Weird in the Wade

22. Haunted Theatres

They say every theatre has a ghost. Nat embarks on an investigation to see if this is true. Starting with the newest theatre in Biggleswade, the Bigg Theatre. Once a town hall, then a petrol station, department store and a restaurant, it seems the Bigg Theatre building has a long history associated with performance and more recently ghostly happenings.
Three actors share their stories of uncanny occurrences within theatres from Brighton, to Swansea and northern towns. 
Why do performance spaces feel so otherworldly at times? Is there a logical reason for this or a spiritual one?
Guests on this episode include:
Anna Stolli from the Bigg Theatre find out more about the theatre here: https://www.thebiggtheatre.co.uk/
Owen Staton from the Time Between Times Story Telling Podcast. Listen to his podcast here: https://podfollow.com/1573244734
Find links, show notes and further reading on the weird in the wade blog here: https://weirdinthewade.blog/2024/11/25/22-haunted-theatres-show-notes-links-and-further-reading/
Follow the podcast on social media, find links here: https://linktr.ee/weirdinthewade
Want extra content and to support the show? Then check out Weird in the Wade's Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/c/WeirdintheWade
Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig
Theme music is by Tess Savigear
All additional sound effects and music from Epidemic Sound

21. Haunted Henlow Camp

In this episode we travel to RAF Henlow where phantom footsteps in the snow, and a poltergeist are said to be linked to a daring pioneer of parachuting in the 1920s. We'll learn about the hauntings, and this airman's dare devil antics which tragically led to his untimely death. 
Nat Doig also shares some of her eerie memories of living at RAF Henlow as a child in the 1980s, including ghost stories, creepy world war II buildings and a haunted landscape.
There's also some exciting updates about BBC Sounds and a Halloween event with BBC 3 Counties Radio.
Find show notes, links and more information on the show blog at weirdinthewade.blog
Support Weird in the Wade at Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/WeirdintheWade
Find Weird in the Wade on social media: https://linktr.ee/weirdinthewade
Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig
Theme music by Tess Savigear 
Additional music and sound effects from Epidemic Sounds
 
 

20. JF Hunt The Victorian Medium Who Worked With Shakespeare's Ghost

19th Century spiritualism is at the heart of this episode which we'll explore through the exploits of a Biggleswade medium who believed he was in direct contact with the spirit of William Shakespeare. John Francis Hunt, who we met in the previous episode, was an extraordinary man, he pursued justice, sought out buried treasure and was a constant correspondent with the newspapers, the social media of his day. 
We'll explore spiritualism's roots in A
merica with the Fox sisters. How spiritualism became a kind of culture war in the mid 19th century as well visiting an 1875 séance held in Bedford and described by the press as bogus.
There's also a brief update at the end of the episode about Weird in the Wade's win of Gold for best history podcast at the British Podcast Awards! 
Find show notes and further reading on the blog at weirdinthewade.blog 
Support Weird in the Wade and get exclusive bonus episodes every month by joining Team Weird on Patreon. patreon.com/WeirdintheWade
Find us on social media at: https://linktr.ee/weirdinthewade
Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig
Joint cracking in this episode provided by Jason Doig, Tess Savigear and David Stephenson
Theme music by Tess Savigear
All additional sound effects and music from Epidemic Sound. 

19. Solved: The Haunting of Murder Bridge

I'd almost given up on discovering how murder bridge between Biggleswade and Sutton, got it's name. Until completely by accident I stumbled across a ghost story, reported as part of the minutes of a meeting of the Biggleswade Hospital Board in 1922. That led me on a twisty path to the truth, involving a libel case, a notorious Biggleswade spiritualist who believed he was the ghost of Shakespeare's secretary, and two tragic and mysterious deaths. At the heart of this tragic story was the reason why Murder Bridge was given it's name, and who the locals thought the ghost that haunted it might be. 
Expect seances, Victorian true crime, and some very colourful characters. 
At the end of this episode there is a trailer for the new and delightfully spooky RUE Papers by Emma Butler. In later episode's I play the part of Rose! Listen to this new podcast at: https://podfollow.com/1749765774 
If you'd like an extra episode every month, and to support the podcast why not join Team Weird on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/WeirdintheWade
Or you can support through Ko-fi at: https://ko-fi.com/weirdinthewade
Find Weird in the Wade on social media including Facebook and Threads here: https://linktr.ee/weirdinthewade
Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig
Theme music by Tess Savigear
Additional voices by M Savigear
All additional music and sound effects Epidemic Sound
 

