The Strange History Podcast

In 18th-century Manchester, Hannah Beswick lived a life of wealth and quiet dignity—but was consumed by one terrifying fear: being buried alive. After witnessing her brother narrowly escape premature burial, Hannah made an unusual demand in her will… one that led to her becoming one of the most bizarre and haunting figures in British history. In this episode of The Strange History Podcast, we explore the chilling true story of the Manchester Mummy. From the medical anxieties of the Georgian era to ghost sightings in Victorian museums, this tale blurs the line between life, death, and what happens when you try to cheat the grave.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-strange-history-podcast--5773362/support.🎧 The Strange History Podcast Love bizarre true stories, forgotten scandals, and history’s most unhinged moments?Submit your ideas for The Strange History PodcastFollow The Strange History Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeartRadioAudibleNew episodes regularly. History gets weird here.

Step into the fog-shrouded streets of 19th-century London and uncover the chilling true stories of the Skinners—criminals who stripped their victims of clothes and dignity. From the notorious London Fog Thieves to the Hansom Cab Strippers and the feared Shoreditch Skinner, this episode explores one of history’s strangest crime waves. Learn how these bizarre thieves operated, the brutal punishments they faced—including public floggings, prison ships, and forced transportation to Australia—and how Victorian society dealt with public humiliation and shame. A darkly fascinating journey through the shadows of crime and punishment in the 1800s.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-strange-history-podcast--5773362/support.🎧 The Strange History Podcast Love bizarre true stories, forgotten scandals, and history’s most unhinged moments?Submit your ideas for The Strange History PodcastFollow The Strange History Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeartRadioAudibleNew episodes regularly. History gets weird here.

Step into the dark and bizarre world of Victorian England in this episode of The Strange History Podcast. Host Amy explores unsettling stories of baby farming, where unwed mothers handed their babies over to sinister caretakers with tragic consequences.Discover the shocking case of Maria de Roux and Frederick George Manning, whose murder case scandalized London, and the curious history of husbands auctioning their wives like livestock. Plus, dive into the mystery of Sir Roger Tichbourne and the strange punishments handed down by the Victorians for even the smallest of crimes. From mistaken identities to murder most foul, these tales will leave you questioning what was really happening behind the closed doors of Victorian society.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-strange-history-podcast--5773362/support.🎧 The Strange History Podcast Love bizarre true stories, forgotten scandals, and history’s most unhinged moments?Submit your ideas for The Strange History PodcastFollow The Strange History Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeartRadioAudibleNew episodes regularly. History gets weird here.

In this spine-tingling episode, we uncover the bizarre yet true story of the Great New England Vampire Panic. From the infamous case of Mercy Brown in Rhode Island to the eerie vampire graves of Griswold and Jewett City, we explore how a deadly tuberculosis outbreak fueled supernatural hysteria across 19th-century New England. Learn how families dug up their deceased loved ones, burned organs, and even drank the ashes—all in a desperate bid to stop a supposed undead menace. Plus, we dive into the science behind tuberculosis, the development of the first vaccine, and how medical advancements finally put an end to the region’s most chilling mass hysteria. Tune in for a fascinating mix of history, folklore, and dark humor!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-strange-history-podcast--5773362/support.🎧 The Strange History Podcast Love bizarre true stories, forgotten scandals, and history’s most unhinged moments?Submit your ideas for The Strange History PodcastFollow The Strange History Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeartRadioAudibleNew episodes regularly. History gets weird here.

Dive into the fascinating world of Norse mythology and Viking history in Echoes of the North. Explore the real historical roots of Odin, Loki, and Hel, uncover the truth behind Ragnarok, and learn how the Vikings viewed the afterlife. Discover the legends, rituals, and beliefs that shaped Scandinavian culture and still echo in modern storytelling.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-strange-history-podcast--5773362/support.🎧 The Strange History Podcast Love bizarre true stories, forgotten scandals, and history’s most unhinged moments?Submit your ideas for The Strange History PodcastFollow The Strange History Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeartRadioAudibleNew episodes regularly. History gets weird here.

