The Three Ravens Podcast

Adapted in a light-hearted, comical style from a diverse set of genuine Medieval Arthurian Romances, this special Three Ravens retelling of the iconic 14th century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is our bonus miniseries for Advent 2024.

Split into 25 parts, one for each day of December leading up to and including Christmas Day, the tale follows Gawain, a young knight in King Arthur's court who embarks on a rambling quest, packed with adventures, which takes him all around ancient Britain - a journey which begins at one Midwinter feast and ends at another, exactly one year later.

Today, Gawain awakes to discover Sir Bertilak's castle in the midst of its Midwinter's Eve celebrations, which are rather different to Camelot's. Although, are the Lord of Hautedesert and his Lunar Knights all really as chilled as they seem to be about Gawain being quite so 'Good?'

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adapted in a light-hearted, comical style from a diverse set of genuine Medieval Arthurian Romances, this special Three Ravens retelling of the iconic 14th century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is our bonus miniseries for Advent 2024.

Split into 25 parts, one for each day of December leading up to and including Christmas Day, the tale follows Gawain, a young knight in King Arthur's court who embarks on a rambling quest, packed with adventures, which takes him all around ancient Britain - a journey which begins at one Midwinter feast and ends at another, exactly one year later.

In this episode, Gawain spends the final days of the year searching through the cold and dark, driving himself and Gringolet towards almost certain death. Although, through the snow and bleak night, strangers come to his aid, and take him to a pure white keep which he is pretty sure wasn't there even a moment ago...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adapted in a light-hearted, comical style from a diverse set of genuine Medieval Arthurian Romances, this special Three Ravens retelling of the iconic 14th century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is our bonus miniseries for Advent 2024.

Split into 25 parts, one for each day of December leading up to and including Christmas Day, the tale follows Gawain, a young knight in King Arthur's court who embarks on a rambling quest, packed with adventures, which takes him all around ancient Britain - a journey which begins at one Midwinter feast and ends at another, exactly one year later.

Part XVI sees a slightly traumatized Gawain and Gringolet continuing their search as winter begins. And amidst the growing chill, out in the wilderness, they encounter two strangers - one of whom is a person with which Gawain has unfinished business, while the other is ice-cold by virtue of her very nature...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Eleanor has finally sufficiently recovered from her really horrid flu to not only speak audibly, but also whisk us all the way across to the 'Royal County' of Berkshire!

We start by discussing the Boar's Head Feast, Sow Day, and St Adelaide's Day traditions, with St Adelaide having not only dug her own way out of jail but also single-handedly led the Holy Roman Empire, and become a warrior nun! After that, it's time to get properly back to business, and dig into the history and folklore of Berkshire.

We chew over a load of fascinating stuff, including Piers Gaveston's astonishingly daft methods for upsetting the nation's lords from his base at Wallingford Castle, the significance of Greenham Common in the English cultural consciousness, Berkshire's 'Swan Upping' traditions, and plenty else, all before Eleanor reveals some tasty options for this week's County Dishes, including the largely forgotten Reading delicacy, Cock's Sauce...

On the folklore front, interspersed with some excerpts from next Saturday's Local Legends interview with storyteller and author David England, we talk about the nigh-on psychopathic dating habits of Lady Frances Hendrick of Calcot Park, a mouse-loving ghost who's stuck in a pond, the methods Kintbury's local wizard might recommend for removing a church bell from the river Kennet, and much more besides.

Then it's on to the main event: Eleanor's story about Newbury's industrious 16th century folk hero "Moneymaker Jack."

We really hope you enjoy it, apologies for the delay, and we will both be back on Thursday with our first new Magic and Medicines bonus episode from the new series, all about the Zodiac, ahead of Saturday's full Local Legends chat with David!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adapted in a light-hearted, comical style from a diverse set of genuine Medieval Arthurian Romances, this special Three Ravens retelling of the iconic 14th century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is our bonus miniseries for Advent 2024.

Split into 25 parts, one for each day of December leading up to and including Christmas Day, the tale follows Gawain, a young knight in King Arthur's court who embarks on a rambling quest, packed with adventures, which takes him all around ancient Britain - a journey which begins at one Midwinter feast and ends at another, exactly one year later.

Today's section of the tale represents a shift in tone, with Gringolet in danger, and Gawain determined to rescue him. Yet, in order to do so, Annwn, King of the Otherworld, will force the Gawain to face parts of himself he has hidden deep within, leading to a duel in an dream-like world which will change the hero forever...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adapted in a light-hearted, comical style from a diverse set of genuine Medieval Arthurian Romances, this special Three Ravens retelling of the iconic 14th century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is our bonus miniseries for Advent 2024.

Split into 25 parts, one for each day of December leading up to and including Christmas Day, the tale follows Gawain, a young knight in King Arthur's court who embarks on a rambling quest, packed with adventures, which takes him all around ancient Britain - a journey which begins at one Midwinter feast and ends at another, exactly one year later.

In this chapter, based on the poem Gawain and the Carle of Carlisle, our hero meets up with two old friends, Sir Kay and Sir Baldwin, and pays a visit to a rowdy half-giant. Faced with a Redcap steward, bouts of extraordinary flatulence, and yet more tests of his chivalry, can Gawain keep his head under pressure, or sever that of Lugus The Uncouth?

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adapted in a light-hearted, comical style from a diverse set of genuine Medieval Arthurian Romances, this special Three Ravens retelling of the iconic 14th century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is our bonus miniseries for Advent 2024.

Split into 25 parts, one for each day of December leading up to and including Christmas Day, the tale follows Gawain, a young knight in King Arthur's court who embarks on a rambling quest, packed with adventures, which takes him all around ancient Britain - a journey which begins at one Midwinter feast and ends at another, exactly one year later.

In today's episode, Gawain encounters two very different figures: one who is afraid to die, and who dearly longs to. Along the way, the Knight of the Pentangle also names his dogs, enjoys some fruit, and, as the harvest begins, fears the onset of his own life's winter...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adapted in a light-hearted, comical style from a diverse set of genuine Medieval Arthurian Romances, this special Three Ravens retelling of the iconic 14th century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is our bonus miniseries for Advent 2024.

Split into 25 parts, one for each day of December leading up to and including Christmas Day, the tale follows Gawain, a young knight in King Arthur's court who embarks on a rambling quest, packed with adventures, which takes him all around ancient Britain - a journey which begins at one Midwinter feast and ends at another, exactly one year later.

Part XII picks up immediately after Part XI ended, with Gawain, alone and naked, in a very dangerous room with a very playful maiden. After wrestling with temptation, the Knight of the Surcoat is then faced with many obscure choices, though his overall direction of travel remains crystal clear...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adapted in a light-hearted, comical style from a diverse set of genuine Medieval Arthurian Romances, this special Three Ravens retelling of the iconic 14th century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is our bonus miniseries for Advent 2024.

Split into 25 parts, one for each day of December leading up to and including Christmas Day, the tale follows Gawain, a young knight in King Arthur's court who embarks on a rambling quest, packed with adventures, which takes him all around ancient Britain - a journey which begins at one Midwinter feast and ends at another, exactly one year later.

In today's instalment, Gawain begins his journey north, being haunted by strange noises in the wilds of Essex before squelching into the fens. Only once there, he discovers a land filled with sinister fairies, and an extremely generous lord who might just be up to something...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adapted in a light-hearted, comical style from a diverse set of genuine Medieval Arthurian Romances, this special Three Ravens retelling of the iconic 14th century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is our bonus miniseries for Advent 2024.

Split into 25 parts, one for each day of December leading up to and including Christmas Day, the tale follows Gawain, a young knight in King Arthur's court who embarks on a rambling quest, packed with adventures, which takes him all around ancient Britain - a journey which begins at one Midwinter feast and ends at another, exactly one year later.

In Part X, while Gawain descends into Heladoine's pit of flame, Gringolet gets distracted by a butterfly and follows it in seek of adventure. After which it falls to 'Gavin The Grey' to engage in some knightly contests, not least the joust against Lancelot The Black!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adapted in a light-hearted, comical style from a diverse set of genuine Medieval Arthurian Romances, this special Three Ravens retelling of the iconic 14th century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is our bonus miniseries for Advent 2024.

Split into 25 parts, one for each day of December leading up to and including Christmas Day, the tale follows Gawain, a young knight in King Arthur's court who embarks on a rambling quest, packed with adventures, which takes him all around ancient Britain - a journey which begins at one Midwinter feast and ends at another, exactly one year later.

In today's episode, we learn about Gawain's one man mission to solve the Cry of Maidens - a quest he undertook long before the Green Knight showed up at Camelot. As the brave knight and Gringolet return to the place where it happened however, he finds himself wandering into a new and complex situation which forces him to go incognito...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adapted in a light-hearted, comical style from a diverse set of genuine Medieval Arthurian Romances, this special Three Ravens retelling of the iconic 14th century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is our bonus miniseries for Advent 2024.

Split into 25 parts, one for each day of December leading up to and including Christmas Day, the tale follows Gawain, a young knight in King Arthur's court who embarks on a rambling quest, packed with adventures, which takes him all around ancient Britain - a journey which begins at one Midwinter feast and ends at another, exactly one year later.

In Part VIII, Gawain enjoys a cup of tea and a chat with Merlin at Stonehenge, all before heading to London. Once there, amidst the ruins of England's on-off capital, he settles down to rest in a perilous, ruined chapel, soon discovering that he and Gringolet are not alone...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adapted in a light-hearted, comical style from a diverse set of genuine Medieval Arthurian Romances, this special Three Ravens retelling of the iconic 14th century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is our bonus miniseries for Advent 2024.

Split into 25 parts, one for each day of December leading up to and including Christmas Day, the tale follows Gawain, a young knight in King Arthur's court who embarks on a rambling quest, packed with adventures, which takes him all around ancient Britain - a journey which begins at one Midwinter feast and ends at another, exactly one year later.

In this instalment, Gawain, wearing his Ugly Sack, sits down with King Mark and seeks information about the Green Knight's whereabouts. Meanwhile, as Gringolet enjoys a pamper in Castle Dor's stables, the two visiting 'Lute Masters' appear to be up to something...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adapted in a light-hearted, comical style from a diverse set of genuine Medieval Arthurian Romances, this special Three Ravens retelling of the iconic 14th century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is our bonus miniseries for Advent 2024.

Split into 25 parts, one for each day of December leading up to and including Christmas Day, the tale follows Gawain, a young knight in King Arthur's court who embarks on a rambling quest, packed with adventures, which takes him all around ancient Britain - a journey which begins at one Midwinter feast and ends at another, exactly one year later.

In today's part, Gawain encounters Nimue, the Lady of the Lake, and considers whether or not to meet Rupert, her pet dragon. After that though, it's off to the Kingdom of Kernow (or 'Cornwall' as we'd call it) where Mark, the local lord, is being pretty strict about who's getting into his castle and why...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adapted in a light-hearted, comical style from a diverse set of genuine Medieval Arthurian Romances, this special Three Ravens retelling of the iconic 14th century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is our bonus miniseries for Advent 2024.

Split into 25 parts, one for each day of December leading up to and including Christmas Day, the tale follows Gawain, a young knight in King Arthur's court who embarks on a rambling quest, packed with adventures, which takes him all around ancient Britain - a journey which begins at one Midwinter feast and ends at another, exactly one year later.

In this chapter, Gawain and Gringolet sally forth from Camelot (armed with an unexpected gift from Queen Guinevere) to explore the wilds of the West Country. There they encounter slightly batty hermits, battle foul-smelling gribblies across dark moorland, and seek the Green Chapel, winding up face-to-face with a whole other mythical being instead...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unfortunately, though she appears to be on the mend, Eleanor is still quite poorly. As such, here is another seasonally-appropriate Patreon Exclusive episode to fill the hole left behind - one of our monthly Film Club episodes, this one all about the Japanese proto-folk horror classic from 1964, Kwaidan!

Masaki Kobayashi's much-acclaimed anthology movie is made up of four distinct ghost stories, The Black Hair, The Woman of the Snow, Hoichi The Earless, and In A Cup of Tea. We found it a fascinating watch with tonnes to talk about, and, of course, applied our patent-pending Three Ravens Rating System to the movie.

This sees us assessing films in the categories of Local Hostility, Animal Rating, Hair and Costumes, Heaving Bosoms, Folkiness, Worst Bits, Best Bits, Most Valuable Player, How We’d Fix It, and then we offer our Overall "Raven Rating" out of three.

We hope you find it interesting and fun, and fingers-crossed we'll be back releasing new, regular-type episodes soon!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adapted in a light-hearted, comical style from a diverse set of genuine Medieval Arthurian Romances, this special Three Ravens retelling of the iconic 14th century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is our bonus miniseries for Advent 2024.

Split into 25 parts, one for each day of December leading up to and including Christmas Day, the tale follows Gawain, a young knight in King Arthur's court who embarks on a rambling quest, packed with adventures, which takes him all around ancient Britain - a journey which begins at one Midwinter feast and ends at another, exactly one year later.

In Part IV, King Arthur takes Gawain across to Old Tom's smithy in order to show him a rather special Midwinter surprise. All the while, the pair are observed by Gringolet, Gawain's horse, who was born to achieve great things and not hang about in a boring old stable...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adapted in a light-hearted, comical style from a diverse set of genuine Medieval Arthurian Romances, this special Three Ravens retelling of the iconic 14th century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is our bonus miniseries for Advent 2024.

Split into 25 parts, one for each day of December leading up to and including Christmas Day, the tale follows Gawain, a young knight in King Arthur's court who embarks on a rambling quest, packed with adventures, which takes him all around ancient Britain - a journey which begins at one Midwinter feast and ends at another, exactly one year later.

In this third part, Gawain swings the axe, and what happens next none in Camelot could have predicted. Then, with feelings of regret, Gawain tries to muddle on, though luckily he has a few around him who can pick him up and set him straight...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adapted in a light-hearted, comical style from a diverse set of genuine Medieval Arthurian Romances, this special Three Ravens retelling of the iconic 14th century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is our bonus miniseries for Advent 2024.

Split into 25 parts, one for each day of December leading up to and including Christmas Day, the tale follows Gawain, a young knight in King Arthur's court who embarks on a rambling quest, packed with adventures, which takes him all around ancient Britain - a journey which begins at one Midwinter feast and ends at another, exactly one year later.

In this second instalment, the mysterious Green Knight presents himself to all of Camelot and proposes a Midwinter Game, with only King Arthur himself initially willing to accept the sinister terms...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alas, this week plague has struck the House of Raven (well, the flu has, at least) and Eleanor is laid-up feeling decidedly unwell. So, we have dipped our beaks into the vault, and pecked out a seasonally-appropriate Patreon Exclusive episode to plug the gap!

Originally released last December, we start the episode off with a chat about the common characteristics of 'Snow Queens' or 'Snow Witches', including lots of examples, from Babushka and La Befana to Mother Holda and Gryla, as well as Snow Goddesses like Skadi and Chione.

After drawing some common threads together, and discussing some problematic issues with many representations of Snow Queens, it's then onto the main event: Martin's telling of his take on "The Snow Queen" - after which we have a little chat about the story and distinctions made between our version and that of Hans Christian Anderson.

We really hope you enjoy it, and fingers-crossed that a) Martin doesn't catch 'the lurg' as well, and b) Eleanor feels well enough to record this week's Magic and Medicines episode about the Zodiac - after which we should be back on track!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adapted in a light-hearted, comical style from a diverse set of genuine Medieval Arthurian Romances, this special Three Ravens retelling of the iconic 14th century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is our bonus miniseries for Advent 2024.

Split into 25 parts, one for each day of December leading up to and including Christmas Day, the tale follows Gawain, a young knight in King Arthur's court who embarks on a rambling quest, packed with adventures, which takes him all around ancient Britain - a journey which begins at one Midwinter feast and ends at another, exactly one year later.

In this first part, we meet Gawain and discover how and why he ended up in Avalon, all before a mysterious stranger arrives at Camelot's great hall to change his life forever...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of Local Legends, Martin is joined by the rather amazing Dr Maureen James, who is a folklorist, historian, and author of both Cambridgeshire Folk Tales and Lincolnshire Folk Tales.

Maureen has been passionate about Social History for over 40 years. Though, as we discuss in this conversation, she did not start her career in academia – she began adult life as a wife and mother, pivoting into history later on.

This led her to undertake her BA at Cambridge, then an MA in Museums and Galleries in Education with the Institute of Education, University of London, and a PhD through the University of Glamorgan with the focus of her thesis being The Legends of the Lincolnshire Carrs.

In addition to a fascinating lifetime of taking part in historical reenactments, storytelling in period costume, and academic lecturing, she served as a Director of The Society for Storytelling, is a member of The Folklore Society, the Cambridge Antiquarian Society, and The Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology, and has written articles for magazines and journals including Cambridgeshire Life, Facts and Fiction, The Cauldron, Smallholding, Time and Mind, and Folklore.

