Lore Episode 270: "On Display" - Detailed Summary

Introduction: Anthropodermic Books at the Mutter Museum

The episode opens with Aaron Mahnke delving into a macabre discovery at the Mutter Museum in Philadelphia. He introduces the eerie subject of anthropodermic books—volumes bound in human skin. Mahnke narrates:

Aaron Mahnke [01:10]: "...every good medical library needs books, after all, so it's surprising to learn that these three tomes are locked away rather than on display in the facility's museum."

These three medical books, dating back to the late 1600s and early 1700s, are bound in the preserved skin of Mary Lynch, a woman who died in 1869. The spine of each book is crafted from Lynch's thigh skin, a grisly act performed by Dr. John Stockton Huff, the physician who autopsied her. Mahnke emphasizes the ethical dilemma:

Aaron Mahnke [02:19]: "They are pieces of medical history, valuable for the text they contain, but they are also literally human remains."

The dual nature of these books—historical artifacts and remnants of a human body—highlights the complex relationship between medical advancement and ethical boundaries.

Historical Overview of London and the Tower of London

Transitioning from the macabre to the historical, Mahnke provides an extensive overview of London’s ancient origins. He traces the settlement back approximately 8,000 years, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Thames River:

Lore Narrator [03:20]: "A lot of people live there today, and that's always been the case... archaeologists are always digging and expanding what we know."

The narrative moves through significant historical periods, from the Iron Age builders who constructed bridges and forts to the Roman establishment of Londinium in 43 AD. Mahnke underscores the continuous evolution of London, culminating in the establishment of the seven Anglo-Saxon kingdoms that eventually formed England.

The Tower of London: Fortress, Prison, and Execution Site

A central focus of the episode is the Tower of London, introduced as a pivotal structure in the city’s history. Mahnke describes its transformation from a royal fortress under William the Conqueror to a multifaceted institution:

Aaron Mahnke [05:03]: "He had a fortress built there... recognizing the importance of that spot of land along the river."

Over the centuries, the Tower expanded, with successive monarchs adding walls, towers, and defensive moats. Its role evolved to include serving as a prison and execution site, contributing to its notorious reputation. The episode details the harsh methods of medieval torture used within its walls:

Lore Narrator [06:30]: "In the Tower of London, torture was said to come in three delicious flavors... the rack, the scavenger's daughter, and the manacles."

Executions at the Tower were bifurcated between the secluded Tower Green for high-status victims and the public Tower Hill for commoners, amplifying its fearsome legacy.

Ghostly Legends: Henry III, Henry VI, and Anne Boleyn

Mahnke explores the rich tapestry of ghost stories associated with the Tower of London, beginning with King Henry III. Born in 1207 and known more for his architectural endeavors than martial prowess, Henry’s contributions to the Tower included significant expansions and the addition of Watergate:

Aaron Mahnke [10:06]: "According to Paris, on April 23rd of 1240... the real gate collapsed again to the ground."

These expansions are intertwined with supernatural occurrences, such as apparitions of St. Thomas Becket and hauntings related to subsequent monarchs like Henry VI and the infamous Anne Boleyn. The tragic tale of Anne Boleyn, executed in 1536, is particularly highlighted:

Lore Narrator [17:08]: "...Anne Boleyn has haunted the chapel and the tower ever since, making frequent appearances."

Notable ghost sightings include encounters with a headless Anne Boleyn and chilling experiences of spectral figures within the Tower’s chapels and halls, reinforcing the notion that the darker events of the past continue to linger.

The Armory and Touristic Exhibits

Shifting focus to the Tower’s armory, Mahnke discusses its transformation into a major tourist attraction. Visitors are treated to extensive displays of medieval weapons, armor, and reenactments that bring history to life:

Aaron Mahnke [14:11]: "The Tower of London delivers that in spades."

Highlights include the armor of King Henry VIII, which not only serves as a historical exhibit but also as a focal point for ghostly legends. Reports of oppressive feelings and apparitions within the armory add another layer of intrigue to the visitor experience.

The Tower Zoo: From Exotic Animals to Hauntings

One of the more unexpected facets of the Tower’s history is its past as a menagerie. Starting in the early 13th century, the Tower housed a variety of exotic animals gifted by monarchs, including leopards, polar bears, and even an African elephant:

Lore Narrator [27:03]: "Here’s just a sample from their notes... a grizzly bear, Bengal lions, a Barbary lioness..."

The zoological endeavors were fraught with challenges and tragedies, including animal cruelty and fatal accidents. Notably, zookeepers and visitors alike reported supernatural phenomena linked to the departed animals, such as the sounds of galloping horses and roaring lions. A particularly harrowing account from 1815 describes a guard witnessing a massive bear that seemingly passed through a wooden door:

Aaron Mahnke [30:03]: "He raised his rifle and drove the bayonet right through the huge beast. But the blade passed through the bear and instead embedded itself in the thick wooden door of the Tower."

These stories contribute to the Tower’s haunted reputation, blending historical fact with folkloric legend.

Conclusion: The Persistent Shadows of History

In wrapping up, Mahnke reflects on how the Tower of London embodies the enduring impact of historical events and the lingering presence of the past:

Aaron Mahnke [22:00]: "The darkest deeds of the past always have a way of haunting us here in the present."

The episode underscores the Tower’s role not just as a historical monument but as a vessel of memories and myths that continue to captivate and terrify visitors to this day.

Notable Quotes:

• Aaron Mahnke [02:19]: "They are pieces of medical history, valuable for the text they contain, but they are also literally human remains."
• Aaron Mahnke [05:03]: "He had a fortress built there... recognizing the importance of that spot of land along the river."
• Lore Narrator [06:30]: "In the Tower of London, torture was said to come in three delicious flavors... the rack, the scavenger's daughter, and the manacles."
• Aaron Mahnke [10:06]: "According to Paris, on April 23rd of 1240... the real gate collapsed again to the ground."
• Lore Narrator [17:08]: "...Anne Boleyn has haunted the chapel and the tower ever since, making frequent appearances."
• Aaron Mahnke [14:11]: "The Tower of London delivers that in spades."
• Aaron Mahnke [30:03]: "He raised his rifle and drove the bayonet right through the huge beast. But the blade passed through the bear and instead embedded itself in the thick wooden door of the Tower."
• Aaron Mahnke [22:00]: "The darkest deeds of the past always have a way of haunting us here in the present."

Final Thoughts

"Lore" Episode 270: "On Display" masterfully intertwines historical facts with gripping legends, particularly focusing on the eerie and often gruesome history of the Tower of London. Through detailed storytelling and chilling anecdotes, Aaron Mahnke brings to life the dark tales that make history both fascinating and frightening. Whether exploring the depths of anthropodermic books or the haunted halls of the Tower, the episode serves as a testament to how the past continues to influence and haunt the present.