18. The Night Hag (with guest Ciaran O'Keeffe)

The Night Hag, is an old name for sleep paralysis. A sleep condition or disorder that has led to some of the most terrifying stories and folktales from around the world. From encounters with demons, witches and ghosts, to alien abductions sleep paralysis has spawned many scary stories. Likewise many paranormal experiences have been explained by sceptics as being caused by sleep paralysis.
In this episode I explore my own terrifying experience of sleep paralysis, consider what might cause it, discover links to our past including some local ghost sightings in workhouses over a century ago.
I also chat with Dr Ciaran O'Keeffe, parapsychologist and expert sceptic on Uncanny and Most Haunted about his studies into sleep paralysis, it's causes, how to deal with it if it happens to you, and it's impact on our culture and understanding of the paranormal. It's a discussion you won't want to miss!
Have a question or a comment pleas email the show at weirdinthewade@gmail.com
or find us on social media links are here: https://linktr.ee/weirdinthewade
Exciting news!
I am delighted to say that Weird in the Wade has been nominated for best history podcast at the British Podcast Awards! It's an award judged by a panel but if you'd like to vote for Weird in the Wade in the listeners choice award you can do so here: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting
Support the podcast
If you'd like to get exclusive extra content and support the podcast you can do so at patreon: https://www.patreon.com/WeirdintheWade
 
Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig
Theme music is by Tess Savigear
All additional sound effects and music by Epidemic Sound  
 

17. The Haunted Tunnels

Find out how terrifying sighting of a Cavalier ghost in the 1930s links to Biggleswade's mysterious tunnels. I explore the cellar below where the phantom was seen, discover hidden passageways, bricked up tunnel entrances, and much more. I take you on a trip down the river, and to the Camden House school room, we explore the history of Biggleswade's brewing industry, and I visit the Bedfordshire archives all in an effort to solve the riddle of what these tunnels were built for, and why they were bricked up. 
Join me on this journey if you dare!
You can see images and further links on the blog at Weirdinthewade.blog 
Join Team Weird and support the show at Patreon: patreon.com/WeirdintheWade
Or at Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/weirdinthewade
Find Weird in the Wade on social media at: https://linktr.ee/weirdinthewade
You can also vote for Weird in the Wade at the British  Podcast Awards listeners choice here: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting
 
Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig
Theme music by Tess Savigear
Camelot Monastery Gregorian Chant by Darren Curtis
All additional sound effects and music by Epidemic Sound
 
 

16. The Haunting of Camden House

Today's episode follows a ghost story over three centuries. We start in the 1880s with school children terrified by a ghost in a garden. Then we explore a newsagents bothered by paranormal activity in the 1960s. In the present day we discover a secret tunnel entrance and hear rumours of a helpful spirit where the garden once bloomed. Linking all these hauntings is the building of Camden House. Once a Victorian school, then a newsagents for over 50 years, more recently it has been a succession of takeaways and restaurants. 
I also had a last minute breakthrough which filled in a missing piece of the puzzle. I've added this towards the end of the episode so don't believe me early on when I say I can find no evidence of a tragic Edwardian school teacher who could be haunting the old school! Listen on and find out what I discovered.
And yes this is the first part of an exploration of the Biggleswade tunnels. Check out the show blog for a map identifying tunnel entrances and town centre hauntings at: weirdinthewade.blog 
If you want more from Weird in the Wade join Team Weird on our Patreon and get bonus episodes every month. Find out more here: patreon.com/WeirdintheWade 
You can find links to our shop for Weird in the Wade merch, as well as how to donate to the show through Ko-fi and links to all our socials here: https://linktr.ee/weirdinthewade
A show transcript is also available on our blog: https://weirdinthewade.blog/
Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig
Theme music by Tess Savigear
All additional music and sound effects by Epidemic Sound
 