In this chat, we touch on much of this, as well as the Princes in the Tower, how pockets are actually quite a complex subject, whether John Major can use a drop spindle, and all sorts of folklore from Huntingdonshire and beyond, including the legacies of several witches, the myths surrounding Oliver Cromwell, the tale of The Two Fat Geese, and much more besides!

To learn more Maureen and her work, do visit her brilliant website – https://tellinghistory.co.uk – which links to her books, academic papers, stories, and all sorts of wonderful other websites, too.

And we will be back tomorrow with the first part of Martin's new adaptation of Gawain and The Green Knight which will be released in 25 installments leading right up to Christmas!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our "Something Wicked" series finale we're talking about perhaps England's most famous king, if not its most infamous, Henry VIII.

We start off chatting about the context in which Henry VIII ascended the throne - the death of his elder brother and the heir apparent Arthur Tudor, the work Henry VII had done to create peace and a functioning economy after The Wars of the Roses, and the issue of quite what to do with Arthur's teenage widow, the Spanish princess Catherine of Aragon...

From there though, we're off to the races, with Henry inheriting the English crown, finally assenting to marry Catherine, and enjoying a fair bit of success on the European stage - all of which rather climaxed at The Field of the Cloth of Gold, where he wrestled with (and lost to) the King of France.

All of that stuff, though already fairly murdery, was very much Henry's upswing. The downwards trajectory of his life, frankly, then ensued, starting in the mid-1520s, quickly spiraling out of control and crashing into near bankruptcy for the nation by the time of Henry's death in 1547.

From the "King's Great Matter" to the break with Rome, the subsequent systematic destruction of almost all of England's ancient art, music and literature, the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and his other five, largely disastrously unsuccessful marriages, it's a mess.

More than a pickle, we make the case that Henry VIII was an increasingly septic, smelly tyrant, the mass killer of about 2% of the English population of his day, and a truly deluded ruler who squandered his inheritance.

Yes, he made some big changes which benefited his successors, but by golly did he do some damage as he did so!

It's a whip-cracking rollick through the highlights, and the low-lights, of the reign of "Fat Hank" in which we detail exactly which wives were beheaded, divorced, survived, and why - as well as which of them rivaled Henry in terms of total number of spouses, if not in regards to waistline...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Martin is leading us back into marshy bogs which no longer exist to talk all about the history and folklore of the half-forgotten county of Huntingdonshire!

We start by discussing St Catherine's Day traditions, including Cathern Bowls, Cathern Queens, and Catherine Wheels, as well as Catherine's grisly demise. After which, it's time to visit another county which no long exists - Huntingdonshire, the historic seat of the Cromwell family.

We chat about subjects including the Three Wonders of Huntingdonshire, the Robin Hood and Little John stone, the county's Roman remnants, its legacy of highway robbery, and much more, and for this week's County Dish we talk Stilton Cheese and Oliver Cromwell's favourite pudding, Barley Broth!

On the folklore front, interspersed with some excerpts from next Saturday's Local Legends interview with historian and author Dr Maureen James, we talk about the folk hero Raveley Jack, the ghostly drummer boy of Alconbury, the tale of a farmer possessed and seemingly killed by the Devil, and much more besides.

Then it's on to the main event: Martin's story, "The Witches of Warboys" - a narrative retelling of one of the most infamous witch trials in English History...

We hope you enjoy it, and will be back on Thursday with both our final Something Wicked bonus episode about Henry VIII and our Patreon Exclusive Film Club episode about the 2017 folk horror film November, ahead of Saturday's full Local Legends chat with Maureen!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this week's episode of Local Legends, Martin has gathered round the campfire to talk all things Devon with folklorist, author, and host of The Folklore Podcast, Mark Norman.

If you like a bit of folklore, particularly in podcast form, you’re likely already acquainted with Mark, or with some of his work at least, as he is the creator and host of ‘the big show’ when it comes to all things folkloric.

The Folklore Podcast launched in 2016 and since then has become one of the biggest folklore podcasts in the world. For the show, Mark and a team of other fellow presenters interview world-class experts in the field of folklore and share their research with a wide audience, spreading their knowledge on a global scale.

Outside of The Folklore Podcast though, Mark is a very busy person. He lives in Devon and is an independent folklore researcher and author, as well as an elected council member of The Folklore Society. His books include Black Dog Folklore from 2016, Telling the Bees and other Customs from 2020, and the focus of our chat today, The Folklore of Devon which came out in paperback just the other day.

Mark has contributed to other books and magazines on areas of folklore and traditional belief, too, and he is the curator of The Folklore Library and Archive. Plus, and his most recent book, Zoinks!, looks at folklore through the lens of Scooby Doo – something which speaks to Mark’s nature as a fun, imaginative, playful sort of person who approaches sometimes surprising subjects with rigour and passion.

In this chat, we cover all of this and a lot else, including "Scone Politics," why Devon has quite so many black dog legends, strategies for avoiding malevolent faeries, the menace of Worzel Gummage, the Hairy Hands of Dartmoor, and much more besides!

To learn more Mark and his work, do visit The Folklore Podcast website – thefolklorepodcast.com – which links to his books, his social media accounts, and his other work.

And we will be back on Monday with an all-new County Episode all about the history and folklore of Huntingdonshire!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this week's bonus episode, Eleanor presents the final Dying Arts episode of the series, which is a timely one all about the critically endangered traditional crafts of Clock, Watch and Orrery Making!

We start by chatting through what Orrery's are, and before long we're elbow-deep in discussions of how ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Mayans set about trying to understand the universe, the movements of planetary bodies, and how those concepts manifested themselves in early calendars and shadow clocks.

This takes us through some curious concepts like Flat Earth theories, geocentrism, and significant historical figures like Copernicus, Galileo, and good ol' Tycho Brahe.

Then though, we're into clocks and watches, chewing through everything from candle clocks and hourglasses to amazing devices like the Antikythera Mechanism, the Ancient Chinese 'Cosmic Engine,' and the kinds of water clocks used in the Middle Ages to portion the day up for various prayers. Via verge escapements, pendulums, and the race of the Longitude Prize, we soon find ourselves at the advent of electrified 'Railway Time' and mass production.

Featuring bits of clock and watch folklore, a quick nod to Doctor Faustus, and appearances by the likes of Robert Hooke and our old pal Sosigenes of Alexandria, it's a slightly mind-bending ride.

So, what are you waiting for - there isn't a moment to waste!

(As for how long a moment is, well, we'll let you decide...)

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode Eleanor is taking us on a pixie-led journey down to Devonshire in England's South West and telling us her take on the legend of "Kitty Jay's Grave."

We start off chatting about St Cecilia and her death-defying life of chastity and angel-seeing, and after that we're bombing down the A303 to Devon, one of Martin's favourite counties and one cream-and-then-jam-packed with folklore!

We chew over topics such as the wild and mysterious landscape of Dartmoor, the wolf-taming wanderer St Petroc, the 16-sided grotto of A La Ronde, and much more, all before Eleanor explains the difference between Devon Flats and Devon Splits, chats through the county's rich culinary heritage, and offers up a recipe for this week's County Dish, Graveyard Pie...

As for folklore, interspersed with some excerpts from next Saturday's Local Legends interview with Devon's-own Mark Norman, host of The Folklore Podcast and author of many truly excellent books on folklore here and abroad, we talk about the county's legacy in witchcraft and 'piskies,' ghosts including Lady Howard and her carriage of bones, Cutty Dyre, the Ogre of Ashburton, and much more besides.

Then it's on to the main event: Eleanor's story, "Kitty Jay's Grave" which, fair warning in advance, might just leave you in tears as it did Martin!

We very much hope you enjoy it, and will be back on Thursday with the final Dying Arts bonus episode of the series about Clock, Watch and Orrery-Making ahead of Saturday's full Local Legends chat with Mark!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of Local Legends, Martin chats all things Worcestershire and the surrounds with folklorist and author Hugh Williams.

Born in Worcester at the heart of the English Midlands, Hugh has gone about things the old fashioned way. Which is to say, he has spent almost his whole life physically exploring, discovering and researching the stranger places of England’s middle counties, and is deeply passionate about telling their stories.

Part of this he does through his blog, which is absolutely amazing, and he has also written three books, The Mystery of Mercia Volumes I and II, which are collections of lore and folktales centred on the old Anglo Saxon kingdom of Mercia, and, more recently, The Magic of Mercia: A History of Witchcraft and Magic in the Midlands of England.

Drawing on traditional sources as well as his own collecting and site visits, Hugh’s work paints a vivid picture of the English heartlands, from their very beginnings right through to the present day. All of which has earned him a prominent position on social media, where he posts pictures and videos of his discoveries to tens of thousands of people. Plus, he’s now moving into the world of TV presenting – he’s just filmed for the new History Channel series Weird Britain which will be released next year!

So, settle in for a chat which folds in Danish reeves being skinned and their outer layers pinned to cathedrals, Cunning Folk, giants, Wild Hunts, foliate heads, and much, much more!

To learn more Hugh and his work, do visit his website at mysteriesofmercia.com and you can find him on social media via @mysteriesofmercia

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Ancient Greeks believed they existed before the dawn of time, yet they're a mystery to most, so, for this week's Bonus Episode we're exploring the long and complex history of Nymphs!

Part of the "Three Ravens Bestiary" series, we start off discussing the roles Nymphs played in the Greco-Roman pantheon, including how they were classified and eventually used, in Imperial projects, to present local and regional gods of pagan cultures, such as the Celts and Britons, as less powerful than the Olympians. This then sees us look at examples of some ancient genius loci from across England, including those found in shrines at Hadrian's Wall, where some local deities defied the odds and survived well into Christianization, later becoming recognised as Saints.

From there we head in two directions - firstly, forward, via Chaucer, Marvell and Shakespeare, into a place where Nymphs and Faeries got a little bit muddled up in the British mindset. After that, we journey back to the start, exploring how writers like Hesiod, Homer, and many others, developed and contributed to the collective idea of 'Nymph Lore' - the roles Nymphs played in city foundation, how they were worshiped, and what 'Nympholepsy' - Nymph Madness - was, and why some people sought it out!

Via discussions of the 18th century invention of the idea of 'Nymphomania' - in contrast with other misogynistic (and anti-British) ideas such as Tacitus' characterisation of the Roman Witch Empress Messalina, the vengeful Iceni Queen Boudica, and figures like Britannicus, we wash up in the present day - a time when being called a "nymph" seems to have nothing to do with nature spirits, and much more to do with systems of power and control...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode Martin is whisking us up to Worcestershire in England's West Midlands and telling us his take on the legend of "The Malvern Ogre."

We start off chatting about what Martin calls 'a proper saint' - his namesake, St Martin - including his life as a goose-bothering wandering necromancer and the strange part-bloody, part-weather related traditions associated with today's festival of Martinmas.

After that we set off for Worcestershire, a sometimes overlooked county with extraordinarily rich history and folklore to be found in just about every corner.

We discuss topics including the very frequently-destroyed County Town of Worcester, the county's plethora of standing stones and its fractious past, then Martin grabs up his bottle of Worcestershire Sauce and chats through the county's extremely rich culinary heritage, and its offal-centred ancient delicacy, Tenbury Pie, for this week's County Dish.

As for folklore, interspersed with some excerpts from next Saturday's Local Legends interview with Worcestershire local, folklorist and author Hugh Williams, we talk about the county's resident centaur, its fairies, black dog legend, a spontaneously combusting witch from Kidderminster, and much more besides.

Then it's on to the main event: Martin's story, "The Malvern Ogre" which, in a change of pace from recent weeks, is a jolly tale about people-eating monsters, personal hygiene, and the magical power of kindness.

We hope you enjoy it, and will be back on Thursday with a new Three Ravens Bestiary bonus episode about Nymphs and, if you're a Patreon supporter, our November Patreon Exclusive episode about The Medway Megaliths, all ahead of Saturday's full Local Legends chat with Hugh!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of Local Legends, Martin is chatting about Cambridgeshire, paganism and much, much more with one of the nation’s most prominent and celebrated folklorists, author and historian Dr Francis Young.

In case you’re unfamiliar with his work, such as his frequent appearances on BBC radio, as well as his writing for magazines including History Today and BBC History Magazine, Francis specialises in the history of religion and belief. He is the author, editor, or co-author of over 20 books, including the award-winning Pagans in the Early Modern Baltic, as well as Twilight of the Godlings and Magic in Merlin’s Realm. His new book, just out, is called Paganism Persisting: A History of European Paganisms since Antiquity, which he co-authored with Robin C. Douglas.

Born in Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk – the same place as Eleanor – Francis studied Philosophy at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, and Classics at University of Wales, Lampeter, before receiving his doctorate in History from Cambridge University. He is a well-known authority on the religious history of Britain and the Baltic region, and is a contributor to the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography as well as numerous textbooks and anthologies.

We first encountered Francis in relation to his scholarship about witchcraft, magic, and paganism, but for our purposes today he's gathering round the Three Ravens campfire to chat about the history and folklore of Cambridgeshire, a county about which he is a bit of an expert. As a Cambridge-based academic who has written books about the county’s folklore, and that of neighbouring counties, he is the perfect person to guide us through its murky earthy fenlands on the one hand, and its world-famous university town on the other.

So, settle in for a chat which encompasses fairies, wild hunts, ghostly knights, fenland drainage, some very nice cathedrals, and anecdotes about Isaac Newton, M.R. James, Enid Porter and much else too!

To learn more about Francis, his work, and his books, do check out his website at drfrancisyoung.com, and we'll be back on Monday with an episode all about the history and folklore of Worcestershire!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the final episode in this first 13-part series of Magic and Medicines, Eleanor explains the origins and subsequent interpretations of Ogham, the ancient Irish language of cuts.

We start by exploring how we define what Ogham is, and its origins in the 4th century A.D.

From there we dive into how the system works, our earliest sources (including The Auraicept na n-Eces, The Ogham Tract, and The Book of Ballymote) some associated mythology, and points of crossover with other runic languages such as the Elder Futhark.

After that, via a bit of Medieval misinterpretation, it's onto the Neo-Pagan revivals and characters including Iolo Morganwg and Robert Graves, whose speculative works served to further muddle our understanding of Ogham, while also birthing a series of quite nice ideas!

Encompassing methods for using Ogham in divination to the Celtic Tree Months, links between Ogham and the legends of the Tower of Babel, Lebor Ogham, 'orthodox' and 'scholastic' scripts, and much more, it's a fascinating journey into a rich, technical topic which may, in truth, forever remain a little bit of a mystery...

Martin will be back on Saturday for our Local Legends interview with Dr Francis Young, and we then hope you will join us on Monday for our next county episode, in which we will be exploring the history and folklore of Worcestershire!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Haunting Season 2024 now over, we're back to our regular business, and this week Eleanor is punting us along misty waterways as we explore the history and folklore of Cambridgeshire!

We start off chatting about Guy Fawkes, St Cleer and "Ringing Night," after which we cavort into Cambridgeshire, a soggy county whose landscape today is nothing like it once was.

Aside from chatting about the draining of the fens, the county's success in the lucrative field of fossilized poop mining, and the network of secret tunnels under Cambridge itself, Eleanor uses a boar bristle to bake bread, weighs up the possibility of us eating brawn, and teaches us how to make traditional Fenland Mead for week's County Dish.

When it comes to folklore, interspersed with some excerpts from next Saturday's Local Legends interview with celebrated author and Cambridge University folklore professor Dr Francis Young, we talk about a surprisingly lively Roman skeleton, protective ghostly bulldogs, hilltop duels with Otherworldly knights, and much more besides.

Then it's on to the main event: Eleanor's story, "The Tale of a Toadman" in which she channels the spirit of Edith Porter to narrate a spooky adventure which runs the gamut from hedge magic to bodily mutilation to mythical bog serpents.

We really hope you enjoy the episode, and we'll be back on Thursday with a new Magic and Medicines bonus episode about the ancient runic language of Ogham and its connections to the trees of the British Isles, ahead of Saturday's full Local Legends chat with Francis!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this week's Haunting Season-themed Local Legends episode, the final of the four, Martin gathers round the Three Ravens campfire with folklorist Brice Stratford to chat all about his new book Halloween Folklore and Ghost Stories.

This new collection is Brice’s third book, following his first collection, Anglo Saxon Folklore: The Struggle for the Saxon Kingdoms, and New Forest Myths and Folklore, both of which were published in 2022.

A storyteller, historian, actor and theatre director, Brice writes on heritage, art and architectural history for Apollo Magazine, the Spectator, and various trade publications, and for 12 years he ran the award-winning Owle Schreame theatre company which is currently on hiatus.

Born and raised in the New Forest, he started his journey into folklore in the New Forest area of Southern England, engaging in folklore collecting and plenty of deep-dive research – skills which he brought to bear for his new Halloween Folklore and Ghost Stories collection.

In August of this year Brice also launched a podcast, Finding Folklore, a storytelling series through which Brice and his co-host James Carney explore the legends, fairytales, ghost stories, songs and traditions of old England, with each Finding Folklore podcast episode also coming with a companion video on YouTube which expands on the themes and ideas of the main podcast episode.

