when a huge storm drowned 40 men on Christmas Eve, 1617.The people of Vardø, northern Norway, needed someone to blame.What followed were devastating witch trials which featured one of the highest execution rates in Europe, and implicated the town's women and the surrounding indigenous population.Joining Anthony and Maddy to delve into this icy world is author and historian Marion Gi
The Great Fire of London As It Happened
The Fire that struck London in 1666 was one of the city's darkest chapters. In this episode, Anthony and Maddy examine the accounts of people who witnessed the disaster at the time, tracing the story from its origin in Pudding Lane right up until its dying embers...Who quickly did the Fire spread? How did the terrified population turn to scapegoating the innocent? And how did the aftermath of this
Day in the Life of a Salem Puritan
What did it feel like to wake up Salem Village during the darkest days of the witch trials? Would you be able to swallow down your beer and pottage breakfast? As you walked towards the simple wooden Meetinghouse in the afternoon, what feeling would have been in your breast? Anthony & Maddy are on a quest to find out!Sign up to History Hit to watch this and hundreds of other original documenta
Inside the Victorian Asylum
One of the dark symbols of the Victorian age is the asylum. It struck fear into the mind but what was the reality of life inside its walls? Maddy Pelling tells Anthony Delaney the story today.Edited by Richard Powers, Produced by Stuart Beckwith, Senior Producer was Freddy Chick.You can now watch After Dark on Youtube! www.youtube.com/@afterdarkhistoryhitSign up to History Hit for hundreds of hour
The Truth About the Conjuring's Ghost Hunters
Ghost hunting couple Ed and Lorraine Warren transformed twentieth century America into an enchanted land dotted with haunted houses, cursed objects, and portals to hell. Their exploits are the basis for the Conjuring movie franchise. They are the originators of the Annabelle doll. They are the most famous demon hunters ever. Who were the Warrens? Did they make it up? Or did they believe it all?Mad
Banshees: Herald of Death
Today we're delving back into the After Dark vaults to revisit our episode on Banshees...Siobhan McSweeney (Derry Girls) joins Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling for the story of the Banshee.The Banshee is a female spirit in Irish folklore who heralds the death of a family member, usually by shrieking, or keening. Anthony tells us a story about one dying man in 1772 who is called to his death by he
Ghosts of Henry VIII's Palace
We’re re-running this episode because it’s one of our favourites — and it’s worth another listen!The ghost of Catherine Howard, fifth wife of Henry VIII, screaming down a corridor. A nursemaid's spinning wheel clicking in the walls. Robed Tudor figures slamming open fire exits. A noisy group of ghosts haunt Hampton Court Palace.Tracy Borman, Joint Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces, joins Mad
Dark Truth About Sweeney Todd
Sweeney Todd - the demon barber of Fleet Street who beheads people and then sends their bodies through a trapdoor to be made into pies. It's just a story right? Right? There's not any real history to it....or is there? Like two food inspectors examining a particularly noxious looking pie, Maddy and Anthony dig into the dark truths that led to Sweeney Todd's creations.This episode was edited by Tim
