Finn J.D. John/ Pulp-Lit Productions
The Penny Dreadful Hour: A Feast of Early-Victorian Street Literature and Stories
This is the podcast that carries you back to the sooty, foggy streets of early-Victorian London when a new issue of one of the "Penny Dreadful" blood-and-thunder story paper comes out! It's like an early-Victorian variety show, FEATURING ...— Sweeney Todd ...— Varney, the Vampyre ... — Highwayman Dick Turpin ... — mustache-twirling villains ...— virtuous ballet-girls ...—wicked gamblers ...... and more! Spiced with naughty cock-and-hen-club songs, broadsheet street ballads, and lots of old Regency "dad jokes."Join us!
Author
Finn J.D. John/ Pulp-Lit Productions
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jul 5, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
9. The three vampire-maidens: Was it really a dream? — The ghost of Chesney Wold. — A dead man who came back … from Hell! — Lord Byron’s “The Giaour.” (The “Sixpenny Spookies.”) 05.07.2026 1:34:51
SHOW NOTES — for — EPISODE 9 (Season Six) (July 5, 2026) ———— This show cycles through four themes over a month-long cycle, one show per week. As today is the first Sunday of the month, this is a Sixpenny Spookies show, featuring a Victorian ghostly shortstory, a chapter of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and other ghostly tales. It will be followed by ... The “Graanam Gothics” theme episode, the second Su...
8. Rev. Mr. Lupin turns out a wolf in sheep’s clothes! — The murderer who had to be hanged twice. — When price gouging triggered riots. (The “Ha’penny Horrors.”) 28.06.2026 59:58
SHOW NOTES — for — EPISODE 8 (Season Six) (June 28, 2026) Note: For COMPLETE SHOW NOTES, including art and links to resources, see pennydread.com/discord . ———— Join host Corinthian Finn, a.k.a. Finn J.D. John 18th Baron Dunwitch,* for a one-hour-long spree through the scandal-sheets and story papers of early-Victorian London! IN TODAY'S "HA’PENNY HORRORS" EPISODE: 02:50: HANGED...
7. A prisoner in Castle Dracula! — The restless spirit of a murdered boy. — A wrestling match with the dead, in a tomb! (The “Sixpenny Spookies.”) 21.06.2026 1:10:48
SHOW NOTES — for — EPISODE 6.7! (June 21, 2026) Join host Corinthian Finn, a.k.a. Finn J.D. John 18th Baron Dunwitch,* for a one-hour-long spree through the scandal-sheets and story papers of early-Victorian London! For COMPLETE SHOW NOTES, including art and links to resources, see pennydread.com/discord . ———— IN TODAY'S "SIXPENNY SPOOKIES" EPISODE: 00:40: HAUNTED ENGLAND: An o...
6. Highwayman Dick Turpin’s miraculous escape from the soldiers! — “Making Love by Moonlight.” — Introducing our hostess, MISS LITTLETON (The “Twopenny Torrids + Ninepenny Naughties”) 15.06.2026 55:10
Join host CORINTHIAN FINN (a.k.a. Finn J.D. John 18th Baron Dunwitch*), for a one-hour-long spree through the scandal-sheets and story papers of early-Victorian London! ———— For COMPLETE SHOW NOTES , including art and links to resources, see pennydread.com/discord. ———— IN TODAY'S "TWOPENNY TORRIDS" EPISODE: 01:45: STREET POETRY: From an 1840s broadside ballad: “Please Your Wife” and “Making L...
5. Sir Francis Varney has a strange visitor. — The Life and Times of a Legendary Highwayman. — The Death of an Unrecognised Son. (Episode 5; theme: The “Graanum Gothics.) 07.06.2026 54:31
SHOW NOTES — for — EPISODE 5 (Season Six) (June 7, 2026) ———— Join host Corinthian Finn, a.k.a. Finn J.D. John 18th Baron Dunwitch,* for a one-hour-long spree through the scandal-sheets and story papers of early-Victorian London! This show cycles through four themes over a four-week cycle, one show per week. This is the GRAANUM GOTHIC theme show, featuring Varney the Vampyre and other Gothic drama...
4. Sweeney Todd gloats over his latest murder — but is Mrs. Lovett really dead? — The trial and execution of two horrid double-murderers. (Episode theme: The “Ha’penny Horrids”) 01.06.2026 1:00:47
SHOW NOTES: (For complete show notes, including art and links, go to pennydread.com/discord and look in the Season 6 feed) ———— 01:40: HANGED TODAY IN HISTORY (June 2, 1621): Former fishmonger John Rowse came into a small fortune, which he squandered so completely that his wife and two young daughters were in danger of being made to beg. He decided that rather than going back to work as a fishmong...
