"A severed hand, a tiger attack, and a man so tall he could light a cigarette using only a street lamp..."
Did you know Wiltshire's history is filled with tales of odd goings on? Now you can hear about them all in one place!
Our Museum Youth Panel have uncovered a treasure trove of weird and wacky stories from Wiltshire's past. So many, in fact, that they've created a brand new podcast to share them.
Over 5 episodes, they delve into stories across the county - including conspiracies, ghosts, and some real life stories that are just...weird!
The episodes are bitesize, perfect for listening on the go. Please do give it a listen and let us know what you think.
Putting together the podcast
Over a 6 month period, the group researched, script-wrote, recorded, edited and marketed the podcast together.
A big thank you to Amy, Bethany, Olly, Ruby and Tom for working so hard to create it. They've persevered through multiple lockdowns, bad internet, and storms - not to mention juggling around driving lessons, work, and exam revision!
Ghosts
In this episode of Moonrakers’ Tales: Wiltshire’s Stories, join Olly and Tom as they explore the supernatural stories of Wiltshire’s ghosts! Discover the resident phantom of Stourhead and the Drummer of Tedworth – Britain's first recorded poltergeist!
Written and created by Wiltshire Museum’s Youth Panel.
Music Credits (Under Creative Commons, Attribution 4.0) -
Long note One by Kevin MacLeod; Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3992-long-note-one; License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
The Snow Queen by Kevin MacLeod; Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4511-the-snow-queen ; License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Folklore
Have you ever wondered how the people of Wiltshire got the nickname of ‘Moonrakers’?
Fear not! In this episode, Amy and Tom explore a tale of alcohol smuggling, Devizes and cheese – one that has defined the county of Wiltshire for centuries!
Written and created by Wiltshire Museum’s Youth Panel.
Music Credits (Under Creative Commons, Attribution 4.0) -
Teller of the Tales by Kevin MacLeod; Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4467-teller-of-the-tales ; License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Real Life but weird ...
A severed hand? A tiger attack? A man so tall that he could light a cigarette with a streetlamp? Believe it or not, it all happened in Wiltshire! Join Bethany and Tom as they discover stories that are real life... but weird!
Written and created by Wiltshire Museum’s Youth Panel.
Music Credits (Under Creative Commons, Attribution 4.0) -
Gymnopedie No. 1 by Kevin MacLeod; Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3837-gymnopedie-no-1 ; License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Murder cases
*Disclaimer* There are topics in this podcast episode which some may find distressing.
Not every story has a happy ending. Join Amy and Bethany as they reflect on the murder of Francis Saville Kent, a four-year-old boy from the former Wiltshire village of Rode.
Written and created by Wiltshire Museum’s Youth Panel.
Music Credits (Under Creative Commons, Attribution 4.0) -
Peppers Theme by Kevin MacLeod; Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4998-peppers-theme ; License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Conspiracy Theories
There are countless conspiracy theories set in Wiltshire, especially regarding Stonehenge! Join Ruby and Amy as they investigate two notable conspiracy theories – RAF Rudloe Mannor’s supposed ‘alien’ links and Erich von Däniken’s claims of ‘alien influence’ on Stonehenge.
Written and created by Wiltshire Museum’s Youth Panel.
Music Credits (Under Creative Commons, Attribution 4.0) -
Destiny Day by Kevin MacLeod; Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4984-destiny-day ; License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Interested in joining the Youth Panel?
The Museum has many opportunities for young people to get involved. See more detail on our student volunteering page.