The BackTracker History Show

Halloween Special: Ghost Tales of Bodmin Gaol

Season: 5 Episode: 38

Bodmin Jail, built in 1779, looms on the edge of Bodmin Moor, a fortress of cruelty and misery. Erected by Napoleonic prisoners of war with 20,000 tons of granite hewn from the bleak moor, its walls bear the weight of centuries of suffering.

In this week's episode, we take a spooky look at the stories behind some of the more permanent residents of this foreboding building.

CAST

Matthew Weeks - Joe Wilson

Selina Wadge - Louise Ciotti

The Cornishman Newspaper - Cerise Reed

THIS PODCAST

This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. 

If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment and if you’d like to support the show with a donation, however small, you can go to Ko-Fi.com

Some more great news for you, if you were interested in buying merchandise featuring the show’s logo, then pop over to Teepublic, you’ll find lots of things to choose from.

So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other.

CONTACT ME

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @BackTrackerUK

Instagram: @backtrackeruk

Twitter: @BackTrackerUK

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SOURCES

Bodmin Gaol

Launceston Then

Cornishman - Thursday 22 August 1878

Daily Mirror

Cornwall Live

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Sound Effects by zapsplat.com

Intro music by The Model Folk 

Back In The Day music by Freesoundmusic

© THE BACKTRACKER HISTORY SHOW 2024

The Notorious Lightfoot Brothers

Season: 5 Episode: 37

Nevell Norway, a well-known and respected timber importer and shipping merchant in Wadebridge, Cornwall, was admired not only for his business acumen but also for his philanthropic work. His prominence in the community would become even more widely recognized due to his tragic murder 

CAST

The Royal Cornwall Gazette - Steve Yeo

Dr. Trehane Symons Tickell - Marcus Kepple-Palmer

The Royal Cornwall Gazette - Steve Sheperd

James Lightfoot - Molly Jefferies

William Lightfoot - Joe Wilson

London Evening Standard - Rose Hales

THIS PODCAST

This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. 

If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment and if you’d like to support the show with a donation, however small, you can go to Ko-Fi.com

Some more great news for you, if you were interested in buying merchandise featuring the show’s logo, then pop over to Teepublic, you’ll find lots of things to choose from.

So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other.

CONTACT ME

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @BackTrackerUK

Instagram: @backtrackeruk

Threads: @BackTrackerUK

Bluesky: @BackTrackerUK

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SOURCES

Bodmin Prison

Find A Grave

Murder of Mr. Nevell Norway, “Murder of Mr. Nevell Norway,” February 21, 1840, p. 2.

Royal Cornwall Gazette, “Dreadful Murder at Wadebridge,” February 14, 1840, p. 2.

Royal Cornwall Gazette, “£260 Reward,” February 14, 1840, p. 5

Royal Cornwall Gazette, “Cornwall Lent Assizes,” April 3, 1840, p. 2.

London Evening Standard, “Execution of James and William Lightfoot for Murder,” April 18, 1840, p. 3.

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Sound Effects by zapsplat.com

Intro music by The Model Folk 

Back In The Day music by Freesoundmusic

© THE BACKTRACKER HISTORY SHOW 2024

The Devon Spy (Part Two)

Season: 5 Episode: 36

John Henry Gooding had a criminal career which would eventually span decades with activities that ranged from fraud to intricate confidence tricks but it was his part in the turmoil during the Irish War of Independence that would eventually lead to his noteriety

CAST

Newspaper Description - Rose Haile

THIS PODCAST

This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. 

If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment and if you’d like to support the show with a donation, however small, you can go to Ko-Fi.com

Some more great news for you, if you were interested in buying merchandise featuring the show’s logo, then pop over to Teepublic, you’ll find lots of things to choose from.

So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other.

CONTACT ME

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @BackTrackerUK

Instagram: @backtrackeruk

Twitter: @BackTrackerUK

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SOURCES

BloodySunday.co.uk

Ancestry

Western Mail - Thursday 05 January 1922

Westminster Gazette - Monday 30 January 1922

The Irish Times

National Archives

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Sound Effects by zapsplat.com

Intro music by The Model Folk 

Back In The Day music by Freesoundmusic

© THE BACKTRACKER HISTORY SHOW 2024

The Devon Spy

Season: 5 Episode: 35

John Henry Gooding, alias Frank Digby Hardy (5 April 1868 – 28 October 1930), was a man of many faces: naval writer, journalist, soldier, career criminal, and a would-be spy in the shadowy depths of the Irish War of Independence. 

