HALLOWEEEEEEN

John Sloane was there! The ghost of the founder of the museum. You can learn more about him in episode 10 if the #membercast - The Man Who Collected the World

Late night at the museum! And it is proper spooky. There are people telling ghost stories, ‘real’ ghosts who I got to interview for the podcast, candle lit tours of iron age artifacts guided by hideous monsters*, life drawing classes, live music, drum circles and chanting… aaaaaand Turnip Carving.

Baldrick would love it.

As well as recording the podcast I was also hosting a pub quiz.

Do you know the answer to any of these?

Question 1

Which word originates from the Old English wicce, which some think to mean “wise woman”?

Question 2

Which modern-day custom takes its name from the Samhain tradition of burning the bones of cattle to ensure the sun would return after the long winter?

Question 3

A mummy case currently on display in Gallery 62 has been nicknamed the Unlucky Mummy. What is said to have happened to all those who handle the case?

Question 4

The Jack O’Lantern is believed to take its name from an Irish myth about a man called Stingy Jack. In the myth, what did he trick the Devil into buying for him?

Question 5

Bobbing for apples is believed to be an ancient Roman tradition brought to the UK during the Roman invasion of Britain. According to tradition, what would the first person to bite into an apple be allowed to do?

ANSWERS:

1. Witch

2.  Bonfires

3. Since the mummy case of a high priestess came into the possession of Thomas Douglas Murray in the 1880s, a series of fatalities was said to be linked to those who handled the mummy case.

4. Drinks

5. Marry

More episodes are available below!