Forbidden History

Beyond Guy Fawkes, who were the men behind the Gunpowder Plot? Historian Nigel Jones joins Forbidden History to explore Robert Catesby and his fellow conspirators, the religious persecution that fuelled their plans, and the capture, torture and executions that followed. What are we really remembering on Bonfire Night, and how did the failed plot reshape England?

Cast List:

Eric Meyers: Narrator

Nigel Jones: Historian
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In this Halloween special episode, we take a look at the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, where the small U.S. town of Salem was gripped by mass hysteria involving witchcraft. 20 innocent men and women were executed, but were later pardoned. Many believe that Salem, Massachusetts, remains haunted, with some using modern witchcraft to appease vengeful spirits and lift this legendary curse.

Introducing Forbidden History: The Visual Edition, revisiting stories from our archive with imagery and footage that bring the people, places and mysteries to life.

Now available on our main feed, it’s a richer, more immersive way to enjoy the stories you know and discover those you may have missed.

Cast List:

Sam Baltrusis: Author & Historian

Lynn Picknett: Historian and researcher specialising in exposing historical conspiracies. She is also the co-author of several notable works

Dominic Selwood: Historian, barrister, bestselling author, novelist and frequent contributor to national newspapers including The Independent, The Spectator and The Daily Telegraph

Andrew Gough: Writer, presenter and editor of The Heretic Magazine

Richard Felix: A historian and lecturer specialising in local and paranormal history.

Dr. Karen Bellinger: Anthropologist, archaeologist, and historian

Dr. Sheila K. Hoffman: Art Historian, Iconologist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Massachusetts

Thomas Vallor: Salem Historian

Nick Dickinson: Witch, Headmistress of Circe Academy in Salem

Jacqui Allouise: Witch, owner of The Cauldron Black in Salem

Eric Meyers: Narrator

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This Halloween, Forbidden History investigates the Woman in the Wych Elm. Who was she, and who hid her body inside a tree? Explore one of Britain’s most haunting unsolved mysteries.

Cast List:

Eric Meyers: Narrator

Joyce M. Coley: Author of ‘Bella: An Unsolved Mystery’.

Andrew Sparke: Independent publisher and author of ‘Bella in the Wych Elm’.

Richard Lund: Son of Dr John Lund, the forensic scientist who examined the victim’s remains and fragments of clothing.

Giselle K. Jakobs: Palaeontologist, author of ‘The Spy in the Tower’ and granddaughter of German spy Josef Jakobs.

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In this episode, we follow the 800-year history of a medieval Bible manuscript, famous for its giant illustration of the Devil contained within its pages. We recount its journey across Europe as it changes hands between emperors and queens and the history it sees along the way—as well as the cursed legends that follow it.

Introducing Forbidden History: The Visual Edition, revisiting stories from our archive with imagery and footage that bring the people, places and mysteries to life.

Now available on our main feed, it’s a richer, more immersive way to enjoy the stories you know and discover those you may have missed.

Cast List:

Dominic Selwood: A historian, barrister, bestselling author, novelist and frequent contributor to national newspapers including The Independent, The Spectator and The Daily Telegraph

Janina Ramirez: A cultural historian, broadcaster and author based at the University of Oxford

Tony McMahon: A former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian

Elin Andersson: A specialist in ancient manuscripts and an expert on the Devil’s Bible, based at the National Library of Sweden

Scott Sophos: Prague-based historian and teacher

Dr Andrew Boakye: Lecturer in Religions & Theology at the University of Manchester

Peter Stanford: Writer, editor, journalist and presenter, known for his biographies and writings on religion and ethics

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Cleopatra’s beauty became legend, but her fight for power shaped history. Joined by historian Arran Irvin, we explore her rise to Egypt’s throne, her alliances with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, and the ambition, rivalries and fatal decisions behind one of history’s most famous queens.

Cast List:

Eric Meyers: Narrator

Arran Erwin: Historian of Ancient Rome
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