Macabre London

Before Scotland Yard... before the Met Police... there was chaos.

In this episode of Macabre London, we uncover the wild, booze-soaked origins of Britain's very first police force – the Bow Street Runners. But these weren’t your average crimefighters. Oh no. These were drunken, brawling, and occasionally criminal men who blurred the lines between justice and disorder.

Led by an eccentric magistrate and paid with public funds (and sometimes beer), this ragtag group laid the foundations for modern policing... but not without raising a few eyebrows and knocking out a few teeth along the way.

🔪 Were they heroes? Hooligans? Or something much more complicated?

🕵️‍♀️ Join me as we delve into the weird and bloody history of the 1700s crime-fighting gang who were meant to protect the streets — but often caused just as much trouble.

This episode is sponsored by Little Rick - you can get 10% off your order:

https://littlerick.co.uk/NIKKIMACABRELONDON

And use the offer code:

NIKKIMACABRELONDON

CBD products are not suitable for listeners under the age of 18 or for pregnant or breast feeding people. 

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🔪 If you love British true crime, unsolved mysteries, and historical murders, don’t miss this episode!

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Be sure to check out my other podcast, Killers, Cults & Queens https://podfollow.com/queens

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SUPPORT ME

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ONE OFF DONATIONS: Paypal - paypal.me/macabrelondon

KO-FI: ko-fi.com/macabrelondon

PATREON: www.patreon.com/macabrelondon

AMAZON WISHLIST - https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/...

MERCH! - https://macabrelondon-shop.fourthwall...

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Thank you to our executive producer patrons - Christina, Heathers Leg, Mary, Matilda, Ravelle, Sally, Sam, Sarah, Sarah A, Terri & Veronica

And to all of our wonderful £5 tier patrons...

Amy

Andrea

Andrew

Boudicca

Claire R

Claire S

Creepy Paper

David R

Denise

Helen

Inge

Jo

JT

Kathryn

Kelly

Kylee

Lindal

Liz

Shannon

Steph

The Paranormal Princess

Vee

ZozoLAM

And thanks to all other patrons too!

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SOCIAL MEDIA

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Insta: @nikkimacabrelondon

X: @macabrelondon

TikTok: @macabrelondon

Facebook: @macabrelondon

Email: [email protected]

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Sources:

https://archive.org/details/constabularyrise0000seni/page/26/mode/2up

https://www.salisburycivicsociety.org.uk/news/unveiling-of-blue-plaque-friday-6th-january/

https://blog.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/2019/04/11/the-mysterious-affair-of-elizabeth-canning/

https://www.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=1403

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_enforcement_in_the_United_Kingdom

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Macabre London, we uncover the astonishing true story of the Chevalier d'Éon — a master spy, decorated soldier, and diplomat in 18th century France who became one of the first openly transgender or gender-nonconforming public figures in recorded history.

D'Éon led a double life in the shadowy world of Louis XV’s secret intelligence network, using diplomacy, disguise, and blackmail to survive the cutthroat politics of the French royal court. After years of military service and espionage, d’Éon stunned the world by publicly presenting as a woman — sparking international intrigue and political scandal.

But was this a revolutionary act of gender expression, or a carefully calculated move to protect royal secrets?

Join me as I explore D’Éon’s incredible life — from fencing duels and spy missions across Europe, to a post-mortem discovery that left Victorian London reeling. With themes of identity, survival, and political manipulation, this episode delves deep into one of history’s most fascinating and misunderstood figures.

Todays episode is sponsored by London Nootropics. Be sure to check them out at www.londonnootropics.com and use my code "MACABRE" for 20% off your order or subscription.

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🔪 If you love British true crime, unsolved mysteries, and historical murders, don’t miss this episode!

Also available wherever you get your podcasts: https://podfollow.com/macabrelondon

-------------------------

Be sure to check out my other podcast, Killers, Cults & Queens https://podfollow.com/queens

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SUPPORT ME

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ONE OFF DONATIONS: Paypal - paypal.me/macabrelondon

KO-FI: ko-fi.com/macabrelondon

PATREON: www.patreon.com/macabrelondon

AMAZON WISHLIST - https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/...

MERCH! - https://macabrelondon-shop.fourthwall...

——————————-

Thank you to our executive producer patrons - Christina, Heathers Leg, Lisa, Mary, Matilda, Ravelle, Sally, Sam, Sarah, Sarah A, Terri & Veronica

And to all of our wonderful £5 tier patrons...