For now though, settle in for a chat which encompasses Halloween's origins, 'Blood Month' traditions, pig-faced spectral brides, Charles Dickens, the stunning Sedlec Ossuary and much more.

To learn more about Brice, do follow him on social media, we hope you enjoy the episode, and we'll be back on Monday with our first County Episode for a while, all about Cambridgeshire!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the Three Ravens 2024 Halloween Special we've pulled out all the stops and are talking about the most infamous serial killer in history, Jack The Ripper!

Part of the "Something Wicked" series about true crimes with folkloric twists, we start by chatting through what London was like in 1888, including the boom in crime fiction that had culminated in the creation of Sherlock Holmes, the city's 58 daily newspapers, and the horrendous wealth divide between the Victorian rich and poor.

Then it's onto the Whitechapel Murders themselves, including some extremely distressing details and fringe cases, such as the grisly deaths of Martha Tabram and Emma Smith which predated the so-called 'Canonical Five' Ripper victims.

We also detail the lives of the women who were slain, as well as the awful ways in which they died, discussing what Mary Ann Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddowes and Mary Jane Kelly had in common, the escalating nature of their killer's crimes, and how exactly the police responded to the challenges the case presented.

From the 'Dear Boss' and 'From Hell' letters to the methods Scotland Yard and the Metropolitan Police used to try and catch the killer, the case's links to antisemitism and the Freemasons, to details of the lead suspects and subsequent theories of the crimes which have developed across the 20th and 21st centuries, it's a wild and horrifying ride.

At almost exactly two hours long, we've done our best in this episode to do the topic justice, and no doubt it is a dark and deeply disturbing journey. But, as Haunting Season 2024 winds to a close, it's hard to imagine a much murkier true crime to chronicle as we head into the dark of winter...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What lives in the dark?

For each of us, the sun, waning as it is through days of autumn rain, weakening, becoming paler, more obscure – the sun is a lifeline. Yet, each night, that lifeline vanishes. The hours of darkness grow longer, the cold dominion of night stretching out, growing larger, growing stronger.

And each of us has an opposite. A dark-craving beast of shade. We know they’re there, though don’t care to acknowledge them.

As the veil between this world grows thin enough to disappear, and the night world claims equal status with our own, don’t pretend, just because you choose not see them, that those counterparts are not in the shadows even now, watching you.

Because, it's Three Ravens Haunting Season, and in this episode we're staring right into that darkness, wondering if we're ever really alone at all...

In this installment of the miniseries, Martin's playing with shadows, and Eleanor can only listen and watch in horror...

As with each of this month's episodes, our opening pair of tales are both winning entries to this year's Three Ravens Ghost Story Writing Competition.

The first comes from James Davies-Jones, whose story "Alone" speaks to that feeling most of us know, when we move into a new home and think something about it might be off. The second comes from Libby Justice, whose story "The Pipsqueak" follows a young Victorian heir on a day spent with his father, all while the children in the trees encourage him to join them...

Lastly, Martin rounds out Haunting Season 2024 with his chilling tale "Edwin's Catterall's Shadow," a slice of good ol' fashioned Victorian Gothic epistolary fiction, after which your perceptions of darkness might just be changed forever,,,

We'll be back on Thursday - Halloween itself - with a new Something Wicked bonus episode about Jack The Ripper, and, if you're a Patreon supporter, our new Three Ravens Film Club episode about John Carpenter's Halloween, so speak to you again then!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this week's Haunting Season-themed Local Legends episode, Martin gathers round the Three Ravens campfire with writer, paranormal psychologist, and all-round super-cool spooky person Evelyn Hollow.

It's likely you will have already heard of Evelyn, who is probably most famous for her work on Uncanny and various Danny Robins-hosted series such as The Battersea Poltergeist and The Witch Farm. You might have also seen her on the Warner Bros TV shows Spooked Scotland and Spooked Ireland which stream on Discovery Channel+. And there's perhaps a prevailing perception of her as "That Ghost Lady from The Programmes" but, as this interview goes to demonstrate, there's a heck of a lot more to Evelyn than such a persona might imply.

She holds a Master of Research degree in Paranormal Psychology, is a former psychology lecturer, is tremendously nerdy about things you might not expect - not just maths but quantum physics, for example - and she has had a super-interesting career: In 2015 she was the recipient of the Lonely Planet Travel Writing Scholarship, she was a resident author at Esoterica for several years, the occult columnist for Corvid Culture, and has written numerous articles for Haunted magazine. She has taught writing classes at all sorts of places too, from universities to arts festivals, and her first book, The Atlas of Paranormal Places, was published in September.

And the above is just the tip of the iceberg really. In fact, Evelyn's role on Uncanny, as the representative of 'Team Believer,' belies a wealth of hard work, rigorous research, and an awful lot of hard science.

As such, settle in for a chat which folds in all sorts of fascinating concepts, from the history of Planck's Constant and the fiercely brilliant fiction of writers like Shirley Jackson to the awesomeness of dictionaries and the reality of what's actually involved in being a parapsychologist.

Which, as Evelyn explains, is not what many people think it is...

To learn more about Evelyn do visit her website at https://evelynhollow.com/, we hope you enjoy the episode, and we'll be back on Monday with our final trio of original ghost stories for Haunting Season 2024!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite some admitted squeamishness, for this week's Haunting Season-themed bonus episode, we're exploring the uncanny history and craft of Taxidermy.

Part of the "Dying Arts" series, we begin by chatting through distinctions between Ancient Egyptian mummification and the modern practice of taxidermy - a term which only came into usage in the 19th century, despite Renaissance-era apothecaries having stuffed crocodiles hanging from their ceilings. Let alone 18th century exotic trophy hunting becoming an increasingly popular pastime.

The processes we detail as used in the past are pretty wild, including toxic corpse enemas, the boiling of animals, and large-scale gassing of dozens if not hundreds of creatures to create of displays intended for public and private amusement.

But what are the ethics of taxidermy, and why have our attitudes towards it changed so much across the last century?

Also encompassing modern techniques such as freeze drying specimens, the new tradition of 'Rogue Taxidermy', and the pioneering works of practitioners like Gunther Von Hagen, it's an episode in which we try to keep an open mind - although while Eleanor's research has hardened her and normalised a lot of what we discuss, along the way Martin reveals himself to be more squeamish than anyone might expect...

As such, it's a pretty wild ride, and one which folds in squirrels in boxing rings, flesh-eating beetles, misleading dodo mounts, and much more, so settle in for a good one.

Though possibly not if you're planning on eating at the same time...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The last traces of blue have given way to a black, black sky, and a chill wind whistles down the narrow alleyway you’ve taken as a shortcut and are starting to wish you hadn’t.

Was that the dry rustle of dead leaves under your feet, or something else? It’s pitch black, no moon, no stars, but you can just make out marks on the walls either side of you - marks which look like words, or furious scratches.

A sound behind you makes you turn, and for just a moment you see the shape of something behind you, something which wants nothing more than to follow. It is old, and it is bored, and it has teeth...

The signs are unmistakable: it's Three Ravens Haunting Season, and in this episode we're journeying into ghostly dreams - and nightmares!

In this installment of the miniseries, Eleanor stands over Martin with a syringe, saying it'll all get better soon...

As with last week, our opening pair of tales are both winning entries to this year's Three Ravens Ghost Story Writing Competition.

The first comes from Erin Edwards, whose story "An Old Love" tells of a rare thing - a positive haunting - and the second comes from Dominic Bailey, whose story "The Warrior's Watch" fuses historical re-enactment with ancient horror, to deeply unsettling effect!

Lastly, Eleanor shares her second new ghost story for Haunting Season 2024, "The Millennium Centre." A contemporary tale, it mixes influenza with Doomsday Cults, ghosts, and the dread of poverty, and might make you think twice about examining that shadow in the corner of your room.

We'll be back on Thursday with a new Dying Arts bonus episode about Taxidermy, so speak to you again then!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's Haunting Season-themed Local Legends episode, the second of four, Martin gathers round the Three Ravens campfire with the acclaimed actor, art historian, and expert in classic ghost stories Robert Lloyd Parry.

In case you've not heard of him, since 2005 Rob has been engaged in "The M.R. James Project," a set of performances where Rob, dressed and in character as 'The Father of the Modern Ghost Story,' performs James’ terrifying tales to much acclaim, including from the likes of The Times and Sunday Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, The Fortean Times, The Spectator, and The New Yorker, who said of the M.R. James Project, “Lloyd Parry’s mastery of the role is itself an act of possession.”

That’s not to say Rob is a one trick pony – far from it. He read Classics at Oxford, completed his MA in Greek and Roman Art History at The University of London’s Courtauld Institute of Art, and, as an art historian and museum interpreter, he researches and writes websites, audio and multimedia guides, apps, books, and guides for leading museums, galleries and heritage sites including the likes of The British Museum, Tate Britain, The National Gallery, The Fitzwilliam Museum, Royal Academy, and many, many more.

In this interview, we focus in on M.R. James and classic ghost stories, discussing writers like Algernon Blackwood, H.G. Wells, H.P. Lovecraft, Charles Dickens, Arthur Conan Doyle, Oscar Wilde, and many others. What makes them so brilliant, and which of their tales would Rob recommend? Moreover, what made M.R. James such a special, singular writer whose influence on weird fiction is probably greater than any writer of the last 200 years?

Gather close around the Three Ravens campfire as we get into it, and if you would like to see Rob live (an experience which highly recommend) do visit his theatre company's website and check his upcoming dates at https://www.nunkie.co.uk/schedule

Otherwise, we'll be back on Monday with our third trio of Haunting Season original ghost stories for 2024.

So, see you then. We'll be the ones hiding in the shadows... 

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sharpen your stakes and have your garlic handy, as for this week's Haunting Season-themed bonus episode we're opening up some deliciously rich veins of history to explore the history and folklore of Vampires!

Part of the "Three Ravens Bestiary" series, we start by discussing how the creation of the vampire as a figure in popular culture has its roots in the 19th century, all before digging back into the past to unearth the origins of vampire legend. This includes the story of how European anatomists and natural philosophers came to learn of the vampire bat, how they tried to fit it into their models of the 'scientific' universe, and how Gothic writers, not least Bram Stoker, exploited these ideas for dramatic effect.

Before long though, we're whipping back to the first arrival of the word 'vampire' in English texts during the 1730s, exploring how and why tales of Eastern European vampirism and superstition made their ways to Great Britain, and drowning in the rich and bloody history of vampire-like creatures in ancient mythology.

From the Ancient Mesopotamian Ekimmu to Lilith, Adam's Biblical first wife, Classical beliefs in the cannibalistic owl-witch hybrids "The Strix" to India's demonic vetala, we track through how forms of cultural imperialism - whether it be towards the ancient Scythians or Renaissance Catholics, or the entirety of Asia according to some sources - saw ideas of blood drinking and the vampiric exploited to dehumanise perceived enemies.

How these ideas transformed into modern concepts of the vampire, via Robert Southey, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Lord Byron, and a host of other writers and cultural figures, we'll leave you to discover.

But, suffice to say, it's a shadowy journey filled with magic, horror, and quite a lot of repressed sexuality...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The nights are drawing in, and the veil is lifting. In the chill, spiders cling to windowpanes, seeking the warmth within. 

Bats roost in chimney pots, foxes, rats and badgers settle down for their winter’s rest, while jackdaws pick at barren earth, pining for spring.

When the wind blows, it bites, and on the breeze you think you hear the whispering of a song. Was that a voice you ask, or just a memory? And was that melody singing to you?

You know what this all means: Three Ravens Haunting Season is in full effect, and the spook-factor it rising!

In this second installment of our 2024 miniseries, Martin leads Eleanor deep underground, into a long forgotten cave where tales of horror await...

As with last week, the opening pair are both winning entries to this year's Three Ravens Ghost Story Writing Competition.

The first comes from Anthony Hope, whose story "Punkie Night" offers a glimpse into a Halloween in the Edwardian past, and the second comes from Viv Fraser, whose tale "The Miller of Hob Moor" makes a strong argument against recreational running, for fear of time-slips...

Lastly, Martin shares his first new ghost story for Haunting Season 2024, "The Tarosvan." It's in Cornish dialect, and set down an historic tin mine...

We'll be back on Thursday with a new Three Ravens Bestiary episode about the history of Vampires, so speak to you again then!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's Haunting Season-themed Local Legends episode, the first of four, Martin gathers round the Three Ravens campfire with the author, voice actor, and co-creator of hit podcasts The Magnus Archives and The Magnus Protocol Jonathan Sims.

It's a conversation which ranges from Magnus' origins as prompted by long nights working night shifts to Jonny's school-age discovery of M.R. James and H.P. Lovecraft, to favourite haunted places, some recommended reading, what to take from writing advice, the impact of popular writers like Stephen King on perceptions of horror, and some big issues to do with the genre, not least taboo, plus much, much more. A juicy chat whether you're a fan of Magnus or have never given the series a listen - and big shout outs and love to all those classic horror anthology series out there!

You can learn more about Jonathan's work on his website at https://jonathan-sims.com/ and otherwise we'll be back on Monday with our second trio of Haunting Season original ghost stories. See you there, if not before, as we reach out from beyond the veil... 

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special Haunting Season episode of Magic and Medicines, Eleanor dusts off her old grimoires and fetches up a severed head to guide us through the history of the arcane art of Necromancy!

We start by discussing the modern conception of Necromancy, not least in video games, including summoning skeleton armies or raising the dead, and then jump back in time to explore how what was once considered a serious, sacred, and deeply helpful form of spiritual practice developed the macabre connotations it has today.

The journey takes us to some strange places, including ones where, it turns out, Pythagoras was a wizard, as was Jesus (who supposedly sported quite the range of funky tattoos) as well as examples of Necromancy from Ancient Babylon and famous texts like Homer's Odyssey.

From there we dig into how anti-Christian propaganda and the preoccupations of particular witch-hunters and alchemists saw Necromancy morphing from an almost tender, if sometimes comic set of practices to become taboo and unholy.

Along the way, we touch base with the likes of John Dee, James I, King Cleomenes I of Sparta, swing by some ruins of Oracles of the Dead, chew over some ideas repopularised by the Spiritualised movement, and much more besides...

Martin will be back on Saturday for our Local Legends interview with Jonathan Sims, author and co-creator of The Magnus Archives and Magnus Protocol, and - aside from today's brand new, truly epic Patreon Exclusive mega-ghost story, we will then be back on Monday with our next installment of original tales for Haunting Season 2024.

And hey, who's that standing behind you?

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s a pinch of frost in the morning air, and the colours of the leaves are beginning to change from emerald to rust.

The bracken is browning, and the mist which hovers above the ground smells of woodsmoke and apples.

Just at the edge of your vision, a lonely figure in white hovers with an outstretched hand – but when you turn to look properly they’ve vanished.

This can all mean just one thing: Three Ravens Haunting Season is back, and we're ready to get spooky!

In this first installment of our 2024 miniseries, Eleanor grabs the spade while Martin holds the lantern, rousing three new original ghost stories from the cold, dark earth...

The opening pair are both winning entries to this year's Three Ravens Ghost Story Writing Competition - we'll be sharing two more each Monday until Halloween!

The first comes from Sophie Thompson, whose story "I Saw Meg on Eld Lane That Day" will breathe a cold blast of damp sea air down the back of your neck, and the second comes from Ian Tovey, whose tale "A Chapel in the Hills" is for anybody who has ever gone out on a walk on a beautiful day, only to see the sky darken above them and pull them into the gloom.

Lastly, Eleanor shares her first new ghost story for Haunting Season 2024, "The Mauve Dress." Suffice to say, superior beauty comes only at a price...

We'll be back on Thursday with a new Magic and Medicines episode about the history of Necromancy, and, if you're a Patreon supporter, our Patreon Exclusive episode for the month - a brand new Spenser & Associates adventure in which Finn introduces Oona to "The Ghosts of Glasshayes House."

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's very special Local Legends episode, Martin gathers round the Three Ravens campfire with England's first-ever Storytelling Laureate, the folklorist and author Taffy Thomas.

In his younger years Taffy was a drama teacher and entertainer, founding the highly influential theatre company Magic Lantern. Then a debilitating stroke at the age of 36 changed Taffy’s life, and he turned to storytelling as self-imposed speech therapy.

In the years that followed he became England's leading proponent in the art of traditional storytelling, collecting tales from oral sources and folklore, writing books, touring nationally and internationally, and earning the MBE in 2001.

He was appointed England’s first Storytelling Laureate in 2009, then in 2010 received The English Folk Dance and Song Society Gold Badge Award and in 2013 won a British Award for Storytelling Excellence.

Now 75, with over a dozen books and storytelling albums to his name, he is the patron of the Society for Storytelling and artistic director of Tales in Trust, the Northern Centre for Storytelling in Grasmere, where he is regularly to be found spinning yarns.

In this chat, Taffy discusses his long career, including learning his craft from iconic Somerset storyteller Ruth Tongue, how his path crossed over with the likes of Paul Simon and Bob Dylan, and his life of performance, story collecting, love and laughter. Along the way, he tells stories, of course, and discusses the character of Westmoreland and Cumbria through tales both tall and not so tall - including the story of how he acquired his iconic storytelling hat...

