Weird in the Wade

After Nat receives a tip off about a near 100-year-old case of spontaneous human combustion in Biggleswade she confronts an issue which terrified her growing up. Nat uncovers the history behind this mysterious fire from 1935. She delves into the history of spontaneous human combustion as a belief going back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Charles Dickens plays a part in it’s popularisation it seems. Nat also speaks with two firefighters, one retired and the other, Phil an active member of Potton’s Community Fire Station just a few miles outside Biggleswade. The firefighters' messages may be comforting but Potton fire station also has some strange haunting tales to tell us. With a quick detour into some quicksand and a terrifying story from a listener relating to the Gannel Crake, it’s a jam packed episode. Thank you to our anonymous retired firefighter and to Phil Prout and Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service for your time and expertise. Check out this link for fire safety advice: https://www.bedsfire.gov.uk/safety-advice?child=fire-safety-home Also check out the show blog for more information, photographs and links: https://weirdinthewade.blog/ Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig Show theme, and spontaneous human combustion theme for this episode by Tess Savigear Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Starting with the story of The Gannel Crake, a Cornish tale of a terrifying cry or screeching noise heard near Newquay and Crantock, Nat explores why certain sounds scare us. Delving into the history behind the myth of the Crake, Nat then calls on experts to help her understand why certain noises are scary and how to use those sounds in music and sound effects to create a sense of fear. Weird in the Wade listeners provided suggestions for the noises and sounds that scare them the most. With special guests Nod Wright (of Last Rights and former band member of Fields of the Nephilim,) Joel Morris of Broken Veil podcast, and musician Olie Campbell, Nat explores how and why music, sound effects and natural noises make us feel uneasy. Nod Wright and Olie Campbell composed “uneasy listening” for you in this episode and all three tracks are included in full for you listening (dis)pleasure towards the end of the episode! Thanks to listeners for their suggestions of scary sounds And to Nod Wright, Joel Morris and Olie Campbell for their expertise and time. Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig Theme music by Tess Savigear Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It seems rather strange that two of the world’s most famous aviation mysteries originated in Bedfordshire, those of the Flying Duchess and Glenn Miller. Nat has always had a fascination with the Glenn Miller disappearance and that of Amelia Earhart, but the story of the flying Duchess was new to her, along with the ghost stories attached to the Duchess. In this episode Nat explores the pioneers of early flight and ponders why we are so fascinated by aviation mysteries and disappearances. You’ll hear from Adrian Perkins the Ghost Detective who leads ghost walks around Twinwood the former Airforce base that Glenn Miller’s last fateful flight took off from. Nat also speaks with one of the worlds if not the world’s leading authorities on Amelia Earhart, Chris Williamson from the Chasing Earhart project and podcast. Along the way Nat explores the V1 rockets terrorising London in the summer of 1944 and the important role Bedford played for the BBC in wartime. It’s a jam-packed episode before weird in the wade takes a short break. The podcast will return on Monday 26th October for a new series with a Halloween special. Listen to the end of the episode to find out more. Find further information and links for this episode on the show blog weirdinthewade.blog and keep in touch with Nat on social media @weirdinthewade Thank you to Adrian Perkins and Chris Williamson Thank you to Ash McCrudden for additional research for this episode. Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig Theme music by Tess Savigear Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this final exploration of abandoned places Nat explores haunted hospitals. Busy thriving hospitals seem to attract many ghost stories, but what of the hospital buildings which become disused or are repurposed? Do these former centres of medicine have particular ghost stories and paranormal experiences associated with them? Nat starts with the hospital she was born in, Princess Mary’s Hospital RAF Halton. One wing, which had once been a plastic surgery hub, seemed to generate many strange experiences and stories. A listener to the show, Laura shares her experience of visiting the hospital when it was derelict and waiting for demolition. Nat chats with a local urban explorer about the safety and legal issues associated with exploring abandoned sites. Nat also investigates Bedford hospital’s north and south wings, each of which have abandoned or disused sections that have attracted eerie tales and sightings. Finally, Nat speaks with Wayne Gilbert of Eerie Edinburgh podcast about the stories of haunted hospitals he has discovered whilst researching a new book. Some of these stories are deeply disturbing. If you want to see images of the places mentioned in this episode and read more about them visit the show blog at weirdinthewade.blog Contact Nat on [email protected] or on social media For ad free episodes and bonus content check out the show's Patreon page here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/WeirdintheWade Thanks to Laura and Olie for sharing their experiences. Special thanks to Wayne Gilbert for sharing his stories with us. Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig Theme music by Tess Savigear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this third episode exploring why abandoned, ruined and derelict places attract so much folklore and urban legends, Nat looks at more recent ruins. Steph Lay of City of Secrets project tells Nat about a derelict farm on the outskirts of Milton Keynes with the deliciously creepy name of Devils Den Farm. Steph shares some more urban derelict places within the city. Nat digs deeper into the history of Devils Den Farm and in comparing it with an abandoned Biggleswade farmhouse stumbles across a heart-breaking but fascinating piece of family history. This story at first appears like a plot from an Agatha Christie novel but proves to be something more poignant. Nat also explores the ghost stories and urban legends that are attached to our disused railway lines, exploring tales associated with a Bedfordshire railway tunnel, which is now a nature reserve as well as stories from Lincolnshire past railways. This episode does contain stories and discussion about suicide, and a warning is given before that section begins. The show blog weirdinthewade.blog has a list of organisations which can provide help to those experiencing suicidal thoughts or those affected by suicide. Want ad free episodes? Want more from Weird in the Wade join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/WeirdintheWade Thank you to Steph Lay for your wonderful stories from Milton Keynes. Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig Additional editing in this episode is by Tess Savigear Theme music by Tess Savigear Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a second episode considering abandoned places in Bedfordshire, Nat explores the devastation caused by the Black Death in the 14th century. This includes the myths and legends which grew up around the plague, as well as the villages and settlements left in ruins. Cainhoe Castle near Clophill is one example Nat explores. The site is now part of a nature reserve (Clophill Lakes) and Nat chats with Daniel Bowles from the Green Sand Trust to learn more about the castle, it’s origins and why it was abandoned. Nat then also explores the lost settlement of Kinwick near Biggleswade and how a 13th century murder holds clues to where it was situated. Old Linslade is another Bedfordshire village which was changed forever by the black death which Nat explores. There’s some exciting news from the world of genetics which also sheds light on why some were struck down by the black death whilst others survived. Thank you to Daniel and Kayte from the Green Sand Trust for their help and expertise. Find show links, photos and video to accompany this episode including links to Bryan Bland's Cainhoe Castle walks at: weirdinthewade.blog Get in touch with weird in the wade at weirdinthewade.gmail.com Join the Patreon for ad free episodes and extra content here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/WeirdintheWade Listen to Nat on Caught Up In Crime podcast wherever you get your podcasts or here on apple and here on Spotify Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig Additional editing by Tess Savigear Theme music by Tess Savigear Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

!!! Last chance to get tickets to Bedfordshire's Dark History a show created by Nat Doig and Olie Campbell. Saturday 25th July 2pm The Quarry Theatre Bedford. Grab tickets here !!! In this episode Nat joins Bryan Bland (of Ampthill Ghost Walks and who is Ampthill’s new town crier) to explore the history and legends which swirl around the ruins of Houghton House. A place beloved by the romantic poets, artists and 20th century ghost hunters. Nat also uncovers the history of two of Bedfordshire’s long lost castles. Ampthill castle which was a favourite of Henry VIII and prison to Catherine of Aragon. And Biggleswade’s own castle, which was completely forgotten for hundreds of years until aerial photographs rediscovered it in 1954. Along the way we’ll meet phantom knights, and highwaymen along with the ghost of Queen Catherine herself. Check out the show blog for links and further reading here Find weird in the wade on social media here Join the Patreon for ad free episodes and bonus content here Thanks to Bryan Bland for his expert knowledge and storytelling.Weird in the wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat DoigTheme music by Tess Savigear Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