Amy

Andrea

Andrew

Boudicca

Claire R

Claire S

Creepy Paper

David R

Denise

Helen

Inge

Jo

JT

Kathryn

Kelly

Kylee

Lindal

Liz

Shannon

Steph

The Paranormal Princess

Vee

ZozoLAM

And thanks to all other patrons too!

————————

SOCIAL MEDIA

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Insta: @nikkimacabrelondon

X: @macabrelondon

TikTok: @macabrelondon

Facebook: @macabrelondon

Email: [email protected]

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Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevali%C3%A8re_d%27%C3%89on

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-incredible-chevalier-deon-who-left-france-as-a-male-spy-and-returned-as-a-christian-woman

https://royalarmouries.org/objects-and-stories/stories/the-amazing-life-of-chevaliere-deon

https://www.bbc.co.uk/reel/video/p0bzwxqy/the-chevalier-d-on-the-18th-century-transgender-spy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before London had the Met, it had chaos.

In this episode of Macabre London, we uncover the strange and often deadly story of how policing began in the city—from the drunken "Charlies" who fell asleep on the job, to the terrifyingly informal Hue and Cry system that let ordinary citizens legally execute criminals on sight. And let's not forget Jonathan Wild: the man who invented organised crime while pretending to be its biggest enemy.

Join me as we dig into the murky underworld of Georgian crime, shady law enforcement, the wilderness years of the gin craze and how all of this laid the foundation for modern policing... even if that foundation was built on fear, corruption, and a lot of laudanum.

Todays episode is sponsored by London Nootropics. Be sure to check them out at www.londonnootropics.com and use my code "MACABRE" for 20% off your order or subscription.

#MacabreLondon #TrueCrime #HistoryPodcast #LondonHistory #GeorgianCrime #PoliceHistory #DarkHistory #JonathanWild #TyburnTree

------------------------

🔪 If you love British true crime, unsolved mysteries, and historical murders, don’t miss this episode!

Also available wherever you get your podcasts: https://podfollow.com/macabrelondon

-------------------------

Be sure to check out my other podcast, Killers, Cults & Queens https://podfollow.com/queens

---------------------------

SUPPORT ME

————————

ONE OFF DONATIONS: Paypal - paypal.me/macabrelondon

KO-FI: ko-fi.com/macabrelondon

PATREON: www.patreon.com/macabrelondon

AMAZON WISHLIST - https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/...

MERCH! - https://macabrelondon-shop.fourthwall...

——————————-

Thank you to our executive producer patrons - Christina, Heathers Leg, Lisa, Mary, Matilda, Ravelle, Sally, Sam, Sarah, Sarah A, Terri & Veronica

And to all of our wonderful £5 tier patrons...

Amy

Andrea

Andrew

Boudicca

Claire R

Claire S

Creepy Paper

David R

Denise

Helen

Inge

Jo

JT

Kathryn

Kelly

Kylee

Lindal

Liz

Shannon

Steph

The Paranormal Princess

Vee

ZozoLAM

And thanks to all other patrons too!

————————

SOCIAL MEDIA

---------------------------------------------

Insta: @nikkimacabrelondon

X: @macabrelondon

TikTok: @macabrelondon

Facebook: @macabrelondon

Email: [email protected]

---------------------------------------------

Sources:

https://www.britannica.com/topic/hue-and-cry

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hue_and_cry

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_de_Veil

https://thebathmagazine.co.uk/history-the-watchmans-sentry-box/

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LqTFxpVXMVbtBTZuQoCQxt8S-hfNWSfBJgNiJHtm7m0/edit?tab=t.0

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

True crime lovers, horror fans, and mystery addicts – it’s time to get spooky! Join Nikki and Cheryl as they return for another chilling season of Killers, Cults & Queens!

This season, we’re diving deeper into the most twisted cult leaders, infamous serial killers, and bizarre conspiracy theories you won’t believe. From historic slashers to the murderer next door, expect shocking stories, eerie surprises, and spine-tingling twists. AND we've got plenty of new surprises for you... you won't want to miss it.

You can listen on Global Player, download it from the app store or go to globalplayer.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

☠️ Poisoned to Death in Plain Sight – Who Was The Croydon Poisoner? 💀

In the 1920s, an unknown killer stalked the quiet streets of Croydon, leaving a deadly trail of poisoned victims in their wake. But who was behind these sinister tea-time murders? Was it an elusive criminal mastermind, or did police completely miss the real killer who may have just been a little closer to home?

