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.

The Forgotten Henges

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!

Night of the Horse

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!

Adventures in High Strangeness

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!

The Haunted Moor

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 Burke Enjoy!

Limehouse Nights

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!

Last Orders

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

The Night Library

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!

Black Annis

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!

The Lore of the Playground

A trip beyond the veil.

A journey in the hidden corners of England and its folklore with writer/actors Tim Downie and Justin Chubb.

FolkLands

Follow