CAST

John Henry Gooding - David James Haile

THIS PODCAST

This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. 

If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment and if you’d like to support the show with a donation, however small, you can go to Ko-Fi.com

Some more great news for you, if you were interested in buying merchandise featuring the show’s logo, then pop over to Teepublic, you’ll find lots of things to choose from.

So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other.

CONTACT ME

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @BackTrackerUK

Instagram: @backtrackeruk

Twitter: @BackTrackerUK

-

SOURCES

BloodySunday.co.uk

Ancestry

Western Mail - Thursday 05 January 1922

Westminster Gazette - Monday 30 January 1922

The Irish Times

National Archives

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Sound Effects by zapsplat.com

Intro music by The Model Folk 

Back In The Day music by Freesoundmusic

© THE BACKTRACKER HISTORY SHOW 2024

Sir George White: The Father of British Aviation

Season: 5 Episode: 34

George White's combination of vision, business acumen, and a deep understanding of the power of publicity allowed him to revolutionise Bristol's transport systems and create a lasting legacy through his various business enterprises. His influence was far reaching and can still be felt in the UK infrastructure and industrial history.

If you're in the area and would like to find out more, pop along to Aerospace Bristol Museum in Filton, Bristol, where there's so much information on the city's aviation history

CAST

George White - Steve Sheperd

Mr Haldane - Molly Jefferies

Clifton Society - Lucy Brazier

THIS PODCAST

This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. 

If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment and if you’d like to support the show with a donation, however small, you can go to Ko-Fi.com

Some more great news for you, if you were interested in buying merchandise featuring the show’s logo, then pop over to Teepublic, you’ll find lots of things to choose from.

So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other.

CONTACT ME

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @BackTrackerUK

Instagram: @backtrackeruk

Twitter: @BackTrackerUK

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SOURCES

Daily Mirror - Thursday 17 February 1910

Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Friday 24 November 1916

Clifton Society - Thursday 24 June 1915

Bristol Magpie - Thursday 16 March 1911

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Sound Effects by zapsplat.com

Intro music by The Model Folk 

Back In The Day music by Freesoundmusic

© THE BACKTRACKER HISTORY SHOW 2024

Dead Woman's Ditch: A Tale of Love & Hatred

Season: 5 Episode: 33

Dead Woman's Ditch is an earthwork ancient monument in Over Stowey, Somerset, England situated on the Quantock Hills. It's popular with ramblers but is more commanly associated with the legend of Jane Walford, whose body was discovered here in 1789.

Find out more about the events that led to the brutal murder of this pregnant young woman.

If you're interested, here's a circular walk of the area.

CAST

Thomas Poole - Steve Sheperd

Jane Shorney Description - Rose Haile

THIS PODCAST

This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. 

If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment and if you’d like to support the show with a donation, however small, you can go to Ko-Fi.com

Some more great news for you, if you were interested in buying merchandise featuring the show’s logo, then pop over to Teepublic, you’ll find lots of things to choose from.

So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other.

CONTACT ME

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @BackTrackerUK

Instagram: @backtrackeruk

Twitter: @BackTrackerUK

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SOURCES

Historic England

Somerset Live

Taunton Courier and Western Advertiser - Saturday 12 March 1938

Daily Mirror - Tuesday 05 April 1988

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Sound Effects by zapsplat.com

Intro music by The Model Folk 

Back In The Day music by Freesoundmusic

© THE BACKTRACKER HISTORY SHOW 2024

Adela Breton: The Mexican Explorer

Season: 5 Episode: 32

Adela Breton was a relentless force, defying the expectations of her era with quiet intensity. Independent and unyielding, she ventured into the uncharted deserts and jungles of Mexico and South America, confronting both wild landscapes and societal norms. In those shadowed lands, she found the thrill of defiance, pushing the boundaries of what a woman of her time was believed capable of achieving.

CAST

Adela Catherine Breton - Sam Roberts

Edward Thompson - Joe Wilson

Alfred Tozzer - Jodie b

THIS PODCAST

This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. 

If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment and if you’d like to support the show with a donation, however small, you can go to Ko-Fi.com

Some more great news for you, if you were interested in buying merchandise featuring the show’s logo, then pop over to Teepublic, you’ll find lots of things to choose from.

So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other.

