After yet another impromptu hiatus, we are back with another episode of historical storytelling (and an apology for our absence). This time we discuss the story of Rapunzel. Beloved fairytale, or true story? And in this week's ridiculous death we discover why keeping a little bit of your ex-partner with you should be kept metaphorical. Support the …

This week we take a more sombre look at history, by exploring the life and writings of Anne Frank. We tell her story and that of her family, what they endured and suffered and why we need to remember them. Support the showA Nice Cup of Histortea による

Fresh (admittedly late) back from our trip to Amsterdam, we explore the dark and haunted side of that beautiful city. Join us... if you dare! Support the showA Nice Cup of Histortea による

This week we look into the bloodiest battle to ever take place on English soil, ending a period of conflict within the wider Wars of the Roses. And in this week's ridiculous death we look at why figs are still funny - deathly funny... Support the showA Nice Cup of Histortea による

This week we discuss the non-living legend, Julius Caesar. Who was he? What did he accomplish? What sort of legacy did he leave? We also discuss why you need to take care when juggling a pear. Support the showA Nice Cup of Histortea による

This week for a Dark Cup of Histortea we explore one of our award nominees, Bhangarh Fort - so haunted that you are banned from going at night. In our ridiculous death we look at why you should be careful around over-amorous geographical features. Support the showA Nice Cup of Histortea による

This week for A Nice Cup of Histortea we're celebrating the centenary of an amazing yet contentious discovery - that of Tutankhamun's tomb. And in this week's ridiculous death we look into why opening the tomb might not have been such a good idea... Support the showA Nice Cup of Histortea による

Welcome, dear listeners to the Second Annual Histortea Awards. Last year we dredged through our historical knowledge to find winners from the past for certain categories. However, this year we've done it a bit differently, as facts from history won't exactly change, but our world is and what is present now, becomes history tomorrow. So this year's …

In a slight change to our plans, thanks to nice weather conditions, we're not able to go hunting for Black Shuck. Instead we take you through a quick paranormal investigation of Emily's home. Join us, if you dare... Support the showA Nice Cup of Histortea による

This week in our penultimate spooky season episode we look at some of the most iconic horror stories and the true stories or legends behind them. And in our ridiculous death we look at why you should, or shouldn't take a second look at that epic halloween decoration... Support the showA Nice Cup of Histortea による

This week we look at a terrifying creature from the nightmares of First Nation folklore, the Wendigo. What is it, how did it come about, how can you identify one and what can you do to stop one? We discuss all this and more, including how man is once again the worst monster. And in this week's ridiculous death we find out why it is always better to…

Following on from last week's rather heavy episode, and keeping the flavour of Spooky Month going, we take a foray into the folklore and stories surrounding Headless Haunts. Taking a trip around the world, we explore different variations of this spectre and give some tips on what to do if you experience a few. Do you have a tale of a Headless Haunt…

Disclaimer: This week's episode contains description of child murder and torture that some listeners might find distressing. Listener discretion is advised. This week we discuss one of the earliest recorded serial killers, Gilles de Rias. Who was he, how did he achieve fame and then how did he achieve infamy? And this week's ridiculous death is a g…

This week's episode comes with a disclaimer of description of violence and torture, as we look into the life and crimes of the notorious Blood Countess, Elizabeth Bathory. As always, we apologise for any mispronunciations - we are trying! And on our ridiculous death segment we look at why it is always worth double checking you're fully dressed... S…

This week we celebrate/commiserate the anniversary of the Battle of Bosworth field, the climactic combat that ended and era and brought England's longest civil war to a close. And on this week's ridiculous death we see why looking cool isn't always the best option when you can't see where you're going... Support the show…

This week on a Nice Cup of Histortea, we discuss the Viking Age. Who were they, where did they come from and is everything we know about them true? And on this week's ridiculous death we learn the really anti-climactic way that a legend an be killed. Support the showA Nice Cup of Histortea による

Disclaimer: this week's dark cup episode is the original story of Sleeping Beauty, which contains some very dark themes including sexual assault and cannibalism. Listener discretion is strongly advised. Support the showA Nice Cup of Histortea による

Pack your bags and join us on a journey to Rapa Nui to meet the Moai, statues that represent far more than we can understand, but about which we are trying to learn. Plus learn why it is always wise to check your glass before you drink... Support the show

