The West London Witch

Season’s greetings! Christmastime often conjures visions of candy canes, gingerbread, and the happily-ever-after magic many of us grew up with; especially those of us raised in the golden age of Disney musicals. But behind the glittering tiaras and sing-along soundtracks lie much older fairy tales that were never meant to be sweet or safe. This Christmas, we step into the fairy forest’s darker paths. Joined by folklorist Pauline Greenhill, Professor of Women and Gender Studies at the University of Winnipeg, we explore the grim, gory, and fascinating origins of classic and lesser-known fairy tales. So gather your cloaks, light your lanterns, and follow us over the river and through the woods. If you dare...

Today we journey to the Mid-Orange Correctional Facility in Warwick, New York; a place steeped in history and a dark and twisting past. On a sweltering July evening, members of the Spirit Seekers Society entered the crumbling halls of this former prison and reform school and encountered experiences far beyond anything they expected. Today, Becca, Emily, and Bree take us inside the walls of this historic facility, sharing firsthand accounts of what unfolded as they explored one of New York’smost intriguing and unsettling locations.

This week, we slip into the velvet dusk to explore the legends that have made vampires the most ubiquitous creatures in folklore. Today, historian and founder of Ghostoria, Emily will take us on a deep-dive into blood-soaked myths and cover some of the wildest vampire stories to date. Join us for a bite-sized tour of the undead: their fears, their hunger, their forbidden allure… and the strange truths they reflect back at us.Step lightly. These stories still have teeth.

In this fourth installment of our beloved Tales from the West London Witch Crypt series, we open the vault once more to share a fresh collection of short but chilling encounters. Over the years, I’ve gathered countless bite-sized tales of the strange and supernatural, and this anthology series gives them a home.Join us as we dust off some of my favorite tiny, terrifying stories from around the world. These stories are unconnected, unpredictable, and guaranteed to send shivers down your spine!

For our 100th episode we head to Britain’s most infamous haunted house: 30 East Drive. Said to be plagued by the malevolent spirit known as the Black Monk, this unassuming Yorkshire council house has terrified investigators, inspired books and films, and cemented its place as one of the UK’s most enduring hauntings.To celebrate 100 episodes of storytelling, we’re joined by a very special guest: Bil Bungay, co-writer of The Black Monk of Pontefract and producer of the chilling feature film When the Lights Went Out. As the current owner of 30 East Drive, Bil brings unparalleled insight into the house’s dark history, its unexplained phenomena, and what it’s truly like to hold the keys to England’s most notorious poltergeist property.From the original Farrar and Pritchard family hauntings to modern-day encounters, Bill guides us through decades of terror, myth, and mystery; revealing behind-the-scenes secrets, personal experiences, and why the legend of the Black Monk continues to grip the world.A landmark episode deserves a landmark haunting. Join us as we step into the haunted halls of 30 East Drive… if you dare.

What happens when a child with the gift of mediumship grows up in one of the most haunted houses in Bucks County, Pennsylvania?In this episode, Tharyn from Tharyn Beyond the Veil shares their hauntingly chilling childhood, a journey from fear and misunderstanding to acceptance and mastery.As Tharyn grew so did their connection to the paranormal, leading them to uncover not just the truth about their haunted home, but about themselves.

Deep in the heart of Virginia City, Nevada, stands the Mackay Mansion, a gilded relic of the Old West, steeped in opulence, tragedy, and restless spirits. Once home to one of America’s wealthiest silver barons, this elegant estate hides a rich legacy within its ornate walls. From the ghostly laughter of a long-departed children to the chilling presence of The Shadow Man, countless visitors have left the mansion forever changed.In this episode we unravel the history of the Mackay Mansion and the intersection of gold rush glory and the past refuses to stay buried.

This week we are taking a step inside the historic Beacham Theatre of Orlando, Florida. A glittering venue with a dark history. In this chilling episode, Ashlie, better known as The Ghost Story Girl, takes us on a journey through the theatre’s rich past and its whispered legends of restless spirits. Combining meticulous historical research with gripping paranormal investigation, Ashlie uncovered startling connections between the theatre’s haunted reputation and its real-life history. This is more than just a ghost story; it’s a deep dive into the mysteries lingering behind the stage lights.

Welcome to the Season Six Premiere of The West London Witch!This summer has been an explosive one for the paranormal community. The internet has been alight with controversial rumours surrounding famed ghost hunters Ed and Lorraine Warren and their most infamous artifact: the Annabelle Doll.The drama has been so sensational, confusing, and far-reaching; so much so that I reached out to the Warrens’ grandson, Chris McKinnell, to uncover not only the true origin story of Annabelle but also her enduring legacy.