Join me on Macabre London as we uncover the twisted tale of The Croydon Poisoner—one of Britain’s most chilling unsolved mysteries.

🔪 If you love British true crime, unsolved mysteries, and historical murders, don’t miss this episode!

📺 Watch the full video on YouTube! https://youtu.be/ISEPyavv6P4

-------------------------

Be sure to check out my other podcast, Killers, Cults & Queens https://podfollow.com/queens

---------------------------

SUPPORT ME

————————

ONE OFF DONATIONS: Paypal - paypal.me/macabrelondon

KO-FI: ko-fi.com/macabrelondon

PATREON: www.patreon.com/macabrelondon

AMAZON WISHLIST - https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/...

MERCH! - https://macabrelondon-shop.fourthwall...

——————————-

Thank you to our executive producer patrons - Christina, Christophe, Heathers Leg, Lisa, Mary, Matilda, Ravelle, Sally, Sam, Sarah, Terri & Veronica

And to all of our wonderful £5 tier patrons...

Amy

Andrea

Andrew

Boudicca

Claire R

Claire S

Creepy Paper

David R

Denise

Helen

Inge

Jo

JT

Kathryn

Kelly

Kylee

Lindal

Liz

Shannon

Steph

The Paranormal Princess

Vee

ZozoLAM

And thanks to all other patrons too!

————————

SOCIAL MEDIA

---------------------------------------------

Insta: @nikkimacabrelondon

X: @macabrelondon

TikTok: @macabrelondon

Facebook: @macabrelondon

Email: [email protected]

---------------------------------------------

Sources:

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/53486769

https://agathachristie.fandom.com/wiki/The_Tragic_Family_of_Croydon

http://www.unsolved-murders.co.uk/murder-content.php?key=1449&termRef=Violet%20Emelia%20Sidney

http://strangeco.blogspot.com/2019/04/death-visits-birdhurst-rise-or-why-its.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8QQSR4uN3w

#TrueCrime #UnsolvedMystery #MacabreLondon #CroydonPoisoner #UKTrueCrime #HistoricalMurders

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Deep in the heart of Egypt, a horrifying discovery shocked archaeologists—a mummy with its mouth frozen in an eternal scream. Who was this tormented soul? And why did ancient embalmers leave them in such a ghastly state?

In this episode of Macabre London, we uncover the chilling mystery of the Screaming Mummy of Luxor. Was it a curse? A case of live burial? Or something even more sinister lurking in the sands of time? And even worse...why did the victorians like to eat mummies at parties?

Join us as we unravel the dark secrets of this eerie relic, the royal betrayals of ancient Egypt, and the terrifying fate that befell this forgotten figure.

👻 Subscribe for more true crime, haunted history, and macabre mysteries from London and beyond!

Thanks to London Nootropics For Sponsoring today's episode.

Get 20% off Mush Love and any London Nootropics order by using the code MACABRE at the checkout on

https://www.Londonnootropics.com

-------------------------

Be sure to check out my other podcast, Killers, Cults & Queens https://podfollow.com/queens

---------------------------

SUPPORT ME

————————

ONE OFF DONATIONS: Paypal - paypal.me/macabrelondon

KO-FI: ko-fi.com/macabrelondon

PATREON: www.patreon.com/macabrelondon

AMAZON WISHLIST - https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/...

MERCH! - https://macabrelondon-shop.fourthwall...

——————————-

Thank you to our executive producer patrons - Christina, Christophe, Heathers Leg, Lisa, M, Ravelle, Sally, Sam, Sarah, Terri & Veronica

And to all of our wonderful £5 tier patrons...

Amy

Andrea

Andrew

Claire R

Claire S

Creepy Paper

David R

Denise

Elizabeth

Helen

Inge

Jo

Kathryn

Kelly

Lindal

Liz

Rachel

Shannon

Talli

Tanya

The Paranormal Princess

Vee

ZozoLAM

And thanks to all other patrons too!

————————

SOCIAL MEDIA

---------------------------------------------

Insta: @nikkimacabrelondon

X: @macabrelondon

TikTok: @macabrelondon

Facebook: @macabrelondon

Email: [email protected]

---------------------------------------------

#MacabreLondon #AncientEgypt #ScreamingMummy #TrueCrime #HistoryMystery #HauntedHistory #EgyptianCurse

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack Sheppard & Jonathan Wild: The Criminal & The Thief-Taker Who Betrayed Each Other

In the dark and dangerous streets of 18th-century London, crime was everywhere—but so was corruption. Jack Sheppard, the legendary escape artist, and Jonathan Wild, London’s self-proclaimed ‘Thief-Taker General,’ started as allies, but their partnership took a deadly turn. One was a master thief who became a folk hero; the other, a crime boss masquerading as law enforcement. Their rivalry led to betrayal, capture, and ultimately, the gallows for both. 