You can learn more about Taffy's work on his website at http://www.taffythomas.co.uk/ and be sure to listen to the end of the episode to hear Taffy's telling of The Tale of Aira Force from his album Legends of the North.

Otherwise, we'll be back on Monday with the first episode in our month-long miniseries of ghost stories and spooky content for October - our second annual Haunting Season! 

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's bonus episode, Martin takes us back to colonial South America for a tale of mass murder, witchcraft, sex, torture, and Jesus's ghost peering disappointedly down upon the sinful...

Part of the "Something Wicked" series, we start by chatting through the ancient history of the western coast of South America, from the Nazca, Inca and Mapuche through to the arrival of Spanish conquistadors and their subjugation of indigenous populations.

Out of this heady patch of history, we then explore the salacious legends of Chilean aristocrat Catalina de los Ríos y Lísperguer, better known to the world as La Quintrala – a flame-haired beauty with a reputation as a witch, seductress, and mass murderer who, to this day, is seen as a scion of familial evil.

With her story encompassing several different flavours of murder, the torture and killing of hundreds of enslaved people, government corruption, bewitchment, earthquakes, private militias and more, it's a legend that beggars belief. And for good reason, as, despite what you might read about La Quintrala on the internet, there's a massive gap between what the historical record tells us she did and the narratives we know today, all of which paint her as a sex-crazed monster, sadist, and Devilish bogeyman feared in Chile and Peru alike.

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Because this is our last "County Episode" for a while, what with next Monday seeing the start of our month-long Haunting Season of spooky content, for this week's episode we've pulled out all the stops, going a bit bonkers for the half-forgotten history and folklore of Westmoreland!

We start off chatting about various Harvest Fair traditions, including beliefs about Michaelmas, "Lawless Hours" and the delightfully anarchic Kidderminster Fray - after which we wend our way to Westmoreland.

Aside from chatting about some of the county's history, including its flooded Corpse Road, the Romantic 'Lake Poets' who called it home, and sites like Kendal, Grasmere, Appleby and Lake Windermere, Martin throws the sweet and savoury together for this week's County Dish, with delights including Westmoreland Sweet Lamb Pie and the county's traditional Pepper Cake!

When it comes to folklore, interspersed with some excerpts from next Saturday's Local Legends interview with the one and only TAFFY THOMAS!!!! (yes, you read that correctly) England's first-ever Storytelling Laureate who shares two tales in just this episode, we talk about Westmoreland's murderous giant Girt Will, Mary Baines the Witch of Tebay, the Curse of Levens Hall, and much more besides.

Then it's on to the main event: Martin's take on "The Somnambulist" which draws together William Wordsworth, the legend of Aira Force, elves, dragons, questing knights, and a healthy dose of the supernatural...

We really hope you enjoy the episode, and we'll be back on Thursday with a new Something Wicked bonus episode about the glamorous 17th century mass murderess La Quintrala ahead of Saturday's full Local Legends chat with Taffy, and the launch of Haunting Season 2024 next Monday!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's Local Legends episode sees Martin gather round the Three Ravens campfire with the rather extraordinary Dr Kevan Manwaring, a multi-talented son of Northamptonshire who is also a true champion of the underdog.

Kevan has written in the region of 30 books, including his collections of Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire Folk Tales, and his tremendous collection Ballad Tales - and that's not to mention his academic writing on the Bardic tradition, or his poetry and novels!

These days he is the course leader for the MA in Creative Writing at Arts University Bournemouth, with his current academic focus being around ecofiction – a subject we’ll explore in some depth during our conversation.

For many people though, he will be more familiar as a storyteller and performance poet, in which guise Kevan has performed all over the place, including live on BBC One, at Glastonbury Festival, and at innumerable bookshops, museums, heritage sites, and in schools.

Touring both solo and in group shows, he has performed internationally in Germany, Italy, Greece, and North America, and has written so much, across so many forms, it’s frankly a bit ridiculous.

Elsewhere, he has contributed articles to journals including English Review, was an academic consultant for BBC 4’s The Secret Life of Books, and is a panellist on BBC Radio 3’s Free Thinking.

In our chat we cover a dizzying array of topics, from Dungeons & Dragons to Kevan's friendships with the likes of Alan Moore and Ronald Hutton, the life and legacy of the poet John Clare, Northampton's role in the birth of the Goth movement, ghosts, animism, the Bardic tradition, and much more besides.

You can learn more about his work on his website at https://thebardicacademic.wordpress.com/, though before you do, have a listen to him in conversation, as he’s outstanding company!

Otherwise, we'll be back on Monday with a bumper-length county episode (bumper-length as it's our last for a little while) all about the history and folklore of Westmoreland, all before we begin our month-long miniseries of ghost stories and spooky content for October - our second annual Haunting Season! 

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this week's bonus episode, Eleanor trims her baleen into lengths, finds our natural waists, and loosens the laces of underwear history to explain the rich heritage of Corsetry and Stay Making!

Part of the "Dying Arts" series, we start by discussing the basics of what corsets and stays even are before we whisk back to Ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt to explore how ladies' underwear used to work, and how it has then changed and developed across the centuries.

From the Middle Ages into the Renaissance, the Romantic and Victorian eras through to the modern day, it's a story as much about how expectations around the female body and shifts in fashion changed underwear across time, including through some surprising feats of engineering, the use of materials ranging from whale keratin to steel, linen to silk, and the rather late development of the waist-constricting fashions so commonly associated with corsets today.

Encompassing some wild ideas, including the 'Pigeon Bras' worn by soldiers in World War 2 to the historic undergarments worn by ancient royal effigies, myths about measurements, examples of Victorian image manipulation and misleading portraiture designed to portray 'perfect' bodies, it's an episode filled with surprises, and one that explores how marriages of form and function have worked brilliantly for centuries - while certain innovations have prompted wide-scale protests, 'bra burnings', and a modern tendency to sideline clothing items deemed essential by generations of women from the dawn of recorded history...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode we've traveled to the heart of England to rifle through the rich history and folklore of Northamptonshire!

We start off trying to revive interest in St Tecla's Day, including Tecla's penchant for getting into trouble with naughty old St Paul, her ability to avoid electrocution, and her lucky escape from killer seals - after which we navigate to "The Rose of the Shires!"

After chatting about some of the county's history, including its legacy in shoemaking, Great Fire, bizarre slang, and sites including the Rushton Triangular Lodge, Eleanor sets about trying to give us all diabetes with this week's County Dish: a 17th century recipe for 'A Curious Fresh Cheese' which is sculpted into the shape of a hedgehog before serving...

When it comes to folklore, interspersed with some excerpts from next Saturday's Local Legends interview with the wonderful Dr Kevan Manwaring, author of Northamptonshire Folk Tales and many other great books besides, we talk about the ghosts of Northampton, the tale of another fiddler sent into a dangerous underground tunnel, the Grey Lady of Delapré Abbey, and more!

Then it's on to the main event: Eleanor's story for this week - her take on "Dionysia, The Female Knight," in which it is proven, without question, that boys aren't the only ones who can waggle their lances about...

We hope you enjoy the episode, and we'll be back on Thursday with a new Dying Arts bonus episode about Corsetry and Stay Making and, if you're a Patreon Supporter, this month's episode of the Three Ravens Film Club about 1984's The Children of the Corn - all ahead of next week's county episode, when Martin will be whisking us back up north to Westmoreland!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's Local Legends episode is a very special conversation in which Martin gathers round the Three Ravens campfire with Tim Laycock, an inspirational, multi-talented person and a true champion for the county of Dorset.

Author of books including Dorset Folk Tales, writing is just the tip of the iceberg with Tim, who came to the attentions of many in the British folk community through his work as part of Magic Lantern with the one and only Taffy Thomas.

Music is absolutely key to Tim’s life. He is a tremendous singer and multi-instrumentalist, and, like a crafty folk song magpie, he has been finding stories and songs, and story-songs, and bringing them out and into the light across his many years of performance.

With a rich catalogue of wonderful recordings available as CDs and through streaming services, his talents stretch yet further, including into theatre, where he has worked with the likes of the National Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe, Festival Theatre Chichester, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, and many others.

He has written ten plays, too, some award-winning, and has had a long and successful career as a performer and director. Being a Dorset man, it’s perhaps necessary that Thomas Hardy would feature in that mix, and Tim is also the Artistic Director of the New Thomas Hardy Players, while also performing Hardy’s poetry and works as part of his work as a storyteller and entertainer.

On top of which, he is an extremely friendly and knowledgeable chap, so, please settle in and get comfortable for one of the richest, most interesting conversations we've had for Local Legends so far. One that folds in everything from nativity plays with John Eliot Gardiner to the Dorset Oozer, the poetry of William Barnes to false teeth being lost off fishing boats.

It's a great one, as is Tim himself. And to learn more about Tim and his work, do visit his website at https://timlaycock.co.uk/

Otherwise, we'll be back on Monday with our brand new episode all about the history and folklore of Northamptonshire! 

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dust off your halo and flap your wings, dearest ravens, as today we're rejoicing in the absolutely bonkers history of Angels, following up on last year's "Haunting Season" episode about Demons.

Part of the "Three Ravens Bestiary" series, we start by discussing how words for things like "angels" and "God" in ancient texts have created a mess of confusions across the ages. Then we leap straight down from heaven (or out of a hidden dimension, at the very least) to discuss how ancient ideas like Animism and Polytheism laid the foundations that enabled the introduction of Angels into early Abrahamic religious texts.

Through discussions of Zoroastrianism, Yahwism, and ancient apocryphal mystic writings, we dig into some fascinating stuff, including 'Guardian Angels' in general, specific Angels, like Michael, Gabriel, Samael, and Metatron, and chat about how a proliferation of esoteric writings throughout the Dark Ages and Medieval Era spun 'Angelologies' out in some pretty weird directions.

From the mysteries of Gnosticism and the Kabbalah to descriptions of what Cherubum, Seraphim and Elohim actually look like (which is not as you might expect) it's an episode of big ideas and bizarre truths that might just change how you think about Angels.

And likely modify how you describe your loved ones. Because if your children or significant other really are "angels" then, frankly, you should be cowering in terror!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this week's episode we're venturing to the Westcountry and exploring the history and folklore of Dorset!

We start off chatting about St Edith's Day, including Edith's incorruptible magic thumb, her love of holy wells, and her penchant for snazzy dressing - after which we delve deep into Dorset.

After discussing some of the county's most famous features, including Durdle Door, Maiden Castle, its "sunken lanes" and many often forgotten megaliths, Martin dons his pinafore and serves up a range of Dorsetshire delights for this week's County Dish, including Dorset Knobs, Slug Water, and Jugged Hare.

When it comes to folklore, we're spoiled for choice, from dim-witted and grumbly-tummied giants to disappearing dragons, blue pigs, repetitive if seemingly harmless ghosts, and more! Along the way we hear some excerpts from next Saturday's Local Legends interview with the brilliant and multi-talented Tim Laycock, folk musician extraordinaire and author of fantastic books including Dorset Folk Tales.

Then it's on to the main event: Martin's story for this week, "The Devil's Three Jumps," in which Old Nick and two of his bumbling sons each meet their match in turn...

We really hope you enjoy the episode, and we'll be back on Thursday with a new Three Ravens Bestiary episode about Angels ahead of next week's county episode, when Eleanor will be taking us on an adventure through the history and folklore of Northamptonshire!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our first Local Legends episode of Series 5, Martin gathers round the Three Ravens campfire with Stephen G. Rae, the Bard of Cumberland.

Though he was born in Scotland, Stephen has deep family links in Cumberland. He spent a lot of time there as a child, and, once he’d grown up, he settled there, slowly but surely developing a deep understanding and love of Cumbria and its many mysteries. 

As you’ll hear, Stephen has led a fascinating life, accumulating a whole load of qualifications including BAs in Botany and Fine Art, as well as training as a Buddhist monk and as a Bard with the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids.

He’s also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a really talented painter, and makes films with both Bardsea-Green Films and Land of Lore films, inspired by strange tales, legends, and local traditions. 

As a writer, he’s written books, including his new collection of Haikus, often I stop, and look back, and his monthly articles on Cumbrian folklore for Cumbria magazine are awesome, as are his daily posts on Twitter, where he keeps the fires of folklore burning.

Settle in then for a chat that includes reflections on social media and organised religion, leprechauns and boggarts, dragons, Cumbria's legendary archer Adam Bell, and much more besides.

To learn more about Stephen and his work, do visit his website at https://bardofcumberland.com where you’ll find links to all of his various doings, and we'll be back on Monday with our brand new episode all about the history and folklore of Dorset. 

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Focus on your question, shuffle the deck, and let's dig deep for our first Bonus Episode of Series 5, in which Eleanor offers an introduction to and history of Tarot!

Part of the "Magic and Medicines" series, we start by exploring how relatively young Tarot is, tracing the route playing cards took from the Chinese Tang Dynasty to Egypt and on into Medieval Europe. From there we dig into how simple games of leisure began to take on new meanings, informed by scholars like Antoine Court de Gebelin and Jean-Baptiste Alliette, whose interpretations - or misinterpretations - led to the creation of Tarot as we might recognise it.

With pit stops to discuss Aleister Crowley, The Golden Dawn, the Kabbalah and much more besides, it's surprising episode in many ways - and one which culminates in a discussion of how the Tarot deck is structured in most modern examples, the differences between the Major and Minor Arcana, and some examples of ways in which Tarot can be read to inform future life decisions and, perhaps, help us discover routes to self realisation...

Martin will be back on Saturday for our Local Legends interview with Stephen G. Rae, The Bard of Cumberland, and - aside from today's brand new Patreon Exclusive Romney Marsh Ghost Tour, we will then be back on Monday with our next county episode, in which we will be exploring the history and folklore of Dorset.

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the first episode of Three Ravens Series 5, we are back up in England's north west, exploring the history and folklore of Cumberland!

We start off chatting about a few of the long-running famous folk festivals taking place at this time of year, including the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance and Widecombe Fair, after which we cavort on up to Cumberland.

After chatting through some curious historical tidbits, including the weird history of Whitehaven, the unsettling depth of Lake Windermere, and an explanation of why being called a 'Jam Eater' is considered an insult north of the Lake District, Eleanor guides us through Cumberland's cuisine for this week's County Dish - and heads up: it's heavily reliant on rum, spices and sugar.

Then we get stuck into some folklore!

From the absolutely ridiculous cryptid 'The Cumbrian Dregpike" to the Hob Thross, the magical armband of St Bega to the county's many 'Lucks', there's loads to chat about, plus some excerpts from next Saturday's Local Legends interview with the lovely Stephen G. Rae, the Bard of Cumberland.

Then it's on to the main event: Eleanor's story "The Last Touch." And it's one of her creepy ones...

We really hope you enjoy the episode, and we'll be back on Thursday with a new Magic and Medicines episode about Tarot and a Patreon Exclusive ghost tour of Romney Marsh, all before next week's episode when Martin will be taking us on an adventure through the history and folklore of Dorset!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hold onto your beaks, and tuck your claws in good and tight on entry, because we are BACK and ready to get stuck right in to Series 5!

In this little introductory episode we offer some updates about what we've been doing over the summer, provide an explainer about what Three Ravens is for new listeners, and chat through some of the little tweaks and changes we're thinking about making to the back-end of the series.

With some news about Haunting Season and what we have in store for Christmas, it's hopefully a jolly and interesting introduction to the episodes ahead - a run of releases that will take us deep into the Dark Months and on into 2025!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we have something really special for you - a recording of our recent Three Ravens Live Show at Battle Folk & Fable Festival!

Focused on the town of Battle on the Kent-Sussex border, and the lore and history of the area, we're talking ghosts, giants, faeries, demon dogs and witches, and Martin is telling his rather silly take on the life of William the Conqueror.

With legends including those of Gill The Giant, the Pevensey Werewolves, 'Funny Face' the ghost, discussions of local writers like Rudyard Kipling, Charlotte Smith and Edith Nesbit, and a tonne of fascinating historical tidbits, as if that wasn't enough, we also performed two songs - folk classic The Tree Song and our new creation, The Ballad of Billy The Conks!

We really hope you enjoy the episode, thank you so much to everyone who came along, and we will be back next week with the launch of Series 5, including Eleanor's exploration of Cumberland, a new Magic and Medicines episode about Tarot, and a brand new Local Legends interview with Stephen Rae, The Bard of Cumberland!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our fourth Listener Episode, we have a lovely clutch of tales, trivia, and even some recipes sent in by members of the Three Ravens community!

The stories include lore about Norfolk's "Callow Pit," the Red Billed Chough, the mythical land of Orkney's 'Fin Folk,' details of an archaeological discovery involving an Anglo Saxon Cunning Woman, a probably (almost certainly) fake Scottish King, and more!

To submit your own strange tales, anecdotes, and folky experiences to be read on future listener episodes, please email us at [email protected] - and we'll be back next week with a recording of our Three Ravens Live show from Battle Festival!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's the last in our quintet of bonus compilation episodes to help plug the gap between Seasons 4 and 5. 

