Kat Devitt
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katdevittwrites.bsky.social
Kat Devitt
@katdevittwrites.bsky.social
🖤Author of Gothic Things
🌸SmoochPit 2023-24 Mentee
🌙Pushcart Prize & Best of the Net Nominee
🐱Cat Purrrent
📚Library Gremlin
Safe space for all. 🌈,BLM
https://katdevitt.com/
John Edmonstone, a Guyanese man born into slavery, became a successful taxidermist in 19th-century Edinburgh, mentoring figures like Charles Darwin and leaving a lasting legacy in his own contributions to natural history.
John Edmonstone: Charles Darwin’s Forgotten Taxidermy Tutor
John Edmonstone, a Guyanese native born into slavery, became a successful taxidermist in 19th-century Edinburgh, mentoring notable figures like Charles Darwin. He mastered unique preservation techniques and significantly contributed to natural history. Edmonstone's life exemplifies resilience and the pursuit of knowledge while overcoming systemic adversity, leaving a lasting legacy in academia and business.
katdevitt.com
November 15, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Leap Castle is possibly Ireland’s most haunted castle. Its dark history features feuding brothers, slain priests, and bloody battles. Paranormal activity centers on the Bloody Chapel and Murder Hole Room by ghosts like the Red Lady and two little girls.
The Hauntings of Leap Castle: The Bloody Chapel, Murder Hole Room, Red Lady, and (Not Stephen King’s) IT
Originally called Leim Ui Bhanain, or “Leap of the O’Bannons,” Leap Castle is widely regarded as the most haunted castle in Ireland. It suffers from a long and bloody history, including feuding brothers, slain priests, and tragic battles. Ghosts haunting its winding corridors include the Red Lady, two little girls, and an ancient spirit called IT (not Stephen King's creation). Focal points for most of the paranormal activity are the Bloody Chapel and Murder Hole Room.
katdevitt.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Bessie Blount, a mistress of Henry VIII, was known for her wit and beauty. She bore his only acknowledged illegitimate son, Henry FitzRoy, in 1519. Enjoying royal favor, she remained on friendly terms with Henry VIII until her death in 1540.
Elizabeth “Bessie” Blount: The Tudor Temptress Who Tantalized Henry VIII
Bessie Blount, a prominent mistress of Henry VIII, was admired for her beauty, intelligence, and charm. She bore Henry’s only acknowledged illegitimate son, Henry FitzRoy, in 1519. Bessie enjoyed wealth and royal favors, maintaining a friendly relationship with Henry VIII through the rest of her life. She died in 1540, leaving behind a small legacy tied to Tudor history.
katdevitt.com
September 30, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Richard Heber, a 19th-century bibliophile and politician, amassed a library of 146,000 books. However, his political career was marred by rumored romantic ties with Charles Hartshorne. He died alone, leaving a library Sir Walter Scott called, "superior."
Richard Heber: The Life of a Queer Bibliomaniac and Politician
Richard Heber, an avid bibliophile and politician in early 19th-century England, dedicated his life to amassing a remarkable library of 146,000 books. His political career faced scandal due to rumors surrounding his close and likely romantic relationship with Charles Henry Hartshorne. Heber's life ended in isolation, leaving a vast collection that made him renowned.
katdevitt.com
September 15, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, an underrated Victorian writer, is celebrated for his ghost stories. His works, like Uncle Silas and Carmilla, shaped Gothic fiction and inspired authors like Henry James and Bram Stoker, yet he remains largely unrecognized today.
20 Quotes from Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, the Underrated Victorian, Gothic Writer
Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, an underrated Victorian writer, is celebrated for his haunting ghost stories, particularly in The Purcell Papers. His influential works, like Uncle Silas and Carmilla, shaped the Gothic fiction and ghost story genres, inspiring authors such as Henry James and Bram Stoker. Despite his significance, Le Fanu remains largely unrecognized today.
katdevitt.com
August 30, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Edward Dando, known as the "oyster-eater," gained infamy in 19th-century London for dining and dashing, consuming oysters without payment. Unrepentant despite multiple arrests, his gluttonous life inspired Dickens and others, even after his death in 1832.