3. Mr. Harker arrives at Castle Dracula. — The ghosts of two lovers — and Dick Turpin? — He dreamed they were digging his grave! (Theme: “Sixpenny Spookies.”) 24.05.2026 1:19:22
SHOW NOTES — for — EPISODE THREE (Season Six) (May 24, 2026) 00:45: A local legend from HAUNTED ENGLAND: THE PENGUIN BOOK OF GHOSTS: Remember the scene in Black Bess where Dick Turpin and Tom King find the skeletons of the two lovers locked in the vault in the abandoned mansion? Turns out that story was based on a real ghostly legend from the village of Apsley Guise, in Bedfordshire! Dick Turpin h...
2. Wreckers caught luring a vessel to its doom! — Meet our Hostess, Miss Read of 66 Queen Anne-street. — Two songs & poems about “frisky milkmaids.” (The “Twopenny Torrids and Ninepenny Naughties”) 17.05.2026 55:00
SHOW NOTES — for — EPISODE 2 (Season Six) (May 17, 2026) ———— 01:55: STREET POETRY: From a broadside ballad: “ I Shall be Married on Monday Morning ,” about a very young milkmaid looking forward eagerly to her wedding night. (1845). 04:40: BLACK BESS; or, THE KNIGHT OF THE ROAD (starring HIGHWAYMAN DICK TURPIN), Chapter 71-73: Tying up the sentry, Dick Turpin and Tom King hurry out into the storm...
1. (Season 6 premiere). To Ambush a Vampire: How Hard Can it Be? Well … — The Ghost-bride of Broseley Road. — The Murderess and Her Minions. (A “Graanum Gothic” episode.) 10.05.2026 1:07:26
SHOW NOTES — for — EPISODE 1 (Season 6) (May 10, 2026) This show cycles through four themes over a four-week cycle, one show per week. This is the GRAANUM GOTHIC theme show, featuring Varney the Vampyre and other Gothic drama. It will be followed by ... The “Twopenny Torrid” theme episode, coming next Sunday; The “Sixpenny Spooky” theme episode, coming two Sundays hence; and finally— The “Ha’penny...
5.38: The bloody dagger of her future bridegroom hurled at her feet! — She dreamed a murder, then saw the room in which it was done! — The prophetess spake, and they died! (The “Sixpenny Spookies.”) 07.05.2026 45:25
SHOW NOTES — for — MINISODE 38 (Season 5) (May 7, 2026) ———— 00:40: THE TERRIFIC REGISTER: An account of a widow living in Rome who in 1774 became a prophetess, and predicted the deaths of the kings of Sardinia and France as well as the Pope himself. Her predictions came true. 05:35: EARLY VICTORIAN GHOSTLY SHORT STORY, to-wit: LEIXLIP CASTLE, by CHARLES MATURIN: In which, we meet the family of Si...
5.37: Sweeney Todd tries to murder Mrs. Lovett! — The hangman hanged, and for a shocking crime! — Trial and punishment of a cruel highway robber. (A “Ha’penny Horrid” Minisode.) 03.05.2026 47:12
SHOW NOTES — for — MINISODE 37 (Season 5) (May 3, 2026) ———— 00:01: HANGED TODAY IN HISTORY (April 3): One of the most notorious men to ever serve as a public executioner in England got that way by engaging in a shocking murder himself … that would be John “Jack Ketch” Price, launched into eternity at Tyburn On This Day 308 years ago! 08:45: SWEENEY TODD, THE BARBER OF FLEET-STREET, Chapters 101-1...
5.36: The highwaymen make a shocking discovery! — The crab, the chamber-pot, and the Call of Nature. — Introducing Miss Page — our Ninepenny Naughties hostess! (A “Twopenny Torrid" minisode) 30.04.2026 50:39
SHOW NOTES — for — MINISODE 36 (Season 5) (April 30, 2026) ———— 01:30: STREET POETRY: From broadside ballad sheets: “Seventeen Come Sunday,” about a soldier who seduces a neighbourhood lass; “Lark in the Morning,” about the life of a country plough-boy (racy pun intended); and “Fanny Gray,” about love and jealousy. (1840s). 07:30: BLACK BESS; or, THE KNIGHT OF THE ROAD (starring HIGHWAYMAN DICK TU...
