A Nice Cup Of Histortea

Send us Fan Mail This week we celebrate the 100th birthday of one of the greatest natural history broadcasters of all time, Sir David Attenborough.  We look back at his illustrious career and his many achievements throughout the decades, as well as the incredible legacy he has created.  From helping to form the BBC as we know it, to creating documentaries that have taught and touched the heart of...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back, dear listeners, to our first returning Dark Cup Histortea.  This week we discuss stories around that most chaotic of spirits, the poltergeist. We look at some famous examples and theories around how they came to be, as well as all of the forms they take. If you have a podcast that you would like us to promote, or if you're from a historic organisation and would...

Send us Fan Mail This week, we're getting back in the swing of things by bringing to light a historical legend, Alfred the Great. We talk about his youth, his unexpected rise to power and the threats he faced to his reign. We also bust some myths along the way (sorry, cake fans). As always, we end the show with a bit of morbid humour with this week's ridiculous death, where you learn tha...

Send us Fan Mail Yes, dear listeners, we are back. Starting with an apology and update about our absence and then leading into the third instalment of the Histortea Awards.  Check out our socials on how you can help decide two of the award categories, with winners to be revealed in a later episode.  Music courtesy of Simon Folwar via Uppbeat: 'Feast Days'. Sound effects courtesy of GFX S...

Send us Fan Mail This Armistice Day we have chosen to mark the day by speaking about one of the reasons it is so important to look back and remember, to try and prevent history from repeating itself. Together we go through a brief overview of the lead up to and the main events of the Second World War from 1939-1945.  And to bring a little hope back to the world, we end the episode with a tale of s...

Send us Fan Mail This week as the potentially penultimate episode of Spooktober we dive into all things Werewolves. What are they? How do you become one? How do you spot one? How do you stop one? Join us as we ask these questions and many more. In this week's ridiculous death we look at what to do if you think your former miserable mayor has come back to terrorise the town as a werewolf. Hint...

Send us Fan Mail This week we discuss the mother of horror science-fiction, Mary Shelley. We talk about her life, her upbringing and the fateful night when her most famous creation was born. And in this week's ridiculous death we explore the real dangers of napping near turkeys. Disclaimer: This week's episode contains mentions of suicide and incest. Listener discretion is advised. Music...

Send us Fan Mail This week we continue our Spooktober with a look at a serial killer responsible for at least 33 known murders - John Wayne Gacey, a.k.a. The Killer Clown. Disclaimer: This week's episode contains description of murder, sexual assault, paedophilia, torture and necrophilia. Listeners discretion is strongly advised.  Music Credits: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https...

Send us Fan Mail This week we are kicking off the Spooky Month of October with a luck at mummy's curses. We take a look at famous cases, as well as possible explanations and times they transcend the sarcophagus into modern media. Stay tuned this month for more spooky content! Music credit: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/kevin-macleod/hidden-past License code: 6...

Send us Fan Mail Here we are at the final of three episodes on the iconic Henry VIII. Join us as we look at the last few years of his life and his legacy. We also make a dedication this episode to another special Henry. And in this week's ridiculous death we talk about a guy who was genuinely just having a bad day! Disclaimer: This episode does have mention of SA of a minor and graphic descri...

Send us Fan Mail This week we bring you the second of three episodes on the man, the myth, the legend, Henry VIII. Tyrant or treasure, we let you decide as we bring you the facts of the events and people that influenced his life and reign and how he dealt with them.  And in this week's ridiculous death we look at why prison escapes didn't always go to plan.  Music credit:  Music from #Up...

Send us Fan Mail This week we take a look back following the recent General Election in Britain at Women's fight for the right to vote equal to men, not to mention the benefits gained for men as well. And in our ridiculous death we see why dreams and reality should really be kept separate. For those who wish to abide by the trigger warning in this episode, it is safe for you to start listenin...

Send us Fan Mail Hello dear listeners! We are back after a long hiatus with a return to our roots, talking about the Tudors, in particular Henry VIII. In this first of a two-parter we look at the early life and early reign of one of England, and maybe Europe's most iconic monarchs, on the anniversary of his Coronation, no less! And in this week's ridiculous death we look at what happens...

Send us Fan Mail After yet another impromptu hiatus, we are back with another episode of historical storytelling (and an apology for our absence). This time we discuss the story of Rapunzel. Beloved fairytale, or true story?  And in this week's ridiculous death we discover why keeping a little bit of your ex-partner with you should be kept metaphorical. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail This week we take a more sombre look at history, by exploring the life and writings of Anne Frank. We tell her story and that of her family, what they endured and suffered and why we need to remember them.  Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Fresh (admittedly late) back from our trip to Amsterdam, we explore the dark and haunted side of that beautiful city. Join us... if you dare! Support the show

Send us Fan Mail This week we look into the bloodiest battle to ever take place on English soil, ending a period of conflict within the wider Wars of the Roses.  And in this week's ridiculous death we look at why figs are still funny - deathly funny... Support the show

Send us Fan Mail This week we discuss the non-living legend, Julius Caesar. Who was he? What did he accomplish? What sort of legacy did he leave?  We also discuss why you need to take care when juggling a pear.  Support the show

Send us Fan Mail This week for a Dark Cup of Histortea we explore one of our award nominees, Bhangarh Fort - so haunted that you are banned from going at night.  In our ridiculous death we look at why you should be careful around over-amorous geographical features. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail This week for A Nice Cup of Histortea we're celebrating the centenary of an amazing yet contentious discovery - that of Tutankhamun's tomb.  And in this week's ridiculous death we look into why opening the tomb might not have been such a good idea... Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Welcome, dear listeners to the Second Annual Histortea Awards. Last year we dredged through our historical knowledge to find winners from the past for certain categories. However, this year we've done it a bit differently, as facts from history won't exactly change, but our world is and what is present now, becomes history tomorrow.  So this year's awards include no...

Send us Fan Mail In a slight change to our plans, thanks to nice weather conditions, we're not able to go hunting for Black Shuck. Instead we take you through a quick paranormal investigation of Emily's home.  Join us, if you dare...  Support the show

Send us Fan Mail This week in our penultimate spooky season episode we look at some of the most iconic horror stories and the true stories or legends behind them. And in our ridiculous death we look at why you should, or shouldn't take a second look at that epic halloween decoration... Support the show

Send us Fan Mail This week we look at a terrifying creature from the nightmares of First Nation folklore, the Wendigo. What is it, how did it come about, how can you identify one and what can you do to stop one? We discuss all this and more, including how man is once again the worst monster.  And in this week's ridiculous death we find out why it is always better to take your time with bread....

Send us Fan Mail Following on from last week's rather heavy episode, and keeping the flavour of Spooky Month going, we take a foray into the folklore and stories surrounding Headless Haunts. Taking a trip around the world, we explore different variations of this spectre and give some tips on what to do if you experience a few.  Do you have a tale of a Headless Haunting near you? Get in touch...