Weird in the Wade

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.

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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

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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
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***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