Shows
Weird in the WadeThe BurrymanOn a summer wander away from Biggleswade, Nat investigates one of the UK's strangest seasonal folk customs, the Burryman of Queensferry. For centuries a man covered from head to ankle in spiky burdock seedheads has walked along the banks of the Firth of Forth, bringing luck and banishing evil from the town. Uniquely Scottish, looking like a man covered in bees or a bear walking on his hind legs, scaring young children, but fascinating them all the same, the Burryman is a striking vision indeed.
But as Nat joined the Burryman procession in 2024 she became intrigued by...2025-07-281h 07Weird in the WadeThe BurrymanOn a summer wander away from Biggleswade, Nat investigates one of the UK's strangest seasonal folk customs, the Burryman of Queensferry. For centuries a man covered from head to ankle in spiky burdock seedheads has walked along the banks of the Firth of Forth, bringing luck and banishing evil from the town. Uniquely Scottish, looking like a man covered in bees or a bear walking on his hind legs, scaring young children, but fascinating them all the same, the Burryman is a striking vision indeed.
But as Nat joined the Burryman procession in 2024 she became intrigued by...2025-07-281h 07Weird in the Wade31. Biggleswade's Phantom ArmyThe medieval chronicles are peppered with odd tales amongst the mundane, when folklorist and historian Dr Francis Young came across one of these peculiar stories he shared it with Nat, because it happened at Biggleswade. In this episode Francis and Nat ask, and hopefully answer the questions: what was this strange sight? What did it mean to the witnesses? How have our interpretations of the uncanny and otherworldly changed over the centuries? They also explore how landscape shapes and holds secrets about our past beliefs and activities.
Who were these "monstrous fighting men," and do t...2025-06-301h 02Weird in the Wade31. Biggleswade's Phantom ArmyThe medieval chronicles are peppered with odd tales amongst the mundane, when folklorist and historian Dr Francis Young came across one of these peculiar stories he shared it with Nat, because it happened at Biggleswade. In this episode Francis and Nat ask, and hopefully answer the questions: what was this strange sight? What did it mean to the witnesses? How have our interpretations of the uncanny and otherworldly changed over the centuries? They also explore how landscape shapes and holds secrets about our past beliefs and activities.
Who were these "monstrous fighting men," and do t...2025-06-301h 02Weird in the Wade30 The Secrets of Royston CaveBeneath the pretty market town of Royston in Hertfordshire, lies a cave that was carved out of the chalk by hand, in the distant past. After being dramatically rediscovered in the mid 18th century, Royston cave has spawned competing theories about its use and meaning and has been a tourist attraction ever since. Smothered in medieval carvings which in turn have been covered by more recent etched graffiti, this cave is unique in many ways. Linked to the Knights Templar by some, an important spiritual site to many, and an historical curiosity from the moment a small boy climbed...2025-05-261h 21Weird in the Wade30 The Secrets of Royston CaveBeneath the pretty market town of Royston in Hertfordshire, lies a cave that was carved out of the chalk by hand, in the distant past. After being dramatically rediscovered in the mid 18th century, Royston cave has spawned competing theories about its use and meaning and has been a tourist attraction ever since. Smothered in medieval carvings which in turn have been covered by more recent etched graffiti, this cave is unique in many ways. Linked to the Knights Templar by some, an important spiritual site to many, and an historical curiosity from the moment a small boy climbed...2025-05-261h 21
Weird in the Wade29. Return to the Haunted PoundstretcherAs a celebration of two years of Weird in the Wade, Nat returns to the subject of her first ever episode: The Haunted Poundstretcher. The site is now a café and gym where Nat and her team of friends hold a ghost hunt overnight. They have access to the café, gym, attic and cellar space. They hear from staff and visitors who have experienced something uncanny in and outside of the building.
Nat also explores why the rumour that the ghost girl who haunts the site, died in a fire, might have a grain of truth to it...2025-05-051h 05Weird in the Wade29. Return to the Haunted PoundstretcherAs a celebration of two years of Weird in the Wade, Nat returns to the subject of her first ever episode: The Haunted Poundstretcher. The site is now a café and gym where Nat and her team of friends hold a ghost hunt overnight. They have access to the café, gym, attic and cellar space. They hear from staff and visitors who have experienced something uncanny in and outside of the building.
