FolkLands

On todays episode we explore one of the most famous, one of the most unusual paranormal cases to ever cone out of the UK. Gef the Talking Mongoose.Appearing to the Irving family in the early 1930s, Gef or the 8th wonder of the world, as he liked to call himself, began to not only help and almost play with the Irvings especially the young daughter Voirry but to slowly terrorise the small family farm on the Isle of Man.Intriguing, beguiling and enigmatic Gef is an extraordinary tale that has stood the test of time and now we get to see exactly where it all happened! We travelled to Cashens Gap iand walk n the very footsteps of Harry Price himself in search of the great mongoose.Expect, the wyrd, the strange and the downright bizarre on this one.Enjoy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On todays episode we explore the birth of Wicca and visit the enchanted lair of one of the famous seers of all Mother Shipton.In Castletown on the Isle of Man we venture to the old witches castle the original site of the Witchcraft Museum set up by Cecil Williamson.The wilds of Yorkshire are the setting and home of prophetess Mother Shipton, here we discover her life and work and see the famous petrifying waterfall where things turn to stone almost before your very eyes.Wicca, Wild adventure and Waterfalls.Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On todays FolkLands episode we travel deep into the Welsh countryside for Welsh Occult Conference, an annual meeting of Occultist and Alchemists, Wizards, Witches and of course seekers of the strange and unusual, hosted by practicing Alchemist and Author Gary Nottingham and event organiser Lesley Jackson, along with guests including Atlantis owner Geraldine Baskin.Expect tales of wonder and mystery, Grimoires, standing stones and a lot of getting lost in the valleys.Welcome to Wales!Enjoy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Welcome to Ellen Vannin, the shrouded and mysterious Isle of Man. On todays adventure we travel further than ever before, across the Irish Sea in search of Fynoderees, Bugganes and of course the Good Folk, we hear tales of famous witches whose echoes would reach around the world, fairy hills that can swallow you whole, ancient wells and saintly thieves and of course a little bit about the Bee Gees.Expect phantoms, motorbikes and the rise of a sea god.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.

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.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.

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 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, hostelries and public houses of London.From the 'hanging' breakfasts of Newgate, the bombed charnel 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 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.

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 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.

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 go rummaging through the undergrowth to explore the amazing world of Plant with the brilliant Roy Vickery. We discover how Ivy is good for trousers, bramble is lucky for cows and why you must always sit in a hawthorn tree.Roy can be found at his website plant-lore.comAnd the very wonderful Sophie Skelton reads from A WItch's Guide to Gardening by Dorothy Jacob. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.