

My Victorian Nightmare
Genevieve Manion | Daylight Media
Here you’ll find mysterious deaths, morbid fascinations, disturbing stories, and otherwise spooky events from the Victorian Era. For ad-free listening, witchy content, Victorian True Crime Extras and Dark Poetry, join The Fan Coven!
If you consider yourself an enthusiast of creepy Victorian history, you probably already know about the age of spiritualism, the grisly murders, the grave robbers, twisted pseudo psychotherapy, and memento mori – But I try to dig a little deeper. This was a time full of lace corsetry, romantic poetry, and a deep reverence and affection for the dead. It was a culture of shared sorrow, ornament and elegance, prudishness and scandal, bone chilling children’s stories, and for whatever reason, I just feel at home there. There’s something strangely comforting about the heebie jeebies this era gives me. If you find yourself equally enchanted by things that most people would find horrifying, this podcast is probably for you. To listen ad-free, visit myvictoriannightmare.com and join my Patreon.
If you consider yourself an enthusiast of creepy Victorian history, you probably already know about the age of spiritualism, the grisly murders, the grave robbers, twisted pseudo psychotherapy, and memento mori – But I try to dig a little deeper. This was a time full of lace corsetry, romantic poetry, and a deep reverence and affection for the dead. It was a culture of shared sorrow, ornament and elegance, prudishness and scandal, bone chilling children’s stories, and for whatever reason, I just feel at home there. There’s something strangely comforting about the heebie jeebies this era gives me. If you find yourself equally enchanted by things that most people would find horrifying, this podcast is probably for you. To listen ad-free, visit myvictoriannightmare.com and join my Patreon.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 30, 2026 • 45min
Ep. 88 - Old Salem Prison Ghosts & The MURDEROUS Wakemanite Cult
On today’s episode, Genevieve will discuss ghost sightings in the Old Salem Jail, The 1856 Wakemanite cult killing of Justus Mathews and their connection to the “maniac murderer” Charles Stanton.
Subscribe to the Patreon free trial for ad-free listening!
https://www.myvictoriannightmare.com/the-fan-coven
Instagram post:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DWXTme4DrLM/?igsh=MW1jeDFpMXhyZ2VxMw==
References:
https://www.demandinggenealogist.com/uploads/7/3/3/0/7330460/news05-04.pdf
https://www.murderbygaslight.com/2020/05/the-wakemanite-murder.html
https://www.murderbygaslight.com/2013/03/murdered-by-maniac-guest-post-by-james.html
https://libguides.ctstatelibrary.org/archives/uncoveringnewhaven/blog/That-he-had-surrendered-his-reason-to-her-control-The-intriguing-ca
https://ghostcitytours.com/salem/haunted-salem/old-salem-jail/
https://usghostadventures.com/haunted-cities/salems-most-haunted/the-old-salem-jail/
“Horrible Murders Resulting From Fanaticism” - Franklin Repository and Transcript, Jan 9th, 1856.
“The Wakemanite Delusion - Indictment of the Murderers” - The Cleveland Leader, Jan 28th, 1856
“Another Tragedy” - Semi-Weekly Spectator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 23, 2026 • 43min
Ep. 87 - Trunk Murders and New England Vampires
On today’s episode, Genevieve will discuss the “alleged” New England vampire, Nellie Vaughn as well as the murders of Albert N. McVicar and Elsie Sigel, two victims mysteriously found in trunks.