Nat also explores why the rumour that the ghost girl who haunts the site, died in a fire, might have a grain of truth to it...2025-05-051h 05Weird in the WadeWitches Apprehended! Mary and Mother SuttonIn 1612 in Milton Ernest, a village five miles north of Bedford, two women, a mother and daughter are accused and tried by their village for witchcraft. Their story is written up in a propaganda pamphlet the following year, and their case is used in a 1627 legal guide for witchcraft cases. Yet even those who are familiar with the dark tales of England's witch trials often have not heard of their story. The 1612 Northampton witch trial is often credited as the first documented evidence of ducking being used in such trials. But Mary Sutton was ducked at least a month...2025-03-311h 37Weird in the WadeWitches Apprehended! Mary and Mother SuttonIn 1612 in Milton Ernest, a village five miles north of Bedford, two women, a mother and daughter are accused and tried by their village for witchcraft. Their story is written up in a propaganda pamphlet the following year, and their case is used in a 1627 legal guide for witchcraft cases. Yet even those who are familiar with the dark tales of England's witch trials often have not heard of their story. The 1612 Northampton witch trial is often credited as the first documented evidence of ducking being used in such trials. But Mary Sutton was ducked at least a month...2025-03-311h 37Weird in the WadePart Two: The Witches of BedfordshireIn this episode Nat completes her exploration of witchcraft in Bedfordshire starting with a 19th Century ghost sighting of a witch.
The episode covers a case of Victorian girls playing at witches to horrific and cruel effect. Then moves through the 20th Century with it's contrast between the rise of wicca and nature based neo pagan witchcraft, and the persistent fear of "black magic" and the satanic panic.
Nat ponders whether we have moved far enough away from the causes and motivations of the 17th century witch trials. But ends the episode with a delightful...2025-03-1243 minWeird in the WadePart Two: The Witches of BedfordshireIn this episode Nat completes her exploration of witchcraft in Bedfordshire starting with a 19th Century ghost sighting of a witch.
The episode covers a case of Victorian girls playing at witches to horrific and cruel effect. Then moves through the 20th Century with it's contrast between the rise of wicca and nature based neo pagan witchcraft, and the persistent fear of "black magic" and the satanic panic.
Nat ponders whether we have moved far enough away from the causes and motivations of the 17th century witch trials. But ends the episode with a delightful...2025-03-1243 minWeird in the WadePart One: The Witches of BedfordshireIn this episode Nat takes you on a journey, exploring the history of witchcraft in Bedfordshire from medieval times up until the late 18th century. Kicking off with a ghost story about a witch.
This episode moves from what is possibly Bedfordshire's earliest record of witchcraft, to the witch trials of the 17th century and beyond. It seems even when persecuting witches was outlawed in 1735, the people of Bedfordshire persisted in attempting to punish those who they thought dabbled in magical harm.
Part Two which is available now, which follows up from the 19th century t...2025-03-121h 03Weird in the WadePart One: The Witches of BedfordshireIn this episode Nat takes you on a journey, exploring the history of witchcraft in Bedfordshire from medieval times up until the late 18th century. Kicking off with a ghost story about a witch.
This episode moves from what is possibly Bedfordshire's earliest record of witchcraft, to the witch trials of the 17th century and beyond. It seems even when persecuting witches was outlawed in 1735, the people of Bedfordshire persisted in attempting to punish those who they thought dabbled in magical harm.
Part Two which is available now, which follows up from the 19th century t...2025-03-121h 03Weird in the Wade25 Old Ragbones: Biggleswade's Unidentified ManAs the missing person's charity, Locate International launch a fresh appeal into "Biggleswade Man" Nat takes a closer look at this missing persons, and unidentified body case.
Even if you don't live in Biggleswade you could hold the key to solving this 28 year mystery.
In February 1997 some schoolboys playing truant discovered the body of a homeless man. They recognised this man as "Old Ragbones," an itinerate tool sharpener.
Old Ragbones attracted rumours in life and even more so in death. After 28 years he has still not been identified. Someone must know who he is...2025-02-2640 minWeird in the Wade25 Old Ragbones: Biggleswade's Unidentified ManAs the missing person's charity, Locate International launch a fresh appeal into "Biggleswade Man" Nat takes a closer look at this missing persons, and unidentified body case.
Even if you don't live in Biggleswade you could hold the key to solving this 28 year mystery.
In February 1997 some schoolboys playing truant discovered the body of a homeless man. They recognised this man as "Old Ragbones," an itinerate tool sharpener.
Old Ragbones attracted rumours in life and even more so in death. After 28 years he has still not been identified. Someone must know who he is...2025-02-2640 minWeird in the WadeWhere's Weird in the Wade?Just a quick update to let you know where your Weird in the Wade episode is? Don't worry new episodes are on their way. You won't have to wait long.
Listen to find out why the Witches of Bedfordshire episodes will be a little late. There's also exciting news about an appeal to find a missing man who's body was discovered in Biggleswade 28 years ago. He has never been identified. Coming in the next few days is an episode about this tragic mystery. Can you help identify Old Ragbones, as he was known to the local children...2025-02-2403 minWeird in the WadeWhere's Weird in the Wade?Just a quick update to let you know where your Weird in the Wade episode is? Don't worry new episodes are on their way. You won't have to wait long.
