Use BBC.com or the new BBC App to listen to BBC podcasts, Radio 4 and the World Service outside the UK.

Find out how to listen to other BBC stations

Episode details

Sounds,10 Nov 2025,33 mins

Day in the life of a Black Death Rat

After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal

Available for over a year

What did Medieval people think about rats? Did they have any idea that they were the cause of the Black Death? How did they use charms and poisons to try to get rid of them? Today we explore the world of the Black Death Rat with Kathleen Walker-Meikle, historian of Medieval pets and animals whose books include 'Medieval Pets', 'Cats in Medieval Manuscripts', 'Dogs in Medieval Manuscripts'. This episode was edited by Tom Delargy and produced by Freddy Chick. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.

Programme Website
More episodes