Chocolate has been more than just a sweet treat—it has been currency, medicine, a symbol of power, and even a cause of scandal. In this episode of The Strange History Podcast, Amy dives into the wild journey of chocolate from its ancient Mesoamerican roots to its role in European luxury, wartime rations, and modern-day obsession. Discover why the Aztecs worshiped cacao, how chocolate almost got a bishop killed, and why it was once banned for women. Plus, hear about chocolate’s dark ties to slavery and the surprising origins of Nutella. Grab a snack—this episode is as rich as the history it explores!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-strange-history-podcast--5773362/support.🎧 The Strange History Podcast Love bizarre true stories, forgotten scandals, and history’s most unhinged moments?Submit your ideas for The Strange History PodcastFollow The Strange History Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeartRadioAudibleNew episodes regularly. History gets weird here.

From Victorian-era vinegar cleanses to Hollywood’s obsession with liquid meal replacements, Feast or Famine takes you on a fascinating journey through history’s most bizarre and extreme fad diets. Discover the real stories behind cigarette diets, the Sleeping Beauty weight-loss method, and the infamous cabbage soup craze.We’ll also dive into one of the most shocking scandals in diet history—the murder of Dr. Herman Tarnower, creator of the Scarsdale Diet. This best-selling weight-loss plan promised rapid results but became infamous after Tarnower’s lover, Jean Harris, shot and killed him in a fit of rage. The case captivated the nation and added a true-crime twist to the world of dieting. Whether it’s the deadly dangers of extreme diets or modern-day trends like celery juice cleanses, this episode uncovers how diet culture has evolved—and why quick-fix solutions never seem to go away.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-strange-history-podcast--5773362/support.🎧 The Strange History Podcast Love bizarre true stories, forgotten scandals, and history’s most unhinged moments?Submit your ideas for The Strange History PodcastFollow The Strange History Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeartRadioAudibleNew episodes regularly. History gets weird here.

Did the FBI really investigate Bigfoot? In this episode of The Strange History Podcast, host Amy uncovers the shocking truth behind the FBI’s analysis of alleged Sasquatch evidence. From folklore to famous sightings, we explore Bigfoot’s mysterious past and its place in modern investigations. Don’t miss this deep dive into one of history’s strangest cases!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-strange-history-podcast--5773362/support.🎧 The Strange History Podcast Love bizarre true stories, forgotten scandals, and history’s most unhinged moments?Submit your ideas for The Strange History PodcastFollow The Strange History Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeartRadioAudibleNew episodes regularly. History gets weird here.

Discover the incredible history and health benefits of Manuka honey in this episode of The Strange History Podcast. From its origins with the Māori people to its life-saving antibacterial properties against MRSA and staph infections, we uncover the science behind this golden superfood.Plus, hear true stories of how Manuka honey has changed lives—from healing stomach ulcers to fighting antibiotic-resistant infections. Tune in now and uncover nature’s powerful remedy!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-strange-history-podcast--5773362/support.🎧 The Strange History Podcast Love bizarre true stories, forgotten scandals, and history’s most unhinged moments?Submit your ideas for The Strange History PodcastFollow The Strange History Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeartRadioAudibleNew episodes regularly. History gets weird here.

Mysterious knocks in the night. A spirit crying out from beyond the grave. In 1848, two young sisters in Hydesville, New York, claimed they could speak with the dead—launching the eerie and controversial Spiritualist movement. But was it truly a gift… or a chilling deception?Join Amy on The Strange History Podcast as we unravel the dark secrets of the Fox Sisters and the ghostly whispers that still haunt history.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-strange-history-podcast--5773362/support.🎧 The Strange History Podcast Love bizarre true stories, forgotten scandals, and history’s most unhinged moments?Submit your ideas for The Strange History PodcastFollow The Strange History Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeartRadioAudibleNew episodes regularly. History gets weird here.