Listen to find out why the Witches of Bedfordshire episodes will be a little late. There's also exciting news about an appeal to find a missing man who's body was discovered in Biggleswade 28 years ago. He has never been identified. Coming in the next few days is an episode about this tragic mystery. Can you help identify Old Ragbones, as he was known to the local children...2025-02-2403 min
In TouchMyths and Assumptions about BlindnessNatalie Doig is fascinated by myths and legends. Indeed, such is her passion for that which is "weird, wonderful and a little off kilter" that she stepped back from her career working in the disability rights sector to make a podcast about it. Called "Weird in the Wade", a recent episode explored the tale of "Blind George of Anstey". Natalie joins us to discuss Blind George and the issues the story raises about how blindness is perceived.Also joining the discussion are Dr Rod Michalko and Professor Tanya Titchkosky. Both have studied societal attitudes to blindness and...2025-02-1818 minWeird in the Wade24. The Mystery of Pegnut Wood's Creepy BridgeThere's a wood between the Bedfordshire town of Potton and the ancient hamlet of Sutton, which has spooked many locals including Nat. The creepiness seems to coalesce around an ancient bridge along an equally venerable footpath which has possibly been in use for over 1000 years.
After Nat encountered this strange part of the woods nearly three years ago, she's been trying to piece together it's history and to find a cause of the unsettling feelings walkers have described.
Why do few birds sing in that part of the woods?
Was the path used a...2025-01-2749 minWeird in the Wade24. The Mystery of Pegnut Wood's Creepy BridgeThere's a wood between the Bedfordshire town of Potton and the ancient hamlet of Sutton, which has spooked many locals including Nat. The creepiness seems to coalesce around an ancient bridge along an equally venerable footpath which has possibly been in use for over 1000 years.
After Nat encountered this strange part of the woods nearly three years ago, she's been trying to piece together it's history and to find a cause of the unsettling feelings walkers have described.
Why do few birds sing in that part of the woods?
Was the path used a...2025-01-2749 minWeird in the Wade23 Haunted Cinema's with Danny RobinsIn this festive special episode Nat chats with Danny Robins of Uncanny, the Witch Farm, the Battersea Poltergeist and 2:22 A Ghost Story Fame. They chat about haunted cinemas, theatres and doppelgangers.
But before their chat, Nat explores the creepy tales from one of Bedford's former cinemas. There's phantom monks and an old Priory to explore along the way.
Special guest Owen Staton returns with a confession about a haunted cinema he worked in!
And Nat learns why an ambulance and priest were stationed outside a Biggleswade cinema in the 1970s.
It r...2024-12-231h 22Weird in the Wade23 Haunted Cinema's with Danny RobinsIn this festive special episode Nat chats with Danny Robins of Uncanny, the Witch Farm, the Battersea Poltergeist and 2:22 A Ghost Story Fame. They chat about haunted cinemas, theatres and doppelgangers.
But before their chat, Nat explores the creepy tales from one of Bedford's former cinemas. There's phantom monks and an old Priory to explore along the way.
Special guest Owen Staton returns with a confession about a haunted cinema he worked in!
And Nat learns why an ambulance and priest were stationed outside a Biggleswade cinema in the 1970s.
It r...2024-12-231h 22Weird in the WadeNew Witness to the most haunted pub in BiggleswadeThis stocking filler of an episode is packed full of new witnesses and updates to previous cases.
In today’s episode we’ll hear from a new witness to the haunting of the Golden Pheasant. It's a chance to set the story straight about one of the hauntings I covered in that episode.
There’s new information about Thelma Roberts the 1950s UFO investigator and some medical evidence which could shed new light on the Potton Poisoner case.
And at the end of today’s episode I will reveal who the special Christmas episode g...2024-12-1620 minWeird in the WadeNew Witness to the most haunted pub in BiggleswadeThis stocking filler of an episode is packed full of new witnesses and updates to previous cases.
In today’s episode we’ll hear from a new witness to the haunting of the Golden Pheasant. It's a chance to set the story straight about one of the hauntings I covered in that episode.
There’s new information about Thelma Roberts the 1950s UFO investigator and some medical evidence which could shed new light on the Potton Poisoner case.
And at the end of today’s episode I will reveal who the special Christmas episode g...2024-12-1620 minWeird in the Wade22. Haunted TheatresThey 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 o...2024-11-251h 13Weird in the Wade22. Haunted TheatresThey 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 o...2024-11-251h 13Weird in the Wade21. Haunted Henlow CampIn 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 C...2024-10-281h 04Weird in the Wade21. Haunted Henlow CampIn 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 C...2024-10-281h 04
The Rue PapersS1 Ep5 Is There Anybody ThereContent Warning - psychiatric institutions
Cheveley tries to contact Millington using a psychic. It does not go well...
This episode includes the voice of Natalie Doig, from the award winning podcast Weird in the Wade as the voice of Rose.
2024-10-0417 minWeird in the Wade20. JF Hunt The Victorian Medium Who Worked With Shakespeare's Ghost19th 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 a...2024-09-301h 17Weird in the Wade20. JF Hunt The Victorian Medium Who Worked With Shakespeare's Ghost19th 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 a...2024-09-301h 17Weird in the Wade19. Solved: The Haunting of Murder BridgeI'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...2024-08-261h 09Weird in the Wade19. Solved: The Haunting of Murder BridgeI'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...2024-08-261h 09Weird in the Wade18. 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.