Edward Dando: The Odd Oyster Thief of 19th Century England
Edward Dando, known as the "oyster-eater," became infamous for dining and dashing in 19th-century London. Notable for his gluttony, he consumed massive amounts of oysters without payment. Despite multiple arrests, he remained unrepentant. His life inspired works by Dickens and other writers, even after his death from cholera in 1832.
katdevitt.com
August 15, 2025 at 7:36 PM
In March 1866, Janet Rogers was murdered at her brother's farm shortly after arriving to help with household chores. Her brother's inconsistent statements and a former servant's acquittal leave the case one of the UK's oldest unsolved murders.
The Murder of Janet Rogers: The Oldest Cold Case in the UK
In March 1866, Janet Rogers was found murdered at her brother's farm a few days after arriving to help with household duties while he was between domestic servants. Suspicion fell on both William, who had inconsistencies in his story, and a former servant, James, who was accused but acquitted. The case remains unsolved, making it one of the oldest cold cases in the UK.
katdevitt.com
July 30, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Kidwelly Castle, a 12th-century fortress, defended against the Welsh and was featured in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Its haunted past includes a headless Welsh princess and a tragic lover named Nest, with echoes of battles still felt by visitors.
The Haunting of Kidwelly Castle: A Headless Welsh Princess, Two Ladies in White, and Disembodied War Cries
Kidwelly Castle, built in the 12th century, defended Norman landholdings against the Welsh and featured in the opening scenes of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Its haunted history includes the ghost of warrior princess Gwenllian, who was beheaded, and the spirit of Nest, a tragic lover. Echoes of battles also resonate in the castle's grounds.
katdevitt.com
July 15, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Chevalière d'Éon was an 18th-century French soldier, diplomat, and spy who lived as both a man and a woman. Known for espionage and legal battles over gender identity, she became a symbol of gender non-conformity, leaving a complex legacy.
The Chronicles of Chevalière d’Éon: The French Spy Who Was Born a Man and Died a Woman
Chevalière d'Éon was an 18th-century French soldier, diplomat, and spy who famously lived as both a man and a woman. Her life was marked by espionage, legal disputes over gender identity, and a significant role in political intrigue. D'Éon became a symbol of gender non-conformity, leaving a complex legacy.
katdevitt.com
June 30, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Julie d’Aubigny, a 17th-century opera singer and duelist, defied societal norms with her bisexuality and adventurous life. Notable for dueling three men and rescuing a lover from a convent, she left a legacy of authenticity and passion.
Julie d’Aubigny: The Sword-Swinging, Swashbuckling, Bisexual, French Opera Singer
Julie d’Aubigny, a remarkable figure of the 17th century, captivated audiences with her opera performances and dueling skills. Her life, marked by her bisexuality and defiance of societal norms, featured adventurous escapades including dueling three men and rescuing a lover from a convent, leading to a legacy celebrated for authenticity and passion.
katdevitt.com
June 15, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Marie-Louise Coidavid, born in 1778 in Haiti, was the wife of Henri Christophe, a leader in the Haitian Revolution. When he became king, she became his queen. But his death led to her exile in Italy, where she died in 1851 as Haiti's first and only queen.
Marie-Louise Coidavid: The Tumultuous Story of Haiti’s First and Only Queen
Marie-Louise Coidavid, born in 1778 in Haiti, was the wife of Henri Christophe, a key figure in the Haitian Revolution. After Haiti achieved independence in 1804, Henri became king of the northern part of Haiti. Following her husband's suicide, Marie-Louise faced exile, eventually settling in Italy where she lived until her death in 1851, remembered as Haiti's first and only queen.
katdevitt.com
May 30, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Currently in #Scotland researching my gothic horror #WIP ONLY MONSTERS LIVE HERE.

Today’s inspo stop was Dunnottar Castle! One Earl of Marischal’s lion obsession has me thinking…

If WUTHERING HEIGHTS and THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY had a baby in the Scottish Highlands, this would be it.