5.35: “Down with the vampire!” the mob shouts, shaking their torches and pitchforks! — “Mother, how long am I to be dead?” — A clever excuse after being caught playing cards in church. 26.04.2026 58:20
SHOW NOTES — for — EPISODE 35 (Season 5) (April 26, 2026) ———— Join host Corinthian Finn, a.k.a. Finn J.D. John 18th Baron Dunwitch,* for a one-hour-long spree through the scandal-sheets and story papers of early-Victorian London! This show cycles through four segments over a two-week cycle, two shows per week. This is the main show, including the "Penny Dreadfuls" segment. It will be fo...
5.34: A murder forestalled by a daughter's spooky dream! — The whisky-drinking spirit in the old manor house. — The Dance of the Dead! (Segment 4 — The “Sixpenny Spookies.”) 23.04.2026 33:55
SHOW NOTES — for — MINISODE 34 (Season 5) (April 23, 2026) ———— 00:45: THE TERRIFIC REGISTER: An account of how a mysterious and persistent knocking turned out to be, mayhap, a ghostly notification of approaching death. 05:20: EARLY VICTORIAN GHOSTLY SHORT STORY, to-wit: THE GHOST AND THE BONESETTER, by J.S. LeFanu: In this episode, a bonesetter — a countryman who has developed the knack for repos...
5.33: Detective Blunt learns Sweeney Todd’s deadly secret! — Search for stolen trousers led to a dismembered torso! — High society’s favourite murdering stalker. (Segment 3 — The “Ha’penny Horrids.”) 19.04.2026 55:13
SHOW NOTES — f or — MINISODE 33 (Season 5) (April 16, 2026) ———— 01:00: HANGED TODAY IN HISTORY (April 16): Meet James Hackman, creepy homicidal stalker who moved in on a Royal Opera soprano named Martha Ray and, when she would not have him, murdered her and tried unsuccessfully to kill himself. He was hanged for this crime on this day 247 years ago, April 16, 1779. Links: ExecutedToday blog entry...
5.32: The Coast Guard pounces on the smugglers! — The Maiden’s Surprise. — Introducing Miss Godfrey of 22 Upper Newman-street — our Ninepenny Naughties hostess! (Part 2 — The “Twopenny Torrids.”) 16.04.2026 42:14
SHOW NOTES — for — MINISODE 32 (Season 5) (April 16, 2026) ———— 01:35: STREET POETRY : From a broadside ballad: “The Old Oak Tree” and “The Old House at Home” — a song of a jilted lover-maid, and another song of longing for one’s childhood home. 04:35: BLACK BESS; or, THE KNIGHT OF THE ROAD (starring HIGHWAYMAN DICK TURPIN), Chapter 65-67: Following the signal lights, the two cutters meet up with...
5.31: The mob sets fire to the vampyre’s house! — The murdering marquess’s date with destiny. — A street ballad about wife-selling in London! 12.04.2026 58:19
SHOW NOTES — for — EPISODE 31 (Season 5) (April 12, 2026) ———— Join host Corinthian Finn, a.k.a. Finn J.D. John 18th Baron Dunwitch,* for a one-hour-long spree through the scandal-sheets and story papers of early-Victorian London! This show cycles through four segments over a two-week cycle, two shows per week. This is the main show, including the "Penny Dreadfuls" segment. It will be fo...
5.30: The ghosts of Clifford House take a victim! — A warning from beyond the grave, unheeded. — Death comes for Milady! (Segment 4 — The “Sixpenny Spookies.”) 09.04.2026 49:44
SHOW NOTES — for — MINISODE 30 (Season 5) (April 9, 2026) 00:45: THE TERRIFIC REGISTER: An account of how the murder of the Duke of Buckingham, in 1628, was foretold by His Grace’s long-dead father’s ghostly apparition! 05:20: EARLY VICTORIAN GHOSTLY SHORT STORY, to-wit: THE STORY OF CLIFFORD HOUSE, by ANONYMOUS, Part 2 of 2 parts: Our narrator, Helen, has been having a thundering good time in the...
5.29: The walls start closing around Sweeney Todd! — Two Horrid Murders, served family-style. — One man’s very bad plan to save his kids from eternal damnation (Segment 3 — The “Ha’penny Horrids.”) 05.04.2026 51:19
SHOW NOTES — for — MINISODE 29 (Season 5) (April 5, 2026) ———— 01:00: HANGED TODAY IN HISTORY (April 5): Wealthy barrister Arundel Cooke coveted his wife’s family estate … but alas, she had a brother. So he hired John Woodburne to help him solve that problem … with a knife. Alas, the two of them were almost as incompetent at murder, as Mr. Cooke turned out to be as a lawyer (1722) … also, a devout...