2024-07-291h 31Weird in the Wade18. 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.
2024-07-291h 31Weird in the Wade17. The Haunted TunnelsFind 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!
2024-06-241h 20Weird in the Wade17. The Haunted TunnelsFind 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!
2024-06-241h 20Weird in the Wade16. The Haunting of Camden HouseToday'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 f...2024-05-271h 02Weird in the Wade16. The Haunting of Camden HouseToday'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 f...2024-05-271h 02
Weird in the Wade15. Weird Wanders Two: My night in York's Most Haunted InnAs 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.
...2024-04-291h 17Weird in the Wade15. Weird Wanders Two: My night in York's Most Haunted InnAs 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.
...2024-04-291h 17Weird in the Wade14. Weird Wanders One: Blind George Ghost of AnsteyWe 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 h...2024-04-011h 12Weird in the Wade14. Weird Wanders One: Blind George Ghost of AnsteyWe 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 h...2024-04-011h 12Weird in the Wade13. Ghostly Crime Part 2: Biggleswade Body Snatchers and Things That Go Bump in the NightIn 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...2024-03-181h 00Weird in the Wade13. Ghostly Crime Part 2: Biggleswade Body Snatchers and Things That Go Bump in the NightIn 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...2024-03-181h 00Weird in the Wade12. Ghostly Crime Part One: Murder Bridge, Thomas Dun and a Chat with Eerie EdinburghIn this bumper episode I explore why so many ghost stories and hauntings have a connection with crime or criminals.
I investigate the local legend of Biggleswade's Murder Bridge, a place every school child knows not to approach.
I tell you the tale of Thomas Dun, reported to be Black Tom's phantom friend or even the real Black Tom. His 800 year old story is full of despicable deeds and more strange and eerie folk tales.
And finally as a real treat, I talk with Wayne from Eerie Edinburgh about why he thinks so ma...2024-02-261h 16Weird in the Wade12. Ghostly Crime Part One: Murder Bridge, Thomas Dun and a Chat with Eerie EdinburghIn this bumper episode I explore why so many ghost stories and hauntings have a connection with crime or criminals.
I investigate the local legend of Biggleswade's Murder Bridge, a place every school child knows not to approach.
I tell you the tale of Thomas Dun, reported to be Black Tom's phantom friend or even the real Black Tom. His 800 year old story is full of despicable deeds and more strange and eerie folk tales.
And finally as a real treat, I talk with Wayne from Eerie Edinburgh about why he thinks so ma...2024-02-261h 16Weird in the Wade11. Black Tom Phantom Highwayman of BedfordIn this episode we explore one of Bedford's most famous hauntings. A folktale so well known it gave it's name to an area of the town. What is now a rather unassuming roundabout just north of Bedford town centre, known locally as Black Tom's Grave, was once a place of fear. Was a highwayman executed on that site? Does his restless spirit still wander beneath the trees there? Why are there so many paranormal reports in that small area of Bedford? And who is the shadowy figure often reported along side the spectre of Black Tom?
We...2024-01-2900 minWeird in the Wade11. Black Tom Phantom Highwayman of BedfordIn this episode we explore one of Bedford's most famous hauntings. A folktale so well known it gave it's name to an area of the town. What is now a rather unassuming roundabout just north of Bedford town centre, known locally as Black Tom's Grave, was once a place of fear. Was a highwayman executed on that site? Does his restless spirit still wander beneath the trees there? Why are there so many paranormal reports in that small area of Bedford? And who is the shadowy figure often reported along side the spectre of Black Tom?
We...2024-01-2900 minWeird in the WadeBonus Episode: Facing my Demons at the Black Magic ChurchHappy New Year! In this bonus episode I visit the ruin of St Mary's Old Church, Clophill. On a chilly December morning, 60 years after the ruin became notorious for black magic rituals, devil worship, vandalism, desecration and hauntings, I spend a few hours recording and photographing the site. An instance of pareidolia (seeing a figure in random mottled wall markings in this case) forces me to confront some childhood demons.
You don't have to have listened to the previous episodes about Clophill's infamous church to listen to this bonus episode but you might enjoy it more if y...2024-01-0141 minWeird in the WadeBonus Episode: Facing my Demons at the Black Magic ChurchHappy New Year! In this bonus episode I visit the ruin of St Mary's Old Church, Clophill. On a chilly December morning, 60 years after the ruin became notorious for black magic rituals, devil worship, vandalism, desecration and hauntings, I spend a few hours recording and photographing the site. An instance of pareidolia (seeing a figure in random mottled wall markings in this case) forces me to confront some childhood demons.
