Podcast Summary: "Ripley's Believe It or Not – 1 Minute Episodes: Castle Owned by the Devil"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Air Date: December 14, 2025

Episode Overview

This brief but striking episode from "Harold's Old Time Radio" features a classic segment from the legendary Ripley's Believe It or Not! radio program. With a focus on strange and unbelievable true stories from history, this particular episode centers around the eerie legend of the Chateau of Tiffauges, a French castle said—by legal deed—to belong to the Devil himself.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Eddystone Lighthouse Tragedy (00:54–01:25)

• The host recounts a strange historical coincidence:
  • On November 26, 1703, the Eddystone Lighthouse off Plymouth, England, was destroyed by a storm.
  • Its builder, Henry Westonleigh, perished in the disaster.
  • At the same time, in Westonleigh's home 200 miles away, a model of the lighthouse fell and broke.
• Notable quote:
  • “Truth is stranger than fiction. And this is the truth. This is Ripley, Believe It or Not…” (00:50, Host)

2. The Devil’s Own Castle: The Chateau of Tiffauges (01:28–02:12)

• The episode’s main story centers on the infamous French nobleman Gilles de Rais, also known as "the original Bluebeard."
• Gilles de Rais:
  • Last earthly owner of the Chateau of Tiffauges in France.
  • Historically accused of murdering 140 young boys.
  • According to legend, Gilles conveyed title of all his property to the Devil.
  • There exists a supposed deed "vesting in the Devil the ownership of the castle."
  • This deed reportedly still exists, making "Satan the legal owner of this bit of French real estate."
• Notable quote:
  • “There’s a deed still in existence vesting in the devil the ownership of the castle, thus making Satan the legal owner of this bit of French real estate. Believe it or not.” (02:08, Host)

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• The chilling historical twist:
  • “At the same time, in Westonly’s home, 200 miles away, a replica of the lighthouse fell from a shelf and was smashed. Believe it or not.” (01:20, Host)
• The legal deed to the Devil:
  • “Gilles conveyed to the Devil title to all his property. There’s a deed still in existence vesting in the devil the ownership of the castle… Believe it or not.” (02:07, Host)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Time | Segment | |-----------|------------------------------------------------------| | 00:50 | Host introduces Ripley's, “Truth is stranger than fiction.” | | 00:54 | Eddystone Lighthouse story | | 01:28 | Transition to the Chateau of Tiffauges/Devil story | | 02:07 | The “deed to the Devil” closing |

Tone & Style

• The narration maintains Ripley’s signature dramatic, matter-of-fact delivery, blending history, legend, and a sense of eerie wonder:
  • “Believe it or not.”
• The episode presents facts and stories without sensationalism but with a clear aim to spark listener curiosity and awe.

Summary for New Listeners

This episode delivers a perfect sample of why Ripley’s Believe It or Not captivated radio audiences: presenting outlandish but true historical anecdotes—including a lighthouse disaster with spooky synchronicity and the macabre inheritance of a French castle by the Devil. Compact but memorable, it invites listeners to ponder the stranger side of human history.