The Piskie Trap

A quick introduction to the series Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this first episode of the series we delve into the dark past and spooky goings-on at Pengersick Castle in Cornwall and chat to Jay Hodgetts, who works and lives at the CastleHere's the link to the series reading list if you're interested:https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/149542206?page=1&ref=nav_mybooksThe castle's website is here: https://www.pengersickcastle.com/Here's the link to our Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/thepiskietrap Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bodmin Jail has a chilling reputation for being one of the most haunted places in the south west. In this episode we take a closer look into the stories surrounding one of the prisoners who was executed here in the 1800s.You'll also hear extracts from a conversation with Kirsten Honey, who runs the Paranormal tours of the Jail.You can find out more about the Jail and its past by checking out the Bodmin Jail website: https://www.bodminjail.org/Here's a link to the article 'The Trials of Selina Wadge' by Dr Nell Darby:https://www.criminalhistorian.com/the-trials-of-selina-wadge/#:~:text=The%20trial%20of%20Selina%20Wadge,guarded%20by%20female%20prison%20officers.And here's a link to the article by Aeron Hunt:https://www.jstor.org/stable/25058737Here's the link to our Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/thepiskietrapYou can also check out the reading list for this series: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/149542206?page=1&ref=nav_mybooks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chambercombe Manor in Devon has some dark secrets, from tales of smugglers and wreckers, to spectres wandering the grounds, and stories of a hidden room. This episode delves into the Manor's past to see what we can uncover, you'll also hear extracts from a conversation with Lesley Symons, who works at the Manor.If you'd like to know more about Chambercombe Manor and their Paranormal events check out the website: https://chambercombemanor.org.uk/You can also check out the reading list for the series here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/149542206?page=1&ref=nav_mybooksHere's the link to our Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/thepiskietrap Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Perhaps you've heard of the famous Salem Witch Trials, or maybe the Essex Witch Trials, but have you heard about the Bideford Witches? In this episode we delve into the story of four women from Bideford in North Devon, who were tried for witchcraft in the 1680s. You'll also hear extracts from a conversation with Professor Marion Gibson from the University of Exeter, whose research specialises in the history of magic and witchcraft.You can find the reading list for the series here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/149542206?page=1&ref=nav_mybooksHere's the link to our Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/thepiskietrap Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we explore the famous Jamaica Inn on Bodmin Moor, and it's tales of smuggling and ghosts. Featuring conversations with Karin Beasant, who knows lots about the Inn's history, it's spooky tales, and has run paranormal investigations there.For more information you check out the Inn's website: https://www.jamaicainn.co.uk/For more about the author Daphne Du Maurier: https://www.dumaurier.org/You can also find the reading list for the series here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/149542206?page=1&ref=nav_mybooksHere's the link to our Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/thepiskietrap Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cornwall has many tales involving mermaids, and people's legendary encounters with them from over the centuries. In this episode we explore a range of mermaid stories from across Cornwall, some of them particularly famous, like the mermaid of Zennor, but where do these stories come from, and what's the significance behind them?Storyteller Mike O'Connor, author of the book 'Cornish Folk Tales' gives his thoughts on these stories, and we try to delve into the mystery behind the famous carving at Zennor Church.A quick update from Mike since recording: The Medieval Mystery Play referred to in the episode, concerning the dual nature of the Mermaid is actually entitled 'Passio Domini Nostri Jhesu Christi' rather than 'Bewnans Meriasek'.For further reading you can check out the reading list for this series: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/149542206?ref=nav_mybooksHere's the link to our Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/thepiskietrap Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cornwall has a long history of mining, and in this episode we explore the legends and superstitions held by Cornish miners. Stories of the famous Cornish Knockers, and tales of a ghost said to haunt a particular mine on Cornwall's north coast. We chat to local historian Roger Radcliffe, to get his thoughts on these legends, and the realities of working in a mine.You can find the reading list for this series here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/149542206?ref=nav_mybooksAnd the article by Ronald M James here: https://www.jstor.org/stable/1499362If you're enjoying the series, and would like to support the project further, then check out my patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thepiskietrap Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we explore a range of tales and superstitions surrounding Cornish Piskies, and chat to author and poet Anna ChorltonYou can find the reading list for this series here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/149542206?ref=nav_mybooksIf you're enjoying the series, and would like to support the project further, then check out my patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thepiskietrapYou can find out more about 'Mazed Tales' by visiting: https://www.mazedtales.