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The Rest Is HistoryJuly 13, 2025

582. The Body in the Woods: A Medieval Murder Mystery

About This Episode
Why was a boy grotesquely and mysteriously murdered in a wood in Norwich in the 12th century? Who was his killer? Was it a ritual child sacrifice? Why was the murder blamed on Norwich's Jewish community, and in what appalling way? How did the incident set in motion a whole wave of Jewish persecution across the world, as more and more children disappeared and were found ritually murdered? And, what can this chilling story tell us about mediaeval attitudes to Jews? Join Tom and Dominic as they retell the terrifying story of Blood Libel, one of medieval England’s most terrifying mysteries. The Rest Is History Club: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to full series and live show tickets, ad-free listening, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members’ chatroom on Discord. Just head to therestishistory.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett + Aaliyah Akude
Book Mentions
6 book mentions in this episode.
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Books Mentioned

The Life and Miracles of St. William of Norwich cover

The book is about one of the manuscripts and describes not just the murder of a child, but the birth of a horror, infinitely greater than any of those that James portrayed in his ghost stories.

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Lost Hearts cover
Lost Hearts
M.R. James

This story describes a young orphan boy who sees the ghosts of two children who have had their hearts cut out, reflecting themes of ritualized child sacrifice.

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book on this whole case cover

EM Rose discusses the case of Eliaza and the implications of de Novas borrowing money from him in her book.

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The Turn of the Screw cover

HP Lovecraft described the quality he found in James's stories, comparing it to the diabolic power of the life and miracles of Saint William of Norwich.

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The Life and Miracles of Saint William of Norwich cover

Thomas of Monmouth writes a life of the martyr, which is described as one of the most influential texts ever written in England.

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The Life of William of Norwich cover

The speaker refers to 'The Life of William of Norwich' as a sinister, poisonous, and influential text published in England, discussing its impact on the blood libel.

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