May 24, 2025 at 8:43 PM
For your viewing pleasure, I’ve included a small collection of some of the weirdest Victorian Christmas cards I scrounged up from online archives, exhibitions, and websites. Maybe it’ll give you ideas for cards to send to friends and family this year...
25 Weird Victorian Christmas Cards
About two years ago I wrote up a blog post on weird Victorian Christmas traditions. One tradition was odd Christmas cards, which has interested me so much, I’m writing another blog post exclusively on this one tradition. It’s also a really great excuse to display more really strange cards, such as children riding critters, dead birds, and toads fencing. Take a look at these 25 weird Victorian Christmas cards.
katdevitt.com
May 16, 2025 at 10:57 PM
For your viewing pleasure, I’ve included a small collection of some of the weirdest Victorian Christmas cards I scrounged up from online archives, exhibitions, and websites. Maybe it’ll give you ideas for cards to send to friends and family this year...
25 Weird Victorian Christmas Cards
About two years ago I wrote up a blog post on weird Victorian Christmas traditions. One tradition was odd Christmas cards, which has interested me so much, I’m writing another blog post exclusively on this one tradition. It’s also a really great excuse to display more really strange cards, such as children riding critters, dead birds, and toads fencing. Take a look at these 25 weird Victorian Christmas cards.
katdevitt.com
May 16, 2025 at 2:39 AM
Escaping an abusive marriage, Liane de Pougy fed to Paris and transformed herself into a successful courtesan and stage performer. Her rivalry with fellow courtesan La Belle Otero heightened her fame along with her taking on male and female lovers.
Liane de Pougy: The  Belle Époque’s Sapphic Courtesan
Escaping an abusive marriage, Liane de Pougy fed to Paris and transformed herself into a successful courtesan and stage performer. Her rivalry with fellow courtesan La Belle Otero heightened her fame amongst the Parisian public, while her love life was often scrutinized. She took on male and female lovers, including her famous affair with American writer Natalie Clifford Barney.
katdevitt.com
May 16, 2025 at 2:33 AM
If you love making drinks from historical recipes, look no further! Check out these 10 popular drinks from the Regency era, including alcoholic ones like Regent's Punch, Flip, and Ratafia, and non-alcoholic ones, like drinking chocolate, saloop, and tea.
10 Beverages Popular During the Regency Era
If you love making drinks from historical recipes, look no further! Check out these 10 popular drinks from the Regency era, including alcoholic ones like Regent's Punch, Flip, and Ratafia, and non-alcoholic ones, like drinking chocolate, saloop, and tea. Recipes are included for most beverages in this article.
katdevitt.com
May 16, 2025 at 2:28 AM
Francis Williams is speculated to have been the first person of African descent to attend Cambridge. Despite having been selected for a white aristocrat's social experiment, he left his legacy as a landowner, scholar, poet, and disruptor of racial bias.
Francis Williams: Afro-Caribbean Landowner, Scholar, and Poet
Francis Williams is speculated to have been the first person of African descent to attend Cambridge, although records are contested. A potential subject of a social experiment by the 2nd Duke of Montagu to test whether those of African descent could equal Caucasian intellectual achievements, Williams later established a free school in Jamaica for children of African descent, challenging sociopolitical norms. Despite racism and societal constraints, he left his legacy as a landowner, scholar, poet, and disruptor of racial bias.
katdevitt.com
May 16, 2025 at 2:24 AM
Born into a theatrical family, Sarah Rachel Russell, alias Madame Rachel, clawed her way out of poverty by becoming a con artist. She operated a fraudulent cosmetics shop, promising her wealthy customers everlasting beauty before blackmailing them.
Madame Rachel: The Con Artist Who Sold the Fountain of Youth to London’s Gentlewomen
Born into a theatrical family, Sarah Rachel Russell, alias Madame Rachel, clawed her way out of poverty by becoming a con artist and blackmailer. She operated a fraudulent cosmetics shop, promising her wealthy customers everlasting beauty before blackmailing them.
katdevitt.com
May 16, 2025 at 2:22 AM
Vast moorland, sinister weather, and family tragedies inspired Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights. Here are a few of my favorite dark, romantic, and brooding quotes that explore these elements of the classic masterpiece.
