Ripley's Believe It Or Not - 1 Minute Episodes xx-xx-xx (329) Late Revenge - Harold's Old Time Radio

Summary2 min read

Podcast Summary:

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Ripley's Believe It Or Not - 1 Minute Episodes (329) "Late Revenge"
Date: October 16, 2025
Theme: Surprising true stories from history, focusing on a tale of unexpected, posthumous revenge and historical oddities.

Main Theme and Purpose

This episode of Ripley's Believe It Or Not showcases a startling story from English history, centered around the idea that "truth is stranger than fiction." The featured tale explores how a man's request at his death led to a twist of fate for a king, five years later.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Historical Setting and Unusual Place Names

[00:12] The episode opens with an intriguing local anecdote:
- "Jingling Lane in Kirkby Lonsdale, England, got its name because when you walk there, every step produces the sound of a jingling bell. Believe it or not."
- This detail sets the stage for the show's focus on odd and remarkable facts from history.

2. The Tale of Sir John Fenwick and King William III

Background:
- Sir John Fenwick was executed for conspiring to assassinate King William III of England.
- Prior to his death, Fenwick pleaded for mercy, but King William III refused to intervene.
The Crucial Request:
- Before his execution, Sir John Fenwick asked that his favorite horse, Sorrel, be given to King William III.
Posthumous Revenge:
- "Nearly five years later, while the monarch was riding, Sorel stumbled and threw the rider. The king sustained a broken neck and died. Believe it or not." [00:47]
- The story hints at poetic justice or fate operating long after the central figure's death, leaving listeners to marvel at the coincidence.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

Opening Remark:
- "Truth is stranger than fiction. This is the truth. This is Ripley's Believe it or not." — Narrator [00:00]
On the Lane's Name:
- "Jingling Lane in Kirkby Lonsdale, England, got its name because when you walk there, every step produces the sound of a jingling bell. Believe it or not." — Narrator [00:12]
On Sir John Fenwick’s Revenge:
- "Before he was executed, Fenwick asked that his favorite horse, Sorrel, be given to the king. Nearly five years later, while the monarch was riding, Sorel stumbled and threw the rider. The king sustained a broken neck and died. Believe it or not." — Narrator [00:35–00:54]

Timestamps for Important Segments

[00:00] – Famous Ripley’s opening: “Truth is stranger than fiction.”
[00:12] – The story of Jingling Lane's curious name.
[00:20] – Introduction to Sir John Fenwick’s execution and request.
[00:35] – The twist: Fenwick’s horse causes King William III’s death five years later.

Tone and Style

The episode maintains a succinct, dramatic, and factual tone, echoing Ripley’s classic blend of the macabre and the marvelous. The narrative is delivered with an air of intrigue, inviting listeners to marvel at the improbable stories history holds.

In Summary

This brief but captivating episode combines an atmospheric historical anecdote with a tale of ironic and delayed revenge, illustrating Ripley’s enduring appeal: sometimes, reality is more incredible than anything one could invent.
Believe it or not.

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Transcript2 lines

[00:00]
B
Truth is stranger than fiction. This is the truth. This is Ripley's Believe it or not.
[00:13]
A
Jingling Lane in Kirkby Lonsdale, England, got its name because when you walk there, every step produces the sound of a jingling bell. Believe it or not. In a moment, I'll tell you how a man got his revenge. Five years after he was executed, Sir John Fenwick was sentenced to death for conspiring to assassinate King William III of England. He was avenged five years after his beheading. The doomed man had thrown himself upon the king's mercy. But the king refused to intervene. Before he was executed, Fenwick asked that his favorite horse, Sorrel, be given to the king. Nearly five years later, while the monarch was riding, Sorel stumbled and threw the rider. The king sustained a broken neck and died. Believe it or not.