Spooked: "This Olde House" Summary
Podcast Information
- Title: Spooked
- Host: Glynn Washington (Snap Judgment Studios, in partnership with KQED & PRX)
- Description: Spooked features true-life supernatural stories, told firsthand by people who can barely believe it happened themselves. New episodes drop every Friday on all major podcast platforms.
- Episode: This Olde House
- Release Date: October 30, 2024
Introduction
Glynn Washington sets the tone for the episode with a captivating tale of ancient village rituals and mythical creatures. This opening story immerses listeners in an eerie atmosphere, preparing them for the supernatural narratives to follow.
"There was a village. In the village, every year on the day between Midsummer and All Hallows Eve, the people would select a boy and lead him to the hill overlooking the land... The boy tasted their lie, their betrayal..."
– Glynn Washington [00:09]
Main Story: Renovating the Haunted House
Narrator: Rich Symes
Rich Symes shares his chilling experience while renovating a historic house in Wells, Somerset, England. The house, with origins dating back to 1480, sits near the Bishop's Palace and a serene brook that feeds into a moat. Rich, alongside his coworker Ted, undertakes the renovation, unaware of the house's haunted past.
Initial Encounters
During the renovation, Rich and Ted notice an elderly man frequently visiting the site. This man, described as wearing a tweed jacket and feeding his dog, provides morning updates on their progress.
"Ted said, 'Look forward to it lad, look forward to it.'"
– Rich Symes [10:47]
However, confusion arises when Rich meets the current owner, Richard Carter, who reveals that the old man had died a decade prior. This revelation leaves both Rich and Ted unnerved.
"He died 10 years ago. I was absolutely gobsmacked, and so was Ted."
– Rich Symes [10:47]
Supernatural Occurrences
As the renovation progresses, strange and terrifying events escalate:
-
Nighttime Activity: While installing batons in the living room, Rich feels an invisible force attempting to push him to the ground.
"I turned around and said, 'excuse my language. Bugger off. Leave me alone.'"
– Rich Symes [15:59] -
The Faceless Figure: Late one night, Rich encounters a man in a dark cloak with no discernible face.
"I looked back up with the halogen, there was nobody there. But I caught a glimpse of his hat going down the stairs."
– Rich Symes [15:59] -
Cold Sensations: In the kitchen, despite the proximity to a heater, Rich feels an intense chill and witnesses Ted react fearfully to the paranormal presence.
"I started getting really cold and all I wanted to do was warm up. I just said, 'just bugger off, leave us alone.'"
– Rich Symes [15:59]
These incidents culminate in a palpable tension between Rich and Ted, pushing them to either abandon the project or confront the haunting directly.
The Medium's Intervention
Seeking answers, Richard Carter brings in a spiritualist medium from Glastonbury. The medium conducts a thorough investigation, revealing the tragic history of the house:
-
Victorian Lady: A spectral woman heard Rich commanding a spirit to cease its tormenting actions.
"The Victorian lady said he was making a noise. And I was telling him to stop..."
– Rich Symes [27:20] -
Faceless Man: The medium identifies the faceless man as a historical figure punished during the Civil War for safeguarding church valuables, resulting in his disfigured appearance.
"He used to come back from the cathedral to check on his mum because she was poorly in bed... he was defaced."
– Rich Symes [27:20]
After the medium's session, the house's atmosphere noticeably lightens, and the oppressive paranormal activities subside.
Final Haunting and Aftermath
Despite the medium's intervention, Rich experiences one last unsettling event. Upon returning to the house late at night, he notices a light in a window that should be off, leading to a heightened sense of fear and urgency to leave.
"I felt sheer panic inside me. I felt the hairs go up on back of my neck and my heart's beginning to race..."
– Rich Symes [27:20]
Rich and Ted complete the renovation, but their experiences leave a lasting impression. The house is promptly put on the market as the new owners refuse to stay, hinting that the spirits may still linger.
"Even though... I look at it thinking, I wonder if it's still there."
– Rich Symes [35:57]
Conclusion
Glynn Washington wraps up the episode by reflecting on the blurred lines between hunter and prey in the supernatural realm. He invites listeners to share their own spooky stories, emphasizing the enduring fascination with the unknown.
"You must listen closely, because more often than not, the beast you're running from wears your own face."
– Glynn Washington [37:14]
Notable Quotes
-
Rich on Discovering the Old Man's Death:
"He died 10 years ago. I was absolutely gobsmacked, and so was Ted."
– Rich Symes [10:47] -
Encounter with the Faceless Figure:
"I looked back up with the halogen, there was nobody there. But I caught a glimpse of his hat going down the stairs."
– Rich Symes [15:59] -
After the Medium's Visit:
"I get goosebumps on the back of my neck, the hairs go up, because I never told Mrs. Carter nothing."
– Rich Symes [27:20] -
Glynn's Reflection on Hunters and Prey:
"You must listen closely, because more often than not, the beast you're running from wears your own face."
– Glynn Washington [37:14]
Final Thoughts
"This Olde House" delves deep into the psychological and supernatural challenges faced during the renovation of a historic property. Rich Symes' firsthand account offers a gripping narrative filled with suspense, historical intrigue, and the lingering question of what truly resides within old walls. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, this episode of Spooked is sure to leave you pondering the mysteries that lie just beyond the veil of our everyday lives.
Stay Connected with Spooked If you have a supernatural experience or a ghostly tale that you've been hesitant to share, visit snapjudgment.org and contribute your story. Your experience might be the next spine-tingling episode of Spooked.