You don't have to have listened to the previous episodes about Clophill's infamous church to listen to this bonus episode but you might enjoy it more if y...2024-01-0141 min
Some Other SphereEpisode 110 - Natalie Doig - Weird in the WadeMy guest for this episode is Natalie Doig. Natalie is the creator of Weird in the Wade, a blog and podcast which details her exploration of the spooky happenings, forgotten history and curious folklore of the area around her hometown of Biggleswade, in Bedfordshire England.
This has seen her investigate a wide range of unusual cases, from a shop plagued by ghostly activity to UFO sightings in the 1950s, a haunted woodland and a fire that devastated Biggleswade in1785. Natalie has a very engaging presenting style and a real talent for rediscovering local stories that ha...2023-12-201h 09Weird in the Wade10. The Ghosts of St Mary’s Old ChurchIn this Christmas bonanza episode chock full of ghosts, I tell you about the many hauntings reported at St Mary's Old Church, Clophill, over the last 60 years. From Spectral beasts scaring news agents at Christmas, to a punk band who felt their haunting encounter at the church brought them bad luck, to more recent mobile phone footage of monk like phantoms. It's all explored in this episode.
Did the church's sad past of vandalism and desecration disturb spirits who should have been left to rest in peace, or did black magic rituals held at the church, summon s...2023-12-181h 00Weird in the Wade10. The Ghosts of St Mary’s Old ChurchIn this Christmas bonanza episode chock full of ghosts, I tell you about the many hauntings reported at St Mary's Old Church, Clophill, over the last 60 years. From Spectral beasts scaring news agents at Christmas, to a punk band who felt their haunting encounter at the church brought them bad luck, to more recent mobile phone footage of monk like phantoms. It's all explored in this episode.
Did the church's sad past of vandalism and desecration disturb spirits who should have been left to rest in peace, or did black magic rituals held at the church, summon s...2023-12-181h 00Weird in the Wade9. The Black Magic ChurchThere's an abandoned church on a hill top at Clophill in Bedfordshire, that fuelled my nightmares as a child. In today's episode I explore the history of this notorious church that the tabloid press labelled a "black magic church" back in the 1960s. This ruined church has associations with magic, ghosts, grave robbers, the devil, desecration and death. But are the newspaper stories and the local folklore true? And why was I so scared by the very thought of this church as a child? How do my nightmares link to a very different kind of church in Biggleswade? All...2023-11-271h 07Weird in the Wade9. The Black Magic ChurchThere's an abandoned church on a hill top at Clophill in Bedfordshire, that fuelled my nightmares as a child. In today's episode I explore the history of this notorious church that the tabloid press labelled a "black magic church" back in the 1960s. This ruined church has associations with magic, ghosts, grave robbers, the devil, desecration and death. But are the newspaper stories and the local folklore true? And why was I so scared by the very thought of this church as a child? How do my nightmares link to a very different kind of church in Biggleswade? All...2023-11-271h 07Weird in the WadeBonus Episode: More Big Cats of Bedfordshire and BeyondIn this bonus episode we hear from a new witness who saw a large black cat in Bedfordshire in the 1990s. His sighting was near to the famous encounters with the beast of Silsoe which I also explore.
We also catch up with Owen Staton, completing the interview started in episode 7, The Big Cat of Biggleswade and Phantom Felines.
Find out more about Owen and his podcasts by following him on Twitter / X here.
Read the show notes and links on the blog at weirdinthewade.blog
Contact the podcast at weirdinthewade@gm...2023-11-1332 minWeird in the WadeBonus Episode: More Big Cats of Bedfordshire and BeyondIn this bonus episode we hear from a new witness who saw a large black cat in Bedfordshire in the 1990s. His sighting was near to the famous encounters with the beast of Silsoe which I also explore.
We also catch up with Owen Staton, completing the interview started in episode 7, The Big Cat of Biggleswade and Phantom Felines.
Find out more about Owen and his podcasts by following him on Twitter / X here.
Read the show notes and links on the blog at weirdinthewade.blog
Contact the podcast at weirdinthewade@gm...2023-11-1332 minWeird in the Wade8. The Most Haunted Pub in BiggleswadeThe Golden Pheasant in Biggleswade is not the town's oldest or even grandest pub, but this real ale beer house is reported to be Biggleswade's most haunted. Over the years strange phenomena and mysterious stories have built up around the establishment.
I visited the pub and chatted with regulars and staff to try and get to the bottom of the haunting. What I discovered made my blood run cold on at least three occasions as I uncovered two tragic deaths from the Victorian age, which seem to provide answers to the ghost sightings and sounds experienced at...2023-10-3059 minWeird in the Wade8. The Most Haunted Pub in BiggleswadeThe Golden Pheasant in Biggleswade is not the town's oldest or even grandest pub, but this real ale beer house is reported to be Biggleswade's most haunted. Over the years strange phenomena and mysterious stories have built up around the establishment.