But how did these two infamous figures go from partners in crime to sworn enemies? And who really had the last laugh? 

Join us on Macabre London, the podcast that uncovers the darkest stories from the city's past. Whether you love true crime, dark history, or tales of old London, this episode is packed with daring escapes, double-crosses, and a downfall neither saw coming. 

🎧 Subscribe now for more chilling stories from London's criminal past! If you enjoy dark history and historical true crime, leave us a review—it really helps! 

-------------------------

Be sure to check out my other podcast, Killers, Cults & Queens https://podfollow.com/queens

---------------------------

SUPPORT ME

————————

ONE OFF DONATIONS: Paypal - paypal.me/macabrelondon

KO-FI: ko-fi.com/macabrelondon

PATREON: www.patreon.com/macabrelondon

AMAZON WISHLIST - https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/...

MERCH! - https://macabrelondon-shop.fourthwall...

——————————-

Thank you to our executive producer patrons - Christina, Christophe, Heathers Leg, Lisa, M, Ravelle, Sally, Sam, Sarah, Terri & Veronica

And to all of our wonderful £5 tier patrons...

Amy

Andrea

Andrew

Claire R

Claire S

Creepy Paper

David R

Denise

Elizabeth

Helen

Inge

Jo

Kathryn

Kelly

Lindal

Liz

Rachel

Shannon

Talli

Tanya

The Paranormal Princess

Vee

ZozoLAM

And thanks to all other patrons too!

————————

SOCIAL MEDIA

---------------------------------------------

Insta: @nikkimacabrelondon

X: @macabrelondon

TikTok: @macabrelondon

Facebook: @macabrelondon

Email: [email protected]

---------------------------------------------

🔎 Keywords: History Podcast, True Crime Podcast, London Crime History, Jack Sheppard, Jonathan Wild, Dark History, Criminal Underworld, 18th-Century London True Crime History Of The Police London Crime Jonathan Wild Crime Boss Old London History Podcast Macabre London

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before Scotland Yard, before the modern police force, one man ruled London’s underworld—Jonathan Wild, the so-called "Thief-Taker General." But was he a crime fighter or the city’s first true crime lord? In this episode, we uncover how Wild manipulated both criminals and the law, shaping the way crime was controlled in 18th-century London.

Discover the shocking history behind Wild’s double life, his role in the early justice system, and how his downfall influenced the creation of the modern police force. If you’ve ever wondered how did the police force begin? or what was crime like in old London?, this is the episode for you!

🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into London’s dark history!

#TrueCrime #HistoryOfThePolice #LondonCrime #JonathanWild #CrimeBoss #OldLondon #HistoryPodcast #MacabreLondon

Thanks to London Nootropics For Sponsoring today's episode.

Get 20% off Mush Love and any London Nootropics order by using the code MACABRE at the checkout on

https://www.Londonnootropics.com

-------------------------

Be sure to check out my other podcast, Killers, Cults & Queens https://podfollow.com/queens

---------------------------

SUPPORT ME

————————

ONE OFF DONATIONS: Paypal - paypal.me/macabrelondon

KO-FI: ko-fi.com/macabrelondon

PATREON: www.patreon.com/macabrelondon

AMAZON WISHLIST - https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/...

MERCH! - https://macabrelondon-shop.fourthwall...

——————————-

Thank you to our executive producer patrons - Christina, Christophe, Heathers Leg, Lisa, M, Ravelle, Sally, Sam, Sarah, Terri & Veronica

And to all of our wonderful £5 tier patrons...

Amy

Andrea

Andrew

Claire R

Claire S

Creepy Paper

David R

Denise

Elizabeth

Helen

Inge

Jo

Kathryn

Kelly

Lindal

Liz

Rachel

Shannon

Talli

Tanya

The Paranormal Princess

Vee

ZozoLAM

And thanks to all other patrons too!

————————

SOCIAL MEDIA

---------------------------------------------

Insta: @nikkimacabrelondon

X: @macabrelondon

TikTok: @macabrelondon

Facebook: @macabrelondon

Email: [email protected]

---------------------------------------------

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Step into a new adventure with Macabre London! I’m thrilled to announce a special series where I’ll be narrating some of my all-time favorite books, starting with H.G. Wells' The War of the Worlds. This iconic sci-fi masterpiece has been a personal favorite for years, and now I’m bringing it to you in audiobook form!

