Macabre London Podcast

FROM THE VAULT: this week we have a corker of an episode from years gone by, we're diving back into the vault of Macabre Mini Mysteries to find you a yesteryear gem for your delectation. We'll be back as usual ASAP with a brand new episode but until then, enjoy this vintage listen...A top a windswept rocky outcrop stands a lonely lighthouse. Its job for many years has been to forewarn sailors that their boats are at risk of striking one of the many jagged rocks that are hidden deep below the surface which could cause a devastating shipwreck.The lamp which was tended to by three hardy keepers on rotation from the mainland of Scotland, one day went dark and when the watch came to replace the men from the isolated island they were nowhere to be found and the lighthouse itself was deserted sparking one of the greatest mysteries of all time.Today on Macabre Mini Mysteries, we uncover the story of the abandoned Flannan Lighthouse and the fate of its three missing keepers.------------------------Todays episode is sp

In September 1888, Jack the Ripper escalated his crimes. Annie Chapman was found murdered in Hanbury Street, followed just weeks later by the Double Event — the back-to-back killings of Elizabeth Stride and Catherine Eddowes in a single night.In this episode of Macabre London, we follow the police investigations into these gruesome murders, uncovering the challenges they faced, the evidence they uncovered, and the infamous Goulston Street Graffito that baffled investigators. Could the Ripper have been identified sooner, or was Victorian policing simply outmatched by his brutality?

On 31st August 1888, Mary Ann Nichols was found brutally murdered in Whitechapel — and with her death, the shadow of Jack the Ripper began to fall across London.In this episode of Macabre London, we take you inside the police investigation into the first confirmed Ripper murder. How did officers approach the scene? What evidence did they have to work with in Victorian London? And could they have stopped the Ripper before his killing spree claimed more lives?Using contemporary police reports, witness statements, and historical accounts, we’ll explore the exact steps the Metropolitan Police took — and the mistakes that might have changed history.

Before Jack: Police Investigate Whitechapel’s First Two MurdersJoin Macabre London for a chilling prelude to the infamous Jack the Ripper saga. In this episode, we uncover the first two Whitechapel murders—Emma Elizabeth Smith and Martha Tabram—long before the canonical five claimed global attention. Discover how H Division detectives responded to these brutal cases, the investigative methods of 1888, and why these early murders were initially overlooked in the Ripper narrative.

Edward Dando wasn’t your average thief—he was a man possessed by an unrelenting hunger for oysters… and a complete disregard for paying the bill.In this episode of Macabre Mini Mysteries from Macabre London, we explore the life and crimes of Edward Dando: the Regency glutton who scandalised polite society by stealing and devouring shocking amounts of shellfish.Discover why oysters were once cheaper than chips, how Dando became a curious celebrity in London’s courts, and the sad truth behind his unstoppable appetite.For lovers of strange true crime, forgotten history, and the darker corners of London’s past, this is one feast you won’t want to miss.Subscribe now and join us each week for more mini mysteries from the heart of London’s macabre history.Todays episode is sponsored by Wolf Escape Games www.wolfescapegames.com - to get your special discount code of 30% off any purchase use the code: MACABRE30------------------------

Before the crisp uniforms and community smiles, London’s very first police officers were anything but respectable. In this episode of Macabre London, we uncover the outrageous early days of the Met — when public trust was low, tempers were high, and a night on the beat often ended in a fight outside the pub.From riotous mobs to internal corruption, discover how Britain’s most iconic police force was built by brawlers, not by-the-book officers.We look into the horrifying bloody code years, the 200 offences you could be hanged for and the tireless work of Elizabeth Fry and Robert Peel to reform not only prisons but also to try and establish a police force. Before the crisp uniforms and community smiles, London’s very first police officers were anything but respectable. In this episode of Macabre London, we uncover the outrageous early days of the Met — when public trust was low, tempers were high, and a night on the beat often ended in a bar fight.From riotous mobs to internal corruption, discover how Brit

In 1828, a grand celebration marked the trial of Britain’s first passenger railway—but by the end of the day, one of the country’s most powerful men was dead. William Huskisson, MP, was struck by The Rocket in a gruesome accident that unfolded in front of the Duke of Wellington and dozens of shocked onlookers.As the wheels of progress crushed Huskisson’s leg and his legacy, rumours of hauntings began to follow the railway line. Was his death just an unfortunate error—or something more sinister?Join me for a Macabre Mini Mystery exploring the moment technology turned deadly—and the ghost story it left behind.

Before Scotland Yard... before the Met Police... there was chaos.In this episode of Macabre London, we uncover the wild, booze-soaked origins of Britain's very first police force – the Bow Street Runners. But these weren’t your average crimefighters. Oh no. These were drunken, brawling, and occasionally criminal men who blurred the lines between justice and disorder.Led by an eccentric magistrate and paid with public funds (and sometimes beer), this ragtag group laid the foundations for modern policing... but not without raising a few eyebrows and knocking out a few teeth along the way.