I visited the pub and chatted with regulars and staff to try and get to the bottom of the haunting. What I discovered made my blood run cold on at least three occasions as I uncovered two tragic deaths from the Victorian age, which seem to provide answers to the ghost sightings and sounds experienced at...2023-10-3059 minWeird in the Wade7. The Big Cat of Biggleswade and Phantom FelinesThere have been several sightings of a big cat stalking the water meadows, heaths, and back gardens of Biggleswade in the last twenty years. And they're not your usual black panther type sightings; they're more intriguing. Of course, I just had to investigate.
In this episode I speak with an eye witness about the large and unusual cat they saw whilst walking their dog. We have another witness statement sent into the show, and I look at old newspaper stories. All in an attempt to work out what the Beast of Biggleswade really is.
And...2023-09-251h 04Weird in the Wade7. The Big Cat of Biggleswade and Phantom FelinesThere have been several sightings of a big cat stalking the water meadows, heaths, and back gardens of Biggleswade in the last twenty years. And they're not your usual black panther type sightings; they're more intriguing. Of course, I just had to investigate.
In this episode I speak with an eye witness about the large and unusual cat they saw whilst walking their dog. We have another witness statement sent into the show, and I look at old newspaper stories. All in an attempt to work out what the Beast of Biggleswade really is.
And...2023-09-251h 04Weird in the Wade6. The Potton Poisoner: Part 3In this final part of the story of Sarah Dazley, the Victorian poisoner, we follow the evidence shared at William Dazley's inquest and murder trial. We unpick tricky testimony and tangled timelines in an attempt to decide if Sarah really did it. There's gossip, pills and powders, a dead pig, and a teenage pregnancy all to uncover.
We hear a new ghost story shared by a listener this time centred around the Chequers Inn at Wrestlingworth where the inquest was held. Does Sarah's restless spirit still haunt the pub?
And keep listening for a sneak p...2023-09-041h 06Weird in the Wade6. The Potton Poisoner: Part 3In this final part of the story of Sarah Dazley, the Victorian poisoner, we follow the evidence shared at William Dazley's inquest and murder trial. We unpick tricky testimony and tangled timelines in an attempt to decide if Sarah really did it. There's gossip, pills and powders, a dead pig, and a teenage pregnancy all to uncover.
We hear a new ghost story shared by a listener this time centred around the Chequers Inn at Wrestlingworth where the inquest was held. Does Sarah's restless spirit still haunt the pub?
And keep listening for a sneak p...2023-09-041h 06Weird in the Wade5. The Potton Poisoner: Part TwoThis is the second part of a three part story about Sarah Dazley the Potton Poisoner.
This episode opens with Sarah's arrest on the banks of the Thames in London and her appearance in front of the Lord Mayor. We'll hear a late night conversation between Sarah and the women guarding over her in a Biggleswade tavern. Find out why arsenic poisoning was such a problem in Victorian Britain. As well as exploring the details of the inquests into the deaths of her first husband and baby. It's an episode with twists and turns, delving into Victorian a...2023-08-281h 06Weird in the Wade5. The Potton Poisoner: Part TwoThis is the second part of a three part story about Sarah Dazley the Potton Poisoner.
This episode opens with Sarah's arrest on the banks of the Thames in London and her appearance in front of the Lord Mayor. We'll hear a late night conversation between Sarah and the women guarding over her in a Biggleswade tavern. Find out why arsenic poisoning was such a problem in Victorian Britain. As well as exploring the details of the inquests into the deaths of her first husband and baby. It's an episode with twists and turns, delving into Victorian a...2023-08-281h 06
Time Between Times Storytelling with Owen StatonTime between Times Storytelling with Owen Staton. Firepit Fables with Natalie DoigToday I am joined at the firepit by Natalie Doig who is a Folklorist and the Presenter of the Wonderful " Weird in the Wade" Podcast which charts the wonderful history and strangnesss of the Town of Biggleswade in Bedfordshire in England. We talk about Natalie's history and interest in folklore and the paranormal and how she came to be a Podcast Host. I then finish by telling one of Nat's favourite stories.
Join us at the Firepit
Email Owenstaton@aol.com
twitter @owensgriffiths]
www.ko-fi.com/owenstaton
Weird in...2023-08-1033 minWeird in the Wade4. The Potton Poisoner: Part OneOn Saturday 5th August 2023 it will be 180 years since the execution of Sarah Dazley the Potton Poisoner, she was hanged outside Bedford Gaol in front of 10,000 people.
The haunting of a pretty cottage ties to the story of the Potton Poisoner. A murder case that was a Victorian sensation. Scandalising a nation, and still fascinating true crime enthusiasts today. Should Sarah Dazley, dubbed the Potton Poisoner by Victorian press, be known as the UKs first recorded female serial killer? Or is she innocent? The story is murkier and more twisty than a penny dreadful or melodrama.
2023-07-3159 minWeird in the Wade4. The Potton Poisoner: Part OneOn Saturday 5th August 2023 it will be 180 years since the execution of Sarah Dazley the Potton Poisoner, she was hanged outside Bedford Gaol in front of 10,000 people.