5.28: The highwaymen caught by the smugglers! — The frolicsome widow who wants to play … at cards! — Meet Miss Davis of Covent-garden — our Ninepenny Naughties hostess! (The “Twopenny Torrids.”) 02.04.2026 46:50
SHOW NOTES — for — MINISODE 28 (Season 5) (April 2, 2026) ———— 01:50: STREET POETRY: From a broadside ballad: “The Lass of ___ Town” and “The Frolicsome Widow” — and if that last title sounds just a little bit spicy, well, it is! (1844). 08:00: BLACK BESS; or, THE KNIGHT OF THE ROAD (starring HIGHWAYMAN DICK TURPIN), Chapter 62-64: Our felonious friends are marched through the darkness to a well-l...
5.27: The mob, the stake, and the dead body at the inn: Was he a VAMPIRE? — A dueling poet and a gambler’s comeuppance in The Lives of the Highwaymen! (Segment 1 — The “Penny Dreadfuls.”) 29.03.2026 53:03
SHOW NOTES — for — EPISODE 27 (Season 5) (March 29, 2026) ———— Join host Corinthian Finn, a.k.a. Finn J.D. John 18th Baron Dunwitch,* for a one-hour-long spree through the scandal-sheets and story papers of early-Victorian London! This show cycles through four segments over a two-week cycle, two shows per week. This is the main show, including the "Penny Dreadfuls" segment. It will be fo...
5.26: Rent for the mansion was dirt cheap — why? — The seduced maiden’s ghostly revenge! — The corpse in the basement. (A “Sixpenny Spookies" Minisode)) 26.03.2026 42:42
SHOW NOTES — for — MINISODE 26 (Season 5) (March 26, 2026) ———— 00:35: THE TERRIFIC REGISTER: ‘Twas midnight, and a fluttering bird entered the young Lord Lyttleton’s room by moonlight, and became the spectre of a maiden he had seduced and abandoned. She bade him repent, for he had but three days to live …. 07:30: EARLY VICTORIAN GHOSTLY SHORT STORY, to-wit: THE STORY OF CLIFFORD HOUSE, by an anon...
5.25: Sweeney Todd “polishes off” the spy Mrs. Lovett hired to watch him! — Hanged Today in History: The arsenic-using “Patron Saint of Mean Girls”! (Segment 3 — The “Ha’penny Horrids.”) 22.03.2026 52:48
SHOW NOTES for MINISODE 25 (Season 5) (March 22, 2026) ———— 01:00: HANGED TODAY IN HISTORY (March 22): On March 22, 1819, 16-year-old Hannah Bocking was scragged for baking an arsenic-laced spice cake and giving it to a friend, with whom she was angry because she (the friend) had been given a job that Hannah had been rejected for. More details: https://www.executedtoday.com/2014/03/22/1819-hannah-...
5.24: The highwayman hears a ghostly voice in the deserted mansion! — How Georgian London loved to gamble and guzzle! — Plus a naughty song and dirty jokes! (Segment 2 — the Twopenny Torrids) 19.03.2026 51:00
SHOW NOTES for MINISODE 24 (Season 5) (March 19, 2026) ———— EPISODE 24: The highwayman hears a ghostly voice in the deserted mansion! — How Georgian London loved to gamble and guzzle! — Plus a naughty song and dirty jokes! (Segment 2 — The “Twopenny Torrids.”) 01:00: THE LIVES OF THE HIGHWAYMEN: Arthur Griffiths, one of Her Majesty’s prison inspectors, takes us on a tour of the state of the kingdo...
5.23: The mob continues its vampire hunt in the local cemetery. — A ghostly warning for a fast-living publican. — A horrible disaster in a Scottish coal mine. (Segment 1 — The “Penny Dreadfuls.”) 14.03.2026 46:50
SHOW NOTES for EPISODE 23 (Season 5) (March 15, 2026) ———— Join host Corinthian Finn, a.k.a. Finn J.D. John 18th Baron Dunwitch,* for a one-hour-long spree through the scandal-sheets and story papers of early-Victorian London! Each segment is in its own sub-episode. The "Penny Dreadfuls" segment is in this main episode, followed by ... The “Twopenny Torrids” minisode coming this Thursday...
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