Podcast · History

After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal

by History Hit · English · History

<p>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.</p><br><p>Join historians Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling, every Monday and Thursday to take a look at the

New episodes: Several times a week
Typical length: 51 min
Latest: 8 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

8 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 1 minNew

The Real Werewolf Trials of Europe

You've heard of the witch trials, but have you heard of the werewolf trials?! This fascinating history takes us to back to the 16th and 17th centuries, when panic spread through villages in mainland Europe leading to a number of people being tried and executed as werewolves. What evidence did they have? How did they believe you turned into a werewolf? And why did one man in 1691 claim to be a werewolf fighting evil? This episode was edited by Anna Brant. Produced by Stuart Beckwith and McKenna Fernandez. The senior producer was Freddy Chick. Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of…

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Earlier episodes 28 most recent

E318 · 5 Oct 2026 · 58 min

The Dark Side of the Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales

When the studious, unassuming brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm left home for university, little did they know their fairy-tale collections would take Europe by storm. We've all heard of Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, and Rapunzel. But how well do we really know them? From severed limbs, blinded lovers, and some good old-fashioned cannibalism, these deliciously dark tales continue to entrance and horrify audiences today. Join Anthony and Maddy for a very After Dark-coded story time, as they explore and dissect the origins of these disturbing 'children's' stories. This episode was edited by…
E317 · 1 Oct 2026 · 57 min

"HMS Terror" Death on the Arctic Tundra

In 1845 two Royal Navy ships, HMS Terror & HMS Erebus , departed Britain on an expedition into the Arctic. Along their ill-fated icy expedition, they disappeared almost completely, becoming one of history's greatest maritime mysteries… In this episode, Anthony and Maddy follow the trail of clues left behind by the crew of this doomed voyage and uncover what really happened to them... Edited by Anna Brant. Produced by Tomos Delargy and McKenna Fernandez. Senior Producer is Freddy Chick. Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and…
E316 · 28 Sep 2026 · 51 min

Did Robin Hood Exist?

It's a story that's been around for a good 800 years, but is there any evidence that Robin Hood actually existed? Find out what really went on inside Sherwood Forest, how medieval outlaws lived, and why the Sheriff of Nottingham was a hated figure in the time. Delving into the historical records with us is medieval expert and co-host of our sister podcast, Gone Medieval , Matt Lewis. This episode was edited by Hanna Feodorov. Produced by Stuart Beckwith and McKenna Fernandez. The senior producer was Freddy Chick. Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a…
E315 · 24 Sep 2026 · 51 min

The Bloodiest Anglo Saxon Royal Murders

When the Romans left Britain in the 5th century, what happened next? The following centuries saw a messy and bloody struggle for power that left us with some gruesome royal murders. Taking us through the bloody details is medieval expert and co-host of our sister podcast, Gone Medieval, Matt Lewis. This episode was edited by Anna Brant. Produced by Stuart Beckwith and McKenna Fernandez. The senior producer was Freddy Chick. 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…
E314 · 21 Sep 2026 · 58 min

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 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…
E313 · 17 Sep 2026 · 53 min

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 Chaplin’s London’ was published earlier this year. Jackie, welcome to After Dark! This episode was edited by Anna Brant. Produced by Tomos Delargy and McKenna Fernandez. The senior producer was…
E312 · 14 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 2 min

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 discuss the uprising and how the violence of Barbados' became the blueprint for across Britain's plantation colonies in Jamaica and the American South. This episode was edited by Hannah Feodorov.…
E311 · 10 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 10 min

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 Anna Brant. Produced by Tomos Delargy and McKenna Fernandez. The senior producer was Freddy Chick. UK listeners: voting is now open for the Listener's Choice Award at this year's Podcast Awards!…
E310 · 7 Sep 2026 · 56 min

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 Freddy Chick. UK listeners: voting is now open for the Listener's Choice Award at this year's Podcast Awards! Click to place your vote on the Spotify mobile app: https://open.spotify.com/s/xhg6PJa…
E309 · 3 Sep 2026 · 44 min

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 Fernandez. The senior producer was Freddy Chick. UK listeners: voting is now open for the Listener's Choice Award at this year's Podcast Awards! Click to place your vote on the Spotify mobile…
E308 · 31 Aug 2026 · 39 min

