CLASSIC: The Cock Lane Ghost: Haunting, Hoax, Hysteria… or Hilarious?

Ridiculous History

iHeartPodcasts

History, Society & Culture

4.3 • 4.4K Ratings

🗓️ 12 April 2025

⏱️ 51 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In 1762, crowds from across London gathered in hopes of seeing something the papers called "The Cock Lane Ghost". This alleged spirit was known to communicate in knocks and scratches, reacting to yes or no questions and, according to some observers, seeking justice from beyond the grave. But who was this spirit, exactly? What did this poltergeist have to do with William Kent and his ongoing dispute with landlord Richard Parsons? In today's classic episode, join the guys as they delve into the strange, strange story of the Cock Lane ghost.

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Transcript

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0:00.0	All right, fellow ridiculous historians.
0:03.2	We're returning with a classic episode for this week.
0:08.0	I've been your Noel.
0:10.0	It's me.
0:10.7	It is.
0:12.1	Dude, do you remember back in 1762 when everybody came to see something called the Cock Lane Ghost.
0:22.2	How could I forget the name like that?
0:24.4	It's seared into my memory.
0:26.7	And boy, oh boy, hopefully it will be seared into years,
0:30.0	two, ridiculous historians after listening to this classic episode.
0:35.3	The championship is back in the bay for the first time in 40 years.
0:41.1	On the new limited podcast series, Dub Dynasty, we hear from head coach Steve Kerr on how
0:46.2	Steph Curry almost never even joined the Warriors.
0:49.9	In fact, I thought we had a draft day deal to end up getting him to Phoenix.
0:54.3	For the entire behind-the-scenes story of Golden State's incredible 10-year run,
0:59.0	listen to Dub Dynasty on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.
1:07.7	Hey, kids, it's me Kevin Smith.
1:09.6	And it's me, Harley Quinn Smith.
1:11.1	That's my daughter, man, who my wife has always said is just a beardless, dickless version of me.
1:15.9	And that's the name of our podcast, beardless d***less me.
1:18.1	I'm the old one.
1:19.0	I'm the young one.
	...

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