Weird in the Wade

The Higgins Bedford (a museum and art gallery.) has a long history of unexplained and supernatural phenomena witnessed by customers and staff alike. It became so infamous that from the 1980s until 2010 ghost tours and investigations were held at the museum. The site includes an old brewery, beautiful town house, munitions tower, and the mound of Bedford castle. Can this history shed any light on the paranormal activity reported and recorded in a ghost dossier. Why did the haunting activity cease in 2011?Nat, investigates with the help of The Higgins curators, Victoria Partridge and Lydia MacDonald. One museum item, a doll named Queenie comes under some scrutiny, so Nat also speaks with Fiona Dodwell author of A Cursed Collection of Haunted Dolls. Special thanks to The Higgins Bedford and Victoria and Lydia in particular.Thank you also to Fiona Dodwell for her insight into haunted dolls and why so many of us find these childhood items so creepy. More information, images and links can be found on the show blog weirdinthewade.blogDo you have a memory of Bedford Museum and the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery from the last 40 years? You can get in touch with Nat about this or anything else weird in the wade related at: weirdinthewade@gmail.com Weird in the Wade will be on a short break during February returning with an episode celebrating women who haunt, are haunted or investigate the paranormal with special guests Evelyn Hollow and Deborah Hyde of Uncanny fame, and Bethan Briggs Miller of Eerie Essex, and Steph Lay from the City of Secrets project Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig.Additional editing on this episode by Tess Savigear.Theme music and the creepy doll theme by Tess Savigear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We return to Brighton and the suburb of Prestonville to discover one of the most bizarre hauntings Nat has ever found. Investigated by the Daily Mirror in 1907, the Presonville Horror defies all understanding of what a ghost might be. A mother and daughter are plagued by strange sounds and sights whilst they care-take a large crumbling house. A flamboyant sceptic investigates and claims to have solved the mystery of the haunting, though few believe him. Is this haunting of 1907 linked to another on the same street investigated by the Society for Psychical Research (SPR) in 1888? To have two houses just 5 numbers apart on the same street making ghostly headlines seems like more than just a coincidence?Find out more on today’s episode. Thanks to Tom Ruffles’ SPR archive blog Find show notes and links for further reading at weirdinthewade.blogContact the show at weirdinthewade@gmail.com Weird in the wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat DoigTheme music and this episode’s Unicorn theme by Tess Savigear Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recorded live at the Bigg Theatre in Biggleswade, this is a special Christmas episode of Weird in the Wade! Nat with special guest Owen Staton explore tales of demon dogs, creepy canines and haunted hounds. Avoiding the most famous of them all Old Shuck, this episode considers lesser-known tales including those shared by listeners, as well as folktales from Bedfordshire and across the UK. From Luton’s fiery hound of Galley Hill to a tragic Welsh folktale, as well as tales of kindred canines who seem to guide human companions out of danger. Special thanks to Owen Staton from Time Between Times Storytelling podcast Thanks to Julie, listener to Weird in the Wade for letting me share her stories. To see images referenced in the episode visit the show blog at weirdinthewade.blog Nat will be hosting a Winterval Ghost Stories and Folktales online event on the evening of Monday 29th December. Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1966782724072?aff=oddtdtcreator On Friday 9th January, Nat is hosting an evening of Biggleswade's Dark History at the Bigg Theatre in Biggleswade find out more here: https://www.thebiggtheatre.co.uk/natalie-doig/ If you have a story to share or any comments please email Nat at weirdinthewade@gmail.com Follow Weird in the Wade on social media for behind the scenes info and latest news. https://linktr.ee/weirdinthewade Weird in the Wade theme and the specially composed Black Shuck theme which opened this episode by Tess Savigear Written by Nat Doig Presented by Nat Doig and Owen Staton Produced and Edited by Lucy Dearlove Assistant Producers: Izzy Syme and Liv Woodward Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Nat on a brief trip away from the wade to the seaside and Brighton’s hidden gem, Preston Manor. This ancient manor house is possibly England’s most haunted. There is a ghost story, sometimes multiple ghost stories for every room at this beautiful stately home. Dan Cox Head Guide for Brighton Museums and Preston Manor takes us on a tour of the house sharing ghost stories old and new, including his own creepy encounter. Nat also delves into the history behind Preston’s most famous phantom “The White Lady” and discovers more about the late Victorian medium Ada Goodrich Freer who held a séance at the manor in 1896. There are many photos and links to further reading on the show blog weirdinthewade.blog Contact weird in the wade at: weirdinthewade@gmail.com Special thanks to Dan Cox for his expertise and storytelling A huge thank you to Emily Elle Watts for playing the roles of Lily MacDonald and Ada Goodrich Freer in this episode. Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig. Theme music and the Brighton theme composed and performed by Tess Savigear Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listener Nick, tells Nat about a strange and ghostly experience he had at Coopers Hill in Ampthill, Bedfordshrie back in the early 1980s. Did Nick witness a ghost, a time slip or is there a more rational but equally intriguing explanation for his sighting? With the help of Bryan Bland from Ampthill Ghost Walks, Nat uncovers the strange history of Coopers Hill, or the Firs as locals call it. That history includes, Victorian poachers, Canadian lumberjacks in World War One, and a secret cold war bunker. Musicain Olie Campbell inspired by the stories of Coopers HIll has composed two short songs for this episode as well. Listen until the end to catch a sneak preview of the next episode as well. Thanks to Nick, Bryan and Olie for their wonderful contributions to this episode. Check out photographs and links to further reading at weirdinthewade.blog Have a suggestion or comment then email Nat at weirdinthewade@gmail.com Follow the show here: https://linktr.ee/weirdinthewade Support weird in the wade on Patreon or Ko-fi Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig Theme music by Tess Savigear Additional music and soundeffects from Epidemic Sound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can an historic poltergeist haunting cast light on the current phenomena affecting Andy’s house? We visited Andy’s house in the last episode. Nat uncovers the poltergeist story behind the 1994 newspaper headlines. She considers the historical context of the haunting, including the broadcast in 1992 of Ghostwatch. Nat also chats with Bethan Briggs-Miller of Eerie Essex podcast and co-founder of the East Anglian Folklore Centre about haunted houses and attending paranormal investigations. Nat also returns to Andy’s house, where what she hoped would be a simple update from Andy after the last show, turned into something slightly spookier. Make sure you listen until the end to catch this interview and some of the sounds captured in Andy’s house. You can find more information, show notes and photographs on the show blog: weirdinthewade.blog If you have a question or idea, please get in touch with Nat on weirdinthewade@gmail.com or on social media: https://linktr.ee/weirdinthewade Thank you again to Andy for his time and for sharing his experiences. A huge thank you to Bethan Briggs-Miller for her time, expertise and experience. Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig Haunted House and weird in the wade theme are composed and performed by Tess Savigear Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Weird in the Wade is back! In this episode Nat investigates haunting phenomena happening in a house right now in Biggleswade. Andy and his little dog Dolly are troubled by bangs, footsteps, and other strange sounds and sights in their cottage. Do former occupants hold the answers? Does the recent and ancient history of the land hide clues? Is Andy's house the only home experiencing ghostly activity in that area of Biggleswade? Over this episode and the next Nat explores what could be haunting Andy's house, and others in the area, through her usual research into history and beyond. Remember new episodes of Weird in the Wade will now be released every two weeks! Find show notes and photographs on the weird in the wade blog: weirdinthewade.blog If you want ad free episodes why not join weird in the wade on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/cw/WeirdintheWade If you want to get in touch with weird in the wade then either follow the show on social media, links can be found here: https://linktr.ee/weirdinthewade or email weirdinthewade@gmail.com Thank you to Andy and Dolly for their time, and Carol for telling me her story. Thank you to Tess for reading Carol's words and remixing a new sparkly version of the weird in the wade theme tune. Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig Theme music and this episode's haunted house theme by Tess Savigear All additional music and sound effects by Epidemic Sound. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A quick trailer for the Return of Weird in the Wade, featuring a teaser of what to expect from the first new episode: What's Haunting Andy's House? Make sure you're subscribed to Weird in the Wade wherever you listen, so you don't miss an episode. Remember new episodes of Weird in the Wade will be released every two weeks from Monday 27th October 2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On a summer wander away from the wade, Nat visits a South Lincolnshire hillside which has attached to it an intriguing medieval tale of a phantom army. In a strange coincidence, Nat learns that her brother who runs there regularly has a tale to tell about that hillside as well. Sempringham was the site of an abbey and a monastic order founded by an Englishman, St Gilbert. The site holds a holy well and a link to a Welsh princess, as well as possibly Vikings. Join Nat, her brother Chris and Dr Francis Young as they uncover the secrets of Sempringham. Nat also announces some important news about the podcast towards the end of the episode along with an update on this year's Burryman procession. Weird in the Wade Live! Want to catch Weird in the Wade live, at The Bigg Theatre in Biggleswade for a live podcast recording and more? It's happening on Sunday 2nd November 2025 at 3pm Grab your tickets here: https://wegottickets.com/event/673203/ British Podcast Awards There's still time to vote for Weird in the Wade on the listeners choice award at the British Podcast Awards! Just visit this link: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting Important news: Weird in the Wade will be taking a short break but will return in October, in time for Halloween and will then become a fortnightly podcast! Episodes will be released every two weeks between October and July. Make sure you're subscribed on BBC Sounds so you don't miss an episode. Credits: Today's episode features Emily Elle Watts as Edith Thank you to: Dr Francis Young for his expertise Chris Salmon for sharing his story Ollie Campbell for letting me share his song Mon The Burryman Check out the show blog weirdinthewade.blog for more information about everyone above and the episode in general Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig Theme music is by Tess Savigear Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Doig Theme music is by Tess Savigear Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices