This episode of Strange Matters covers the dark and disturbing series of deaths known as the Bridgend Suicides. Over the course of several years, dozens of people, mostly young adults and teens, would suddenly and without warning take their own lives. Almost of all these deaths were caused by hanging. The story of the Bridgend Suicides spread globally due to the heavy media involvement, as news spread across the world of the mysterious and deadly trend that was plaguing this small Welsh town.
Ross Moore approached the entrance to his brother’s house. He could tell something wasn’t right. The neighbor was used to seeing the Moore family up at an early hour, performing chores and starting their day… but not today. Ross, having a key to the house, slowly opened the door. Nothing could prepare him for what he was about to discover. He mustered up his courage and cautiously walked into the living room to discover a grizzly scene…
The Villisca Axe Murders are one of the most notorious family slayings in the United States. This small town was shaken to its core upon the discovery of the remains of an entire family of well-liked individuals. Accusations flew, crime scenes were tampered with, all chaos broke loose; but one thing was for certain: the Moore family was no more. Over the years numerous leads would be followed only to dead ends while the killer went free. Was this the work of a hitman or a cold-blooded and sadistic serial killer?
In this episode of Strange Matters the cryptic and mysterious Shugborough Inscription is discussed. The basis of the Shugborough Inscription are 10 letters carved onto a structure known as the Shepherd’s Monument, a mystery onto itself. Though this sequence of letters may not seem all that intriguing at first glance, the Inscription has launched dozens of wild and diverse theories that have been proposed in the hundreds of years since its creation.
The Shepherd’s Monument was commissioned by Thomas Anson and built on his estate in Staffordshire, England. The exact reason behind his inspiration for creating the monument is unknown, as is the explanation for the inscription carved into the base of this monument. Over the years, many people have pondered the mysterious nature behind these letters, and have come up with a wide variety of theories. Are these letters a code, perhaps leading to a hidden treasure? Could they be a secret message that only members of a secret society would understand? Many believe the letters are meant to spell out a cryptic phrase or saying. Or is the whole thing simply a joke that a 18th century prankster thought of. The possibilities are nearly endless as all the popular ideas and explanations for the Shugborough Inscription are covered in this history-mystery episode!
