The kickstarter for Season 2 is now live! There are a range of great rewards for backers, including signed script books and a chance to be in the drama. This series is an expanded exploration of the folklore of Shropshire and its eponymous Owd Scratch. Please share as widely as possible and donate if you can so we can continue the story!
Mitchell's Fold in Shropshire. Standing on a upland plateau at the foot of Corndon Hill, on a clear day there are tremendous views of Cader Idris, Aran Fawddwy and Y Berwyn.
The circle has plentiful #folklore, especially the legend of a magic white cow that gave a pailful of milk to all who wanted one, until a witch milked it into a sieve. The cow left in disgust (there are variations of the ending)
Close to Mitchell's Fold, near the Welsh border, this is Hoarstones. It sits in an often boggy area, off the higher ground of Stapeley Hill and the Stiperstones ridge. The circle is little-frequented and many of the stones are fallen. It has a fine view towards Corndon Hill, a prominent summit with many Bronze Age cairns.
Exploring the potential of creating a 'Best of Men' scriptbook, including commentaries, inspiration, and the lore behind the story. Do you think this would be worth creating?
This is Carreg y Big close to the Welsh border in Shropshire. The Bronze Age stone stands just across a field from the (much later) Offa's Dyke earthwork. Although the stone is in England, just, the Welsh name appears to mean 'peaked stone' or 'pointed stone'. Very happy to be corrected on that!
Visited April 2011 while walking Offa's Dyke Path. Portrait, needs a click.
My latest post explores the ghosts of Benthall Edge and the influence of the Industrial Revolution on their stories. These tragic hauntings make for difficult but necessary reading.
I still can't believe I found out where she is buried. It still makes me emotional. When I started this journey, I hoped to rewrite her legacy and emphasise her humanity. Sometimes, behind the Folklore and stereotypes is a far more interesting story ✨️
It's officially 1 year since 'The Best of Men' was released! I've been blown away by the love and support for this, my little folk horror. Thank you all! And if you've still not listened, you can find it here
My latest post discusses the fascinating world of Shropshire's Death Folklore. These systems of belief provide us with an intimate insight into grief, love, and the people of the past. I hope you enjoy reading.
They say 'a Shropshire Mon is nivver lost if he can see the Wrekin', and this remarkable place is far more than a hill. It serves as a symbol of Shropshire, its history and people, and of home 💚
Bee's were once described as 'Coorus craiturs’ and certainly, they play a key role in Shropshire Folklore. Read all about their prominence in the county, including the 'Telling the Bee's' ritual 🐝
In some of Shropshire's older parishes, it was customary for the 'Pancake bell' to be rung on the morning of Shrove Tuesday. Traditionally, it rang to remind folk to go to confession before fasting. But, by the 19th century, it was the cue to prepare the pancake batter!
I have completely rewritten my article regarding Ann Morgan to reflect my most up to date research, including the information about her burial. This lengthy but important post is the definitive account of her story, and thus, I am very excited to share it with you! Nanny Morgan deserves to be remembered 💚
I've finally found proof of the location of Nanny Morgan's burial. According to her death record, Ann Morgan was buried in Bourton, just like the Folklore suggests! This is incredible news!! Though we don't have a headstone, we know where she was laid to rest 💚
This year, I decided I'd like to have a go treading the boards in our local panto, I was lucky enough to be cast as one of Cinderella's ugly sisters (can't think why), and the whole experience has been a complete blast!! ❤️ #panto#pantomime#shropshire#amdram
In Shropshire, the dead often stayed in the family home until the morning of the funeral. It was believed that then one must carry a corpse out of the home feet first to ensure the deceased couldn't return to haunt the property.
The Severn has shaped the history of Jackfield. Its always been a transitional place, a means of crossing to nearby Coalport. The following post discusses the ferry disaster of 1799 and some of the lives lost to the river- 🌿
Today (22nd January), I will be appearing live on the Paranormal Monkey Podcast! Chatting about Shropshire's Supernatural History and Folklore. Join us LIVE at 8pm and put your questions me! 😃