On 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 the origins of this custom, and what it means now to the community of Queensferry and beyond. With insights from the Burryman himself, his attendants and the team behind the procession and Queensferry's Ferry Fair, Nat pieces together the history of the Burryman and how he is inspiring folk from all around the world.   Special thanks to Andrew (the Burryman,) his attendants Andrew and Duncan, and team, Claire, Erin, Doc and Paul for their time and expertise in this episode. Thank you to Wayne Gilbert of Eerie Edinburgh for reading the article form the Dunfermline Press. Thank you to the Blue Moon Pickers for their live folk music which is included in this episode. And a huge thank you to Daniel Patrick Quinn for allowing me to use his wonderful track The Burryman (featuring Duncan Grahl,)   Find out more about the Burryman and this episode on the show blog weridinthewade.blog Email Nat: weirdinthewade@gmail.com   Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig Theme music by Tess Savigear All additional music and sound effects from Epidemic Sound

The 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 they have a link to Viking and Saxon history? Find out in this episode of Weird in the Wade.   Read more on the show blog at weirdinthewade.blog Find out more about Dr Francis Young at: https://drfrancisyoung.com/about/ Find out more about Weird in the Wade Ghost Walks here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/weird-in-the-wade-79765637113 Vote for Weird in the Wade in the listeners choice award for the British Podcast Awards here: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting Join Weird in the Wade's Patreon to support the show and get extra content: patreon.com/WeirdintheWade Social Media links and more can be found here: https://linktr.ee/weirdinthewade   Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig. Special thanks for the contributions of Dr Francis Young in this episode. Theme music by Tess Savigear

Beneath 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 down into the cave in 1742, to describe what he saw to the town’s folk eager for treasure. Nat is joined by Emma the current custodian of the cave, and Matt Champion an archaeologist who specialises in medieval graffiti, who has studied the cave extensively. Together they try to unravel the mystery that swirls around the site. Nat also speaks with Emma Butler of the RUE Papers podcast, about why we’re drawn to caves, and her experiences working at a very different cave in Yorkshire, that of Mother Shipton. Check out images and video of the cave at weirdinthewade.blog If you would like to get in touch with Nat, you can find her on social media @weirdinthewade or email at weirdinthewade@gmail.com Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat DoigTheme music is by Tess Savigear

As 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. Using a ghost hunting kit, and with advice from Parapsychologist and Uncanny sceptic Dr Ciarán O'Keefe, Nat embarks on her first ever ghost hunt. Find out what scares and delights the ghost hunters on this special episode of Weird in the Wade. Read more about the ghost hunt on the Weird in the Wade Blog https://weirdinthewade.blog/2025/04/29/return-to-the-haunted-poundstretcher-show-notes-and-links/ Follow the show on social media here: https://linktr.ee/weirdinthewade Support the show on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/weirdinthewade Or join Team Weird on Patreon for extra and exclusive episodes: https://www.patreon.com/c/WeirdintheWade This episode of Weird in the Wade was researched, written and presented by Nat Doig Audio Producer: Lucy Dearlove Assistant Producer: Liv Woodward Theme music by Tess Savigear All additional music by Epidemic Sounds

In 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 or two before Northampton. It's a sad story, but an important one. It's a story that has been misreported from it's very start. In this episode Nat Doig, pieces together the events, looking beyond the propaganda and tries to make sense of a senseless attack on these two women.  The episode stars Owen Staton in the roles of Cornelius Harbird, and John Inger. Owen has his own podcast Time Between Time Storytelling which you can listen to here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/time-between-times-storytelling-with-owen-staton/id1573244734 The beautiful Ladies Sutton theme was composed especially for this episode by Tess Savigear and performed by Tess on piano and Charlotte Pascoe on oboe.  Check out the show blog for further information and show notes at weirdinthewade.blog Support the show on Patreon and receive exclusive content every month: https://www.patreon.com/c/WeirdintheWade Find links to social media and other ways to support and engage with the show at: https://linktr.ee/weirdinthewade Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig Theme music and Ladies Sutton theme composed by Tess Savigear, oboe by Charlotte Pascoe All additional sound effects and music from Epidemic Sound   

In 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 piece of witch related folklore. This episode contains some descriptions of cruelty to animals but Nat gives you a heads up before those sections.  You can read more about the witches of Bedfordshire on the blog at weirdinthewade.blog Follow the podcast on social media via linktree Support the podcast on Ko-Fi or Patreon.  Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig Theme music and the track Waking Up are by Tess Savigear All additional music and sound effects by Epidemic Sound.     

In 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 to modern day. In this episode Dr Francis Young, provides his insight into 16th century religious and political matters. Tess Savigear voices an account of the "Dunstable witch," Elizabeth Pratt. Owen Staton voices an account of the "witch of Oakley." Matt Savigear voices the curious case of a husband and wife accused of witchcraft in Silsoe.  You can read more about the witches of Bedfordshire on the blog at weirdinthewade.blog Follow the podcast on social media via linktree Support the podcast on Ko-Fi or Patreon.  Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig Theme music and the tracks, Waking Up and The Ladies Sutton are by Tess Savigear Oboe on The Ladies Sutton is played by Charlotte Pascoe  All additional music and sound effects by Epidemic Sound.     

As 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. Somewhere a parent, a child, a sibling, a friend, even a colleague misses him and wonders what became of him. He may have had links to London and further afield. Listen to this fascinating episode and please share it with others. Do you hold the key to this man's identity?  You can find more information and see images of our mystery man on the show blog weirdinthewade.blog  Or visit Locate International's appeal: https://locate.international/appeals/biggleswade-man Thanks go out to the people of Biggleswade who shared information with me about their memories of this mysterious man. Especially Craig, Roy and Angela who shared statements with me.  Voice acting in this episode is from Owen Staton and Paul Gledhill.  Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig Theme music by Tess Savigear All additional music and sound effects from Epidemic Sound. 

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, Biggleswade's Mystery Man? No matter where you are in the world, you could hold the key to solving this mystery. 

There'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 as a route to an execution site? Is a big cat sighting from the 1990s somehow involved? Nat uncovers Victorian fake news along the way and a torrid tale of polluted waterways and sewage dumps, but does she discover the truth? Find photographs and further reading on the show blog weirdinthewade.blog If you have any suggestions or questions email weirdinthewade@gmail.com Thanks to local author Paul Jameson for his insight and here's where you can find out more about his wonderful books: https://www.modquokka.com/ Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig Theme music is by Tess Savigear All additional music and sound effects by Epidemic Sound.   

In 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 really is a bumper festive fearsome delight of an episode. Find show notes on the blog https://weirdinthewade.blog/ Join Team Weird on Patreon and receive bonus content. https://www.patreon.com/c/WeirdintheWade Find Weird in the Wade on social media here: https://linktr.ee/weirdinthewade Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig Theme music by Tess Savigear All additional music and sound effects from Epidemic Sound.

This 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 guest is.  Have an update or story to share message Nat on weirdinthewade@gmail.com Join the patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/c/WeirdintheWade Find us on Patron at: https://linktr.ee/weirdinthewade   Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig Theme music and the Potton Poisoner theme by Tess Savigear. All other music by Epidemic Sound.

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

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    

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. 

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  

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    

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    

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  

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.