CONTACT ME

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @BackTrackerUK

Instagram: @backtrackeruk

Twitter: @BackTrackerUK

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SOURCES

Manchester Museum

Bath Heritage

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Adela Breton: A Victorian Artist Amid Mexico's Ruins By Mary Frech McVicker

Harvard University Archives

Ancestry

Crosby Herald - Thursday 19 March 1992

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Sound Effects by zapsplat.com

Intro music by The Model Folk 

Back In The Day music by Freesoundmusic

© THE BACKTRACKER HISTORY SHOW 2024

The murder of a Police Officer

Season: 5 Episode: 31

PC83 George Cole of ‘N’ Division was murdered on Friday 1st December 1882 after apprehending a young thief, who was trying to break into a chapel in Dalston. His prisoner escaped by firing a pistol at him, resulting in his immediate and untimely death.

CAST

Description Steve Yeo

Derby Daily Telegraph Lucy Brazier

Mrs Elizabeth Cole Sam Roberts

The Hackney and Kingsland Gazette Steve Sheperd

THIS PODCAST

This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. 

If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment and if you’d like to support the show with a donation, however small, you can go to Ko-Fi.com

Some more great news for you, if you were interested in buying merchandise featuring the show’s logo, then pop over to Teepublic, you’ll find lots of things to choose from.

So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other.

CONTACT ME

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @BackTrackerUK

Instagram: @backtrackeruk

Twitter: @BackTrackerUK

-

SOURCES

Gentleman's Military History Club

The Proceedings of the Old Bailey

Western Daily Press - Monday 04 December 1882

London Daily Chronicle - Wednesday 27 August 1884

London Daily Chronicle - Monday 06 October 1884

Islington Gazette - Tuesday 07 October 1884

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Sound Effects by zapsplat.com

Intro music by The Model Folk 

Back In The Day music by Freesoundmusic

© THE BACKTRACKER HISTORY SHOW 2024

The Strange Last Journey of Donald Crowhurst

Season: 5 Episode: 30

In 1968 an amateur sailor set off on the inaugural solo round-the-world yacht race. Incredibly, he appeared to be leading the race until the closing stages when he disappeared and was never seen again. 

CAST

Lieutenant Commander Peter Eden - Marcus KP

Donald Crowhurst - Steve Sheperd

Golden Globe - Andrea Reid

THIS PODCAST

This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. 

If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment and if you’d like to support the show with a donation, however small, you can go to Ko-Fi.com

Some more great news for you, if you were interested in buying merchandise featuring the show’s logo, then pop over to Teepublic, you’ll find lots of things to choose from.

So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other.

CONTACT ME

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @BackTrackerUK

Instagram: @backtrackeruk

Twitter: @BackTrackerUK

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SOURCES

Royal Greenwich Museums

The Strange Last Voyage of Donald Crowhurst, Nicholas Tomalin, Ron Hall, 1970

Pangaea Exploration

The Sunday Times, 3 Feb 2007

goldengloberace.com

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Sound Effects by zapsplat.com

Intro music by The Model Folk 

Back In The Day music by Freesoundmusic

© THE BACKTRACKER HISTORY SHOW 2024

The Death of a Tax Collector

Season: 5 Episode: 29

In the early hours of the morning, the bloodstained body of William Blackmore, aged 53, was found sprawled across the road, reports describing it as "dreadfully mangled." His head was brutally caved in, and the sovereigns from his pocket were gone.

CAST

George Sparkes - Joe Wilson

The Coroner - Marcus KP

James How (Servant) - Steve Sheperd

Thomas Redwood - Steve Yeo

The Standard - Cerise Reed

Exeter Flying Post - Andrea Reid

THIS PODCAST

This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. 

If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment and if you’d like to support the show with a donation, however small, you can go to Ko-Fi.com

Some more great news for you, if you were interested in buying merchandise featuring the show’s logo, then pop over to Teepublic, you’ll find lots of things to choose from.

So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other.

CONTACT ME

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @BackTrackerUK

Instagram: @backtrackeruk

Twitter: @BackTrackerUK

-

SOURCES

SOUTH WEST HERITAGE TRUST: Devon Archive Catalogue

Western Times - Saturday 12 February 1853 'Murder at Clayhidon'

Western Times - Saturday 26 March 1853

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Sound Effects by zapsplat.com

Intro music by The Model Folk 

Back In The Day music by Freesoundmusic

© THE BACKTRACKER HISTORY SHOW 2024