Subscribe to the show on Patreon:
https://www.myvictoriannightmare.com/the-fan-coven
Instagram post:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DWHBLM9jt-1/?igsh=dXIyMGVzaDdhdG01
References:
https://www.historicalcrimedetective.com/ccca/emma-ledoux-housewife-prostitute-bigamist-murderess/
https://www.209magazine.com/departments/in-the-know/the-lady-and-the-trunk/
https://www.historicalcrimedetective.com/ccca/the-murder-of-elsie-sigel-by-her-chinese-lover-1909/
https://www.tenement.org/blog/where-miss-sigel-met-her-slayer/#:~:text=They%20arrested%20three%20men%20in,police%20and%20reporters%20in%201909.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/meet-the-real-life-vampires-of-new-england-and-abroad-42639093/
https://skepticalhumanities.com/2011/07/21/nellie-vaughn-the-vampire-who-wasnt-a-vampire/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 16, 2026 • 44min
Ep. 86 - Meat Showers, DEMONIC Poltergeists & Spring-Heeled Jack
On today’s episode, Genevieve will discuss not one, not 2, but 3 different topics that are all creepy for different reasons: the Kentucky Meat Shower of 1876, the Dagg Family Poltergeist of 1889, and the most terrifying public menace of the 1830s, Spring-Heeled Jack.
Thank you to today’s sponsors!
Go to LumiGummies.com and use code VICTORIAN for 30% off your first order.
Try Gusto today at gusto.com/VICTORIAN, and get three months free when you run your first payroll.
Subscribe to the show on Patreon:
https://www.myvictoriannightmare.com/the-fan-coven
Instagram post:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DVzIfF6EWfK/?igsh=NWZkcHJ4Z3lxaWgy
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kentucky_meat_shower
https://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/running-ponies/the-great-kentucky-meat-shower-mystery-unwound-by-projectile-vulture-vomit/
https://705blackfly.com/craig-bairds-haunted-history-the-dagg-poltergeist/
https://arlenestaffordwilson.wordpress.com/tag/dagg-poltergeist/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring-heeled_Jack
https://waterfordtreasures.com/spring-heeled-jack-notorious-urban-legend-or-the-work-of-the-mad-marquess-of-waterford/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 9, 2026 • 45min
Ep. 85 - HORRIFIC Niagara Falls History & The Avenues of Death
On today’s episode, Genevieve will discuss “temporary insanity” in the Victorian era, men demanding to be executed, the horrifying history of Niagara Falls, shocking murders, women falling out of windows, New York’s westside cowboys on the avenues of death and much, much more.
Thank you to today’s sponsors!
Visit Flamingo to get the Flamingo Starter Set for just $7! Make sure to use code VICTORIAN.
Wake up with clearer skin, smoother hair, and cooler sleep. Use code MVNPOD for an extra 30% off at Blissy.
Subscribe to the show on Patreon:
https://www.myvictoriannightmare.com/the-fan-coven
Instagram post:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DVjSxj4DvvH/?igsh=aGhndHE0bTV3MnE5
References:
“A Wife Murderer Wants to be Hung Right Off” - The Illustrated Police News, Mar. 2nd, 1872.
“Compelled to Marry or Become a Corpse” - The Illustrated Police News, Apr. 25th, 1872.
“A BRUTAL BOSTON TRAGEDY” - The Illustrated Police News, Apr. 25th, 1872.
“A St. Louis Woman Checks the Insults of a Drunken Ruffian with an Umbrella” - The Illustrated Police News, Apr. 25th, 1872.
“A VIRGINIA BORGIA” - The Illustrated Police News, Apr. 25th, 1872.
“Three Men Swept Over Niagara Falls” - The Illustrated Police News, Mar. 2nd, 1872.
“Perilous Descent by a Lady from a Third Story Window in New Orleans” - The Illustrated Police News, Mar. 2nd, 1872.
“Murder Made Easy” - The Illustrated Police News, Mar. 2nd, 1872.
“A Young Lady Rescued from Imminent Peril upon Fourth Avenue, New York” - The Illustrated Police News - Apr. 25th, 1872.
“A Father Brained by His Son in Kentucky” - The Illustrated Police News, Apr. 25th, 1872.
"The Tragedy of Life" - The Illustrated Police News, Apr. 25th, 1872. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 2, 2026 • 46min
Ep. 84 - The HORRIFIC Thames Torso Murders
On today’s episode, Genevieve will discuss the horrific, Jack-The-Ripper-adjacent serial killer murder cases, the Thames Torso Murders.
Thank you to today’s sponsors!
Try Gusto today at gusto.com/VICTORIAN, and get three months free when you run your first payroll.
Visit Rula.com/VICTORIAN — mental healthcare that’s actually built to last.
Subscribe to the show on Patreon:
https://www.myvictoriannightmare.com/the-fan-coven
Instagram post:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DVRaouUEcl_/?igsh=MXB6MHBmZnZpNnR0cA==
References:
“THE WHITECHAPEL TRAGEDY”- East London Advertiser, Saturday, 21 September 1889.
“THE LONDON TRAGEDIES” - The Daily Telegraph, MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1888.
“The Whitehall Mystery” - Hull Evening News, Sat, Oct 13, 1888.
“The Thames Mystery” - The Illustrated Police News, etc., Sat, Jun 22, 1889.
“The Thames Mystery” - Birmingham Evening Mail, Thu, Sep 13, 1888.
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18870723.2.70.11
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thames_Torso_Murders
https://thehistorypress.co.uk/article/introducing-a-new-prime-suspect-as-the-thames-torso-killer/
https://www.newspapers.com/image/963217933/?match=1&terms=The%20Whitehall%20Mystery
https://www.casebook.org/victims/jackson.html
https://www.casebook.org/dissertations/thames-torso-murders.html
https://www.casebook.org/victims/pinchin.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 2, 2026 • 21min
Fan Coven Sneak Peak! Lunar Eclipse Shadow Work & Meditation
Here's a little sneak peak of the content that is offered in the Fan Coven!
Click here for more info!
In this episode, we discuss how to work with the raw, vulnerable and painful feelings that eclipse season reveals, we'll discuss why and how to do shadow work: allowing our darkest parts to have their say, and we'll have a gentle, heart opening meditation to make shadow work easier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 23, 2026 • 46min
Ep. 83 - A Criminal LUNATIC Murderer and Master Painter of Fairies
On today’s episode, Genevieve will discuss the “criminal lunatic murderer” and master painter of fairies, Richard Dadd, the ballsiest, fraudulent mediums of all: the Davenport brothers, men attacked with swords, the tough lives of newsboys, and blood-thirsty female whisky-slingers, all this and much much more.
Subscribe to the show on Patreon:
https://www.myvictoriannightmare.com/the-fan-coven
Instagram post:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DU9UXELDI4B/?igsh=N3lrN244bnJraHpp
References:
http://nineduane.queenitsy.com/
https://livingwithschizophreniauk.org/richard-dadd/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fairy_Feller%27s_Master-Stroke
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davenport_brothers
“The Haunted House” - The Jeffersonian, Sat, Dec 03, 1859.
The Spiritualist - Feb 15th, 1870.
“A Man Fearfully Cut with Swords in Brooklyn” - The Illustrated Police News, Apr. 18th, 1872.
“The Grand Executioner Dead”- The Illustrated Police News, Apr. 18th, 1872.
“Attempted Suicide of a Married Lady in Third Street, Allegheny, Pa.” - The Illustrated Police News, Apr. 18th, 1872.
“The Newsboys’ Home, in New York City” - The Illustrated Police News, Apr. 18th, 1872.
“A BLOOD-THIRSTY FEMALE WHISKEY-SLINGER” - The Illustrated Police News, Apr. 18th, 1872.
“A Harrisburg Woman Sits Beside her Lazy Husband in a Bar-Room, and is Resolved to Remain as Long as he Does”- The Illustrated Police News, Apr. 18th, 1872. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 16, 2026 • 43min
Ep. 82 - Madame Vesta la Viesta’s Galactic Love Affairs & The Meek’s Family Murders
On today’s episode, Genevieve will discuss Madame Vesta la Viesta, the galactic mystic and clairvoyant, suicidal ghosts, mediums in spirit cabinets, and the horrifying Meeks family murder of 1894.
Thank you to today’s sponsor, Lumi Gummies!
Go to LumiGummies.com and use code VICTORIAN for 30% off your first order.
