Similar to the regular episode and bonus content earlier this month where I covered a handful of Victorian Christmas true crime stories in one episode, this is also going to be a compilation episode. Since Victorians loved telling ghost stories at Christmas, in this episode I’m going to cover 6 of the most haunted Victorian houses. We’ll be visiting 3 houses in the US, and 3 in the UK.

This is a special bonus episode to celebrate the best night of the year, Halloween!

This is the legend of Stingy Jack.

One of the reasons I started this podcast is because as much as I love a ghost story, I always want to know the true story behind the story. And I was often surprised how far the facts of the matter were from the story that got me interested in the first place. Often the tall tales are vilifying someone who did nothing to deserve it. And I don’t think that’s right, and I want to set the record straight. So tonight, I’m going to set the record straight on Bathsheba Sherman, who was depicted as a Satanic, baby-murdering witch, in the 2013 movie The Conjuring.

One of the topics that generates the most discussion any time I talk about it on social media, is Victorian funeral customs. In particular, a lot of people relate to the covering of mirrors in the house when someone dies. Many comment that this is still a thing in many communities and cultures today. The reasons Victorians did this was so the soul of the deceased didn’t get confused and trapped in the mirror. But this barely scratches the surface of beliefs about mirrors. That’s why I’ve decided to dedicate tonight’s Good Night Snack episode to mirror lore and superstitions.

So far as I’m concerned, spooky season starts in September. Tonight’s story is one that caused Victorians to lose sleep for over 65 years - and is still a mystery to this day.

This is the story of Spring-heeled Jack.

The subject of tonight’s story is often cited as “America’s first female serial killer.” Now, whether or not that is true, any story that could make such a claim is a story worth telling. In my opinion though, what we really have here, is the story of a true Victorian era Bonnie and Clyde.

This is the story of Lavinia and John Fisher.

A favorite holiday and winter pastime for Victorians, was telling ghost stories. Many Victorians wholeheartedly believed our deceased loved ones remained around us in spirit, just as much as when they were alive. Many were also skeptical, but those who believed, made it their mission to find proof. In tonight’s story, we’re going to talk about one man who, to some, provided concrete proof that our loved ones remained with us just beyond veil.

This is the story of spirit photographer, William Mumler.

Victorian’s loved telling ghost stories at Christmas and I’m here to tell you one of their favorite tales. This is a story that was set in the 17th century and was passed along verbally, but really gained popularity in the 1830s when a song was written about the tale. You may have heard this tale told a little differently but I’m going to relay it to you as I first heard it, in honor of upholding the tradition of storytelling. This is the legend of Mistletoe Bough.

Tonight’s story is one where so much has changed in true crime since the Victorian era, but so much also stayed exactly the same. You’ll see what I mean. This is the story of Getter’s Island.

Victorian’s loved telling ghost stories at Christmas and I’m here to tell you one of their favorite tales. This is a story that was set in the 17th century and was passed along verbally, but really gained popularity in the 1830s when a song was written about the tale. You may have heard this tale told a little differently but I’m going to relay it to you as I first heard it, in honor of upholding the tradition of storytelling. This is the legend of Mistletoe Bough.

It’s another case where ghosts and murder collide. This is the case of the Hammersmith ghost.

Whether or not you believe in ghosts, let me tell you… the Victorians sure did. Tonight’s story is famously known as the only case in which testimony from a ghost helped convict a murderer. This is the story of the Greenbrier ghost.

I am excited to share tonight’s story with you because while well known locally where I live, it is not widely known. Also, it combines two of my favorite things to talk about which are: true crime and hauntings. And if ever a murder victim had reason to haunt somewhere, this is it. This is the story of Tillie Smith.