We’ve entitled this episode Three More Horrors because… well, because these stories are about horrible things, as you might expect – a bit of a warm up for Haunting Season perhaps – with this clutch of tales including our Berkshire story, Herne The Hunter, our Lancashire story, The Ghost Train, and our Middlesex story, The Crossrail Horror.

We'll be back with a new Listener Episode next Monday, so speak to you again then!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's the fourth in our quintet of bonus compilation episodes to help plug the gap between Seasons 4 and 5. 

We’ve entitled this episode Three Farces because these tales are silly. Not entirely silly of course, they do have important ideas running through them, but, like all good comedies, they combine a little bit of tickle with a little bit of slap!

They include our Herefordshire story, The Dragon of Mordiford, our second Sussex story, The Rat Piper of Beccles, and our Bedfordshire story, The Bottled Curse.

We hope you enjoy!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's the third in our quintet of bonus compilation episodes to help plug the gap between Seasons 4 and 5.

We’ve entitled this episode Three Tombs because these are stories of uncanny things deep underground – places of death and strangeness we’ve sought to bring out into the light – including our Gloucestershire story, The Torbarrow Gaurdian, our Somerset story, The Witch of Wookey Hole, and our Kent story, The Stain of Vice.

We hope you enjoy!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's the second in our quintet of bonus compilation episodes to help plug the gap between Seasons 4 and 5.

We’ve entitled this episode Three Romances because it contains three of our tales that are neither comedic, nor tragic – rather, they are strange adventures, and some corkers at that – including our Westmoreland story, The Witch of the Westmoreland, our Nottinghamshire story, The Many Deaths of Robin Hood, and our Norfolk story, Black Shuck.

We hope you enjoy!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's the first in our quintet of bonus compilation episodes to help plug the gap between Seasons 4 and 5.

We’ve entitled this episode Three Fae Tales because, as you might expect, it contains three of our fairy or fairy-adjacent stories, including our Yorkshire story, A Discovery of Supposed Witchcraft, our Wiltshire story, A Cuckoo In Winter, and our Warwickshire story from Series 4 The Hand of God.

We hope you enjoy!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our final Local Legends episode for Series 4, Martin gathers round the campfire to talk about the folklore of Sussex with Dr Paul Quinn.

Paul grew up in Sussex, going on to complete his doctorate at the University of Sussex, working on anti-Catholicism and the Early Modern Stage.

He has a wide array of interests, from Doctor Who and popular science fiction to the history of fairy tales, Shakespeare and his contemporaries, and the links between Catholic discrimination and magic.

After completing his postdoctoral fellowship at Sussex University’s Centre for Early Modern and Medieval Studies, he moved ultimately to the University of Chichester, where he teaches modules including ‘Fairy Tales: From Early Modern to Postmodern’ and ‘Theatres of Pleasure and Theatres of Pain.’ 

Moreover, if you visit the Sussex folktale centre website, you can get a sense of the scale of the work he encounters, as editor of the Centre’s journal Gramarye. Past issues include all sorts of fascinating scholarly articles covering English subjects like Lady Godiva and Queen Mab to Classical tales such as those of Daedalus and Demeter to lively discussions of a vast array of European folklore, from Little Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel to the Snow Queen, Rumpelstiltskin, and The Miller’s Daughter.

Suffice to say, Paul is an interesting chap, and as someone who has spent most of his life in Sussex he’s very well equipped for this conversation – one which compliments our series finale as released on Monday, answering one of the big questions about Sussex folklore thrown up in that recording.

To learn more about Paul and his work at The Chichester Centre for Fairy Tales, Fantasy and Speculative Fiction, visit the centre’s website at https://www.sussexfolktalecentre.org/

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our Series 4 finale we've got something really special: our first-ever Three Ravens Live Show, all about Sussex, recorded at the Festival of Chichester!

We start off with a full live performance of Three Ravens care of Eleanor and our friend and neighbour Ben Harber, and then have a chat about the curious history of Chichester itself. After that, it's time to talk Sussex - and there's so much to say!

In addition to chatting about how recent archaeological discoveries are reframing our understanding of the county, the differences between a "Wealdsman" and and "Downsman," and a spectacular list of castles from a region that "Wunt Be Druv," we talk County Dishes, and drown in the excesses of Sussex Pond Pudding!

After some folkloric chat about the ghosts of the Weald and Downland Museum, the wild doings and superb afterlife of Mad Jack Fuller, the Horsham Serpent, the fine tradition of Sussex baby eating, and much more besides, it's on to the main event: Martin's story "The Many Adventures of Arundel The Horse (and His Blundering Knight, Sir Bevis of Hampton)."

Thank you so much to everyone who came along, and to you for supporting and listening to Three Ravens, and we'll be back to round out the series with our thirteenth Local Legends interview with Dr Paul Quinn, Director of the Chichester Centre for Fairy Tales, Fantasy and Speculative Fiction.

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our penultimate Local Legends episode for Series 4, Martin gathers round the campfire to talk about the folklore of Shropshire with Amy Boucher.

Amy is a writer and a folklorist, an educator and a podcaster. She focuses on her native Shropshire, with her emphasis primarily being on the interplay between folklore, history and the paranormal.

Like many of us, Amy is fascinated by perceptions of the past as seen through the lens of folk beliefs. We first encountered her through Twitter, and tumbled headlong into her blog, Nearly Knowledgeable History, which is amazing. And from there we listened to her audiodrama podcast ‘Best of Men’ which, if you’re after a spooky adventure, comes highly recommended!

If you read Haunted Magazine then there’s every chance you’ll know Amy from its pages. She is an Ambassador for Haunted, her articles are great, and just this month Amy announced her new podcast, The Shropshire Witches.

As you will shortly hear, Amy is incredibly well-informed and passionate about Shropshire’s folklore. She could talk Shropshire for days, and be consistently interesting and funny, and we're so happy to be finally sharing our chat, which we recorded a few weeks ago.

To learn more about Amy and her work, visit nearlyknowledgeablehistory.blogspot.com.

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our final bonus episode for Series 4, we're exploring the truly wild life and genuinely abominable crimes of H.H. Holmes, America's first serial killer.

Part of the "Something Wicked" series, we start by chatting through how communication technology in the 19th century created a much more anonymous society, one in which a man born Herman Webster Mudgett in New Hampshire could grow up and skip across national borders, and between over a half dozen states, to assume new identities and commit both audacious acts of fraud and ghastly murder sprees for over 20 years without getting caught.

We then discuss the specifics of Mudgett's life, including his multiple marriages, early career selling cadavers, and the journey that brought him to his most infamous hunting ground: Chicago, at the time of the 1893 World's Fair.

From his many wild money-making schemes to the construction of his custom-built 'Murder Castle' into which he lured and dissected his victims - thought to number up to 200 people - we dig into the details. What is actually known about what he did, what is speculated upon, and how the "yellow journalism" of his time made Holmes a folk hero - all before the truth started to emerge about his grisly journey to incarceration and, ultimately, the hangman's noose.

Along the way we'll also be answering important questions, such as, how many wives is too many wives? And how exactly do you build a Murder Castle? But unlike some of our previous Something Wicked subjects, there's no ambiguity about this one: Herman Mudgett was an extraordinarily evil man, and to discover quite how evil then do be sure to gather round the campfire and listen in...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode we're headed back to Shropshire in North West England, and Eleanor is telling a Devil tale with a twist...

We start off chatting about St Killian, about whom Martin is decidedly unimpressed, after which we sidle on into Shropshire!

In addition to talking about the Wrekin, A.E. Housman's A Shropshire Lad, and the morbid nature of some of Shropshire's folk magic, we get the pastry out once again for this week's County Dish, Fidget Pie!

After some folkloric chat about topics including Fulk Fitzwarin, Mitchell's Fold stone circle, and the witch Nanny Morgan, plus some excerpts from this week's devilishly good Local Legends interview with Shropshire native Haunted magazine's Amy Boucher, author of the outstanding Nearly Knowledgeable blog, it's on to the main event: Eleanor's story "A Game of Cards."

Speak to you again on Thursday for our last Something Wicked bonus episode for the series, all about H.H. Holmes and, if you're a Patreon supporter, our Patreon Exclusive for July about England's Atlantis, the lost city of Dunwich!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of Local Legends, Martin gathers round the campfire to talk about the folklore of Middlesex with the hosts of The Loremen Podcast James Shakeshaft and Alasdair Beckett-King.

Over seven years ago, when they were fairly early in their careers as stand-up comedians, James and Alasdair found themselves chatting about folklore on a road trip to the South West.

After amusing one another in the car, they wondered if the world might like to be in on the joke. So The Loremen was born.

Ever since, and across five series, they have been poking into the weird and wonderful world of half-true stories from days of yore, and sharing their explorations, much to the Internet's collective glee.

In this episode, Martin steers James and Alasdair's attentions toward the lore of the historic county where they met - which is better known today as London.

Encompassing buried temples beneath the financial district, mysterious automata, dragons, The London Monster, myths of gigantic kings, famous ghosts, and a surprising amount of chat about The Muppets, it's perhaps the giggliest episode of Local Legends we've released, but that's no bad thing!

Learn more about The Loremen here: https://www.loremenpodcast.com/

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's bonus episode, Eleanor talks us through the history and folklore of brooms and besom-making - so flying ointment at the ready!

Part of the "Dying Arts" series, we start by discussing the difference between brooms and besoms, the neolithic strategies used to sweep, and how the Black Death ushered in new concepts of cleanliness and godliness.

After that, and a chat about the noble work of 'Broom Squires,' it's onto the dark side of brooms and besoms, including how non-conformist Christian sects became associated with flying on broomsticks, how this was conflated with witchcraft, and how the besom went from being a must-have item in every household to becoming something a little bit suspicious...

Folding in curious ideas like the "Sussex Pimp," the impacts of plastic and mass production on broom and besom making, flying bishops, North African sorghum varieties, and art involving witchy bottoms, it's a wild ride that goes places you might not expect - not least into some historic examples of broom magic you may or may not want to try at home!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode we're headed back to Middlesex, the historic county better known as London, and Martin is telling a whopper of a story, all about the horrors unearthed during the digging of the city's underground...

We start off chatting about St Serf and his wild and crazy life, dragon slaying and all, after which we move on to Middlesex!

In addition to talking about the Palace of Westminster, the London Stone, and the Temple of Mithras underneath the Bloomberg building, we consider the relative merits of a few options in this week's County Dish, including Chelsea Buns and Jellied Eels!

After some folkloric chat about topics including Old Mother Redcap, the head of the giant Bran, buried under the Tower of London, and the ghosts of Newgate Prison, plus some excerpts from this week's Local Legends interview with hosts of the The Loremen podcast James Shakeshaft and Alasdair Beckett-King, it's on to the main event: Martin's story "The Crossrail Horror."

Speak to you again on Thursday for our new Dying Arts bonus episode all about Besom and Broom Making!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of Local Legends, Martin chats with the Lancashire-born host of the Tales of Britain and Ireland podcast, Graeme Cooke.

For the last six years Graeme has been releasing episodes, but, unlike us, he's taking things slow and steady: he recently published his 50th episode, and by focusing on quality, deep research and a diverse range of incredibly rich stories, he has created a back catalogue of fantastic tales brilliantly told.

Graeme's knowledge of Lancashire's lore is outstanding and, like his interest in history and folk culture, it's born of passion. If we had spoken about all the topics Graeme considered chatting about, this episode would have likely been 5 hours long - which suggests we need to speak again soon! Still, we zeroed in on some of the shiniest, most fascinating things related to the historic county, and hope you really enjoy our chat.

One which ranges from Lancashire's curious land divisions to the Pendle Witch Trials, famed local folklorists to boggarts, devil summonings, screaming skulls and more, and folds in fascinating details of some of the most important sites in Lancashire, as well as its curious evolution.

It's a spooky county where few things are quite what they seem, so gather close around the campfire and listen in...

Learn more about Tales of Britain and Ireland here: https://talesofbritainandireland.com/

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From nuggles to brags, the Ceffyl Dŵr to nixies, there's plenty of reasons to be nervous about horse-shaped monsters on the shoreline - but fear not, as Martin is here to demystify Kelpies and mythical water horses in general!

Part of the "Three Ravens Bestiary" series, we start by discussing the links between seaweed and kelpies, the first appearances of mythical Kelpies in the poetry of William Collins, Robert Burns and Walter Scott, and how the history of horse riding is inextricably linked with tales of monstrous horses in folklore.

It's a galloping ride that takes us from the Highlands to Ancient Scythia and back again, and along the way we're venturing through early French ballads, talking broomsticks, Roman myths, and Dark Age stone monuments, while discussing the Pictish Beast, the Nuckelavee, shelleycoats, and much more!

Along the way, we'll have advice on how to spot a Kelpie in the wild, what to do to tame one, and how to kill these naughty beasts if such a thing proves necessary - although, as usual, there's some pretty weird stuff to uncover as we venture down to the water's edge, from Fairy Locks to backwards hooves, the Kelpie's links to Virgin Mary, and a possible battle between an early saint and the Loch Ness Monster...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode we're headed back to Lancashire, and Eleanor is telling a spooky story based on a haunted attraction at Blackpool's Pleasure Beach...

We start off by discussing St John the Baptist and his bonfires of bones, after which we head off to Lancashire!

In addition to talking about Liverpool and its mythical protector birds Bella and Bertie, the county's shifting borders and the whaling industry, we cook up a delicious pot full of Scouse!

After some folkloric chat about ghostly white hares, a gambler buried upright holding a winning hand of cards, and a giant who was friendly with William the Conqueror, plus some excerpts from this week's Local Legends interview with Lancashire resident and host of the Tales of Britain and Ireland podcast Graeme Cook, it's on to the main event: Eleanor's story "The Ghost Train."

Speak to you again on Thursday for our new Three Ravens Bestiary bonus episode all about Kelpies!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of Local Legends, Martin gathers round the campfire with Kent resident and host of the Real Life Ghost Stories podcast, Emma Ozenbrook.

Born in Ireland, Emma has lived in Kent for a fair old chunk of time and knows it very well, which, combined with her love for a good story, makes her a cracking ambassador for 'The Garden of England.'

If you like a spooky podcast, odds are you’ll already know her from Real Life Ghost Stories – one of our absolute favourites, and a definite inspiration for Three Ravens. Three times a week, Emma releases new episodes – two made up of Listener Stories, one which she writes on supernatural themes, events, or ideas from around the world. Those Sunday episodes have ranged in topic from local ghost stories and infamous hauntings to UFO sightings to cryptid cases, and all manner of other sinister things. And in this Local Legends chat, Emma offers a couple of uncanny examples of Kent strangeness, as only she can.

So, settle in and join us for a good ol' chinwag which ranges from theatre to Kent's rich history, through Romney Marsh and hidden seashell grottoes to the curious case of The Hythe Mothman!

It's a good one - and if you want to listen to the composition Emma mentions at the end you can find that here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hMy0T_tDPo&sttick=0

Likewise, check out the shell grotto here: https://www.mybestplace.com/en/article/shell-grotto-the-mysterious-cave-covered-with-shells

Otherwise, you can learn more about Real Life Ghost Stories here: https://www.reallifeghoststoriespodcast.com/

And Emma's theatre company here: https://www.parrot-theatre.co.uk/

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feeling under the weather? We have something to help with that as, in this week's Bonus Episode, Eleanor is uncovering the mysterious history of folk healers in England!

Part of the "Magic and Medicines" series, we start by chatting through who 'Cunning Folk' were, including quite how wide-scale their business was, as well as the time periods in which they were in their prime.

This leads us through the years of Renaissance alchemy and characters like Simon Forman and Doctor John Dee, when folk healers operated during historic crackdowns on witchcraft, prompting them to move beyond 'hedge wisdom' to become anti-witchcraft experts!

We explore how, after the Witchcraft Act of 1735, cunning folk were forced to adapt, the kinds of services they offered, how and why records of their lives and works began to be recorded during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and some of the remedies they offered for common problems.

But has the craft of being a 'cunning man' or a 'cunning woman' ever really gone away? And were many of their methods actually very helpful?

Through exploring the lives of people who gave themselves titles like, "The White Witch of Helston," "The Devil's Master" and "The Master of Witches," as well as the ways in which cunning folk have been presented in literature, we reveal some genuine mysteries - and a few examples of wonderful fakery.

Which leads us to today, and where we go, in our post-industrial world, to find help with our ills.

What has happened to all the Cunning Folk?

The answer might just surprise you...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode we're headed back to Kent, and Martin is telling a spooky story based on the life of a sinister historic Archbishop of Canterbury... 

We start off discussing St Nectan, his errant cows, and headless commute back home, after which we venture to Kent!

In addition to chatting about Dover Castle, the oldest boat in the world, and the eerie landscape of Romney Marsh, we chew over a tonne of delicious Kent foodstuffs before assembling a tasty-sounding "Dredgerman's Breakfast!"

