History Extra Podcast Summary: "Ghosts, Vampires & ABBA Holograms: An Uncanny History of London"

Release Date: June 24, 2025

Introduction to London's Hidden Mysteries

In this captivating episode of the History Extra podcast, host John Baucam engages in a fascinating conversation with author and historian Clive Bloom about his latest work, London Uncanny. The episode delves deep into the lesser-known, eerie narratives that lie beneath London's bustling surface, exploring tales of ghosts, vampires, and modern-day holograms.

Exploring the Uncanny in London

Clive Bloom begins by describing London Uncanny as a meditation on the city's urban landscape, blending reality with imaginative realms. He explains, “London is a town of strangers... there's a real London, an objective London, a material London, but also this imaginative space.” (02:04) Bloom emphasizes that London serves as a thin place where the veil between the ordinary and the extraordinary can be pierced, allowing uncanny encounters to unfold in the most mundane settings.

The Tradition of Wandering and Flaneurs

The discussion moves to the historical tradition of wandering around London, drawing parallels with 19th-century flaneurs like Charles Dickens. Bloom explains, “Wandering led by the imagination... is a way of joining the past and the present.” (06:38) He highlights how wandering without a map, guided instead by curiosity and imagination, can lead to uncovering London’s hidden secrets and fostering uncanny experiences.

The East End: A Gothic Epicenter

John Baucam steers the conversation towards the East End of London, a region synonymous with gothic lore. Bloom identifies the East End as the antithesis of the West End, noting its historical role as a melting pot for immigrants and its association with infamous tales like Jack the Ripper and Fu Manchu. He remarks, “The East End has always been cut off from civilization, and it still is...” (08:04) This isolation has fueled its reputation as a fertile ground for gothic stories and supernatural myths.

Haunting Locations: Highgate Cemetery

The conversation shifts to Highgate Cemetery, a quintessentially spooky London landmark. Bloom describes its dual history as a serene garden cemetery and a site of dereliction in the 1970s, which made it a popular filming location for Hammer Films. He recounts the infamous vampire myths associated with the cemetery, stating, “There was a vampire, but it's good publicity.” (09:34) Highgate's atmospheric allure continues to inspire ghost stories and paranormal investigations.

Victorian Egyptology and the Mystique of the Past

Bloom delves into the Victorian obsession with Egyptology, explaining how ancient Egyptian culture became intertwined with London's gothic imagination. He cites examples like Cleopatra's Needle and the fascination of occultists such as Aleister Crowley, who held mystical gatherings around these ancient artifacts. Bloom notes, “Egyptians were really central to the imagination of the 19th century...” (12:40) This blend of ancient lore and modern mysticism has perpetuated the allure of mummies and supernatural phenomena in London.

Urban Growth and Suburban Uncanniness

As London expanded beyond the Square Mile, the clash between urban and rural landscapes birthed new avenues for uncanny encounters. Bloom discusses the growth of suburbs from the 1880s to the 1930s, highlighting the contrast between their outward respectability and the hidden mysteries beneath. He observes, “The boringness of the suburbs makes them so weird.” (16:33) This juxtaposition creates an environment where ordinary settings can harbor extraordinary and unsettling events.

Poltergeists and the Enfield Haunting

The episode explores the phenomenon of poltergeists, particularly focusing on the famous Enfield Haunting of the 1970s. Bloom explains, “Poltergeist had existed from the 19th century onwards...” (17:40) He attributes the 1970s surge in poltergeist stories to societal changes and the enigmatic nature of children, who are often central to these uncanny tales. The Enfield case, which has inspired films and video games, exemplifies how such stories capture the public imagination despite—and perhaps because of—the lack of concrete evidence.

Historic Meets Modern: Bloomberg Building and Temple of Mithras

Bloom highlights the intriguing contrast between London's ancient and ultra-modern elements by discussing the Bloomberg building and the hidden Temple of Mithras beneath it. He describes the Temple as a relic of Roman worship, juxtaposed with the towering symbol of contemporary capitalism. Bloom muses, “Underneath you've got the mystery of personality, I guess, and religion, and on top of that you've got the Bloomberg building to capitalism.” (18:40) This blend of old and new underscores London's unique capacity to house diverse and often conflicting narratives.

Modern Ghosts: ABBA Holograms and Technological Avatars

In a fascinating turn, Bloom connects historical ghost stories with modern technological recreations, such as the ABBA holograms displayed in East London. He explains, “We can recreate the past through 3D holograms... which must be a very bizarre event indeed.” (20:05) This modern twist on ghostly apparitions illustrates how technology continues to shape and redefine our understanding of the uncanny, blending nostalgia with futuristic innovation.

Off the Beaten Track: Recommendations for Uncanny Encounters

For listeners eager to experience London's uncanny side, Bloom recommends visiting 18 Folgate Street in the East End. He describes it as an atmospheric art installation—a pretend Huguenot house where visitors can immerse themselves in a silent, ghostly environment accompanied by a mysterious cat. Bloom enthuses, “If you do so, you will feel like a real ghost.” (23:02) This recommendation highlights the enduring allure of interactive and experiential sites in perpetuating London's spooky heritage.

Looking Ahead: Sequel Announcement

As the conversation wraps up, Bloom hints at a forthcoming sequel titled Capital Gothic, which will delve into occult groups and macabre events that didn't make it into London Uncanny. He expresses his excitement, saying, “There is a sequel indeed... about occult groups, occult happenings and macabre events.” (24:41) This promises to further enrich the exploration of London's dark and mysterious past.

Conclusion

John Baucam concludes the episode by inviting listeners to explore more about London's darker history through the podcast's website. He mentions an alternate article by Emma Butcher and Tim Blythe that examines what scary stories reveal about the psyche of the capital. The episode effectively intertwines historical facts with engaging narratives, providing a comprehensive look at the uncanny facets of London.

For a deeper dive into London's spooky history, visit HistoryExtra.com and discover more intriguing stories behind the city’s ghostly tales.