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we delve into the weird and wonderful world of the parson ghost layers in Cornwall during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and chat to blogger and podcaster Elizabeth Dale aka 'The Cornish Bird'. Since recording I've been reliably informed that the Manor at Gulval should be pronounced 'KenEGGy' rather than 'KENegie'You can find the reading list for this series here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/149542206?ref=nav_mybooksHere's the link to Mark Stoyle's article on the Gear Rout: https://www.jstor.org/stable/4053986If you're enjoying the series, and would like to support the project further, then check out my patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thepiskietrapHere's the link to the Cornish Bird blog and Podcast: https://cornishbirdblog.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cornwall is famous for its stories of smugglers and privateers. In this episode we look at the story of Zephaniah Job, who was known as 'The Smuggler's Banker', chatting to author and historian Jeremy Rowett Johns about the reality behind the smuggling that was going on in the Cornish village of Polperro during the eighteenth century. You can find the reading list for this series here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/149542206?ref=nav_mybooksIf you're enjoying the series, and would like to support the project further, then check out my patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thepiskietrapHere's a link to that self portrait of Lieutenant Gabriel Bray: https://www.rmg.co.uk/collections/objects/rmgc-object-200903You can find out more about the Polperro Heritage Press and Jeremy's work here: https://www.polperropress.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we explore a range of tales and superstitions involving the White Hare from across Cornwall, and chat with author and storyteller Mike O'Connor to delve a bit deeper into the stories, and the possible meanings and interpretations behind them.Here's a link to the White Hare of Looe by Mazed Tales: https://www.mazedtales.org/content/stories/white-hareYou can find the reading list for this series here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/149542206-the-piskie-trap?ref=nav_mybooksIf you're enjoying the series, and would like to support the project further, then check out my patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thepiskietrap Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first of some new little Piskie Bites. In this episode we explore a couple of macabre discoveries that have been made across Cornwall. Warning: contains some dark subject matter. Here's a link to the blog post by the Cornish Bird:https://cornishbirdblog.com/penzance-ghost-story-skeleton-under-the-floor/Here's a link to Saltash History and Heritage:https://saltash.org/saltash-people/willian-price-drury-cbe.htmlIf you're enjoying the series, and would like to support the project further, then check out my patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thepiskietrap Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In another Piskie Bite we take a look at some tales of Phantom coaches from Cornwall and DevonIf you're enjoying the series, and would like to support the project further, then check out my patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thepiskietrap Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we explore a local ghost story from the village of Sennen in West Cornwall, and how it may be connected with the smuggling that was rife in the area at the turn of the 1800s. The Smugglers of Sennen by Sandra Pritchard: http://vingoe.name/sennen_smugglers.htmHere's that link to the article on Sennen by the Cornish Bird: https://cornishbirdblog.com/sennen-cove-the-landing-place-of-kings/Here's a link to the First & Last Inn: https://www.firstandlastinn.co.uk/You can find the reading list for this series here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/149542206-the-piskie-trap?ref=nav_mybooksIf you're enjoying the series, and would like to support the project further, then check out my patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thepiskietrap Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this mini episode we take a look at some beliefs and customs surrounding fairy folk from across CornwallIf you're enjoying the series, and would like to support the project further, then please check out my patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thepiskietrap Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we take a look at stories and sightings of sea monsters from the seas around Cornwall, explore the creature known as 'Morgawr' and chat with writer, blogger and podcaster Elizabeth Dale, better known as the 'Cornish Bird'. Here are the links by The Cornish Bird that I recommend checking out in relation to Cornish sea monsters: https://cornishbirdblog.com/cornwalls-leviathan/https://cornishbirdblog.com/hunting-for-cornish-sea-monsters-the-legend-of-the-morgawr/Here's that story by Ed Boddaerthttps://www.mevagissey.net/monster.htmYou can find the reading list for this series here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/149542206-the-piskie-trap?ref=nav_mybooksIf you're enjoying the series, and would like to support the project further, then check out my patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thepiskietrap Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A mini episode for the festive season, where we take a little look at some of the old traditions and customs from across Cornwall at this time of yearIf you're enjoying the series, and would like to support the project further, then check out my patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thepiskietrap Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this mini episode we take a look at some weird and wonderful ghost stories that have appeared in the local newspapers over the centuries If you're enjoying the series, and would like to support the project further, then please check out my patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thepiskietrap Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we explore the belief in witchcraft and the concept of 'ill-wishing', taking a look at some examples from mid Cornwall in the nineteenth centuryIf you're enjoying the series, and would like to support the project further, then please check out my patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thepiskietrap Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.