After some folkloric chat about topics including the lost heir to the Plantagenet throne, a hidden alchemist's tower in the heart of Canterbury, and a pagan shrine buried deep in a Roman villa, plus some excerpts from this week's Local Legends interview with Kent resident and host of the Real Life Ghost Stories podcast Emma Ozenbrook, it's onto the main event: Martin's story "The Stain of Vice."

Speak to you again on Thursday for our new Magic and Medicines bonus episode all about Cunning Folk!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of Local Legends, Martin gathers round the campfire with Oxfordshire local and host of The History of England podcast, David Crowther.

Born in Loughborough over the border, David has lived in Oxfordshire for many years, giving him a perfect perspective on the county. That of someone who's familiar with it, but who sees it with a sense of perspective.

Plus, in addition to being very funny, David is inclined to take the long view, having told the story of England from the Anglo Saxon period right on through to - at present - the English Civil War, via his much-loved podcast, which has been running for a whopping 13 years!

Indeed, David is not just the creator and host of one of our favourite pods; he is a person who has championed Three Ravens since we launched.

So, what better companion could we ask for to sit around the campfire and enjoy a chat?

As such, we suggest you make a cup of tea, or pour a glass of something stronger, and join us for a conversation which ranges from being bopped on the head with pigs' bladders to mistaking Morris Men for fox hunters.

Discussions of the differences between history and literature, Geoffrey of Monmouth, Henry VIII, and the ways in which the landscape of Oxfordshire has shaped the county's history.

Not to mention how both human action and Roman horse manure have left indelible marks on England which enrich our culture.

Even if we don't fully understand how...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's bonus episode, we're exploring the history of the 17th century mass murderer and sorceress La Voisin!

Part of the "Something Wicked" series, we start by chatting through the history of poisoner rings and life in the times of Louis XIV, "the Sun King." We then discuss the rise to power of Catherine Deshayes, a penniless child fortune-teller on the streets of Paris, who married jeweler and silk merchant Antoine Monvoisin and began her ascent to the upper echelons of French society.

After chatting through some of the potions and services 'La Voisin' provided, which eventually came to include child sacrifice, with dig deeper into the darker side of her life: her many colourful associates, how her ceremonies and arcane arts left thousands dead, empowered one of the most infamous royal mistresses in all of history, and how, when it all began to unravel, hundreds of people ended up implicated, exiled, or executed.

From lesbian assassins to masters of disguise, kidnapped alchemists to poisoned clothes, it's a story so wild it didn't end when its subject was tried for witchcraft and burned at the stake, connecting to legends like that of The Man in the Iron Mask and much more besides...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode we're headed back to Oxfordshire, and Eleanor is telling a tale drawn from a ghastly 18th century true crime! 

We start off discussing St Olivia of Palermo, who was apparently resistant to boiling oil - if not axe-blows - after which we head to Oxfordshire.

In addition to chatting about Oxford's Civil War heritage, Henry VIII's favourite bathing spot at Ewelme, and the peculiar tradition of 'Christmas Princes,' we then bake ourselves some Banbury Cakes in County Dishes, and debate how practical it really is to wear bells on your toes...

After some folkloric chat about topics including oppressive ghostly clouds near Burford, the Towersey Headless Horsemen, and Martha Warman's deeply unfortunate demise, plus some excerpts from this week's Local Legends interview with Oxfordshire local and host of The History of England Podcast David Crowther, it's onto the main event: Eleanor's story "The Taste of Lightning" which is based on the infamous crimes of Mary Blandy.

Speak to you again on Thursday for our new Something Wicked bonus episode all about murderer and sorceress La Voisin - and, if you're a supporter, our Patreon Exclusive episode for June, which is all about The Folklore of Plants!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of Local Legends, Martin gathers round the campfire with Nottinghamshire local and author of the fascinating new book Historic Building Mythbusting, James Wright.

Though a long-time resident of Nottinghamshire and a genuine expert in its historic buildings and folklore, James was born in Staffordshire and has been involved with the world of archaeology for over twenty years. 

Following his graduation from the Department of Archaeology at the University of Nottingham, he qualified as a conservation stonemason and these days works mostly as a buildings archaeologist, investigating ancient places and revealing their hidden secrets.

In addition to running the Castles of Nottinghamshire Project for Nottinghamshire County Council, winning a British Archaeological Award for his work at Knole in Kent, and a Collaborative Doctoral Award with the National Trust for his work on Tattershall Castle in Lincolnshire, James has led many major projects, including at sites like the Tower of London, the Palace of Westminster, Southwark Cathedral, and King John’s Palace in Nottinghamshire.

In 2020 however he began writing the 'Mediaeval Mythbusting Blog' and that project was then picked up as a book – Historic Building Mythbusting: Uncovering Folklore, History, and Archaeology, which was published this week.

He's a fascinating chap with genuine expertise in Nottinghamshire's culture and heritage. And he's not afraid to take a pigeon to the face in the pursuit of science.

So, settle in and enjoy a ranging chat that includes a diverse array of topics, from Goose Fairs and Robin Hood to saucy carvings, Lord Byron, secret tunnels, and much more besides.

You can find out more about James, read his blog, and learn about the new book, on his website at https://triskeleheritage.triskelepublishing.com/

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's bonus episode, Eleanor talks us through the surprisingly saucy history of glove making!

Part of the "Dying Arts" series, we start by discussing where Eleanor's interest in the topic first arose, specifically in Renaissance drama, clothing and costume, before we then explore the truly ancient relationships humans have had with gloves, from Ice Age mittens to Tutankhamen's riding gloves, references to gloves in Classical texts and art, and the important positions gloves occupied in Northern European life, from medieval gauntlets to poisoned gloves, love tokens, and more.

After chatting through the processes involved in actually making a pair of gloves, much of which involves some very silly terminology, we then explore how gloves appear in literature and culture, from Beowulf to the novels of Samuel Richardson and beyond, before ending in our current era of mass produced gloves, where their purposes are still surprisingly specific - not least if you're a soldier at war in the Middle East...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode we're headed back to Nottinghamshire, and Martin is telling his take on the legend of Robin Hood!

We start off discussing St Elmo, witchfire, and his three rather unpleasant deaths, after which we head to Nottinghamshire.

In addition to chatting about Southwell Minster, Newark Castle ruins, and a pretty epic story associated with St Catherine's Well, we then chew over 'Nottinghamshire Pudding' in County Dishes, while also recounting the tangy history of Houses of Parliament Sauce.

After some folkloric chat about topics including The Fair Maid of Clifton, The Brokilow Boggan, and Nottinghamshire's own mysterious black dog, plus some excerpts from this week's Local Legends interview with archaeologist, Notts' local, and author of the new book Historic Building Mythbusting James Wright, it's onto the main event: Martin's telling of "The Many Deaths of Robin Hood."

Speak to you again on Thursday for our new Dying Arts bonus episode all about the history of Glove Making!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of Local Legends, Martin gathers round the campfire with the author of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Folk Tales Mike O'Leary.

Mike has been a professional storyteller since 1995, and across the last almost 30 years has developed a real expertise in the folklore of Hampshire.

Based in Southampton, a city which he’s studied academically, as a Geographer, Mike has led a rich life that has seen him travel, live, and work, all over the UK.

He’s written several books, including Hampshire and Isle of Wight Folk Tales, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Ghost Tales, Hampshire Folk Tales for Children, Sussex Folk Tales, and The Pilgrimage of the Piltdown Man. But his career started out in nature. Having spent his early life in Scotland and several years in Bristol, he worked as a professional gardener and spent lots of time in some of England’s wilder places, including the New Forest, which he knows particularly well. Later in life he then qualified to become a primary school teacher, while also telling stories to audiences of all ages and in a dizzying array of places, including in the sea, neck deep in the drink!

One of the special things about Mike’s storytelling style is that he likes to play tunes on his walking stick flute, a wonderful prop and instrument, but, as anyone who has read his books will tell you, his voice has wit and humour whether in person or on the page.

So settle in for an hour of chat with a storyteller who knows Hampshire's stories as well as anyone, from knights and giants to ghosts to those ever elusive white deer...

Learn more about Mike and his work here: https://www.facebook.com/MikeOLearystoryteller

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From gnomes to kobolds, dvergr to hobs, it's time to gather up our mining lamps and shed some light on the very shadowy history of goblins...

Part of the "Three Ravens Bestiary" series, we start by chatting through ways in which, across the last two centuries, we have come to think of goblins as distinct fae creatures, separate from elves, pucks, and boggarts. Yet, if we look back a little further then we soon discover that the words we use to define these creatures have not only common roots but common narrative origins.

After discussing beliefs surrounding the Ancient Egyptian dwarf god Bes and the Greco-Roman origin story for all fae creatures, which involves a deformed fire god, an infamous Classical witch cult, and an important drunken donkey ride, we move forward in time to explore how Brythonic, Norman, Anglo Saxon and Norse cultures wrote about goblins, and how different words for the same thing led to 18th and 19th century definitions that might leave us scratching our heads.

Because if a goblin can leave us 'elf shot' then is it not just an elf? And if goblins come from underground, are they not just faeries in the Celtic tradition? And if 16th century alchemists can make up new words for ancient mythical beasts, is it wrong to suggest new definitions years later that muddy the waters even further?

It's a messy topic that roves from the Icelandic Eddas to Shakespeare, The Mabinogion to witch trials, but don't be afraid of the darkness. After all, the brightest of lights cast the longest of shadows. Many of which, we regret to inform you, do look quite phallic from certain angles...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode we're headed back to Hampshire, and Eleanor is telling her take on The Wherwell Cockatrice!

We start off discussing St Melangell and her abbey filled with wild animals, after which we head to Hampshire.

In addition to chatting about the New Forest and some of the many magical and witchy goings on associated with it, plus some spooky goings on in Hampshire places like Palace House and Glasshayes House, we then discuss a very strange County Dish - the 'Hampshire Goose.' Which has nothing to do with geese at all.

After some folkloric chat about topics including the famous cunning woman Sally Leek, a very lazy fairy called Laurence, and the adventures of Sir Bevis of Hampton, plus some excerpts from this week's Local Legends interview with author of Hampshire Folk Tales Mike O'Leary, it's onto the main event: Eleanor's telling of "The Wherwell Cockatrice."

Speak to you again on Thursday for our new Three Ravens Bestiary bonus episode all about Goblins, and our Film Club episode for May where we'll be discussing The Wicker Man!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of Local Legends, Martin gathers round the campfire to chat about the folklore and character of Warwickshire and the West Midlands with storyteller and author Cath Edwards.

A member of The Society for Storytelling representing the Midlands, and author of excellent books including ‘Warwickshire Folktales’ and “West Midlands Folktales,” Cath is highly experienced storyteller and workshop leader. She has decades of experience telling stories, and developed her love of folklore as a small child. 

She worked for many years as a teacher with a focus on working with children with Special Needs, and all the while enjoyed telling stories to young people and adult audiences. Over time, this talent developed into a life as a professional storyteller, and, in addition to being co-host of Lichfield Storytellers, she travels all over the country telling tales to all sorts of audiences, from festivals to evenings of ghost stories and much more besides. 

She is also a natural born storyteller, so join us for a chat which ranges from Shakespeare and Warwickshire's shifting borders to Guy of Warwick, some truly tragic ghosts, through perilous snowy blizzards, and to Yebberton, where the men are extremely daft. At least, if you ask the people of Ilmington...

Learn more about Cath and her work here: https://www.storytellingforall.co.uk

Oh, and, the books Cath mentions are:

J. Harvey Bloom, Folk Lore, Old Customs and Superstitions of Shakespeare Land. (1929)

Roy Palmer, The Folklore of Warwickshire. (Batsford 1976)

Julia Skinner, Haunted Warwickshire: Ghost Stories. (Bradwell Books 2013)

Betty Smith, Tales of Old Warwickshire. (Countryside Books 1989)

Betty Smith, Ghosts of Warwickshire. (Countryside Books 1992) Tales of Old Stratford. (Countryside Books 1988) Warwickshire Tales of Mystery and Murder. (Countryside Books 2001) Hidden Warwickshire. (Countryside Books 1990)

Richard Holland, Warwickshire Ghost Stories. (Bradwell Books)

Eric Swift, Folktales of the East Midlands. (Nelson 1954)

Meg Elizabeth Atkins, Haunted Warwickshire. (Robert Hale 1981)

Roy Weeks, Warwickshire Countryside Reflections. (Self-Published 1978)

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clutch your lucky rabbit's foot and rub your sacred ring, for in this week's Bonus Episode Eleanor and Martin are discussing the history of amulets and charms.

Part of the "Magic and Medicines" series, they start by chatting through how we define what amulets are, chatting through some truly ancient examples, from a 40,000 year old Siberian cave bear amulet to the kinds of charms commonly found in Upper Egypt. Next they move through Ancient Greek and Roman traditions, exploring ideas of the crucifix, saints' icons and angel medallions, as well as Jewish beliefs about the golem.

Via Japanese omamori, Classical-era bullae necklaces, scarabs and caul membranes, they explore how amulets are a seemingly universal human idea, encompassing everything from lucky pennies to charm bracelets.

But which talisman should you deploy if you're feeling gassy? And which will protect your ship at sea? And if you're suffering from scrofula, which charm should you place your hopes in, after the monarch has deigned to touch you, to cure 'The King's Evil?'

The answers lie within...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode we're headed back to Warwickshire, and Martin is telling his take on the legend of Lady Godiva!

We start off chatting about St Ethelbert, and the rather severe haircut he received from King Offa of Mercia, after which we wander to Warwickshire!

In addition to discussing some parts of Warwickshire that are no longer considered part of the county, including Coventry and Birmingham, along with the likes of Warwick Castle and Stratford Upon Avon, we then debate the merits of a couple of possible County Dishes - Warwickshire Stew and the much more traditional, if possibly dangerous, Pickled Pigeon...

After some folkloric chat about topics like the mysterious Mickleton Hooter, the highwayman Bendigo Mitchell, and a one-handed Jacobean poltergeist, plus some excerpts from this week's Local Legends interview with author of Warwickshire Folk Tales Cath Edwards, it's onto the main event: Martin's take on the story of Lady Godiva's life and naked ride, "The Hand of God."

Speak to you again on Thursday for our new Magic and Medicines bonus episode all about Amulets!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of Local Legends, Martin gathers round the campfire to chat about County Durham, a writer's life, and so much more, with storyteller and author of over 40 books, including County Durham Folk Tales, Adam Bushnell.

Born and raised in County Durham, Adam knows and loves the county where he now resides - and he has perspective on it. His work regularly sees him travelling all over the world, delivering workshops in Asia, Africa, and America, as well as all over the UK. As you’ll hear, he knows so many of the stories of the place, and is always acquiring more. A story magpie, drawn to shiny things, he is a compulsive tale-teller and so friendly – the North East could hardly have a better ambassador!

As we discuss, Adam’s career has been exciting – his degree was in philosophy, and he was a primary school teacher for many years, including in several boroughs of inner city London, where a chance meeting with beloved author Michael Murpurgo steered him towards life as a writer.

His first book, Snakes’ Legs and Cows’ Eggs, was published in 2007, and since then ink has flowed from his pen like an ocean surging to get free. His new series, Kid Detectives, launched this month, and his academic books, including the Comprehension Ninja series, and the Descriptosaurus books, are beloved by teachers all across the world.

With our chat ranging from Medusa to the Lambton Worm to friendly ghosts, horrible murders, and vampires staked under childrens' playgrounds, it's a good one. So settle in for an hour of talk with a master storyteller, and if your workmates ask you to go through a haunted field to get extra beer, there's advice within about exactly what to do...

Learn more about Adam and his work here: https://www.adambushnell.co.uk

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's bonus episode, Martin talks us through the ghastly crimes of Burke and Hare - with a side serving of the history of medicine!

Part of the "Something Wicked" series, we start by chatting through the headlines of the Burke and Hare killing spree, including the Enlightenment-era craze for celebrity surgeons and 'anatomisation.' We then discuss how Scotland's fraught religious history enabled leaps forward in natural philosophy, necessitated the invention of things like 'mort safes,' and how ideas like Humorism and Sensibility had their roots in Ancient Mesopotamian and Ancient Egyptian concepts like 'Flow Theory,' curses, and exorcism.

After chatting through Ancient Greek and Roman developments in medicine, including the Hippocratic Oath, and Medieval concepts like Leechbooks, we then loop back to the popularity of "operating theatres" - places where surgeries were performed for paying customers - and how the profit motive drove demand for corpses. Ideally ones that were still warm. And why this, in turn, inspired Burke, Hare, and the surgeon Robert Knox, to make some ghastly leaps in logic, the consequences of which were still being felt well into the 20th century...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode we're headed back to County Durham, and Eleanor is telling her chilling take on The Cauld Lad of Hylton Castle!

We start off chatting about The Blessing of the Boats, Old May Day, and a quite unlikely miracle, after which we head north, to County Durham!

In addition to discussing the strange afterlife of County Durham's most famous resident, St Cuthbert, the strange powers of the Prince Bishops, and some very large cows, we talk about the local delicacy Leek Pudding in County Dishes, and duly consider our waistlines...