The haunting of a pretty cottage ties to the story of the Potton Poisoner. A murder case that was a Victorian sensation. Scandalising a nation, and still fascinating true crime enthusiasts today. Should Sarah Dazley, dubbed the Potton Poisoner by Victorian press, be known as the UKs first recorded female serial killer? Or is she innocent? The story is murkier and more twisty than a penny dreadful or melodrama.
2023-07-3159 minWeird in the WadeBonus Episode: Updates, News and a New Spooky StoryA bonus episode with updates from previous episodes, a new spooky story that happened to Nat Doig earlier this year, and some news about changes to the podcast. There's also a new trailer for the next episode about the Potton Poisoner.
If you haven't listened to all of our previous episode's here's some timings so you can avoid spoilers!
Pound Stretcher update is at 3 minutes 45
Flying saucer update is at 8 minutes 15
Potton Wood Update is at 14 minutes 10
New Spooky story and trailer all spoiler safe from 20 minutes onwards
...2023-07-1738 minWeird in the WadeBonus Episode: Updates, News and a New Spooky StoryA bonus episode with updates from previous episodes, a new spooky story that happened to Nat Doig earlier this year, and some news about changes to the podcast. There's also a new trailer for the next episode about the Potton Poisoner.
If you haven't listened to all of our previous episode's here's some timings so you can avoid spoilers!
Pound Stretcher update is at 3 minutes 45
Flying saucer update is at 8 minutes 15
Potton Wood Update is at 14 minutes 10
New Spooky story and trailer all spoiler safe from 20 minutes onwards
...2023-07-1738 minWeird in the Wade3. What’s Haunting Potton Wood?Can a WW2 plane crash explain the strange phenomena that have been reported in this quiet corner of English woodland over the last 70 years? How does the tale of a little hero dog tie in with the ghostly encounters? Why do so many visitors to the wood smell burning when there are no signs of fire near by?
This month's episode is a little different. We have a witness interview, field recordings from the woods, access to Luton Paranormal's research files and lots of history to explore as we try to find out what is haunting Potton...2023-07-031h 03Weird in the Wade3. What’s Haunting Potton Wood?Can a WW2 plane crash explain the strange phenomena that have been reported in this quiet corner of English woodland over the last 70 years? How does the tale of a little hero dog tie in with the ghostly encounters? Why do so many visitors to the wood smell burning when there are no signs of fire near by?
This month's episode is a little different. We have a witness interview, field recordings from the woods, access to Luton Paranormal's research files and lots of history to explore as we try to find out what is haunting Potton...2023-07-031h 03Weird in the WadeBonus Episode: Luton’s Noontide HagIn 1848 a boy from Luton workhouse has a strange and horrifying encounter in church. His story is reported in the newspapers and there are links to Scotland, Sir Walter Scott and a pioneer of stage magic. Hear all about it in this bonus episode.
Get in touch with Weird in the Wade on Twitter and insta @weirdinthewade or through our blog. We'd love to hear from you.
If you'd like to support us you can buy us a coffee at Ko-fi or simply follow, like and review the pod as it helps other's find us...2023-06-1920 minWeird in the WadeBonus Episode: Luton’s Noontide HagIn 1848 a boy from Luton workhouse has a strange and horrifying encounter in church. His story is reported in the newspapers and there are links to Scotland, Sir Walter Scott and a pioneer of stage magic. Hear all about it in this bonus episode.
Get in touch with Weird in the Wade on Twitter and insta @weirdinthewade or through our blog. We'd love to hear from you.
If you'd like to support us you can buy us a coffee at Ko-fi or simply follow, like and review the pod as it helps other's find us...2023-06-1920 minWeird in the Wade2) Flying Saucers Over BiggleswadeIt's the 1950s and for a few short weeks Biggleswade becomes the flying saucer capital of the world! A UFO hoax is uncovered, whilst two flying saucer sightings a year apart, remain to this day, a mystery. Find out how the hoax and the genuine UFO mystery are intertwined, meet a cast of characters including a working class engineering hero, and a woman investigating UFOs with her trusty Labrador. In the 1950s things were definitely weird in the wade.
Thank you so much for listening!
Read the show notes and transcript at weirdinthewade.blog
2023-06-051h 01Weird in the Wade2) Flying Saucers Over BiggleswadeIt's the 1950s and for a few short weeks Biggleswade becomes the flying saucer capital of the world! A UFO hoax is uncovered, whilst two flying saucer sightings a year apart, remain to this day, a mystery. Find out how the hoax and the genuine UFO mystery are intertwined, meet a cast of characters including a working class engineering hero, and a woman investigating UFOs with her trusty Labrador. In the 1950s things were definitely weird in the wade.
Thank you so much for listening!
