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Robert Hiscock 2026-10-27 Robert Hiscock 2026-10-27

A Fate Worse Than Death

In October 1794 a shortage of sailors aboard a naval ship in St. John’s harbour set off a chain of events leading to the gallows… and a grisly post-mortem punishment.

Robert Hiscock 2025-02-09 Robert Hiscock 2025-02-09

Crime of the Ancient Mariner

A stolen fish, a cruel punishment, and a lesson in power—one sailor’s tale will change the way a young man sees the world forever.

Robert Hiscock 2022-12-19 Robert Hiscock 2022-12-19

Mummers, Murder and Mayhem

Not every mummer story has a happy ending. In 1860 a group of mummers killed a man in Bay Roberts , NL — that was only one incident in a string of violent behaviour.

Robert Hiscock 2022-03-29 Robert Hiscock 2022-03-29

Newfoundland’s Last Deadly Duel

On March 30, 1826 Mark Rudkin shot John Philpot in a duel. It was Newfoundland’s last death by duel but was it murder?

Peter Easton: The Pirate Admiral Who Ruled Newfoundland

Peter Easton ruled Newfoundland’s seas as the legendary “pirate admiral.” Discover his daring exploits, pirate kingdom, and lasting legacy in this thrilling tale of maritime adventure.

The Legend of Father Duffy’s Well

A fiery feud, a priest on trial, and a spring that sparked a legend. Discover the strange truth & tall tale behind the ‘healing waters’ of Newfoundland’s mysterious ‘Father Duffy’s Well’.

What Was The Bell Island Boom?

On a quiet Sunday morning in 1978, a deafening explosion shattered the calm of Bell Island, shaking homes, blasting holes in the ground, and leaving behind a mystery that echoes to this day.

A Horrible Haunting in St. John’s

A forgotten house in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador holds a dark secret—where the dead do not rest, and those who wake in the night may find they are not alone.

The Isle of Demons

Nearly 500 years ago Marguerite de la Roque was abandoned on a ‘mythical’ isle of demons just north of Newfoundland. What followed was a chilling tale of love, loss, and survival.

Coming Home For Tibb’s Eve

In this Christmas story, set on Tibb’s Eve in Trinity, Clara stumbles upon a house aglow with warmth and stories from the past. As the night unfolds, she discovers the magic of memories, old friends, and the fleeting nature of time.

The Black Stag of St. Bride’s

According to legend, 200 years ago a mysterious black stag was seen on the road near St. Bride's, Placentia Bay. Soon after there were a series of unexplained deaths.

The Restless Corpse of La Poile

An old Newfoundland tale of a love strong enough to blur the lines of life and death. This story was featured on the 2024 Halloween episode of CBC’s The Broadcast.

The Many Mummers of Newfoundland

It’s Christmas and there are mummers throughout Newfoundland, but there’s more to mummering than meets the eye — it’s a surprisingly diverse tradition.

What is the Heck Tibb’s Eve?

What is Tibb’s Eve? In Newfoundland and Labrador, December 23rd — known as Tibb’s Eve, Tib’s Eve, or Tipsy Eve — marks the unofficial start of Christmas. Once a phrase meaning “a day that would never come,” it’s now one of the biggest nights of the year for Newfoundlanders coming home for the holidays. Discover the strange origins, folklore, and modern celebrations of Tibb’s Eve — from its roots in old English slang to how it became Newfoundland’s pre-Christmas party tradition.

What The Heck Is Sheila’s Brush?

Most Newfoundlanders can probably tell you Sheila’s Brush is a March snowstorm but who Sheila is, and how the storm got named for her are trickier questions.

How Did Dildo, Newfoundland Get Its Name?

Owing to its name, Dildo may be one of the best known communities in Newfoundland and Labrador. How the town got such an unusual name is a matter of debate.

Mysterious Mockbeggar Graves

The Mockbeggar neighbourhood in Bonavista, Newfoundland has long carried a reputation for being haunted — and with mystery graves, ghostly sightings, and generations of strange stories, it’s easy to see why.