After some folkloric chat about topics like Durham's really mean fairies, its lumbering giants, and its mythical, rampaging boar, plus some excerpts from this week's Local Legends interview with author of Durham Folk Tales Adam Bushnell, it's onto the main event: Eleanor's rendition of "The Cold Lad." And fair warning - it's a spooky one...

Speak to you again on Thursday for our new Something Wicked bonus episode all about Burke and Hare!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of Local Legends, Martin gathers round the campfire to chat about Cornwall, Medieval music, King Arthur, and so much more, with expert storyteller and author of Cornish Folk Tales Mike O'Connor.

A prizewinning competition fiddle player and a master of the concertina, Mike is the leading researcher of Cornish instrumental music anywhere in the world. He has been working as a musician since the 1970s and as a storyteller since the 1990s. He has been awarded the OBE, is a bard of the Gorsedh of Cornwall, and received the Henwood Medal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall, too.

He regularly works with harper, viol player, and highly respected early music specialist Barbara Griggs. Together they perform a unique repertoire, the product of unprecedented scholarship that has led to the discovery of many early manuscripts and previously unconsidered sources in Cornwall.

Mike currently works at the Institute of Cornish Studies at Exeter University, has written for learned journals and popular magazines on subjects relating to folklore, and, as an advisor on traditional dances, tunes, folk songs and instruments, has worked on high profile TV and film projects, including, in recent years, Poldark, to which he contributed additional music and songs.

With tales varying from 5-minute fireside fancies to epics such as Tristan and Iseult, Imravoe, the Tales of the Holy Rood, and Loki, Mike is a master storyteller who has made many recordings and radio broadcasts.

Few people alive today have such a deep knowledge of Cornish legends and folk tales. And so we hope you enjoy our chat, which ranges from mermaids and giants to King Mark, the beauty of the Cornish landscape to the legacy of Cornwall's ancient mineral wealth, and far, far beyond.

Learn more about Mike and his work here: https://www.lyngham.co.uk/

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's bonus episode, Eleanor talks us through the history of clay and wooden pipe making.

Part of the "Dying Arts" series, we start by discussing the first recorded uses of smoking, including from Ancient Scythia and Aztec culture, and track the changes which took place from things like incense burning and Ancient Greek "Vapour Baths" through to Native American ceremonial pipes, tobacco deities, and the eventual impacts of recreational smoking on European life.

After chatting through the rise and fall of pipe smoking in particular, we then discuss various types of pipe, and the methods and materials used to make them, as well as some of the ways pipes have appeared in folk and popular culture - from Gandalf and the Hobbits honking away on 'Pipeweed' to Sherlock Holmes, as well as the strange connections between pipes and fairies, smoking tigers, and much more besides...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode, we're headed back to Cornwall, where Martin is telling his take on The Sword in the Stone!

We start off chatting about Rogationtide, the ancient festival of 'Beating the Bounds' and appeasing gods to ensure a good harvest. After which we caper to Cornwall!

In addition to discussing St Michael's Mount, a whole bunch of paleolithic monuments, and some of the dastardly doings of Aleister Crowley, we talk about Cornish Pasties in County Dishes, and, of course, nod with respect at Stagazey Pie.

After some folkloric chat about topics like the Owlman of Mawnan and Cornwall's many giants, plus some excerpts from this week's Local Legends interview with author of Cornish Folk Tales Mike O'Connor, it's onto the main event: Martin's telling of "The Once and Future King, or; The Mad Man's Dream."

Speak to you again on Thursday for our new Dying Arts bonus episode all about Clay Pipe Making!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the second episode of Local Legends, Martin gathers round the campfire to chat about Somerset and the life of a content creator with enigmatically anonymous internet personality The Faerie Folk.

In terms of what The Faerie Folk does, well, she has a folklore podcast for one, launched in the pandemic, which is aimed a bit more at younger children and families than Three Ravens. She has an extremely cheerful delivery, and, based on our experience, if you’re ever feeling down in the dumps, one of her episodes is all but guaranteed to cheer you right up.

Elsewhere, she also releases short documentaries on YouTube on a huge range of topics – from the ghosts of the London Underground to Shakespeare’s cursed bones to, appropriate for this week, an episode all about the fairy king who once ruled Glastonbury Tor. And who knows, maybe he still does. We’re not counting him out.

Where Faerie Folk is perhaps most busy though is on Instagram. And on Instagram, she posts short form videos, tonnes of photo guides to marvellous places around England, and things like Top 10s and Tops 5s to inspire people to visit and learn more about aspects of history and folklore from around the U.K.

In short, Faerie Folk is doing the work of her namesakes, sprinkling a bit of magic into the world.

During our conversation we talk about all this, Somerset, and more. We hope you enjoy!

Learn more about The Faerie Folk and her work here: https://thefaeriefolk.libsyn.com/

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Strap on your breastplate, pray to your chosen sky god, and bring your sharpest lance, for in this truly epic Bonus Episode we're going on a rip-roaring quest through the twisted history of dragons!

Part of the "Three Ravens Bestiary" series, Martin and Eleanor start by chatting through modern ideas of dragons (and Wyverns, Wyrms, and Basilisks) before leaping back in time to discuss the first dragons ever written about, Mušḫuššu and Apep, along with the tales and customs associated with them as found in the earliest cradles of human civilization.

From there, the scope of the adventure broadens, including trips to China, Japan, India, Ancient Greece and Rome, along the Silk Road, and into Norse mythology.

Nowhere is safe, be it the deepest, darkest parts of Biblical and Middle Eastern mythology or the brightest lights in French, German and English art and literature.

Yet, as they cut and thrust their way through Beowulf and The Faerie Queene, tales of Lindworms and questing knights, the works of Tolkien, Lewis Carroll, video games and much more, they wrestle with the questions that really matter.

Like, what does the mongoose have to do with the history of dragons? And what sort of length should a dragon really be? And what do dragons actually represent when we encounter them in folklore?

Try not to look the foul beasts in the eye, and ready your shield, for the time has come to tame the most infamous mythical creature of all...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode, we're headed back to Somerset, where Eleanor is telling the tale of "The Witch of Wookey Hole."

We start off chatting about of Saint Endellion's Day - including her curious life of necromancy and milk drinking - after which we saunter back to Somerset!

In addition to discussing the history of Bath, the Glastonbury Thorn, and the bizarre adventures of King Rud Hud Hudibras, we try not to 'do an Alfred The Great' and burn our Somerset Easter Cakes in County Dishes, and also chew over the delicious legacy of The Sally Lunn Bun.

After some folkloric chat about topics like the dragon Blue Ben, Stanton Drew stone circle, and a bit of local folk medicine, plus some excerpts from this week's Local Legends interview with delightful podcaster and Somerset local Faerie Folk, it's onto the main event: Eleanor's telling of "The Witch of Wookey Hole."

Speak to you again on Thursday for our new Three Ravens Bestiary bonus episode all about Dragons!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this very first episode of Local Legends, Martin gathers round the campfire to chat about Suffolk and so much more with expert storyteller and author of Suffolk Folk Tales Kirsty Hartsiotis.

A storyteller extraordinaire, described by Three Ravens hero Dr Ronald Hutton as “as good as it gets,” Kirsty is the author of several excellent books, including The Anthology of English Folk Tales, Suffolk Ghost Tales, and Ballad Tales: An Anthology of British Ballad Tales Retold. She has also been in the heritage industry for 30 years, dealing with diverse subjects including decorative and fine art, cemeteries, transport, local history and archaeology. Plus, as if these were not enough strings to her bow, she has degrees in the History of Art, Medieval Studies, and Museum Studies, writes regularly for periodicals and journals, and is the editor of the William Morris Society Journal with an expertise in the Arts & Crafts Movement.

It's a fascinating conversation, ranging from York's overflowing cemeteries to the Green Children of Woolpit, the many Shucks of East Anglia to fairies, and takes in haunted airfields, drowned cities, and much, much more. We hope you enjoy!

Learn more about Kirsty and her work here: https://www.kirstyhartsiotis.com/

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Open your chakras, cleanse your biomagnetic sheath, and charge your treasures beneath the light of the moon, for in this Bonus Episode Eleanor offers an introduction to the history of crystal magic - while Martin expresses a bit of skepticism...

Part of the "Magic and Medicines" series, they start by chatting through the earliest recorded uses of crystals in healing, worship, and for apotropaic purposes, which come to us all the way from Ancient Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt. Next they move onto discussions of Ancient Greek, Roman and Eastern systems of belief, discovering which gems and minerals were thought to offer different powers, including such diverse uses as defense in battle and immunity against hangovers!

Via a range of shimmering treasures, including the Breastplate of Aaron, the diamond throne of Siddhartha, and a whole range of other glittering carbuncles, they explore how tensions in the early Christian church rubbed against these beliefs and were polished through the Medieval and Renaissance eras into very modern-sounding ideas like "Birth Stones" and "Crystal Healing."

But when does a necklace become an amulet? Or a ring transform into a talisman? And are so-called 'New Age' concepts utterly divorced from scientific notions like computing, ultrasound scanners, and quantum mechanics?

The answers might surprise you...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the first episode of Series 4, we're headed back to Suffolk in East Anglia.

We start off with some exciting news, including about Three Ravens Live at Chichester Festival, our new Ghost Story writing competition, and the all-new Three Ravens Book Club. Then it's onto a discussion of St George's Day (23rd April) which is also both Shakespeare's birthday and the day he died! After which, we sally forth, to Suffolk!

Aside from talking about some fascinating bits of history, such as the impacts of the Normans and the Danes on Suffolk's identity, and some amazing sites and houses like the ruined Abbey of St Edmund, Leiston Abbey, and Helmingham Hall, we also introduce a new feature, County Dishes, and talk about the 11th century lunch snack, the Suffolk Kitchel!

After some folkloric chat about topics like The Wizard of Ipswich, the Devil's Stone in the churchyard of St Mary's in Bungay, and Suffolk Punches, peppered with a couple of brief excerpts from this week's Local Legends interview with author of the excellent book Suffolk Folk Tales, the amazing Kirsty Hartsiotis, it's onto the main event: Martin's telling of "The Rat Piper of Beccles!"

We're so excited to be back and are really looking forward to the weeks ahead. Speak to you again on Thursday for our new Magic and Medicines bonus episode about Crystals!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eleanor and Martin are back round the campfire for a whole new series - and Year 2 of the podcast!

In this short episode to introduce Series 4, they explain what Three Ravens is all about for new listeners, and offer a bit of a reflection on their first year. They also chat about some of the tweaks they're making to the Three Ravens formula for their second lap around England's 39 historic counties, and introduce a couple of the new things coming your way in the weeks ahead...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this very special episode of Three Ravens, Eleanor and Martin read the seven winning entries from our recent Folky Flash Fiction writing competition.

Picked from dozens of pieces sent in from all over the world, the Winners are, in no particular order, Lissa with "Worth His Salt," Helen with "The Sleepers," Libby with "The Hatching of Mammy Slack," Dominic with "The Hare's Breath," Alicia with "The Selkie's Daughter," Germaine with "Tide Father" and Sophie with "The Rowan."

Thank you so much to everyone who entered, we really hope you enjoy our readings of the stories, and well done to all seven of you!

And next week, we'll be back with Series 4! Gronk gronk!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this very special episode of Three Ravens, Eleanor and Martin read seven runner-up entries from our recent Folky Flash Fiction writing competition.

Picked from dozens of pieces sent in from all over the world, the Runners-Up are, in no particular order, Erik with "The Gloucester Ghoul", Libby with "5 College Street, York," Mervyn with "The Lord of the Forest," Viv with "Silent Sith," Michelle with "Winter’s Ghost," Estella with "The Weeping Willow" and Ian with "The Knock."

Thank you so much to everyone who entered, we really hope you enjoy our readings of the stories, and well done to all seven of the runners-up!

And next week, the winners...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our third Listener Episode, we read a whole heap of stories and a poem sent in by members of the Three Ravens community.

The stories include the tale of John of Gaunt's Coat, The Widow's Buns, plenty of fun May Day anecdotes, a new poem from Dominic, some grisly details about Sidestrand Graveyard, and more! To submit your own strange tales, anecdotes, and folky experiences to be read on future listener episodes, please email us at [email protected]!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The last in a trio of bonus compilation episodes of the Three Ravens podcast, to help plug the gap between Seasons 3 and 4.

We’ve entitled this episode Three More Witches because… well, it contains three more of our witch stories. We write quite a few, so it seems!

They include our Cumberland story, "Long Meg and her Daughters," our Essex story, "Three Knots," and our Leicestershire story, "Black Annis."

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The second in a trio of bonus compilation episodes of the Three Ravens podcast, to help plug the gap between Seasons 3 and 4.

We’ve entitled the episode Three Horrors because it contains contains three of our creepier stories, including our Devon story, "The Hairy Hands of Dartmoor," our Staffordshire story, "The Children of Cannock Chase," and our Derbyshire story, "The Boggarts of Arbor Low."

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first in a trio of bonus compilation episodes of the Three Ravens podcast, to help plug the gap between Seasons 3 and 4.

We’ve entitled the episode Three Marsh Tales because, perhaps unsurprisingly, it contains three stories set in misty, slippery, squishy bogs, including our Cambridgeshire story, "Hereward The Wake," our Huntingdonshire story, "The Lantern Men," and our Lincolnshire story, "The Tiddy Mun of Ancholme Vale."

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the Three Ravens Season 3 finale, and to conclude their first lap around England's 39 historic counties, Eleanor and Martin venture to Norfolk.

After a brief chat about St Adrian, and whether he's really St Adrian at all, they pad on silent paws deep into the heart of the history and folklore of Norfolk. They talk about sites like Grime's Graves, Norwich Cathedral, and Felbrigg Hall, and legends and heroes including Lord Dacre's ghost, John Chapman the Swaffham Pedlar, the Shrieking Pits of West Runton, and much more besides. Then it's time for the main event: Eleanor's telling of "The Legend of Black Shuck."

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this seasonal Bonus Episode, Eleanor and Martin explore the history and superstitions of Leap Day.

Starting in Ancient Rome, they discuss how shenanigans with lunar calendars, imaginary months, and Egyptian mathematics led to the creation of Leap Day. They then dig into the peculiar customs that developed around it, from St Oswald's magic limbs to healing pigs' trotters, reversals of gender roles and the tricky implications of being a 'Leapling,' plus much, much more...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode, Martin and Eleanor hurry to Hertfordshire, a county of outlaws, ghosts, and really old stuff!

After a brief chat about the pagan god Walborga and her regrettable shift into St Walburga, they proceed upstream and dabble in the history and folklore of Hertfordshire. They talk about sites like Hertford Castle, St Alban's Cathedral, and the ancient town of Ware, legends and heroes such as The Wicked Lady, Jack O'Legs, Piers Shonks, the haunted chapel ruins at Minsden, and much more besides. Then it's time for the main event: Martin's telling of "The Blind Fiddler of Anstey."

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Bonus Episode, Martin and Eleanor explore the life of the knight thought to have inspired the Bluebeard fairytale, also known as "the first serial killer."

Part of the "Something Wicked" series about folkloric true crimes, they start by discussing the state of France when Gilles de Rais was born, from the reign of 'Charles the Mad' and the Hundred Years War to the specifics of de Rais' brutal childhood. Next they explore how he ascended to and within the French court, becoming an ally of Joan of Arc, Marshal of the French Army, and then how his post-war life descended into crime, occultism, unhinged extravagance, and murder. Lots and lots of murder...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Eleanor and Martin saunter to Staffordshire, home of Wedgwood china and their first Headless Horseman!

After a brief chat about Jack O'Lent and some minor saints with silly names, they proceed on a macabre tour around the history and folklore of Staffordshire, talking about sites like Stafford Castle, Lichfield Cathedral, and Doxey Pool and legends including Jenny Greenteeth, Sauntering Ned, the Mermaid of Morridge, and much more besides. Then it's time for the main event: Eleanor's telling of "The Children of Cannock Chase."

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Bonus Episode, Eleanor and Martin explore the history of Basket and Trug Making, which may just be the oldest crafts of all.

Part of the "Dying Arts" series, they start by discussing the basics, including what a basket really is, including ancient examples from Rome and Egypt. After chatting about how basket and trug-making were crafts that managed to defy mass-scale industrialization right through until the 20th century, they venturing from Somerset's marshes to Sussex, where the modern trug was born, then rifle about amongst basket folklore, from Moses to Pearina and beyond, before speculating about whether the factories and plastic business have won, or if traditional basket-making can weave its way bank from the brink...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this seasonal Bonus Episode, Martin and Eleanor cosy up and explore the rather bonkers history of Valentine's Day.