15. Weird Wanders Two: My night in York's Most Haunted Inn

As part of my haunted house challenge I spent the night at the Golden Fleece Hotel in York. The pub is renowned for being the most haunted pub in the city and maybe even Britain. No fewer than 15 ghosts have been reported to haunt the 17th century pub. 
Listen to my live recordings during the night, as well as interviews with fellow guests over breakfast, all of whom had strange stories to tell. 
I investigate one of the pubs most enduring ghost stories and find out one of the strangest tales I've ever come across. 
I also chat with the wonderful Rob Kirkup of How Haunted podcast about his love of ghosts, and York hauntings in particular. He tells a chilling ghost story of his own and we compare notes about our stays at the Golden Fleece which although were 13 years apart had some creepy similarities. 
Also this week over on the YouTube channel I will be hosting a live one year anniversary celebration, telling stories and answering questions. Please join me if you can details can be found here!
Be Part of Team Weird!
Join us on the socials find out where here.
Read the blog for photographs, show notes and news https://weirdinthewade.blog/
Buy a Weird in the Wade T-shirt, bag, mug or more at the merch shop.
Buy the show a coffee at https://ko-fi.com/weirdinthewade
Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig
Tess Savigear wrote the theme
All additional music and sound effects from Epidemic Sound.
 

14. Weird Wanders One: Blind George Ghost of Anstey

We take a short wander away from Biggleswade, over the county border into Hertfordshire in this episode. Nat Doig tells the tale of Blind George of Anstey. It's a folktale with a bit of everything, a secret tunnel, a blind fiddle player, a faithful dog, the devil, and a ghost. 
Nat also explores myths and legends around blindness including busting some modern myths with her guest Paul Day.
Nat and Paul discuss a neurological condition which affects many blind people, and could hold a clue to solving at least some ghost sightings. Paul also shares his experiences of going on a ghost hunt in a spooky tower with a spiral staircase.
It's a slightly different episode to the usual Weird in the Wade but one that will be just as thought provoking possibly more so.
For show transcript, notes and links for further information on the issues discussed in the podcast including Charles Bonnet Syndrome, please visit the show blog: https://weirdinthewade.blog/
You can find the show on social media here: https://linktr.ee/weirdinthewade
You can email Nat at weirdinthewade@gmail.com
If you'd like to support the show you can by the pod a coffee at: https://ko-fi.com/weirdinthewade
Weird in the Wade is researched, written, produced and presented by Nat Doig
Theme music Tess Savigear
A huge thank you to Litha for granting permission for their song Blind George to play on this episode. You can hear the track here: https://www.litha-music.com/images/music/Blind_George.mp3
And Blind George's theme from: freesound 42953 Freqman gypsy violin variation

13. Ghostly Crime Part 2: Biggleswade Body Snatchers and Things That Go Bump in the Night

In this episode Nat Doig explores the tale of Biggleswade's body snatchers. As is often the case it turns out that the truth is stranger and more satisfying than fiction. Do the body snatchers haunt the town still? Why might the town have forgotten the most exciting part of the story, preferring instead to remember just a murky fragment of the tale? Nat ponders these questions and finds some surprising answers.
This episode also looks at a haunting linked to a victim of crime in London's Green Park. Listen as Nat tells the story of this sorrowful phantom recorded under the sombre trees of the park on a cold winters dusk. 
A transcript for the show can be found here
Find show notes on the blog here and photographs for this episode here.
Weird in the Wade social media links can be found here.
The You Tube Channel here
Information about the live stream on 1st May here
You can email the show at weirdinthewade@gmail.com
Researched, written, presented, and edited by Nat Doig
Theme music by Tess Savigear
All additional music and sound effects Epidemic Sound