FolkLands

On todays show we delve even deeper into the strange and unusual world of Manx folklore.First, we hunt down a fairy cave said to be inhabited by a sea witch and then onward to a famous fairy hill where time is said to standstill and people are never quite the same again. Strange animals, haunted houses, witches and wizards.Come now to where the piper plays and you mustn't drink the wine.Enjoy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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.Please like and subscribe wherever you get you podcasts and do follow us on our Instagram page @folk_lands for all our updates and adventures, you can also find us on Etsy at FolkLandsUK.Enjoy. 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.

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 we explore the dark, dusty and mysterious world of books. Those weird, rare, and legendary forgotten tomes that have been Justin and I’s lifelong passion and obsession.We delve into Victorian spirit photography, the extraordinary and intoxicating work of 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.

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.

On today's episode we explore everything from 1970s top secret nuclear bunkers to Tolkein's mines of Moria. 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.