Ridiculous History: Classic Episode Summary – "Who are the Hartlepudlian Monkey Hangers?"

Released on May 27, 2025 by iHeartPodcasts

In this classic episode of Ridiculous History, hosts Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown delve into one of England’s most bizarre legends: the tale of the Hartlepudlian Monkey Hangers. Set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, the episode unpacks the origins, evolution, and enduring legacy of this peculiar story.

1. Setting the Scene: Napoleonic Wars and Hartlepool (00:00 – 02:48)

Ben and Noel kick off the episode by anchoring listeners in the late 18th to early 19th century, a period marked by the Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815). They discuss Napoleon Bonaparte’s ambition to dominate Europe, which instilled widespread fear across British shores. This geopolitical tension sets the stage for the chilling events that would supposedly unfold in Hartlepool, a coastal town in Northeastern England.

Ben (00:51): “Today we are talking about monkeys from Hartlepool.”

2. The Legend Unfolds: Arrival of the Monkey (11:31 – 15:22)

The heart of the episode revolves around the legend that during a tumultuous shipwreck near Hartlepool, the only survivor was a monkey, believed by the superstitious townsfolk to be a French spy. This belief stemmed from the monkey’s panicked behavior and gibbering, which the villagers misconstrued as a foreign language due to their fear of French invasion.

Noel (11:38): “They seized this poor traumatized monkey who has skirted death once already.”

3. The Trial and Execution (15:00 – 17:22)

Driven by paranoia and fueled by political satire depicting Frenchmen as monkey-like creatures, the Hartlepudlians allegedly put the monkey on trial. Unable to communicate, the monkey was condemned and hanged in the town square, an act that has since become a cornerstone of Hartlepool’s dark folklore.

Ben (14:43): “They separated this poor traumatized monkey, he just keeps speaking French at me.”

4. Investigating the Credibility: Alternate Theories and Evidence (16:20 – 38:57)

Ben and Noel critically examine the legend’s authenticity. They explore historic records, noting that Hartlepool Bay was notorious for shipwrecks, with 14 ships sinking in the area during the relevant period. However, they highlight the absence of concrete evidence supporting the monkey’s existence or the execution event.

An intriguing twist arises from historian Ben Johnson’s account, suggesting that the “hanged monkey” might have been a young boy employed on the warship as a powder monkey, essential for handling gunpowder. This theory introduces the possibility of the story being a war-time miscommunication or an embellishment of true events over time.

Noel (25:08): “There was a divide there... West Hartlepool were more intelligent than those who lived in the old... part of the town.”

5. The Role of Folklore and Music in Shaping the Legend (26:29 – 31:37)

The episode delves into how oral history and music have perpetuated the Hartlepool monkey hanging story. They discuss a satirical song by Victorian performer Edward 'Ned' Corvin, which likely amplified the narrative, intertwining it with earlier songs about baboons and local legends. This musical retelling helped entrench the story into local culture, making it a symbol of Hartlepool’s unique identity.

Ben (27:08): “Ned... wrote a satirical song... which he performed in the town.”

6. Cultural Impact and Modern Legacy (24:01 – 26:29)

Ben and Noel explore how the legend has been embraced by Hartlepool’s residents, transforming from a term of derision into one of cultural pride. They highlight Stuart Drummond, a mayoral candidate who famously campaigned as the town’s official monkey mascot, embodying the spirit of the legend and promoting it as a unique aspect of Hartlepool’s heritage.

Noel (24:46): “Hartlepudlians are often described as monkey hangers.”

7. Scientific Scrutiny and Debunking Efforts (37:34 – 38:35)

The hosts discuss attempts to find archaeological evidence supporting the legend. In 2005, a bone was discovered on Hartlepool’s beach, initially thought to be from a monkey but later identified as belonging to a prehistoric deer, effectively debunking the myth with scientific evidence.

Ben (37:55): “Ancient bone not from monkey spy. Hopes of unraveling the mystery... have been scuppered by science.”

8. Hosts’ Perspectives and Listener Engagement (39:01 – 43:59)

Ben and Noel share their personal skepticism about the story’s veracity, viewing it as a tall tale rather than historical fact. They invite listeners to engage by sharing their own historical anecdotes and food fail stories, fostering a community of history enthusiasts who appreciate the blend of fact and folklore.

Noel (39:44): “For me to be able to laugh at it and derive enjoyment from it, I have to think of it as a tall tale.”

9. Conclusion: Embracing the Ridiculous (44:11 – 45:55)

Wrapping up, the hosts reflect on how legends like the Hartlepool monkey hanging persist in collective memory despite lacking concrete evidence. They celebrate the story's role in local identity and its ability to spark curiosity and debate among historians and enthusiasts alike.

Ben (38:56): “What do you believe? What do you choose to believe, folks?”

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ben (02:48): “This is also the tale of one incredibly unlucky little monkey man.”

• Noel (11:39): “No human survivors to this wreck.”

• Ben (15:09): “The monkey was not able to defend itself or provide satisfactory answers to the townspeople's questions.”

• Noel (24:46): “Hartlepudlians are often described as monkey hangers.”

• Ben (37:55): “Ancient bone not from monkey spy.”

Final Thoughts

"Who are the Hartlepudlian Monkey Hangers?" is a compelling exploration of how fear, folklore, and cultural storytelling intertwine to create enduring legends. Ben and Noel adeptly navigate through historical facts, mythical embellishments, and modern interpretations, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of this peculiar episode in Hartlepool’s history.

For those intrigued by the intersection of history and myth, this episode serves as a fascinating case study on how communities construct and perpetuate their unique narratives.

Join Ben and Noel on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows, and dive into more outrageous tales with Ridiculous History.