***Weird in the Wade Presents: Bedfordshire's Dark History at Bed Fringe, 25th July at 2pm. Grab tickets here: https://bedfringe.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873684599 ***  In a celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride Nat explores why the queer community has an affinity with the magical, otherworldly and supernatural. She uncovers the history of one of the UK’s oldest, continuously run safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people, the Barley Mow pub in Bedford. With the help of it’s current manager Ryan, Nat explores its fascinating history and evolution as an inclusive space. The venue also has a darker past with its association with Bedford Gaol which stands opposite. Nat also chats with James Chantry an artist and academic who explores queer identity through art, the environment and folktales in the Lincolnshire fens. The episode starts with a retelling of the folktale “The Tiddy Mun,” an unusual tale which Nat and James discuss in detail. Check out weirdinthewade.blog for show notes and links, as well as a recommended reading and listening list for LGBTQ+ history and folklore. Want ad free episodes and bonus content, sign up to Weird in the Wade's patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/WeirdintheWade Got a comment or a suggestion? Get in touch with Nat on [email protected] or @weirdinthewade on social media. Thank you to Ryan at the Barley Mow and James Chantry for their time and expertise. Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig Theme music and Stay Off The Tracks by Tess Savigear Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After exploring the 1840s haunting of Tempsford Hall Nat delves into the 20th and 21st century history of the hall. On the eve of the 20th century Tempsford Hall suffered a devastating fire where extreme bravery was shown by the residents, visitor, and servants of the Hall. Tempsford is probably most famous today for its role in the second world war. A top-secret role involving espionage, and resistance fighters. Nat explores the history of the Special Operations Executive and the memorial barn at Gibraltar Farm just west of Tempsford Hall today. Nat focuses on the experiences of two SOE operatives Pearl Witherington and Noor Inayat Khan. Women who bravely fought against the nazi’s in occupied France. Finally, Nat looks at the more recent haunted history of Tempsford Hall and the village in general including an experience sent in by a listener who lived in Tempsford recently. Check out the show blog weirdinthewade.blog for photos, videos and links to further reading. Voice actors for this episode are: Tess Savigear as Millicent and the nurse Owen Staton as Bulkeley Hughes Bryan Bland as the Major Additional research by Aisling McCrudden Weird in the Wade is researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig Theme music by Tess Savigear Weird in the Wade is on a short break until 6th July 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whist researching Tempsford’s World War 2 history Nat discovered a dossier of evidence about a haunting. A haunting that happened a hundred years before the second world war. The statements were gathered by Anne Lucinda Elliott, lady of the manor at Tempsford Hall from 1844 -48. They document four years of disturbing and unusual sounds, sights and experiences at the hall. The witnesses are many, including Mr and Mrs Elliott, their guests, servants and even a police constable who was recruited to investigate the unusual and uncomfortable activity at the hall. Nat also explores Tempsford’s social history, which could have affected the family’s response to this apparent haunting. There were riots both drunken and violent, poaching and sheep stealing around this time in Tempsford. Is this haunting connected to paranormal activity reported at the hall in the 20th century? Could it also be linked to the secret history of Tempsford and its wartime importance? The next episode of weird in the wade will explore this side of Tempsford’s past and the invaluable contribution women in the Special Operations Executive made to the fight against nazi Germany. Find show notes and photographs on the show blog weirdinthewade.blog Go ad free, get extra content and support the show on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/WeirdintheWade Thank you to the Bedfordshire Archives. Thank you to all the wonderful voice actors in this episode Bryan Bland Emily Elle Watts Tess Savigear Rhiannon Barrow Steph Lay Mikey Doyle And Olie Campbell Researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig Theme music and haunted house theme by Tess Savigear Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices