Strange But True | 90 minutes of Extraordinary Stories from History

In this video Strange but True Real History, join Kevin Hicks for a mind-bending journey as we've woven together 90 minutes of extraordinary, often neglected tales from history. From odd events to peculiar personalities, these strange but true stories will leave you captivated, so buckle up and join us for this fascinating ride through history!
If you'd like to support the channel more and help us continue making fun, fascinating videos, please check out our PATREON page for perks. / thehistorysquad
OTHER LINKS:
Website: historysquad.ca
Facebook: / historysquad
Twitter / X: / history_hicks
Chapters:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:36 The Twisted Tale of Catherine Hayes
00:18:38 'Babbacome' Lee, the Man They Couldn't Hang
00:29:51 The Legend of St Edmund
00:44:22 The Ball of the Burning Men
00:54:39 The Sinister Minister & the Enon Chapel
01:07:34 Steeling Bodies from the Gallows, Andreas Vesalius
01:21:45 Double Atomic Bombing Survivor

[@NoSaysJo]

This channel is a hidden gem. Please keep doing what you're doing - you have a real talent in keeping the viewer invested in the story. Cheers from Australia

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks very much!

[@BigCrashNoSmash]

​@thehistorysquad please tell me that "Andy the skeleton" was a nod to Toy Story. I only just discovered you today and I love your videos btw.

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, yes it was very much a nod 😜@@BigCrashNoSmash

[@PeterMartyrVermigli_is_cool]

And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. -Jeremiah 29:13 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. - John 3:16 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out. - Acts 3:19 If you’re in North America, please go check out any of the churches available to you: PCA, OPC, Rpcna/Rpc, Urcna, or a canrc church (These are conservative and actual Presbyterian churches) If you can’t find one of the conservative presby churches then, maybe a Lcms Lutheran church. If you are Scottish, I recommend the Free Church of Scotland and the APC. (Different from the Church of Scotland) If you’re English I recommend the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in England & Wales and the Free Church of England (Different from the Church of England) Also online you can look up church finders for each of the groups, it will show you locations. :)

[@PeterMartyrVermigli_is_cool]

@@thehistorysquad🐪

[@WillyShakes]

This channel is special. It feels like you're sitting right there in the room with an interesting teacher who's got a passion for the subject. It's much different from the over produced documentaries and things you find on KZbin.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks very much for that 👍🏻

[@CarolSheppard-itsablingting]

Sure. You could look at it that way, or....

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

The period costumes and weapons, *the models* and the storytelling, the humor... Mr. and Mrs. Hicks, this channel is GOLD. We love The History Squad!

[@thehistorysquad]

We love you too!! Thanks for your constant support 👍🏻

[@Sol-Cutta]

​@@thehistorysquadhave you ever done a history of Xmas episode ??? Or Xmases from history ???

[@thehistorysquad]

Not as yet, I ran out of time this year, but will keep it in mind. I have recounted Dickens' A Christmas Carol though. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGbJgYp-nLGkmrs 👍🏻@@Sol-Cutta

[@Sol-Cutta]

@@thehistorysquad oooh that's one for Xmas eve then...you know I love your videos, I know I've said before, and I don't do it flippantly, it's more than deserved.. my favourite history themed channel by far even over Lucy Worsley and Mary beard and even Tony Robinson. You rank alongside them in terms of quality, education, entertainment and have that same down to earth approach although I must say you are a better storyteller than those 3 and draw the viewer in to the time, it's so encapsulating and of the time u can almost smell it..😉 but really you do draw one In and hold the audience attention. Thrilling and fun. I can say I've never been bored watching one of your videos so all the very best at this seasonal time of year..have the very best time and enjoy your break..and we will all rejoin you in 24 for some more uncovering of history..and thank you so so much for all the time,.energy and hard work you put in..the heart and passion comes across in every episode , it's obvious you love making these videos ...happy Christmas, all the very fondest wishes to you and yours. 👏❤️

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you so much for your kind words, they're much appreciated and you're so right, it is hard work but I really do love making these videos and sharing history 🙂@@Sol-Cutta

[@Newjerseyblows]

This has quickly become my favorite channel 👏 I cant get enough of these old stories.

[@davesheppard8797]

I'm the same Floyd. Some of the punishments were brutal!! But as they say "Let the punishment fit the crime"!! Dave.

[@chriscookesuffolk]

I'm saving this one for bedtime. My wife did ask when i was playing one of Kevs videos at the midnight hour some time ago whether I was getting ideas to plan her demise. I told her no, all the villains in Kevs stories tend to meet grizzly, gruesome ends.

[@thehistorysquad]

Justice 😜

[@kurts5649]

Bnb GB b 6😊

[@Yandarval]

True, they all come to a grizzly end. However, you ARE learning what NOT to do.

[@Loralanthalas]

​@@Yandarvalmay our fate never be "to be an example to others". 🙏

[@lisaalane7694]

My thoughts exactly. You can keep your eyes open, or not.

[@MichelleJ1822]

I’m 49 and until the last 10ish years was not in the least bit interested in history. I usually watch Absolute History but you popped up in my algorithm and I’m loving this channel too!!!! My dad was a history buff but more about wars. He would be so proud of my interest in it now. I wish I would have had a teacher like you in school. I would probably have loved it then.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Michelle for your comment & welcome to the channel. 👍🏻

[@kille7543]

@MichelleJ1822 It is often so, the older you get the more you recognise that everything has a root. Like why systems work or doesn’t work the way they are. Why women are still treated more pourely than men. Why the rich get off with more than the commoner etc. ❤

[@MichelleJ1822]

@@kille7543 I live in the US, but I find the history from other countries, particularly the US more interesting. I especially love the Victorian era and Tudor.

[@lindsey94115]

I fall asleep every night to documentaries but I can’t fall asleep to yours because they actually keep me too interested to fall asleep. I can tell you put a lot of work into these videos. They are very entertaining.

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, sorry Lindsey, but I'm glad you enjoy them. 😜

[@tosspot1305]

Yer same for me. They're always so gripping. Love the models aswell

[@shonamcwilliam2842]

Just brilliant. There isn't a better story teller.

[@JeremyFairbairn-mv3sz]

kev you should be on mainstream tv . your story telling is totaly compelling

[@thehistorysquad]

That's very kind, thank you.

[@nigden1]

I think he's better off on here, MSM, especially the BBC, is losing viewers rapidly, it's dying.

[@sudbury9]

I absolutely agree.. TV would be awesome. At least there would then be something good to watch. Thanks Kev

[@edwells4769]

Why would you want him on TV? KZbin is infinitely better.

[@gsj8793]

Since I introduced my wife to the wonderful thehistorysquad, it has also become her favorite goto history-channel. Great stories, tales and an inexhaustible source of information, presented by an exceptional storyteller. Thank you Mr. Hicks and please keep it up. 👋👍

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you so much, I'll do my best 👍🏻

[@ebmus9781]

I always gauge how gruesome Kevin's tales will be based on his costume and the props on the table next to him. Seeing his dapper first costume, I was lulled into a false sense of security. I knew we were in for some spine-chilling terror when his costume changed and a severed head and little effigy of a woman at the stake was revealed. Thank you Kevin for your amazing story-telling!

[@thehistorysquad]

😜 Thanks for watching

[@SyntaxScout]

No other channel narrates and explain everything in great detail like Kevin does,very professional with a high rich content. Every video is like a new movie that just came out,we all want to see it. Thanks for sharing your time and hard work with all of us.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thanks again for your kind words, it makes all the hard work worth it!

[@nancybradford8514]

Absolutely wonderful, loving the longer episode, you're a great story teller ❤

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you so much Nancy! Happy Christmas.

[@10191927]

These stories are so incredible, really brings history to life.

[@scrappydoo7887]

I love the longer uploads kev 👍 It's always worth the wait

[@thehistorysquad]

Good to hear, thanks Scrappy. It's a bit of an experiment but seems to be well received, so we'll probably do some more in the future. 👍🏻

[@NASkeywest]

Kevin, I would LOVE for you to do a historical review on that new movie “Napoleon.”! It made me sad. They basically carried out an absolute character assassination of Napoleon and portrayed him In such a ridiculous disrespectful way I felt. Crazy

[@thehistorysquad]

I'll definitely give it some thought 👍🏻

[@lemming9984]

I haven't seen it, but was surprised that Napoleon and Josephine are still white! It's a modern thing to belittle historical figures, and change history to fit some warped political agenda.

[@LTPottenger]

I haven't seen it yet but keep in mind most previous movies are hilariously biased love pieces on Napoleon that promulgate a great deal of myth and undeserved accolades.

[@AmonAnon-vw3hr]

@LTPottenger you really haven't seen the movie yet, have you? Lol

[@LTPottenger]

you really can't read can you OMFGLOLOLOL haha@@AmonAnon-vw3hr

[@jeningle8288]

Ive really enjoyed watching this video. With you and Chris 'The History Chap' my history cup definitely runneth over with good things. Thankyou Kevin.

[@tommyboy2607]

It's always a great day when I see Mr. Kevin uploads a video.

[@thehistorysquad]

Morning!

[@mrandy8224]

I seen most of these stories before but still love your storytelling! Best Channel on you tube by far!

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thank you!

[@brightantwerp]

Just discoverered your channel because of the archery. Now I can't stop watching. These stories are so interesting as well. 💜

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you & welcome

[@margomaloney6016]

Kevin, you find the most unique topics and tell each story in a magical way! Thank you SO much for the time and effort involved with bringing these tales alive again! Skål !! 🍺

[@thehistorysquad]

My pleasure!

[@davidstrother496]

Thanks, Kevin, for the compilation. I remember the original videos you made, and I really enjoyed hearing them again. Your storytelling style makes them like watching a favorite movie again. Cheers from Texas, and have a blessed Christmas.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you Dave, you too buddy 👍🏻

[@chelamcguire]

What a splendid hour and a half! Thank you, Mr Hicks. I love your enthusiasm in telling us tales of times gone by. You passion is there for all to witness but so is your wicked sense of humour! Thank you for all those wonderfully different stories - I was unable to pick a favourite!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Chela, glad you enjoyed them.

[@Katze5335]

I remember most of these! Still going to rewatch it. Love it Kevin!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers!!

[@WyattRyeSway]

Been binge watching this channel all day. Great stories and storytelling. Brings history to life

[@sarahpainter7969]

Thank you, Kevin. I love how you bring these true stories to life. You are brilliant at storytelling, actually the best 👌 👍🏼

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Sarah, you're very kind.

[@foamige]

Perfect 👍Just what I need for a Friday afternoon.

[@terrywahl5040]

This is absolute pure gold, I could listen to these stories for days, weeks, it is beyond interesting.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow! Thanks 👍🏻

[@hillerymcdonald2303]

This is SO fun!!! Love this compilation, there are some wonderful stories here I'd missed the first time around!! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas season Mr. Hicks :)

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it! Happy Christmas

[@kikikaakau-delizo8152]

I was a bioarchaeologist, including whilst I was a police officer, and my specialty was ancient Hawaiian burial practices so all of these accounts were fascinating.❤

[@ashleighh2343]

Just discovered your channel & I’m already obsessed! Ty Ty Ty love your storytelling style 😊 all great stories and teachings

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Ashleigh, welcome!

[@calicoasting]

Absolutely great stories and great story telling.Thanks again.

[@lukeskywalker7566]

Nice one again, kev. i love your videos, and they are really informative. Thank you ❤

[@michelleholgate5230]

There’s nothing like sitting down on a cold autumn/winter’s evening cosying up with a cuppa tea while listening to you tell these stories from history absolutely delightful thank you so much .. yet another wonderful episode..love hearing you tell us stories of history and fact’s.. very interesting and fascinating. Keep up the wonderful work and story telling 👍🏻😊x

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks as ever Michelle, will do 👍🏻

[@michelleholgate5230]

Your always very welcome you never disappoint with your amazing history and story telling ☺️👍🏻

[@nathanbowen9204]

Wonderful! Best find in my queue in months. Can’t wait to see more. Rock on.

[@thehistorysquad]

Great, thanks. Check out some of our past content and keep an eye out for more to come! 👍🏻

[@nativeamericanfeather9948]

This is how I spend my me time♡ Thank you so much for another great & fascinating watch.You're a great story teller! Seeing your outfit I felt like a kid again excited for story time lol

[@jennygallaher5458]

Great details told by great story teller. Thank you for you sharing your passion!

[@metern]

The scariest thought is that the Little Boy's plutonium core only weighs 5kg. It's incredible to think that a 5kg core can make such a devastating impact.

[@susanhayes4374]

Your stories historical are well told, interesting, and informative. They are also told with costumes and props! Kudos and thank you , also, for your quirky ness. Fun, fun, fun

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Susan, it's my pleasure 👍🏻

[@cronitz]

This channel is marvellous, accidentally stumbled across it. Can't get enough of it, perfect host,perfect video altogether love it 😊

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks very much 👍🏻

[@RobertCBaker-gq6mc]

Your awesome with your story telling and history! I do enjoy your historical story telling. I enjoy it more because it's from across the "pond". The historical stories from you are definitely stuff i enjoy!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Robert, I appreciate that 👍🏻

[@gonnafish]

Great stories Kevin, thanks! Had me laughing when the little wooden John Lee hopped across the scaffold! Cheers!

[@thehistorysquad]

You and me both!

[@laserbeam002]

I just discovered this channel yesterday and I have subed. I love the history. Thank you for posting. You sir do a great job in presenting the stories.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks and welcome aboard!

[@jamesgpevans9421]

I love this video, you tell the stories with such passion, thank you so much 👍👍👍

[@ericfiedler5506]

Probably the best presentation of history i’ve seen in a long time. A true story teller and a skill I personally envy. Keep up the good work!!

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thank you! Will do 👍🏻

[@heatherwilson9717]

Thank you for taking the time to show us and teach us about the larger scale production.

[@allletters4750]

Really enjoying your work, been keeping me company in the garage while working on my Model A Ford project. Keep up the good work!

[@Ian-mj4pt]

Always a good day when you upload a educational and interesting clip Kevin and Co . Love it ❤ keep it up please 🙏 👍also being a long one makes it even better 😀 👍

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you! Will do!

[@sharonbland3843]

Thank you for my history lesson today, Oh how I wish my History teacher at school, way back in the '70s were as great as you for teaching history, how much more I could have learned.

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@angelpjc]

Sweet! Settled in for story time. 😍 Thank you for your content. A great channel!!!

[@thehistorysquad]

My pleasure 👍🏻

[@nicpete492]

Found this channel last night and I’m hooked. This man has such a pleasant cadence and is an excellent story teller. Definitely subscribing!

[@thehistorysquad]

Much appreciated! 👍

[@shirleytyler-szkolny6981]

This was, without doubt, the best, most interesting, best narrated, most well-presented compilation I have ever had the pleasure of seeing! WELL DONE, SIR! 👏🤝

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thanks Shirley! That's lovely of you to say.

[@noka1979]

It's 5am and I can't sleep, these stories are delightful to listen to.. Respect

[@lisaconner7609]

Thank you Kevin, another great story to cozy up to!

[@thirdiprodigy3579]

The way you tell stories reminds me of my grandfather. Thanks for the awesome content! :)

[@clinkclunk]

Absolutely phenomenal video. Each story hits you in so many different ways.

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@michaelpage4199]

Kevin I just want to wish you and our History Squad a very blessed and Happy Christmas

[@garywilson6047]

Only been subscribed a short time. You feel like an old friend already. Brilliant.

[@CockadoodleDont]

Waking up from not being able to sleep and finding a new Kevin Hicks video on a weekend! lol Going to be a great morning, thank you sir 🫡

[@thehistorysquad]

Enjoy!

[@jessic3195]

I just found your page. I really enjoy history. Love the stories that you tell and the details that you put in

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks and welcome 👍🏻

[@BaldurtheImpious]

Excellent story teller, much live for this channel and your stories

[@80sbabejones54]

Best story teller ever, makes history fun and exciting. Bring more Kevin, you're the best, love to you and your wife for the great vids, Dawn xx 🎉😂 ❤❤❤

[@thehistorysquad]

Will do!

[@randyfullagar1296]

I absolutely love these videos. Thank you so much for the effort

[@shanemonaghan3823]

Love this channel , reminds me of my grandfather telling stories

[@mlewis8579]

So very very interesting! Thank you, keep it coming 😄

[@sixxfreak58]

Anyone who enjoyed hearing about The Ball of the Burning Men should read Edgar Allan Poe's "Hop-Frog" ... Happy New Year to this wonderful channel.

[@davesheppard8797]

I remember all of these Kev and enjoyed watching them again!! Fascinating mate!! Dave.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Dave, your continued support and friendship is much appreciated

[@davesheppard8797]

@thehistorysquad I am honoured that you class me as a friend. I started watching your 100 years war series again last night. Really great!! I think the Patreon money is money really well spent. Your History squad channel is amazing. Dave.

[@thehistorysquad]

Much appreciated as you know.@@davesheppard8797

[@metern]

Marry Christmas to you, Kevin, and to your whole family from Norway 🇳🇴 🎄🎅🎁

[@HollyTree_]

I agree with others who say this channel is brilliant! One of the only channels worth subscribing to. Thank you for making history fun and interesting. :)

[@thehistorysquad]

Our pleasure! We appreciate your sub 👍🏻

[@SolMourningStar]

I feel like I stumbled upon a hidden gem when I came across this channel. Every video you put out is well thought out, jam-packed full of wonderful lore and information, and the passion you have truly bleeds into every one of your videos. From one nerd to another, please never stop making videos🖤

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks very much, I'll keep going as long as I can. I certainly have lots of stories & topics I'd love to cover 👍🏻

[@danmcg4363]

Just found your channel last night and fell asleep listening to your stories. Great work sir keep it up

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks, will do!

[@jatzygirl3120]

Wow. Thank you for all the knowledge you are making available. I love watching and your presentation makes me want to watch more. Regards from Australia 🇦🇺 😊

[@thehistorysquad]

You are so welcome 👍

[@benvincent6747]

You are a master of historicle accounts. Thank you. I wish that you were my history teacher. I think that I had said this before. I rest my case. Fascinating with trust.😊

[@thehistorysquad]

How lovely, thank you!

[@Chipoo88]

Brilliant stuff, wonderfully narrated

[@ytacct000]

So blessed to have found your channel, cheers!

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@jacquelyndixon2788]

Another brilliant recounting. You , sir, are gifted.

[@pattimullins9179]

I love the story-telling! Thank you! I listened to this while cleaning my closet

[@thehistorysquad]

😜

[@OGdirty1Kanobi]

This was great Kevin, id like to see more compilations of stories

[@thehistorysquad]

On it!

[@colinmackay92]

Thank you Kevin for always bringing us incredible history and extraordinarily entertaining videos. You're a Class Act.

[@thehistorysquad]

Much appreciated 👍

[@mandybrown4298]

Always something interesting to watch never ever a dull moment with keV love the history squad ❤

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Mandy 👍🏻

[@RETard-me4mj]

Very enjoyable compilation video. You're an EXCELLENT story teller.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you very much!

[@sharonbland3843]

I recall watching a documentary, in whereby they were digging in an old Victorian churchyard. They were having to remove the old coffins as the site was going to be under construction. What they found was quite horrific, in that some of the coffin lids were broken, due to decay and they found on the inside of the coffin lids, scratch marks, where it was obvious the poor soul that was burned was still alive. I understand, they used to have bells on the graves which were attached to a rope, so if the poor soul buried, was not dead, they could pull the rope, and hopefully, the bell would be heard and the person buried within was saved.

[@thehistorysquad]

Yes that's right, I'll maybe cover some of that one day 👍🏻

[@Cobbmtngirl]

You’re an excellent storyteller, Kevin! Thank you so much!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you too!

[@g7eit]

Brilliantly done Mr Hicks. I’ve never heard the words “I’ve bought a skeleton in a box” said with so much joy.

[@thehistorysquad]

😂 I really must finish that thing

[@vivianwible8213]

Thank u for your videos. I am so happy to learn this information.

[@moonytheloony6516]

Merry Xmas Kevin to you and your family! 🎄🎁🎄🎁🎄🎁🎄🎁🎄

[@richardg.4817]

Your KZbin channel is a gem. Thank you for making such fantastic content; please don't ever stop.

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoy it! 👍

[@Dogfurforever]

Wrapping Christmas prezzies listening to you… 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎄🎄🎄 Just found your channel ❤

[@thehistorysquad]

Lovely, thanks very much. Happy Christmas 👍🏻

[@Victoria.Foxworthy]

Excellent storytelling and thank you for sharing! 🥰

[@TheDrumminjay]

I really love this show and Mr Hicks absolutly makes this show. Wouldn't be the same without you!

[@terri200]

Your stories are incredible!! Some are truly historical horror stories!! Thank you as always!! History is amazing whether weird or not!! Hope that you have a wonderful holiday season!!!🙏💖🪶💞✨️💜🎄🎄🎄

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you, you too 👍🏻

[@meph1570]

when you love a certain type of video, you wouldn't mind watching a long duration video. i always binge on this kind of video with a hot tea and some hot ginger bread. your voice, accent, and costume always help me enjoy your historical videos.

[@thehistorysquad]

Hot ginger bread, mmm sounds delicious 😋

[@user-ef8qp3cu1q]

Your storytelling is amazing, love this channel wish I had a teacher like you!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you! 😃

[@TheKiLl3rPiG]

Grinding some WoW and listening to 90 min of history. Best day off I have had in a while!

[@thehistorysquad]

Great, thanks!

[@victoriay6246]

This was so enjoyable! Thank you!

[@uglymolly2138]

Thank you, Mr. Hicks!

[@alexandrestrawinski7581]

just discovered your channel. I love the quality of it!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks 👍🏻

[@The_Truthinator]

and just like that..Friday is better. Thanks !

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thank you too!

[@UnquenchableHarvest]

Another great one, Kev!

[@brandywell44]

Excellent presentations - Thankyou.