Today we're doing a special episode to commemorate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II reaching a record breaking 70 years on the throne. Join us as we explore the life and work of this remarkable woman. Support the showA Nice Cup of Histortea による

This week we have another dark cup episode, that is pretty dark. In the middle of the Venice Lagoon is an island soaked in blood and death... Poveglia Island. Listener discretion is advised due to some graphic descriptions Support the showA Nice Cup of Histortea による

This week we discuss the literary idol that is William Shakespeare. Where did he come from? Where did he go! What happened in between? And why is it okay to go over on a waterfall but beware the troublesome tangerine... Support the showA Nice Cup of Histortea による

This week we discuss the historic haunted halls of Margam Castle in Port Talbot, Wales. How did the house come to be as we see it? And what about the things we can't always see? Oh, and first person to comment on our social media - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @cupofhistortea with "#MargamCastle" will win a copy of The Haunting of Margam Castle …

This week we discuss the American Revolutionary War. What led up to it? What happened during it? What was the aftermath? What on earth were they doing to our tea? And in this week's ridiculous death we discover why going green with envy might not be good for your health... Support the show

This week we return from illness to talk about the construction, history and hauntings of one of the most famous British royal residences, Hampton Court Palace. How much of this historical residence is still part of the original construction? How many of its former residents have refused to leave? Does it have a tea room? An on our Ridiculous Death…

Happy 2022! After a short and unplanned break we are back with a bang with the First Annual Histortea Awards. Who is the longest reigning monarch? What is the scariest urban legend? Whose survival was the most incredible, or death the most ridiculous? Have a listen and all shall be revealed! Support the show…

This week, in a special wintry episode of A Nice Cup of Histortea, we invite you to wrap up warm as we bring you the story of The Snow Queen, originally written by Hans Christian Anderson. We look at a possible inspiration behind the woman herself, as well as what sort of things have been spawned by the telling of this story. Then in this week's ri…

This week, recorded on his birthday, we discuss the man, the myth that is Walt Disney. We look into his upbringing and the drive and determination that made him the legend he became. We also discover why you need to think twice before you kick a metal object... Support the showA Nice Cup of Histortea による

This week we kick off our THIRD SEASON with the telling of the original fairytale Beauty and the Beast. We also discover why you should never hug a drunk bear... Thank you so much for seeing us through 3 seasons and over 3,500 listens. It means so much, you're all amazing! Support the show

This week we round off our spooky Dark Month with a look at one of the most controversial hauntings in England, the Enfield Haunting. Was it a real? Was it a hoax? Was it both? You decide. Thank you, as always, for listening and Happy Halloween Support the show

This week we have a very special episode in our already special dark month because we're joined by the lads of the ManNic Podcast, Liam and Tobias. Together we learn about Vlad the Impaler, how he got that name and how the legend was born. We also take a look at some other types of vampire from around the room. For our ridiculous death we look at w…

This week we continue our month of spooky stories with a history mystery, the Ghost Ship. Starting with the Mary Celeste and then talking about a couple of her counterparts, Was it mutiny? Was it illness? Was it aliens? (Or mermaids, definitely could have been mermaids). And if you like pop culture, or want to know your super heroes from your actio…

This week on a Dark Cup of Histortea, we travel to London at the end of the 19th Century, to the terror-stalked streets of Whitechapel. Who was Jack the Ripper? More importantly, who were his victims? Join us and we will try to find out... Disclaimer - this episode contains graphic descriptions of violence, murder and sexual crimes. Listener discre…

This week we are celebrating our third birthday here at A Nice Cup of Histortea with a trip to 17th Century London and watch as it goes up in smoke. Starting on 2nd September 1666 and lasting for four days, costing millions of pounds in damage, displacing thousands and killing six this is the conflagration that saw a King firefighting alongside his…

This week we do a special request from one of our lovely listeners, Linda, who wanted to hear the story of Beowulf, an Old English Epic Poem of man vs monster, with plenty of feasting and a dragon thrown in for good measure. Want to read a bit more about this example of Anglo-Saxon Storytelling? Have a look at the below links: https://www.bl.uk/col…