Dive into the bizarre and fascinating world of Charles Dickens' secret passion—mesmerism! In this episode of The Strange History Podcast, host Amy explores the literary giant’s obsession with hypnosis, his attempts to heal friends and family, and the eerie ways mesmerism may have influenced his most famous works.Was Dickens truly gifted in mind control, or was he simply a believer in Victorian pseudoscience? Tune in to uncover the mystery!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-strange-history-podcast--5773362/support.🎧 The Strange History Podcast Love bizarre true stories, forgotten scandals, and history’s most unhinged moments?Submit your ideas for The Strange History PodcastFollow The Strange History Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeartRadioAudibleNew episodes regularly. History gets weird here.

In this episode of Echoes of the Past, we uncover the gripping stories of two powerful figures of Victorian poverty: the London Crawlers and the Ragged Schools. Join us as we explore the harsh realities faced by the poorest children of 19th-century London and how their lives were shaped by extreme deprivation, survival, and the transformative power of education.We’ll dive into the tragic yet resilient lives of the London Crawlers—children and adults who were forced to crawl on hands and knees through the filthy streets of London, begging for scraps to survive. These individuals were living symbols of the severe poverty that plagued the industrial era, but their existence also sparked conversations about social reform and human dignity.Next, we’ll take a closer look at the Ragged Schools, the pioneering educational institutions founded in the poorest neighborhoods to offer free schooling to children of the working class. These schools became a lifeline for the underprivileged, offering a rare chance at literacy and a better future. Learn how figures like Thomas Barnardo led the charge for these transformative schools, which laid the foundation for the UK’s public education system.Through this exploration of the London Crawlers and the Ragged Schools, we’ll examine the intersection of poverty, education, and social reform in Victorian England. Tune in to discover how these stories of survival and hope shaped the future of education and welfare.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-strange-history-podcast--5773362/support.🎧 The Strange History Podcast Love bizarre true stories, forgotten scandals, and history’s most unhinged moments?Submit your ideas for The Strange History PodcastFollow The Strange History Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeartRadioAudibleNew episodes regularly. History gets weird here.

Dive deep into one of history’s greatest mysteries with Lost in the Amazon: The Percy Fawcett Story. This gripping episode of Lost Legends explores the life, adventures, and disappearance of Colonel Percy Fawcett, the fearless British explorer who vanished in 1925 while searching for the legendary Lost City of Z.Was he a visionary, a madman, or did he truly uncover an ancient civilization hidden in the heart of the Amazon? Join us as we unravel his enigmatic journey, explore the theories surrounding his fate, and uncover the secrets of the jungle. Subscribe now for more thrilling tales of unsolved history.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-strange-history-podcast--5773362/support.🎧 The Strange History Podcast Love bizarre true stories, forgotten scandals, and history’s most unhinged moments?Submit your ideas for The Strange History PodcastFollow The Strange History Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeartRadioAudibleNew episodes regularly. History gets weird here.

In this episode, we dive into the unbelievable true story of Lawnchair Larry, the man who defied gravity—and common sense—by taking flight in a lawn chair tied to weather balloons. Discover how Larry Walters’ daring (and slightly reckless) journey into the skies captured the world’s imagination, led to FAA fines, and became the stuff of legend. Was he a fearless dreamer or just plain crazy? Tune in as we unravel the highs and lows of one of history’s most bizarre aviation stunts. 🎈✈️Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-strange-history-podcast--5773362/support.🎧 The Strange History Podcast Love bizarre true stories, forgotten scandals, and history’s most unhinged moments?Submit your ideas for The Strange History PodcastFollow The Strange History Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeartRadioAudibleNew episodes regularly. History gets weird here.

