Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Ripley's Believe It Or Not - 1 Minute Episodes xx-xx-xx (376) Golden Galley
Date: December 10, 2025

Overview

This episode of "Ripley’s Believe It Or Not" delivers a brief but intriguing historical anecdote centered on the legendary "Golden Galley" of Venice and its dramatic fate at the hands of Napoleon. The episode also includes a surprising tale from Blois, France about freed slaves. In less than two minutes (excluding advertisements), listeners are treated to two stories exemplifying the show's trademark axiom: truth is indeed stranger than fiction.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Slaves Freed for Building a Church (00:42–01:00)

• The episode opens with a historical vignette from the village of Foy in France.
  • The Church of St Nicholas in Blois was built by the village's inhabitants, all of whom were slaves from birth.
  • Upon completing the church, these villagers were rewarded with their freedom.
  • Quote:

    “The Church of St Nicholas in Blois, France was built in the village of Foy, whose inhabitants had been slaves from birth. They were freed forever as a reward for constructing the church, believe it or not.”
    (Narrator, 00:42)

2. The Golden Galley of Venice and Napoleon (01:01–01:36)

• The main segment recounts the saga of the "Golden Galley," an iconic state barge in Venice.
  • Young Napoleon was fascinated by the history of Venice.
  • Years later, in 1798, Napoleon controlled Venice and inquired about the fate of the "Golden Galley," the ceremonial barge used for the "espousal of the sea" ritual.
  • Napoleon ordered it to be burned.
  • As it burned, a river of molten gold flowed from the pyre—revealing the Galley was aptly named, containing a fortune in gold.
  • The destruction yielded approximately half a million dollars worth of pure gold.
  • Quote:

    “As the flames began to lick the Golden Galley, a stream of molten gold flowed from the pyre. The galley had been truly named. It yielded half a million dollars worth of pure gold. Believe it or not.”
    (Narrator, 01:22)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Unexpected Freedom:
  “They were freed forever as a reward for constructing the church, believe it or not.” (00:50)
• On Hidden Treasure:
  “As the flames began to lick the golden Galley, a stream of molten gold flowed from the pyre.” (01:21)
• On History’s Irony:
  “The galley had been truly named. It yielded half a million dollars' worth of pure gold. Believe it or not.” (01:29)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:42 — Story of the Church of St Nicholas and the freed slaves in Blois, France
• 01:01 — Introduction of the Golden Galley and Napoleon’s fascination with Venetian history
• 01:15 — Napoleon orders the Golden Galley to be burned
• 01:22 — Molten gold flows from the burning barge; revelation of the hidden fortune

Tone and Style

• The narration is classic, punchy, and dramatic—emphasizing the extraordinary twists of history.
• Famous "Believe it or not" tagline punctuates each revelation, inviting listener amazement and curiosity.

Conclusion

In true Ripley’s fashion, this concise slice of audio history weaves together dramatic tales of liberation and lost treasure. Its stories stand as reminders that history often hides wonders stranger than any fiction, neatly encapsulated in less than two captivating minutes.