This week we dive back into the darker side of history with our fourth Dark Cup of Histortea episode all about the Salem Witch Trials. Was it devilry, land disputes or just the wicked machinations of a group of vindictive and hysterical girls? And for our ridiculous death we look at why sometimes it's better to wait a little bit longer for your lob…

We're back after a long and unplanned stint. We're sorry for being away for so long, but to say a thank you and in honour of your sticking with us, we bring you the story of the resilience of a city and country in the face of conquest, civil war and economic blips. So pack your bags, grab your virtual passports and join us as we travel back in time…

This week we take a look at the life and work of P. L. Travers. Author, poet and the creator of everyone's favourite nanny, Mary Poppins. If you're an avid reader and want to hear more about authors, from their own words, there's a little something in there for you too. So grab a cup of tea, get comfy and let's get historical! Support the show…

Welcome to the third episode of our spin-off series A Dark Cup of Histortea. This week we talk about everyone's favourite demon doggo - Black Shuck. Known by many other names and in many other guises around the world, we take you on a whistle-stop tour of some of his more famous myths. So grab a drink and a blanket, turn the lights on and let's get…

This is a very special and poignant episode. In this week's episode we discuss the life and work of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. In light of his recent passing, we realised just how little we knew about it, so we set about rectifying this and we would like to pass this knowledge on. We know he wasn't to everyone's taste, but if you are intrigu…

This week on A Nice Cup of Histortea we talk about the origins of the story The Little Mermaid. So grab a drink and get comfortable for the story from Hans Christian Andersen. Our ridiculous death this week looks into why swallowing knives might not make you the sharpest person... Got an idea for an episode, or just want to say hi? Email us at cupo…

Disclaimer - this week's episode contains some graphic descriptions of death. Join us this week as we talk about the notorious eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD/CE that destroyed the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. We take a look at the different types of volcanic eruption and walk you through step by step what happened in that fateful 24 hours…

Welcome back to a second episode of A Dark Cup of Histortea! Our first spooky episode, In High Spirits, is now our most listened to episode of all time, so we know that you guys like the dark stuff as much as we do. In honour of it being Valentine's Day when we're releasing this, we're taking a look at the type of ghost known as the Lady In Red. Us…

Hello Again! Thank you all so much for continuing to listen to our show. It has been a trying 12 months for everyone and we hope you're staying as safe and as connected as possible. This week we talk about the life and legacy of one of the most formidable women in Russian history, Catherine the Great. Was she all that she was cracked up to be, or w…

Join us, this spooky season for something a little different... a little darker. This is the first episode of A Dark Cup of Histortea, where we delve into the dark and often disturbing parts of history. Today, 13 days before Halloween, we delve into the case files of famous paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren. Instead of a ridiculous d…

Disclaimer: the sound quality isn't the best in this, unfortunately we had some issues with the mic that should be sorted by next time. This week we discuss the events around the sinking of the RMS Titanic, recorded on the 108th anniversary of that fateful night. We talk about the construction, life on board, the night itself and the aftermath. In …

Disclaimer: There is some bad language. Listener discretion advised. This week we're celebrating going global (thank you so very much!!!). We're also here in quarantine together, so we thought that we would give you the chance to get to know us. We've asked each other a series of questions and given a little background about who we are and how we m…

This week we take a very timely look at historic plagues and their causes, as well as their effects. We also touch a little on the current issue of Coronavirus Disclaimer : we are not downplaying the current situation, simply putting it in perspective. Please follow the advice of experts and health professionals Support the show…

This week we talk about the man, the myth, the warrior Ivar "the Boneless" Ragnarsson. A lot of what we know treads the fine line between fact and legend, but we give the best information we can on him. As always, we take a bite out a ridiculous death. We also take a moment to plug our good friends over at the ManNic Podcast. Check them out, Liam a…

This week we delve into the frankly dark and disturbing origins of the fairytale Pinocchio. Not the sweet, faintly creepy story you've come to know, though. This one has much more violence, death and Terrible Dogfish. We're also joined by a special guest, Liam Mandy of the ManNic Podcast, available on iTunes or Spotify Support the show…

This week we're getting back into the swing of things with a brief history of the Tower of London, from it's construction following the Norman Conquest all the way through to the modern day. We also discuss some of the notable events, changes of allegiance and famous prisoners that those walls have seen. As always, we round it off with a ridiculous…