The time has finally come for the Season Five Finale! As per tradition, we’re closing out with a spine-chilling tribute to Are You Afraid of the Dark? Join us as we dive into a collection of eerie urban legends and terrifying hometown horror stories. Dim the lights, grab a blanket, and prepare to be scared.A heartfelt thank you to all of our incredible Storytellers who brought this season to life with their time, talent, and terrifying tales. To our loyal listeners—your unwavering support means everything. And to our amazing Patrons: thank you for your generosity, passion, and commitment to keeping this show free and accessible to all. You truly are the lifeblood of The West London Witch.While the season may be ending, the magic doesn’t stop here. All summer long, we’ll be sharing exclusive content over on our Patreon. Join me at Cobweb Cottage as I read, discuss, and review the cult horror classic The Amityville Horror.https://www.patreon.com/thewestlondonwitch

There is no place more famous on earth for its connection to witchcraft than Salem, Massachusetts. Today we are hopping on our broomsticks as we dive into one of New England’s most chilling legends—the infamous Curse of Giles Corey. Viral TikTok sensation and graveyard wanderer Grace, known to her followers as Graves with Grace instagram and Goodnight Grace on Tik Tok, guides us through the shadowy history of Howard Street Cemetery in Salem, Massachusetts—a place steeped in sorrow, vengeance, and whispered curses.Accused of witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials, Giles Corey met a gruesome end—pressed to death under heavy stones. But before he drew his final breath, Corey is said to have uttered a curse that would haunt Salem for generations. Since then, his ghost has reportedly been seen before major tragedies, and a dark legacy hangs over the very soil where he died.Join us as Grace unravels the mystery, explores the cemetery’s haunted past, and reveals why Giles Corey's curse may still echo through the cobblestones of Salem today.

We finally did it! After 93 spellbinding episodes, the stars have aligned and the cauldron has bubbled just right: today’s episode is all about witches. Joining us is the enchanting Feeya from The Witches Tour—a walking tour company that haunts the cobbled streets of London, York, and Edinburgh, uncovering eerie legends and forgotten magic.In this episode, Feeya conjures a tale drenched in darkness and mystery, a chilling blend of tragedy, deception, conspiracy, and grisly death. It’s a story pulled from the shadowy corners of history, where truth twists like smoke and the macabre dances with the magical.So light a candle, pour yourself a steaming mug of witches’ brew, and settle in. You’re about to be spellbound by a wickedly enchanting tale you won’t soon forget.

Every now and then, a story grabs me and won’t let go. That’s what happened with the Boulder Jane Doe. After reading about the case and discovering Silvia Pettem’s powerful book, and her appearance in Web of Death on Disney+, I knew I had to speak with her.Silvia isn’t just a gifted author—she’s a masterful storyteller whose passion radiates both on the page and on screen. Her dedication to giving the Boulder Jane Doe her name back after 50 years of anonymity is nothing short of remarkable.Please enjoy this beautiful journey to give justice to Someone's Daughter. 

Welcome to the third instalment of my favourite short yet scary stories. I have conducted over 100 interviews for The West London Witch, but not all of those stories fit our structure. So what happened to them? Well, the main reason a story does not make it onto the show is because it is simply too short. However, today I decided it was time to dust off some more of my favourite mini stories. I hope you enjoy this collection of boo moments that were just too spooky to sit hidden away on my hard drive.

Have you ever wanted to load up in your 1960's VW Bus withyour best friends and travel the world solving mysteries? Sounds like fun, right? Throw in a Great Dane and endless pizza breaks and I think you could be onto a great TV show! However, in all seriousness, there is something so joyous about paranormal teams that come together to explore the mysteries of the other side. Today members from VPS, Vancouver Paranormal Society, join us to share some of their favourite boo moments. From cults to the mob, to haunted residential schools this episode has it all!

In 1992, the Snedeker family appeared on the Sally Jessy Raphael show to share the horrors that resided inside their Southington, Connecticut home. This now infamous TV interview catapulted the already controversial family into every living room in America. The family moved into the former funeral parlour in 1986, and experienced such horrendous paranormal activity they turned to famed ghost hunter Ed and Lorrain Warren for help. Their story was so iconic and notorious that it was the subject of the 1992 book "In A Dark Place", as well as the inspiration for the 2009 movie "The Haunting In Connecticut", and endless TV shows, documentaries, and articles. However, as famous as the story is, it has never been told the same way twice. In this episode Ed and Lorraine's grandson, Chris shares with us, his firsthand account of working on the Snedeker case. You may think you know the story, but have you heard it told by someone who was actually there?

When the Eastern Connecticut Paranormal Society pulled up in front of a tiny cabin filled with bizarre claims of paranormal activity, they had no idea that this mini location would be home to a massive mystery. What the team thought would be a quick and easy investigation turned out to be a wild collision between the past and the present. Join us as David, co-founder of ECPS, shares with us the story behind one of the team's most iconic investigations. 

Pack your bags as we check into the historic Riverside Mission Inn! This one of a kind California hotel is equal parts breathtaking and bizarre. Today, Craig Owens will be sharing with us not only the history of this castle of oddities, but also his own personal paranormal experiences within the halls of this haunted hotel. Prepare to be dazzled and confounded by the mysterious Mission Inn.

Happy New Year! To kick off 2025 I am taking you all to my hometown of Bakersfield, California to take a look at a truly chilling hometown horror story with a strange small town twist. Join us as Robert Petersen, of The Notorious Bakersfield Podcast, and my friend Heather, take us behind the gates of Bakersfield most exclusive neighborhood and into the heart of a tragic crime.

Happy Christmas TWLW Coven! I hope you are all snuggled up by the fire, coco in hand, ready for a scary ghost story. This Christmas Eve Jeff Belanger, author of The Fright Before Christmas, shares with us the horrifying origins of this beloved holiday season. Prepare to be scared!