FolkLands

On todays show we go looking for the Straw Bear of Whittlesea, an annual winter custom set deep in the Cambridgeshire Fenlands.No one quite knows where the bear comes from or how it even began but we do know that it was banned in the 19th century as it was seen as a form of begging. A person or driver is wrapped completely in Straw, head to toe, and danced around the town to celebrate Plough Monday. After the revival it's now seen as something of enormous pride for the local population, bringing in people and Morris sides from all over the country. Expect sub zero temperatures, Woodwo's and plenty of Osses!Enjoy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On todays Druid filled episode we find ourselves amongst the sacred hawthorns of Primrose Hill celebrationg Lughnasadh wit the Primrose Hill Loose Association of Druids. An order that can trace its roots back to Lolo Morganwg and the birth of modern DruidismSong, wine, poetry, home made quiche, we've got it all, so join us as we turn the wheel of the year once again. We hear stories from modern practitioners of Wicca, Druidry, Heathenism, Sharmism and many other pagan faiths and beliefs that enrich and colour our lives on our ancient island.Enjoy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings seekers of the strange and unusual. A veritable literary feast awaits you weary traveller amongst the forgotten henges of northern England.Today, we find ourselves in the most estimable company of author and connoisseur of all things that go bump in the night Mark Valentine, and Ray Russell, Tartarus press co owner, writer and musician. Together we explore the fields of furrows, the henges and barrows and, of course, writers. We delve into the magical and mysterious works of Arthur Machen, Mary Butts, D.K Broster and many, many more.Expect lay lines, ghosts, musical interludes and strange encounters with a camper van.And the wondrous actor Jemima Roper reads from Mark Valentine's short story Seven.Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In todays winter celebration of an episode we explore the glorious Welsh tradition of the Mari Lwyd.She is a skull covered in the ribbons of a bride, The Grey Mare, or Holy Mary. She is many things, she is neither dead nor alive, if you're cold then she's cold.Down the cold dark back streets of London's Kings Cross a warm welcome awaits. Every year to celebrate the end of winter the Mari Lwyd makes her rounds of the local pubs ready to sing and have a rap battle as only a horses skull in a shroud can do. Expect bad Welsh pronunciation, ale, singing, and hopefully the beginning of spring! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In todays monster episode we explore the world of cryptids and mythical beings.In the very capable hands of Richard Freeman and Jackie we discuss the exorcism of Loch Ness, the British Bigfoot, the Cornish Owlman and a whole host of other strange and extraordinary creatures that lurk within the British countryside and that sometimes make their way into our towns.Talking dogs, horned cats, goblins and dragons you'll also never look at a crab the same way again.The incredible Actor and Poet Caitlin O Ryan reads from Algernon Blackwoods The Wendigo. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On todays final show of 2024 we take a long walk on the moor with writer and gentleman Jeremy Dyson.We first head to Ripon to witness the supposed longest surviving continuous folklore practice in the world, The Ripon Hornblower, and find out more about this extraordinary custom.We grab our walking boots and head up Ilkely Moor, with dark tales of alien encounters and cannibals that lurk amongst the boulders. We discuss ghostly encounters on the dark moor as well as Jeremy being not only one forth of the legendary creative team that gave us the League of Gentleman, but also the co creator of the hit play Ghost Stories.Expect ghosts, ghouls and goblins as we wander the overgrown paths of Ilkley Moor bah t'at!Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we unearth a hidden corner of London as we creep around the frozen docks and inky darkness of Limehouse.In the 16th to the 18th century the area of Limehouse became synonymous as a melting pot of folklore and people as the docks brought stories, superstitions and strange new cultures. It had its own Golem wandering the abandoned warehouses and dockyards, it had the sensational tales of Thomas Burke who wrote of opium dens and backstreet murders even Blur's Damon Albarn invoked the spirit of Dr John Dee in its ancient streets.We explore it all with the help of the incredible musician, composer and writer Sarah Angliss.Expect haunted puppets, winter spirits and bell foundries.And the brilliant Maggie Service reads from The Dark Courtyard by Thomas BurkeEnjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In todays episode of FolkLands we delve into the world of spirit as we explore some of the stranger Inns, hostilities and public houses of London. From the 'hanging' breakfasts of Newgate, the bombed the Chanel house of St. Brides and the trap doors of Sweeney Todds barber shop we sink beneath the streets of London to reveal its dark, spooky and inglorious heart.Expect plague pits, Ostriches, dungeons and headless phantoms galore.Enjoy, and a Happy Halloween to you all! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In todays episode we explore the dark, dusty and mysterious world of books. Those weird, rare, and legendary forgotten tomes that have been our lifelong passion and obsession.We explore Victorian spirit photography, the extraordinary and intoxicating work of the Ithell Colquhoun, books of dangerous occult magic, of herbal folklore, and those of rare and exquisite beauty.A huge thank you to everyone at Peter Harrington for having us pour through there groaning shelves.And the brilliant Paul Kaye will read for you from M.R James' The Tractate Middoth'.Enjoy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In todays episode we are tracking down the elusive and often misunderstood witch of Leicester. Black Annis. Local tales tell of her blue skin and liking for stealing away children should they stray into her lair then skinning them to add to her dress, her bower strewn with bones. Or is this not quite as true as we were had to believe, could she have been an anchorite nun living alone in the woods, a herbalist, a catholic, or simply a woman who decided to her live her life the way she wanted to and the threat that posed to the men of the town? There is so much to uncover in this amazing tale that touches on Shakespearian kings, ancient paganism and even the Hindu deity Kali. We are helped along the way by the incredible Black Annis Morris Group and our investigations lead us to a very secret location in the Dane Hills.The wonderful Nina Wadia reads from Hansel and Gretel. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this weeks episode we explore the folklore that was part of the best years of our lives, or so they say, Playground lore.From marbles and jacks, to tag and skipping, kicking and kissing whilst not forgetting all the ghost and ghouls that roam the back of the design area, we explore it all with the help of the Opie archive and the brilliant and playful Julia Bishop, Yinka Olusoga and Catherine Bannister from Sheffield University.Our readings this week come from the wonderful Matt Horne who tells us everything you will need to know about marbles.Relive those wonderful playground days of having to 'Gull a Plonk' with your best 'dobber'.Good times. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode we go stone bothering. We begin in Leicester with the now largely forgotten Wishing Stone of Bradgate Park, a large granite menhir overlooking the babbling River Lin. We then go on the hunt for one of the most cursed stones of these ancient lands, the Humberstone, now terrifyingly placed between a KFC and a Halfords.We end with a pilgrimage to the Rollright Stones of Oxfordshire, to explore their occult history and its colourful relationship with ceremonial magician William Gray in the 1970s.This week the very wonderful Mandip Gill reads from Eleanor Hull's, 1928 book Folklore of The British Isles.Expect curses, hearses and crisps. enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode we explore everything from 1970s top secret nuclear bunkers to Tolkein's mines of Mordor. Phil 'The Tunnel Inspector' Catling takes us down the rabbit hole stopping off in Alan Garner's Brisingaman via Susan Cooper's Dark is Rising. Expect dystopian futures, ancient barrows, sigils of lost civilisations and darkening skies. Also the brilliant Rik Rankin, star of Outlander and Rebus, reads form George MacDonalds 'The Princess & The Goblin.'Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In todays episode we delve into the dark tunnels and shadowy corners of the underworld. First we are in the lime caves of Dorking for tales of robbers and dark forgotten secrets, we then head over to Chislehurst where Roman, Saxon and Druidic tunnels lead us down into the depths of a blood soaked past. Beware what lies beneath! Enjoy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In todays episode we explore the amazing world of Plantlore with the very learned Roy Vickery. We take a stroll finding the wayside herbs used for cure or curse.And the very brilliant Sophie Skelton reads from A WItch's Guide to Gardening by Dorothy Jacob Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On todays show we explore the mysterious Knucker, blood thirsty water serpents unique to Sussex who are said to live in bottomless wells and attack villagers. Expect totem poles, jam and a truly horrific ending to Red Riding Hood.We talk to the brilliant Dr Paul Quinn, Director of Folklore and Fairy Tales at Chichester University and the wonderful Matthew Lewis reads from Bram Stokers 'The Lair of The White Worm.' Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In todays episode we explore two of the most infamous buildings in England! First up is the most haunted house in England, the extremely eerie Borley Rectory and then we zip over to Polstead to explore The Murder in the Red Barn, scene of one of the most horrific and brutal crimes in English criminal history, but what came after is even worse.We are joined by the wonderful Edward Parnell as we get lost down country lanes and stumble into hidden ponds.And the brilliant Craig Parkinson reads from the Ballard of Maria Marten. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two we are joined by musician Laura Cannell. We explore her unique ancient folk inspired music that she creates with the violin overbow and double recorders. We talk fairy rings, witch eggs and groaning stones. Enjoy and a very happy new year to you all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On todays episode we find ourselves out on the liminal shores of the hook of Essex, the very heart of Witch Country in search of Matthew Hopkins, The Witchfinder General.We are joined by author and poet AK Blakemore who takes us through the her haunts of Manningtree and Mistley in the footsteps of the witches. We also find 'Old Knobbly' in a rather spooky wood in the dead of night. We then head to Mistly pond where Hopkins began his horrendous persecutions and 'swam' the alleged witches, and spend a night in the Mistley Thorn Hotel where Hopkins himself stayed and began his interrogations.Reading from 'The Manningtree Witches' is brilliant Emily Carey. Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we explore omens, dark prophecies and portents of doom! We begin in the Buckinghamshire village of Naphill to discover the infamous death warnings that terrified the villagers in the 1940s. Then on to Dancer's End for a rather unexpected and uplifting experience. Finally we duck beneath the branches of Wendover Wood where sightings of an enormous black cat have been seen as recently as three days ago.We are joined by the brilliant Ruth Connell who reads from 'The Prophecies of Mother Shipton'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two we cross the river styx and enter Dashwood's living hell! We then dash cross country and find ourselves in the mysterious bell cave of Royston. We discover Druids, Anchorites and long lost skulls. EnjoyFolkLands is an audio adventure into the weird and forgotten folklore, myths, mysteries and haunted locations of the British Isles.Hosted by Tim Downie (Toast of London, Outlander, Upstart Crow, Paddington) and Justin Chubb (co-star and creator of Sky Atlantic's This is Jinsy). Filled with original music and inspired by the cult 1973 Reader's Digest Folklore Myths and Legends of Great Britain, we are setting out on a quest to peel back the layers of time and 70s nostalgia to investigate centuries-old rituals and beliefs, welcoming some sinister moments and chills along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week in a two part special we are going underground to explore the mystery and allure of the dark. Caves, tunnels, dark corners and eerie goings on. Today we visit the legendary Hellfire Caves of West Wycombe and encounter bats, ballrooms and Baboons.FolkLands is an audio adventure into the weird and forgotten folklore, myths, mysteries and haunted locations of the British Isles.Hosted by Tim Downie (Toast of London, Outlander, Upstart Crow, Paddington) and Justin Chubb (co-star and creator of Sky Atlantic's This is Jinsy). Filled with original music and inspired by the cult 1973 Reader's Digest Folklore Myths and Legends of Great Britain, we are setting out on a quest to peel back the layers of time and 70s nostalgia to investigate centuries-old rituals and beliefs, welcoming some sinister moments and chills along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we delve into giants and dragonslayers by travelling deep into Hertfordshire to the sleepy village of Brent Pelham with author Christopher Hadley. We also discover an ancient Bronze Age barrow behind an Asda in Stevenage and the brilliant Simon Pegg reads Lewis Carroll's Jabberwocky! Enjoy.FolkLands is an audio adventure into the weird and forgotten folklore, myths, mysteries and haunted locations of the British Isles.Hosted by Tim Downie (Toast of London, Outlander, Upstart Crow, Paddington) and Justin Chubb (co-star and creator of Sky Atlantic's This is Jinsy). Filled with original music and inspired by the cult 1973 Reader's Digest Folklore Myths and Legends of Great Britain, we are setting out on a quest to peel back the layers of time and 70s nostalgia to investigate centuries-old rituals and beliefs, welcoming some sinister moments and chills along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim and Justin head to Hereford this week to explore some recently discovered Witch Marks and protection symbols of an ancient church. We also wander the hills and unearth an ancient healing well deep in the Malvern's.FolkLands is an audio adventure into the weird and forgotten folklore, myths, mysteries and haunted locations of the British Isles.Hosted by Tim Downie (Toast of London, Outlander, Upstart Crow, Paddington) and Justin Chubb (co-star and creator of Sky Atlantic's This is Jinsy). Filled with original music and inspired by the cult 1973 Reader's Digest Folklore Myths and Legends of Great Britain, we are setting out on a quest to peel back the layers of time and 70s nostalgia to investigate centuries-old rituals and beliefs, welcoming some sinister moments and chills along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

FolkLands is an audio adventure into the weird and forgotten folklore, myths, mysteries and haunted locations of the British Isles.In this opening bonus episode we introduce our selves and what we will be exploring in the coming series. Bricked up rooms, witches, glimpses of the future, the enduring terror and pleasure of the Ladybird Horror Series and the spirit of dark and lonely water are all touched on with ghoulish glee. Hosted by Tim Downie (Toast of London, Outlander, Upstart Crow, Paddington) and Justin Chubb (co-star and creator of Sky Atlantic's This is Jinsy). Filled with original music and inspired by the cult 1973 Reader's Digest Folklore Myths and Legends of Great Britain, we are setting out on a quest to peel back the layers of time and 70s nostalgia to investigate centuries-old rituals and beliefs, welcoming some sinister moments and chills along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.