Podcast Episodes

Witches and Witch Trials with Marion Gibson

Marion Gibson writes accurate, engaging books about witches and magic in history. She’s been interested in witches for over thirty years, since she r…

1 year, 9 months ago

Carlisle Legends: Ghosts, Secret Tunnels, and The Cursing Stone

Carlisle began life as Luguvalium, a Roman settlement that grew out of the fort on the site. It was the capital of an ancient British kingdom. Both V…

1 year, 10 months ago

Devils, Cats, Tiny Streets & Witches: York Folklore At Its Best

While York is often considered one of England's most haunted cities, other strange and unusual tales lurk in its narrow snickleways.

There are storie…

1 year, 10 months ago

The Dark Side of Sheffield Folklore: Spectres and River Spirits

There is much of the strange and haunting in Sheffield's folklore. Does that make it a haunted place?

There are stories of water gods in the River Do…

1 year, 10 months ago

Rue Folklore: Warding off Poison, Plague and Pestilence

Rue was cultivated in England for its medicinal use, having been introduced by the Romans! It appears in folk remedies to ward off evil spirits, pois…

1 year, 10 months ago

St John's Wort: The Folk Magic of the Midsummer Plant

St John's Wort often flowers around Midsummer's Day, or the Feast of St John, hence its strong links with St John. It's one of the most important pla…

1 year, 11 months ago

Romanian and Irish Fairy Lore with Daniela Simina

Daniela Simina is native of Romania, granddaughter of a Fairy Seer and medicine woman. She became acquainted with fairies through the local lore and …

1 year, 11 months ago

Lemon Balm Folklore: Sweet Smells & Folk Remedies

Lemon balm, or Melissa officinalis, is a member of the Lamiaceae family, along with mint, rosemary, marjoram, sage, basil, and lavender. Its popular …

1 year, 11 months ago

Poppy Folklore: The Symbol of Sleep, Death, War, and…Love?

Poppy folklore isn't just full of Remembrance Sunday or sleep charms. It even has links to love and honouring the dead! 

Let's find out more in this …

1 year, 11 months ago

Iris Folklore: Perfume, Remedies, and a Rainbow Goddess

The iris is one of those instantly recognisable flowers, showy and bright with its voluminous petals, able to add a splash of colour to any garden. T…

1 year, 11 months ago