29 Brooding Quotes from Wuthering Heights
Vast moorland, sinister weather, and family tragedies inspired Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights. Here are a few of my favorite dark, romantic, and brooding quotes that explore these elements of the classic masterpiece.
katdevitt.com
May 16, 2025 at 2:18 AM
Blickling Hall, famous for being the birthplace of Anne Boleyn, is said to be haunted by her headless ghost. Other headless ghosts spotted at Blickling include her father Sir Thomas Boleyn, her brother George Boleyn, and an army of headless horses.
Blickling Hall: Home to One Too Many Headless Boleyn Ghosts
Blickling Hall, famous for being the birthplace of Anne Boleyn, is said to be haunted by her headless ghost. Other headless ghosts spotted at Blickling include her father Sir Thomas Boleyn, her brother George Boleyn, and an army of headless horses. Other apparitions include that of Sir John Fastolfe, Henry Hobart, and a Grey Lady.
katdevitt.com
May 16, 2025 at 2:15 AM
Isadora Duncan, known as the "Mother of Modern Dance," lived a life punctuated by triumph and tragedy. She established herself as a groundbreaking dancer in Europe, drawing inspiration from ancient art and nature, despite suffering heavy personal losses.
Isadora Duncan: The Tragic Life of the Bisexual “Mother of Modern Dance”
Isadora Duncan, known as the "Mother of Modern Dance," lived a life punctuated by triumph and tragedy. Born into poverty, she established herself as a groundbreaking dancer, drawing inspiration from ancient art, folk dances, and nature. She founded several dance schools and toured through Europe and the Americas during much of her life, despite experiencing severe personal losses and hardships. She's also known for her string of female and male lovers.
katdevitt.com
May 16, 2025 at 2:13 AM
Adore the Regency era? Love food? Check out these 10 popular desserts from the Regency! Includes Ratafia cake, cheesecake, Prince of Wales biscuits, flummery, and more.
10 Delicious Regency Era Desserts
Adore the Regency era? Love food? Check out these 10 popular desserts from the Regency! Includes Ratafia cake, cheesecake, Prince of Wales biscuits, flummery, and more.
katdevitt.com
May 16, 2025 at 2:10 AM
Charles E. Boles, alias Black Bart, earned the reputation as a gentleman robber throughout his 28 stagecoach robberies for treating innocent passengers with respect. He also left taunting poems at a few of his robberies.
Black Bart: The Gentleman Robber Who Left Behind Poetic Messages
Charles E. Boles, alias Black Bart, was an infamous stagecoach robber in California in the 1870s and 1880s. He usually targeted Wells Fargo stagecoaches, and he earned the reputation as a gentleman robber throughout his 28 thefts for treating innocent passengers with kindness. He also left poetry at a few of his crime scenes.
katdevitt.com
May 16, 2025 at 2:04 AM
Born in New York City in 1807, Ira Aldridge rose to fame as a Shakespearean actor at a time when slavery was still practiced in the United States and British Empire. He used his celebrity to advocate for abolition and racial equality.
Ira Aldridge: The “African Roscius”
Born in New York City in 1807, Ira Aldridge rose to fame as an actor, particularly gifted at Shakespearean roles, at a time when slavery was still practiced in the United States and British Empire. He toured through England and continental Europe, gaining popular acclaim for his acting talents, and used his celebrity to advocate for abolition and racial equality.
katdevitt.com
May 16, 2025 at 2:00 AM
William John Bankes, once called the "father of mischief" by Lord Byron, was a 19th century Egyptologist and explorer who played an integral role in deciphering hieroglyphics. However, he had to flee England after facing charges of homosexuality.
William John Bankes: The Queer Egyptologist, Adventurer, and Explorer
William John Bankes, once called the "father of mischief" by his friend Lord Byron, was a 19th century Egyptologist, explorer, and politician. He played an integral role in the deciphering of Egyptian hieroglyphics. However, he had to flee England after facing two charges of homosexuality, which would have resulted in his death if he'd been convicted.
katdevitt.com
May 16, 2025 at 1:58 AM