Read the show notes and transcript at weirdinthewade.blog
2023-06-051h 01Weird in the WadeBonus Mini Episode: The Silsoe Grey LadyIn this bonus, mini episode, partly recorded on a dawn walk around Wrest Park, hear the ghost story of the grey lady of Silsoe in Bedfordshire. Birdsong will accompany you as we travel back in time and discover what haunts the George Inn and how the haunting is linked to the beautiful and stately Wrest Park.
Show notes and transcript at Weird in the Wade's blog
Please consider supporting the podcast if you can by rating or reviewing this episode or buy me a Ko-fi at https://ko-fi.com/weirdinthewade
Follow us on s...2023-05-2913 minWeird in the WadeBonus Mini Episode: The Silsoe Grey LadyIn this bonus, mini episode, partly recorded on a dawn walk around Wrest Park, hear the ghost story of the grey lady of Silsoe in Bedfordshire. Birdsong will accompany you as we travel back in time and discover what haunts the George Inn and how the haunting is linked to the beautiful and stately Wrest Park.
Show notes and transcript at Weird in the Wade's blog
Please consider supporting the podcast if you can by rating or reviewing this episode or buy me a Ko-fi at https://ko-fi.com/weirdinthewade
Follow us on s...2023-05-2913 minWeird in the WadeBonus Episode: The Great Fire of Biggleswade, New Evidence.A bonus episode about the 1785 Great Fire of Biggleswade. I've unearthed new evidence, which has lain unnoticed for 230 years. Does the established narrative including the cause of the fire need to be challenged? Make up your own mind after listening.
Find out about how the news was reported 230 years ago, how connected our country really was back then, and how history can turn on a six pence or on a dog's paw.
Researched, written and presented by Nat Doig
Theme music by Tess Savigear
Find the transcript and show notes at...2023-05-1536 minWeird in the WadeBonus Episode: The Great Fire of Biggleswade, New Evidence.A bonus episode about the 1785 Great Fire of Biggleswade. I've unearthed new evidence, which has lain unnoticed for 230 years. Does the established narrative including the cause of the fire need to be challenged? Make up your own mind after listening.
Find out about how the news was reported 230 years ago, how connected our country really was back then, and how history can turn on a six pence or on a dog's paw.
Researched, written and presented by Nat Doig
Theme music by Tess Savigear
Find the transcript and show notes at...2023-05-1536 minWeird in the Wade1 The Haunted Pound StretcherThe staff at the Biggleswade pound stretcher got more than they bargained for when strange things started happening at their place of work. We examine what really went down in the shop and gather witness testimonies. We'll also look at links to Biggleswade's past and the building's unique place in history. Can we discover who Aggie the poltergeist really was?
Visit Weird in the Wade blog for more info including transcript and photos.
Find us on Twitter and Instagram
Theme music by Tess Savigear
Other music and additional sound effects by...2023-05-0152 minWeird in the Wade1 The Haunted Pound StretcherThe staff at the Biggleswade pound stretcher got more than they bargained for when strange things started happening at their place of work. We examine what really went down in the shop and gather witness testimonies. We'll also look at links to Biggleswade's past and the building's unique place in history. Can we discover who Aggie the poltergeist really was?
Visit Weird in the Wade blog for more info including transcript and photos.
Find us on Twitter and Instagram
Theme music by Tess Savigear
Other music and additional sound effects by...2023-05-0152 minWeird in the WadeWeird in the Wade: TrailerSomething is coming... A new podcast about all that's weird, wonderful and a little off kilter in the town of Biggleswade in Bedfordshire. Before our first episode is released on Monday 1st of May listen to a trailer all about this new and fascinating podcast. If you like your spooky stories with an historical context or your history with a pinch of the paranormal then this is the podcast for you.
Theme music by Tess Savigear
Written and presented by Natalie Doig
2023-04-2003 minWeird in the WadeWeird in the Wade: TrailerSomething is coming... A new podcast about all that's weird, wonderful and a little off kilter in the town of Biggleswade in Bedfordshire. Before our first episode is released on Monday 1st of May listen to a trailer all about this new and fascinating podcast. If you like your spooky stories with an historical context or your history with a pinch of the paranormal then this is the podcast for you.
Theme music by Tess Savigear
Written and presented by Natalie Doig
2023-04-2003 minIn TouchBirds & GardeningUnlike most of the natural world, birds are quite easy to enjoy with a visual impairment because, well, they can be rather noisy. Martin and Jackie Brown invited us into their garden and share some of their enthusiasms for gardening and, you guessed it, birds. Natalie Doig also joins us. Natalie is partially sighted and enjoys taking photographs of birds and other wildlife, because it allows her to zoom in and discover details she wasn't aware of before. She tells us about her techniques and shares her top tips. We also review some bird identification apps that...2022-06-0718 min
Early EditionConcerns Over Accessibility For New Chip And Pin Machines!RNIB, the UK's leading sight loss charity, has expressed concerns over new chip and pin machines being piloted in the UK. Allan Russell spoke to Natalie Doig, RNIB Campaigns, to find out more.2016-09-1408 min