Get ready to laugh your pants off in this hilarious episode of the Strange History Podcast! We dive into some seriously funny bathroom-related news stories that will leave you in stitches. From toilet brush protests to hidden notes and unexpected encounters with reptiles, these bathroom tales will have you rolling on the floor with laughter. Don't miss out on the funniest bathroom stories you've ever heard!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-strange-history-podcast--5773362/support.🎧 The Strange History Podcast Love bizarre true stories, forgotten scandals, and history’s most unhinged moments?Submit your ideas for The Strange History PodcastFollow The Strange History Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeartRadioAudibleNew episodes regularly. History gets weird here.

In 1959 McCalls put out an article that advised women how to land a man, some of the advice is so far removed from what we know to be appropriate behavior of today. Take a listen and you can hear the standards our parents and grandparents lived by and how far we have come.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-strange-history-podcast--5773362/support.🎧 The Strange History Podcast Love bizarre true stories, forgotten scandals, and history’s most unhinged moments?Submit your ideas for The Strange History PodcastFollow The Strange History Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeartRadioAudibleNew episodes regularly. History gets weird here.

In this podcast episode of the Strange History Podcast, we delve into the fascinating world of Icelandic folklore and fairy tales, discussing various mythical creatures and characters, such as Greta the Strong, a legendary outlaw and warrior, and Deacon John, a figure known for his pact with the devil and practice of black magic. We also explores the story of a fisherman who takes a selkie, a creature that can transform from a seal into a human, as his wife, and the adventures of Freya, a young girl who discovers a collection of Icelandic dolls in her attic and embarks on a magical journey with them. The episode provides a captivating glimpse into the enchanting and sometimes dangerous creatures that populate Icelandic folklore.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-strange-history-podcast--5773362/support.🎧 The Strange History Podcast Love bizarre true stories, forgotten scandals, and history’s most unhinged moments?Submit your ideas for The Strange History PodcastFollow The Strange History Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeartRadioAudibleNew episodes regularly. History gets weird here.

In this podcast episode, we're gonna dive into the history and importance of the Book of the Dead in ancient Egyptian culture. We'll talk about why it was created, what it looked like, and how it helped guide people through the afterlife. We'll even check out some cool examples, like the Pyramid Text and the Papyrus of Ani, to get a better understanding of what these books were all about. And get this - each book was personalized for the individual, with special details and illustrations that were believed to have magical powers. So, if you're curious about ancient Egyptian beliefs and culture, this episode is gonna be right up your alley. Let's get started!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-strange-history-podcast--5773362/support.🎧 The Strange History Podcast Love bizarre true stories, forgotten scandals, and history’s most unhinged moments?Submit your ideas for The Strange History PodcastFollow The Strange History Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeartRadioAudibleNew episodes regularly. History gets weird here.

In this episode of "Strange History," we delve into the timeless epic of Gilgamesh, but with a twist – we're exploring the ancient hero as the ultimate bad boy of Mesopotamia. Join us as we uncover the daring exploits, wild adventures, and rebellious spirit of Gilgamesh, the legendary figure who refuses to play by the rules. Discover how this fearless ruler shook the foundations of his world and left an indelible mark on history as the original bad boy of epic tales.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-strange-history-podcast--5773362/support.🎧 The Strange History Podcast Love bizarre true stories, forgotten scandals, and history’s most unhinged moments?Submit your ideas for The Strange History PodcastFollow The Strange History Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeartRadioAudibleNew episodes regularly. History gets weird here.

Join us on a captivating expedition back in time as we delve into the enigmatic realm of the Sumerians, a civilization that laid the foundation for human progress. In this episode, we unlock the mysteries of their advanced culture, ingenious inventions, and the birth of writing itself. From the epic tales of Gilgamesh to their intricate city-states, we unearth the secrets that shaped the cradle of civilization and continue to influence our world today.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-strange-history-podcast--5773362/support.🎧 The Strange History Podcast Love bizarre true stories, forgotten scandals, and history’s most unhinged moments?Submit your ideas for The Strange History PodcastFollow The Strange History Podcast wherever you listen and never miss an episode. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeartRadioAudibleNew episodes regularly. History gets weird here.