The Piskie Trap

A quick introduction to the series

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

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

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

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

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

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

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