We have just 7 days left of the kickstarter to reach our target. I am so grateful for all of the support I've received so far. Together, we can make the second series a reality!
Fun fact: My new video game contains #pixelart encaustic Victorian floor tiles inspired by those manufactured in the tiny village of Jackfield, #Shropshire... where I happen to live. ❤️
My name is Amy, and I'm a writer and folklorist specialising in the interplay between history and folklore, with an emphasis on the Folklore and Ghosts of Shropshire.
Ann Morgan's story highlights the importance of honouring historical legacies in folkloric narratives. I believe it's time for the woman behind the witch to be remembered. Let's celebrate her for all of her intricacies.
Astley Abbot's Church contains the remains of a 'maiden garland'. Heart shaped and decorated with cloth and ribbons, It exists in memory of Hannah Phillips. #folklore states she drowned on the eve of her wedding in May 1709. She still haunts the local area in her wedding dress.
Whilst you walk, thank the landscape for its beauty. Speak to the spirits that inhabit the space. Respect those who have come before you and listen deeply, for they might have a lesson or two ✨️
#NationalParanormalDay Shropshire is a ghost ridden place, and you can read about some of Shropshire's spirits by following the link below. These tales are important, They deserve to be remembered. 👻
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 🐝
We are in our second week of fundraising for series 2! It's wonderful to know we could bring this to life. Please share as widely as you can, and if you can, pledge as every little helps. We need to hit 100% of our goal to make this a reality.
I've written all about my motivations, inspirations and excitement for the second series of The Best of Men. If you'd like to know more about the story, why I want to create this series and the folklore that inspired it click below-
Podcast people! I've got some free time coming up - if you're looking for a guest, I'd love to chat about Shropshire folklore, ghosts, and weirdness ✨️
Kickstarter update!
Thank you to everyone who has supported! We are so close to our first mini target of £1,500- 20% of our overall goal. Please share widely and let people know about the project. Also, if you're able to pledge the kickstarter, it is below
I'm so grateful for the love you've given myself and the project! It's so exciting to know we could make this script a reality!!! Please share and consider donating if you can!
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