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The Piskie Trap

Black Dogs & Spectral Hounds

Ep. 31
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In this episode we chat with the brilliant Mark Norman, a Devon-based folklore researcher, author and host of The Folklore Podcast to explore the topic of Black Dog folklore and look at some case examples from here in the south west.


You can find copies of Mark's book on Black Dog Folklore here: https://www.thefolklorepodcast.com/store/p24/blackdogfolklore.html


Mark Norman and Tracey Norman's new book Devon's Forgotten Witches 1860-1910 can be found here: https://thehistorypress.co.uk/publication/devons-forgotten-witches/


Live Talks on Dark Tales of Cornish Smuggling


14th October Trelissick Garden: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/trelissick/events/88085a7a-1765-4606-a3f2-3b8153f9c540

15th October (afternoon) Cornwall Museum & Art Gallery: https://cornwallmuseum.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/69292?catID=61158

15th October (evening): Poly Falmouth:https://thepoly.org/whats-on/event/3975/dark-tales-of-cornish-smuggling

22nd October Acorn Penzance: https://www.theacornpenzance.com/events/dark-tales-of-cornish-smuggling/

23rd October Tywardreath Methodist Hall - tickets £5 on the door

24th October IntoBodmin: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/bodmin/the-old-library/the-piskie-trap-talk-dark-tales-of-cornish-smuggling/e-mqxaev




If you're enjoying the series and would like to help support the project, here's a link to the Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/thepiskietrap

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  • Introduction

    05:58||Season 1
    A quick introduction to the series

  • 1. Pengersick Castle

    41:37||Season 1, Ep. 1
    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

  • 2. Bodmin Jail

    38:29||Season 1, Ep. 2
    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

  • 3. Chambercombe Manor

    30:15||Season 1, Ep. 3
    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

  • 4. The Bideford Witches

    01:06:46||Season 1, Ep. 4
    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

  • 5. Jamaica Inn

    44:49||Season 1, Ep. 5
    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

  • 6. Cornish Mermaids

    46:09||Season 1, Ep. 6
    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

  • 7. Chasing Dorcas

    41:00||Season 1, Ep. 7
    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

  • 8. Cornish Piskies

    53:00||Season 1, Ep. 8
    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/