Weird in the Wade

Natalie Doig
  • 4.8 (61)
  • History
  • Updated Monthly

Do you like your spooky stories with some historical context? Do you like your history with a pinch of the paranormal? Then Weird in the Wade is the podcast for you. Weird in the Wade is about all that’s weird, wonderful and a little off kilter in a small English town called Biggleswade and its surrounding area. Each episode we explore a story that will make you pause and ponder, whether its a haunting, flying saucers, witches, poisoners or body snatchers. Social history meets the unexplained in Weird in the Wade.

  1. 16h ago

    52 Haunted Hospitals (abandoned and repurposed medical facilities)

    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 weirdinthewade@gmail.com 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

  2. Aug 17

    51 Modern Haunted and Abandoned Places

    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

  3. Aug 3

    50 Black Death in Bedfordshire

    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

  4. Jul 20

    Haunted Houghton House (And Some Creepy Castles)

    !!! 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

  5. Jul 6

    48 Fierce Fen Folklore For LGBTQ+ Pride

    ***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 weirdinthewade@gmail.com 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

  6. Jun 1

    Top Secret Tempsford: WW2 and 21st Century ghosts

    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

  7. May 11

    46 A Haunting At Tempsford Hall

    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

  8. Apr 27

    45 My Paranormal Sleepover

    Join Nat for this 3 year anniversary and 50th episode celebration of Weird in the Wade at Biggleswade’s most haunted pub! (I know it says episode 45 but some bonus episodes weren't numbered.) Nat and the Scooby Gang (8 friends of the show) spent the night investigating in the bar of the Golden Pheasant. Very little sleep was had, but strange sounds, sensations and communicating with dowsing rods all took place. The Golden Pheasant was featured in the Halloween special episode of the podcast in October 2023. The pub is said to be haunted by a singing ghost and a Victorian lady. There’s a little girl phantom, teleporting Yorkshire puddings, and many other strange occurrences reported. Nat hears about a terrifying nightmare which still haunts one of the bar staff, and investigates former staff and landlords of the pub. There’s a Victorian publican who got in trouble with the law for his disgusting language, and another who was involved in a fatal steam engine accident. But can any of this history explain the strange goings on in the pub over the years. And will Olie Campbell’s guitar playing at 2am entice the singing ghost to join in? Thank you to the Scooby Gang: Rhiannon Barrow Bryan Bland Olie Campbell Paul Day Mikey Doyle Tom Harvey Steph Lay Andy Skilton Want to support the show and get ad free episodes then join the Weird in the Wade Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/WeirdintheWade Follow the show on social media here: https://linktr.ee/weirdinthewade Researched, written, presented and produced by Nat Doig Additional editing by Tess Savigear Theme music by Tess Savigear Night Watch composed and performed by Olie Campbell Get in touch with Nat at weirdinthewade@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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4.8
out of 5
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About

Do you like your spooky stories with some historical context? Do you like your history with a pinch of the paranormal? Then Weird in the Wade is the podcast for you. Weird in the Wade is about all that’s weird, wonderful and a little off kilter in a small English town called Biggleswade and its surrounding area. Each episode we explore a story that will make you pause and ponder, whether its a haunting, flying saucers, witches, poisoners or body snatchers. Social history meets the unexplained in Weird in the Wade.

Information

  • Creator
    Natalie Doig
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Weird in the Wade

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