In this episode of Macabre London, we uncover the astonishing true story of the Chevalier d'Éon — a master spy, decorated soldier, and diplomat in 18th century France who became one of the first openly transgender or gender-nonconforming public figures in recorded history.D'Éon led a double life in the shadowy world of Louis XV’s secret intelligence network, using diplomacy, disguise, and blackmail to survive the cutthroat politics of the French royal court. After years of military service and espionage, d’Éon stunned the world by publicly presenting as a woman — sparking international intrigue and political scandal.But was this a revolutionary act of gender expression, or a carefully calculated move to protect royal secrets?Join me as I explore D’Éon’s incredible life — from fencing duels and spy missions across Europe, to a post-mortem discovery that left Victorian London reeling. With themes of identity, survival, and political manipulation, this episode delves deep into one of history’s most fascinat

Before London had the Met, it had chaos.In this episode of Macabre London, we uncover the strange and often deadly story of how policing began in the city—from the drunken "Charlies" who fell asleep on the job, to the terrifyingly informal Hue and Cry system that let ordinary citizens legally execute criminals on sight. And let's not forget Jonathan Wild: the man who invented organised crime while pretending to be its biggest enemy.Join me as we dig into the murky underworld of Georgian crime, shady law enforcement, the wilderness years of the gin craze and how all of this laid the foundation for modern policing... even if that foundation was built on fear, corruption, and a lot of laudanum.Todays episode is sponsored by London Nootropics. Be sure to check them out at www.londonnootropics.com and use my code "MACABRE" for 20% off your order or subscription. #MacabreLondon #TrueCrime #HistoryPodcast #LondonHistory #GeorgianCrime #PoliceHistory #DarkHistory #JonathanWild #TyburnTree ------------------------

True crime lovers, horror fans, and mystery addicts – it’s time to get spooky! Join Nikki and Cheryl as they return for another chilling season of Killers, Cults & Queens! This season, we’re diving deeper into the most twisted cult leaders, infamous serial killers, and bizarre conspiracy theories you won’t believe. From historic slashers to the murderer next door, expect shocking stories, eerie surprises, and spine-tingling twists. AND we've got plenty of new surprises for you... you won't want to miss it. You can listen on Global Player, download it from the app store or go to globalplayer.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

☠️ Poisoned to Death in Plain Sight – Who Was The Croydon Poisoner? 

Deep in the heart of Egypt, a horrifying discovery shocked archaeologists—a mummy with its mouth frozen in an eternal scream. Who was this tormented soul? And why did ancient embalmers leave them in such a ghastly state?In this episode of Macabre London, we uncover the chilling mystery of the Screaming Mummy of Luxor. Was it a curse? A case of live burial? Or something even more sinister lurking in the sands of time? And even worse...why did the victorians like to eat mummies at parties? Join us as we unravel the dark secrets of this eerie relic, the royal betrayals of ancient Egypt, and the terrifying fate that befell this forgotten figure.

Jack Sheppard & Jonathan Wild: The Criminal & The Thief-Taker Who Betrayed Each OtherIn the dark and dangerous streets of 18th-century London, crime was everywhere—but so was corruption. Jack Sheppard, the legendary escape artist, and Jonathan Wild, London’s self-proclaimed ‘Thief-Taker General,’ started as allies, but their partnership took a deadly turn. One was a master thief who became a folk hero; the other, a crime boss masquerading as law enforcement. Their rivalry led to betrayal, capture, and ultimately, the gallows for both. But how did these two infamous figures go from partners in crime to sworn enemies? And who really had the last laugh? Join us on Macabre London, the podcast that uncovers the darkest stories from the city's past. Whether you love true crime, dark history, or tales of old London, this episode is packed with daring escapes, double-crosses, and a downfall neither saw coming. 

Before Scotland Yard, before the modern police force, one man ruled London’s underworld—Jonathan Wild, the so-called "Thief-Taker General." But was he a crime fighter or the city’s first true crime lord? In this episode, we uncover how Wild manipulated both criminals and the law, shaping the way crime was controlled in 18th-century London.Discover the shocking history behind Wild’s double life, his role in the early justice system, and how his downfall influenced the creation of the modern police force. If you’ve ever wondered how did the police force begin? or what was crime like in old London?, this is the episode for you!

Step into a new adventure with Macabre London! I’m thrilled to announce a special series where I’ll be narrating some of my all-time favorite books, starting with H.G. Wells' The War of the Worlds. This iconic sci-fi masterpiece has been a personal favorite for years, and now I’m bringing it to you in audiobook form!To celebrate, I’m releasing Part 1 for free on the main podcast feed (there are ads on this one but all future episodes on Patreon are AD FREE!). If you love it as much as I do, you won’t want to miss the rest! The full series will be available on Patreon, with Part 2 ready to listen to right now. New episodes will drop monthly on Patreon, so you can dive deeper into the chaos and drama of the alien invasion whenever you’re ready.Don’t miss this exciting chance to experience The War of the Worlds in a whole new way! Join me on Patreon for early access to the full series and other exclusive content.Thanks to Magic Mind For Sponsoring today's episode.Get 45% off the Magic Mind bundle

It’s the end of 2024, and I’m back with your Weird News Round-Up! Forget the regular doom and gloom of daily news—this is all about the strangest, most head-scratching stories from the past year.

Welcome to another Weird News Round-Up where we delve into the strangest stories of 2024! This episode is packed with bizarre twists, from bear-themed insurance scams to mysterious space station mishaps. Here's what you can expect:

Prepare yourself for a whirlwind of bizarre stories in this episode of Macabre London! From cheese thefts to sheep-stealing antics and a surprise *high* in a pizza joint, it’s a wild ride filled with unbelievable twists and pun-filled fun.

Weird News Round-Up 2024: Spy Whale Mysteries, Cryptid Clowns, and Airport UFOs!In this year’s Weird News Round-Up, I uncover some of the strangest stories from 2024 that you won’t believe are real! From a mysterious beluga whale with alleged ties to Russian espionage to UFO sightings over China’s Tianjin Airport, this episode has it all. Plus, we revisit a beloved British cryptid who’s been immortalized in an 8-foot statue on the Isle of Wight.