
historyOct 30, 20251:03:20pending
‘Pleasing terrors’: the origins and continuing popularity of ghost stories
About this episode
If you’re planning to enjoy a scary book or film from the comfort of your home this Halloween, you’ll be continuing a long tradition.
Since the earliest civilisations, humans have been fascinated by the idea of ghosts, death and the afterlife. This time on The English Heritage Podcast, Amy chats with Dr Michael Carter and Dr Beverley Clack about religion, philosophy and the spiritual questions we tackle through the telling of ghost stories.
From medieval monks and revenants to a few modern-day stories from English Heritage sites, don’t listen to this one with the lights off…
Don’t forget to follow this podcast and leave a review if you love the show.
Join: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/join/
Podcast listeners can get 20% off the first year of an annual membership. Use code POD20 at checkout. *
Support our work: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/
The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a limited company, no. 07447221, registered in England and Wales.
*Offer is available through the use of this code and valid for new memberships by annual Direct Debit only. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion, on life memberships or renewals.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Get every episode summarized
Each time The English Heritage Podcast publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from The English Heritage Podcast

A history of natural history
The English Heritage Podcast
May 7, 202639:23pending

Northumberland: the story of Norham Castle
The English Heritage Podcast
Apr 30, 202634:15pending

Windmills: restoring England’s working giants
The English Heritage Podcast
Apr 23, 202646:35pending

Northumberland: castles and the borderlands of power
The English Heritage Podcast
Apr 16, 202650:20failed