Bedfordshire Folk Tales

Bedfordshire Folk Tales
Author: Jen Foley
Publisher: The History Press
Total Pages: 187
Release: 2015-10-05
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0750966475

Storyteller and author Jen Foley brings together stories from the dark forests, ruined castles and magical green pastureland of Bedfordshire. In this treasure trove of tales you will meet Anglo-Saxon heroines and lascivious monks, as well as restless ghosts, conniving highwaymen, demons and witches – all as fantastical and powerful as the landscape they inhabit. Retelling each story in her engaging style, and richly illustrated with unique line drawings, these humorous, clever and enchanting folk tales are sure to be enjoyed and shared time and again.

The Anthology of English Folk Tales

The Anthology of English Folk Tales
Author: Folk Tales Authors
Publisher: The History Press
Total Pages: 185
Release: 2016-11-03
Genre: History
ISBN: 0750978945

This enchanting collection of stories gathers together folk tales from across England in one special volume. Drawn from The History Press' popular Folk Tales series, herein lies a treasure trove of tales from a wealth of talented storytellers performing in the country today, including prominent figures Taffy Thomas MBE, Hugh Lupton and Helen East. From hidden chapels and murderous vicars to travelling fiddlers and magical shape-shifters, this book celebrates the distinct character of England's different customs, beliefs and dialects, and is a treat for all who enjoy a good yarn.

Bedfordshire Folk Tales

Bedfordshire Folk Tales
Author: Jen Foley
Publisher: The History Press
Total Pages: 151
Release: 2015-10-05
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 0750966475

Once covered in forest, marsh and fen, yet lush with farmland, Bedfordshire has been hit by wave after wave of invaders, each bringing their own tales which have become rooted in the oral tradition of storytelling. Scratch under the surface and you will find settlements of ancient Britons razed to the ground and ruined castles. The landscape rings with the stories of robber barons, conniving highwaymen and lonely women condemned as witches, characters brought to life here by noted storyteller Jen Foley. Richly illustrated with thirty unique drawings, these enchanting tales tall and true, ancient and recent, powerful and fantastical will appeal to young and old and can be enjoyed by readers time and again.

Nottinghamshire Folk Tales

Nottinghamshire Folk Tales
Author: Pete Castle
Publisher: The History Press
Total Pages: 144
Release: 2011-11-30
Genre: History
ISBN: 075247877X

Ranging from the silly to the gory and unsettling, Nottinghamshire Folk Tales features tales of love, murder, and all kinds of roguery. From historical to fabled, the book includes an array of heroes and villains – including the legendary Robin Hood – and lovers of the supernatural will find an abundance of fairies, ghosts and monsters. This book presents the history of the people of Nottinghamshire through the stories they have told and passed on, keeping alive the rich history of events, ideas and customs. Whether the stories are of national import or local folklore, Pete Castle has made them accessible and enjoyable.

Buckinghamshire Folk Tales

Buckinghamshire Folk Tales
Author: Terrie Howey
Publisher: The History Press
Total Pages: 211
Release: 2019-08-01
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0750992824

Once upon a Milton Keynes ... Buckinghamshire is an ancient county of Roman forts and highwaymen, motorways and urban myth. These are the Buckinghamshire folk tales of past, present and future: old tales in new towns, and new stories from old legends. Look out for witches and dragons, mind all those roundabouts, and whatever you do – don't eat the stew.

Forgotten Folk-tales of the English Counties (RLE Folklore)

Forgotten Folk-tales of the English Counties (RLE Folklore)
Author: Ruth Tongue
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 185
Release: 2020-07-26
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1000155986

In this book, first published in 1970, Ruth L. Tongue has collected a number of county folk tales recorded by her from childhood onwards, from old people, village children and farm round-the-fire sessions. Many of the beliefs embodied in the gipsy and witchcraft tales are still in practice today among the travelling people and locally ‘gifted’ healers. The tales reveal a good deal of fairy lore, some tree lore, including ghostly trees like Crooker, and the ‘uncanny’ Black Dog makes his appearance in more than one tale. The collection includes several of the long fireside tales which would be told on succeeding evenings on winter nights round the kitchen fire, and rhozzums from various localities.

Cambridgeshire Folk Tales

Cambridgeshire Folk Tales
Author: Maureen James
Publisher: The History Press
Total Pages: 193
Release: 2014-10-06
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0750958057

Modern-day Cambridgeshire is a county of diverse landscapes: from the elegance of the university city and the rural delights of the old county of Huntingdonshire Isle of Ely, each district has its own identity and its own stories. Explore the antics of the inhabitants of the past, including Hereward the Saxon hero; the Fenland giant Tom Hickathrift; the pious Bricstan of Chatteris; the raconteur and skater Chaffe Legge; and Mr Leech, who was carried off by the Devil. You will also discover the hidden history of the area, including how the secret Brotherhood of the Grey Goose Feather helped King Charles I, and what really happened to King John's treasure. These entertaining tales will delight readers both within Cambridgeshire and elsewhere.

Cornish Folk Tales

Cornish Folk Tales
Author: Mike O'Connor
Publisher: The History Press
Total Pages: 192
Release: 2011-09-16
Genre: History
ISBN: 0752470299

The ancient land of Cornwall is steeped in mysterious tradition, proud heritage and age-old folklore. Before books were widely available, wandering 'droll tellers' used to spread Cornish insight and humour to all parts of the Duchy – exchanging their tales for food and shelter. Anthony James was one such droll teller, and this collection follows him as he makes his way around Cornwall one glorious summer. Richly illustrated with hand-drawn images and woodcuts, Cornish Folk Tales will appeal to anyone captivated by this beautiful land and its resident kindly giants, mischievous piskeys, seductive mermaids, bold knights and barnacle-encrusted sea captains.

Northamptonshire Folk Tales

Northamptonshire Folk Tales
Author: Kevan Manwaring
Publisher: The History Press
Total Pages: 183
Release: 2013-10-01
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 0750951702

Take a walk through this county in the heart of England in the entertaining company of a local storyteller. Kevan Manwaring, born and raised in Northampton, regales you with tales ancient and modern. Learn how the farmer outwitted the bogle; how a Queen who lost her head; the Great Fire of Northampton; and the last execution of witches in England. Along the way you will meet incredible characters from history and myth: Boudicca, St Patrick, Robin Hood and Hereward the Wake, Captain Slash, Dionysia the female knight, beasts and angels, cobblers and kings. From fairies to wolves, these illustrated tales are ideal to be read out loud or used as a source book for your own performances. Northamptonshire Folk Talesis a great companion for any visit to the area, for fascinating days out and for discovering exciting treasures on your doorstep. The 'Rose of the Shires' will open before you!

Midwinter Folk Tales

Midwinter Folk Tales
Author: Taffy Thomas
Publisher: The History Press
Total Pages: 142
Release: 2014-10-06
Genre: History
ISBN: 0750957719

In this enchanting new book, one of the country’s most celebrated storytellers has gathered together traditional tales that have their roots in the cold and long, dark nights of midwinter. Herein you will find magical accounts of the Legend of Tinsel, the Christmas Cat and the New Year’s Bell, with a number of wintery riddles to unpick while enjoying the festive season and welcoming in the New Year. With so many folk tales intrinsically linked to ancient seasonal customs, there are a few included here relating to traditions such as the Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels (Devon), the Viking ‘Up Helly Aa’ (Shetland) and Tom Bawcock’s Eve (Cornwall).This is a book to curl up with in front of an open fire on long winter nights and to share and retell over a steaming mug of mulled wine.