To celebrate, I’m releasing Part 1 for free on the main podcast feed (there are ads on this one but all future episodes on Patreon are AD FREE!). If you love it as much as I do, you won’t want to miss the rest! The full series will be available on Patreon, with Part 2 ready to listen to right now. New episodes will drop monthly on Patreon, so you can dive deeper into the chaos and drama of the alien invasion whenever you’re ready.

Don’t miss this exciting chance to experience The War of the Worlds in a whole new way! Join me on Patreon for early access to the full series and other exclusive content.

Thanks to Magic Mind For Sponsoring today's episode.

Get 45% off the Magic Mind bundle with with my link:

https://magicmind.com/macabreltjan

#magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance

🔔 Subscribe for more weird news, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode!

-------------------------

Be sure to check out my other podcast, Killers, Cults & Queens https://podfollow.com/queens

---------------------------

SUPPORT ME

————————

ONE OFF DONATIONS: Paypal - paypal.me/macabrelondon

KO-FI: ko-fi.com/macabrelondon

PATREON: www.patreon.com/macabrelondon

AMAZON WISHLIST - https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/...

MERCH! - https://macabrelondon-shop.fourthwall...

——————————-

Thank you to our executive producer patrons - Christina, Christophe, Heathers Leg, Lisa, M, Ravelle, Sally, Sam, Sarah, Terri & Veronica

And to all of our wonderful £5 tier patrons...

Amy

Andrea

Andrew

Claire R

Claire S

Creepy Paper

David R

Denise

Elizabeth

Helen

Inge

Jo

Kathryn

Kelly

Lindal

Liz

Rachel

Shannon

Talli

Tanya

The Paranormal Princess

Vee

ZozoLAM

And thanks to all other patrons too!

————————

SOCIAL MEDIA

---------------------------------------------

Insta: @nikkimacabrelondon

X: @macabrelondon

TikTok: @macabrelondon

Facebook: @macabrelondon

Email: [email protected]

---------------------------------------------

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the end of 2024, and I’m back with your Weird News Round-Up! Forget the regular doom and gloom of daily news—this is all about the strangest, most head-scratching stories from the past year. 🌌

From Lexington, Kentucky, beaming out literal invitations to aliens, to mysterious unsolicited packages in the latest “brushing” scam, and a look back at psychic predictions for 2024—what came true, what didn’t! 👽📦✨

Plus, my own predictions for the year to come, and some of the wildest claims from Nostradamus and Baba Vanga (alien visitations at the Royal Rumble, anyone?).

Don’t miss this bizarre, lighthearted dive into 2024’s weirdest moments to end the year with a smile (and maybe a raised eyebrow).

Thanks to Magic Mind For Sponsoring today's episode. Get your 40% off by using the link here: magicmind.com/MACABRELT

and the offer code MACABRELT40 to get 40% off - be quick this is only available for 1 month and for 10 customers!

🔔 Subscribe for more weird news, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode!

-------------------------

Be sure to check out my other podcast, Killers, Cults & Queens https://podfollow.com/queens

---------------------------

SUPPORT ME

————————

ONE OFF DONATIONS: Paypal - paypal.me/macabrelondon

KO-FI: ko-fi.com/macabrelondon

PATREON: www.patreon.com/macabrelondon

AMAZON WISHLIST - https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/...

MERCH! - https://macabrelondon-shop.fourthwall...

——————————-

Thank you to our executive producer patrons - Christina, Christophe, Heathers Leg, Lisa, M, Ravelle, Sally, Sam, Sarah, Terri & Veronica

And to all of our wonderful £5 tier patrons...

Amy

Andrea

Andrew

Claire R

Claire S

Creepy Paper

David R

Denise

Elizabeth

Helen

Inge

Jo

Kathryn

Kelly

Lindal

Liz

Rachel

Shannon

Talli

Tanya

The Paranormal Princess

Vee

ZozoLAM

And thanks to all other patrons too!

————————

SOCIAL MEDIA

---------------------------------------------

Insta: @nikkimacabrelondon

X: @macabrelondon

TikTok: @macabrelondon

Facebook: @macabrelondon

Email: [email protected]

---------------------------------------------

Sources available on request ( too many to fit within the character count!)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.