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 Dark is a History Hit podcast. History Hit is part of Little Dot Studios, a Certified B Corp™ Voting is now open for the Listener's Choice Award at this year's Podcast Awards. Click to place…
E307 · 27 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 1 min

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 the layers on. To guide us today we have Dr. Louise Brangan of the LSE on the show. Her newest work is titled “The Fallen: The Lost Girls of Ireland's Magdalene Laundries and a Legacy of Silence.”…
E306 · 24 Aug 2026 · 52 min

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 who rose to be queen? Why did Henry VIII want her killed? And how should we remember her? Joining Anthony and Maddy is author and historian Gareth Russell, to help us get to know this woman. This…
E305 · 20 Aug 2026 · 59 min

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 Brant. The producer was Stuart Beckwith and McKenna Fernandez. The senior producer was Freddy Chick. UK listeners: voting is now open for the Listener's Choice Award at this year's Podcast Awards!…
E304 · 17 Aug 2026 · 48 min

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 Poland, 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 World War II Resistance Fighter. This episode was edited by Hannah Feodorov. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Freddy Chick. UK listeners only: Voting is now open for the…
E303 · 13 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 10 min

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 some may find upsetting. This episode was edited by Hannah Feodorov. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Freddy Chick. Voting is now open for the Listener's Choice Award at…
E302 · 10 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 5 min

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 episode was edited by Hannah Feodorov. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. Senior Producer is Freddy Chick. Voting is now open for the Listener's Choice Award at this year's Podcast Awards. Click to…
E301 · 6 Aug 2026 · 55 min

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 author of books including Embers of the Hands: Hidden Histories of the Viking Age . This episode was edited by Hannah Feodorov. The producer was Tomos Delargy. Senior Producer is Freddy Chick. Sign up to…
E300 · 3 Aug 2026 · 42 min

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 Chick. Voting is now open for the Listener's Choice Award at this year's Podcast Awards. Click to place your vote on the Spotify mobile app: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DX74ZgzrlyH29…
E299 · 30 Jul 2026 · 31 min

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 mutiny, told by the one and only Dan Snow! This episode was edited by Anna Brant. The producer was Tomos Delargy. Senior Producer is Freddy Chick. Voting is now open for the Listener's Choice Award at…
E298 · 27 Jul 2026 · 48 min

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, including most recently Thorns, Lust and Glory: the Betrayal of Anne Boleyn . This episode was edited by Amy Haddow. The producer was Tomos Delargy. Senior Producer is Freddy Chick. Sign up to History…
E297 · 23 Jul 2026 · 49 min

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 unbelievable tale of naval adventure and endurance. This episode was edited by Anna Brant. The producer was Tomos Delargy. Senior Producer is Freddy Chick. Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of…
E296 · 20 Jul 2026 · 50 min

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 Cautionary Tales here: https://timharford.com/etc/more-or-less/ Voting is now open for the Listener's Choice Award at this year's Podcast Awards. Click here to place your vote for After Dark! Thank…
E295 · 16 Jul 2026 · 48 min

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 body snatcher?', then you've come to the right place. This episode was edited by Anna Brant. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. Senior Producer is Freddy Chick. Sign up to History Hit for hundreds…
E294 · 13 Jul 2026 · 43 min

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 London. Anthony's book Queer Georgians is out now in paperback. Edited by Tim Arstall. Senior Producer is Freddy Chick. Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new…
E293 · 9 Jul 2026 · 49 min

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. Edited by Hannah Feodorov. Senior Producer is Freddy Chick. 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…
E292 · 6 Jul 2026 · 47 min

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 Feodorov. Produced by Tomos Delargy. Senior Producer was Freddy Chick. Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign…
E291 · 2 Jul 2026 · 46 min

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 magic, strict Lutheran beliefs, and one of Europe's most isolated landscapes collide? Edited by Anna Brant. Produced by Stuart Beckwith. Senior Producer is Freddy Chick. Sign up to History Hit for…

About After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal

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. History Hit is part of Little Dot Studios, a Certified B Corp™ 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 . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal is a English history podcast from History Hit. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: History Hit
Language: English
Category: History
New episodes: Several times a week
Typical length: 51 min
Latest episode: 8 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1705694900
Rights: Hit Networks

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