Subscribe to the show on Patreon:
https://www.myvictoriannightmare.com/the-fan-coven
Instagram post:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DUrLObMjoHq/?igsh=MTZrOGd2MnkwdzVoNQ==
References:
“The Haunted House” - The Jeffersonian, Dec. 3rd, 1859.
“THE APPEARANCE OF SPIRITS AT PUBLIC MEETINGS” - The Spiritualist, Feb. 15th, 1870.
https://www.boweryboyshistory.com/2014/02/get-rich-magic-astral-adventures-of.html
https://www.murderbygaslight.com/2011/04/meeks-family-murder.html
https://sullivan.mogenweb.org/meeksmurders.html
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/62455822/nellie_l-spray
https://ead-pdfs.library.yale.edu/850.pdf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 9, 2026 • 45min
Ep. 81 - Madame Tussaud's MACABRE Origin Story
On today's episode, Genevieve will discuss Madame Tussaud's macabre origin story, haunted houses, fatal theater accidents, murder in a row boat, murder in a furnace, death in a dentist’s chair, and a courageous, life-saving dog - all this and much, much more.
Thank you to today’s sponsor, Blissy!
Wake up with clearer skin, smoother hair, and cooler sleep. Use code MVNPOD for an extra 30% off at blissy.com/MVNPOD.
Subscribe to the show on Patreon:
https://www.myvictoriannightmare.com/the-fan-coven
Instagram post:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DUa9VvBjhmS/?igsh=bmR0b2dnZ2hmaXdy
References:
https://www.delish.com/food-news/a70248518/toxic-levels-arsenic-found-in-candy/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamber_of_Horrors_(Madame_Tussauds)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie_Tussaud
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/oct/04/madame-tussaud-edward-carey-little
“A Haunted House” - The Jeffersonian, Dec. 3rd, 1859.
The Spiritualist, Feb. 15th, 1870.
“Terrible & Fatal Accident At The New Theatre” - The Bristol Mercury and Daily Post, Western Countries and South Wales Advertiser, Jan 1st, 1870.
A Girl Pursues her Faithless Lover and Shoots him in a Row-Boat while Crossing the Sound to Elizabethport, N. J. - The Illustrated Police News, Apr. 11th, 1872.
Death Laughs at the Laughing Gas, Behind the Dentist’s Chair - The Illustrated Police News, Apr. 11th, 1872.
“A Well-to-do Jerseyman’s Wife Begging in the Streets of New York” - The Illustrated Police News, Mar. 14th, 1872.
“MADE HER OWN SHROUD” - The Illustrated Police News, Mar. 21st, 1872.
“A MOTHER-IN-LAW’S SACRIFICE” - The Illustrated Police News, Apr. 11th, 1872.
Extraordinary Shipwreck and Wonderful Sagacity of a Dog - The Illustrated Police News, Apr. 18th, 1872.
Which the Human and which the Brute—Wonderful Sagacity of a Mare which Assists her Drunken Owner Home by the Coat Collar - The Illustrated Police News, Apr. 11th, 1872 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 2, 2026 • 44min
Ep. 80 - The MYSTERIOUS Exhumation of Elizabeth Siddal
On today's episode, Genevieve will be discussing legal cases brought about by hauntings, the legendary and mysterious exhumation of Elizabeth Siddal, otherwise known as Ophelia, ghost globules, spirit photography, and the utterly tragic Bradford Sweets poisonings of 1858.
Thank you to today’s sponsor, Rula!
Visit Rula.com/VICTORIAN — mental healthcare that’s actually built to last.
Subscribe to the show on Patreon:
https://www.myvictoriannightmare.com/the-fan-coven
Instagram Post For Today's Episode:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DUHRXODjPtg/?igsh=MWFiMXJ4ZGNwM2M5bA==
References For Today's Episode:
https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofBritain/Dying-for-Humbug-the-Bradford-Sweets-Poisoning-1858/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Hope_(paranormal_investigator)
https://www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/objects-and-stories/spirit-photography-occult-images
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilhelm_R%C3%B6ntgen
https://burialsandbeyond.com/2019/02/12/elizabeth-siddal-the-exhumed-muse/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