They start in the 8th century, with the Venerable Bede and Catholic Martyrology of Jerome, neither of which refer to Valentine's Day or St Valentine. Next, they venture back in time to recount the macabre life of the 3rd century figure we now know as St Valentine before leaping forward to the 12th century and the moment after which February 14th would be forever associated with love. After that, they journey on through the Tudor court, exploring the symbolism of hearts, flowers, and roses, look at the 18th century's development of the "cryptic Valentine," the Victorian commercialization of Valentine's Day, the invention of the chocolate box, and much more besides!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, Martin and Eleanor wade through the ancient mysteries of Lincolnshire.

After a brief chat about Shrovetide and some associated lunacy, such as 'Old Football' and 'Dappy Door Night,' they clamber into their ancient boat and paddle through history and folklore of Lincolnshire.

They talk about ancient relics like the Corieltauvi Bull Rider and the Witham Shield, monuments including Lincoln Castle, Lincoln Cathedral, and Crowland Abbey, folklore surrounding the Stainfield Woodwose, the river god "Old Muddyface," a Selkie called Jenny Hurn, and much more besides. Then it's time for the main event: Martin's telling of "The Tiddy Mun of Ancholme Vale."

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Bonus Episode, Martin and Eleanor follow the trail in search of Bigfoot, uncovering a whole world of mythical wild men!

Part of the "Three Ravens Bestiary" bonus series, they start by chatting about the origins of Bigfoot, including some notable 20th century hoaxes, arriving at root of these legends: the Native American Sasquatch. Through this, they hop across to Europe, discussing cave art, the history of the Woodwose, and its even older cousins like the Silvestre, the Schrat, and the Shretelekh. Next they look east and discuss the Yeti and Australian Yowie, all before trying to draw together what we can learn about so-called "wild men" from around the world and, through them, what we can learn about ourselves...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's episode sees us Eleanor and Martin wending their way to Wiltshire, home of both Stonehenge and Avebury Ring!

After a brief chat about the ghastly life of St Agatha, they burrow deep into the monumental history and folklore of Wiltshire, from Old Sarum, Wardour Castle, and two of the most famous stone circles in all the world to the Flying Monk of Malmesbury, Urchfont's 18th century serial killer landlord, the ghost of Black Molly at Pyt House, and much more besides. Then it's time for the main event: Eleanor's telling of "A Cuckoo In Winter."

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Bonus Episode, Eleanor and Martin peer into the arcane history of scrying!

Part of the "Magic and Medicines" series, they start by chatting about our understanding of scrying in prehistoric cultures and the earliest references to mirror divination in Ancient Greece, Egypt, Persia, and Mesoamerican societies. Then it's on to Renaissance occultism, including what was gleaned from John Dee's obsidian mirror and Nostradamus' bronze bowl, Joseph Smith's use of scrying stones, St Agnes' Eve and Martinmas traditions, and much more besides...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode, Martin and Eleanor dash to Derbyshire, a county forged in earthquakes and wildfires!

After a brief chat about the pagan festival of Imbolc, they slip into the sacred hot springs of Aquae Arnemetiae to discuss the history and folklore of Derbyshire, from the Viking burial complex at Heath Wood, Peveril Castle, and the plague village of Eyam to The Devil’s Bonfires of Longdendale Valley, the peeing giant of Robin Hood's Stride, the Deep Dale Hob Cave, and much more besides. Then it's time for the main event: Martin's telling of "The Boggarts of Arbor Low."

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Bonus Episode, Martin and Eleanor conjure up the wild life story of the first witch condemned in Ireland.

Part of the "Something Wicked" series about folkloric true crimes, they set the scene by discussing the history of Kilkenny within Ireland's five historic counties, then explore how a young Flemish immigrant managed to become one of the richest women in 13th century Leinster. With a bizarre biography including several court cases, four dead husbands, and allegations of macabre magical practices, her story then collides with that of a mad bishop hell-bent on punishing anyone who fails to recognise church authority - a man who, by chance, has just graduated from the Pope's brand new course in witch hunting...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week and Martin and Eleanor hurry to Herefordshire on the border between England and Wales.

After a brief chat about St Vincent's Day, including his painful life and Raven Church, they dig a dyke to mark the borders of the history and folklore of Herefordshire - from the Black Mountain, Goodrich Castle, and Arthur’s Stone to Jack-a-Kent, the King of Cats, the Mermaid of Marden, and much more besides. Then it's time for the main event: Eleanor's telling of "The Dragon of Mordiford."

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Bonus Episode, Eleanor and Martin explore the history of Fan Making, a critically-endangered craft.

Part of the "Dying Arts" series, they start off chatting about the 3,000 year-old legacy of fans from China, Japan, and Africa, then dig into the European craze for fans, including their religious uses, their styles, hidden compartments, and secret language. After exploring the shifts the 19th century offered around fan culture, including their place in merchandising, make-up, and mass production, they also discuss how and where collections of fans might be seen today, and where to go if you want to learn how to make them using traditional methods...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode Eleanor and Martin relay to Rutland, England's smallest county.

After a chat about St Ceolwulf's Day and the Venerable Bede, they blow their hunting horns and gallop through the history and folklore of Rutland - from Oakham Castle, Great Casterton, and Rutland Water to Amelia Woodcock, the Wise Woman of Wing, the Rutland Dinosaur, the astonishing life of Lord Minimus, and much more besides. Then it's time for the main event: Martin's telling of "Four Eggs A Penny."

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Bonus Episode, Martin and Eleanor dive into the murky history of Selkies.

Part of the "Three Ravens Bestiary" bonus series, they start by talking through the modern view of these mystical half-human, half-seal sea creatures, and chat about the most popular selkie myth of recent times - one of kidnap, stolen seal skins, and forced marriage. But then they wheel back to the origins of selkies, as found in Norse sagas, the Celtic 'Lore of Places' and elsewhere, too. After a brief chat about the history of seal hunting, seal-skin products like Sporrans, and the Inuit goddess Sedna, they then explore the hidden depths behind selkie symbolism, from webbed feet and the number 7 to ideas of liminality and the surprising connections between selkies and swans in folklore...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Eleanor and Martin are off to Essex, a county where Boudica famously engaged in some impromptu remodeling...

After a chat about Plough Monday and associated silliness, they then sharpen their three Saxon daggers and rampage through the history and folklore of Essex - from the Witchfinder General Matthew Hopkins, Old King Cole, and the sacking of Colchester to the ghosts of Borley Rectory, the Saffron Walden basilisk, a whole pack of Shucks, and much more besides. Then it's time for the main event: Eleanor's telling of "Three Knots."

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Bonus Episode, Eleanor and Martin explore the history of poppets!

Part of the "Magic and Medicines" series, they chat about the many roles dolls play in magic, from Worry Dolls and Kolossoi to paleolithic carvings and ushabti, and dig into some strange corners of human history - from the Reader's Digest drive to curse Adolf Hitler to Scottish 'clay corpses', myths about Voodoo Dolls, Japanese doll burning festivals, and much more besides...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode, Martin and Eleanor head to Leicestershire, the county where Richard III died at Bosworth Field.

After a chat about New Year's Day traditions and superstitions, they leap into the history and folklore of Leicestershire - from Simon de Montfort and Melton Mowbray pork pies to Belvoir Castle, Ashby de la Zouch, and Kirby Muxloe, as well as the Humberstone, further adventures of Bel the giant, ghost suffragettes, and more besides. Then it's time for the main event: Martin's telling of "Black Annis."

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Bonus Episode, Martin and Eleanor dig into the legend of the Christmas Scarecrow, Hans Trapp.

Part of the "Something Wicked" series about folkloric true crimes, they set the scene by talking about life in the Holy Roman Empire during the 15th century. Then it's time to recount the truths and some of the likely fictions surrounding this legendary Christmas bogeyman. For example, did he really do a deal with the devil for power? How many people died when he flooded Weissenburg and its abbey? What about all the baby-eating? And why might it be wise to wear a big skirt and keep an eye on scarecrows during the festive season?

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Deck the halls and jingle your bells as Eleanor and Martin welcome you to a festive celebration of all things Christmas, Yule, and Midwinter!

Starting off deep in prehistory, they chat through the pagan origins of Midwinter celebrations as found at neolithic sites like Stonehenge, discuss Ancient Greek and Roman concepts of the end-of-year, wassailing, and Norse Yuletide traditions, plus the long history of the Holly King, Old Man Winter, and Father Christmas. Then they dig into the Christian tradition, chatting through Anglo Saxon, Tudor, and Stuart ideas of Christmas, and how the festive season was forever changed by Oliver Cromwell and the puritan protectorate, all before it enjoyed a very jolly Victorian reinvention. Then, to cap things off, Martin tells an all-new story for the season, "A Song of Oak and Holly."

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As promised, here is a spooky ghost story for Christmas care of Three Ravens.

Following in the tradition of M.R. James, E.F. Benson, and Charles Dickens, it feels only right to cosy up and listen to something scary on Christmas Eve. This year it's Martin doing the honours, with a longer story set in the English Renaissance. We follow Maline, a young maid working in a gloomy, snow-swept castle, where few things are quite as they initially appear...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In their final Advent 2023 mini-episode, Martin and Eleanor come up against a problem: partridges don't have much of a place in folklore!

They make a valiant effort, discussing how Perdix was transformed into a partridge in Ancient Greek mythology, and recount a literally apocryphal tale of John The Evangelist stroking his partridge - and they chat about pears, too, and their associations with Hera/Juno, but it's slim pickings. So, to make up for it, they revert to the alternate lyrics and tell not just 'part of a juniper tree' but the whole folktale The Juniper Tree, in all its strange glory!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In their penultimate Advent 2023 mini-episode, Eleanor and Martin talk Two Turtle Doves - which aren't white! Who knew?!

In addition to chewing over the slightly unnerving roles doves traditionally played in Candlemas and Imbolc celebrations, they dig into some dovey deities, including the Ancient Mesopotamian goddess Inanna and the Celtic god Aengus, and retell some dove-related folktales including The Ant and the Dove, The Dove, and For the Love of a Dove, coming away with some intriguing reflections about what doves are meant to symbolize...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Bonus Episode, Eleanor and Martin discuss traditional Christmas crafts.

Part of the "Dying Arts" series, they start of chatting about Midwinter, Yule Logs, and the Ashen Faggot, then discuss the history of the Christingle, old recipes for Christmas pudding, the tradition of the 'Kissing Ball' and 'Kissing Bough' as well as Christmas Trees, Advent Calendars, and Walnut Gilding. As you might expect, there are digressions along the way, but still, scissors, ribbons, and glitter at the ready. Let's get crafting!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In their tenth Advent 2023 mini-episode, Martin and Eleanor discuss French Hens, which are a genuine, actual thing!

Aside from Eleanor performing the St Crispian Day speech from Henry V (yes, the whole thing) they also chat about Bresse Gauloise chickens, Brythonic history, and England's slightly tetchy relationship with the French, along with discussing poultry-based folktales including Henny Penny and talking through Alectromancy, the Celtic goddess Brigid, and the way chickens help to ward off unwanted visitors including the Devil...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In their ninth Advent 2023 mini-episode, Eleanor and Martin are talking Four Colley Birds, and not 'Calling Birds' at all!

From 'Sing a Song of Sixpence,' which dates back to the Renaissance, to Celtic myths like The Tale of Branwen and The Three Birds of Rhiannon, they discuss how the blackbird occupies a very strange position in folklore. Not least in two really strange tales, one of which sees the Patron Saint of Europe stripping naked and jumping into a bed of stinging nettles, and another which culminates in a magical fox begging to be executed!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For their eighth Advent 2023 mini-episode, Martin and Eleanor are facing down eternity to talk Five Gold Rings!

They begin talking about the special properties of gold and the symbolism of rings from Ancient Egypt to today, including the significance of the gifts made in the story of Jesus' birth. Then, before long, they're discussing the mythical Ouroboros, the Ring of Gyges, Norse and Anglo-Saxon runic rings, and the mythical Seal of Solomon which made its wearer able to speak to animals and summon Princes of Hell to do the day job if you fancied going on holiday...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In their seventh Advent 2023 mini-episode, Eleanor and Martin are talking Six Geese A-Laying.

They start off chatting about whether geese are really just big ducks (and remain split on the matter) all before they set to honking and a-hollering about some famous examples of geese in mythology and folklore, such as The Golden Goose, The Goose That Laid The Golden Eggs. the Ugly Duckling, Icarus' doomed flight, Mother Goose, and more besides...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode, Eleanor and Martin are off to Buckinghamshire, one of England's 'Home Counties.'

With no particular Saints Days to mark they get cracking quickly and set about unearthing the history and folklore of Buckinghamshire, from the many stately homes owned by the Rothschild family and others, such as Waddesdon Manor, Mentmore Towers, and Bletchley Park, to tales of Little Witches, the Gib Lane Ghost, a rector who trapped the devil in a shoe, and much more besides! Then it's time for the main event: Eleanor's telling of a tale of friendship enduring beyond the grave, "A Promise Kept."

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In their sixth Advent 2023 mini-episode, Eleanor and Martin are talking Seven Swans A-Swimming!

They start off chatting about swans and their many associations, including in Medieval cookery, then dip their bills into some of the very many appearances of swans in myth and folklore, from the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice to The Children of Lir, Derbforgaill's love for Cú Chulainn to Leda and the Swan. Then, to finish, Martin retells The Legend of the Seven Swans, the likely inspiration for this line in The Twelve Days of Christmas song...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In their fifth Advent 2023 mini-episode, Martin and Eleanor take those udders in hand and talk Eight Maids A-Milking!

They start off discussing the Maiden archetype and concept of the Triple Goddess, then moo-ve on to talking about the Maiden's lactose-free role in some specific folktales such as Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks, and Bluebeard. Then it's time to chew the cud about the strange role milk plays in folklore and fairytales, including brief retellings of Aesop's "The Milkmaid and her Pail of Milk" and the Brothers Grimm story "Lean Liza" - all before a brief chat about leaving milk out for mythical creatures...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In their fourth Advent 2023 mini-episode, Eleanor and Martin are marching to the beat of Nine Drummers Drumming.

After a brief chat about the earliest drums yet found by archaeologists (which, to Eleanor's alarm, involved alligators...) they strike up a rhythm and discuss drumming in the animal kingdom, stone age spiritualism, and the ways drums in early societies were used to carry messages over long distances. Then they dig into the history of the "Drums of War" from the Crusades and Little Drummer Boys to The Great War and Tchaikovsky's ballet The Nutcracker. Quick march!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In their third Advent 2023 mini-episode, Martin and Eleanor add a honk to their gronk and make a ruckus with Ten Pipers Piping!

After discussing how pipes predate writing, with the earliest known example carved from a bear's thigh over 60,000 years ago, they dig into the links between shepherds, pipes, and lyric poetry, discuss the Medieval shawm and the innovations it brought to early music, and retell two ancient myths about the invention of the pipe: "The Legend of Pan and Syrinx" and "The Tale of Marsyas the Faun."

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Bonus Episode, Martin and Eleanor discuss Krampus, the demonic man-goat of Alpine legend.

Part of the "Three Ravens Bestiary" bonus series, they start by offering an overview of his place in central European Yuletide tradition, then dig into ideas including the influence of Christianity on folk customs, some other surviving Alpine traditions and festivals, and connections between Norse myth and the Krampus - along with chatting through the many curious features of this shadowy, yet mostly helpful, festive figure.

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For their second Advent 2023 mini-episode, Eleanor and Martin shake it on down with Eleven Ladies Dancing!

They start by chatting about the earliest records we have of dancing, including in prehistoric cave art and Bronze Age sculpture, then skip ahead to early folk and 'circle' dances like the branle and the farandole. After discussing the birth of ballet, care of Catherine De Medici, it's then onto a whirling discussion of storytelling dances like the ballo, as featured in some early opera, and courtly 'processional' dances as favoured by the likes of Elizabeth I, such as the galliard and the volta, as well as the subsequent explosion of dance-types as ushered in by the dawn of the Baroque era.

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For their first Advent 2023 mini-episode, Martin and Eleanor strap on their hose, gird their loins, and jump into the Yuletide fray with Twelve Lords A-Leaping!

After a chat about patronage and feudal hierarchy, they discuss the various ways a lord could 'leap' rungs of the social ladder, including through war, diplomacy, commerce, chivalry, and marriage, then shake their tail-feathers to talk about "The Dancing Plague" - a bizarre, millennium-long contagion which saw crowds of people across Europe dancing 'til they dropped - literally!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode, Martin and Eleanor head to Gloucestershire, a county which really does have it all!

After a chat about Old St Andrew's Day and the Boar's Head Feast, they clickety-clack down the Great Western Railway to explore the history and folklore of Gloucestershire - from the Wye Valley, Gloucester Cathedral, and Chedworth Roman Villa to the Brockweir Mermaids, Beast of Dean, the Witch of Berkeley, ghosts, giants, dragons, and much more besides. Then it's time for the main event: Martin's telling of "The Torbarrow Guardian."

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Bonus Episode, Eleanor and Martin dig into the ancient history and modern past of the Druids.

Part of the "Magic and Medicines" series, they chat about the Druids' interest in mistletoe, their alleged powers, practices, and unique status in Bronze and Iron Age life, leaf through the sources of this information, and hop to the 18th century when fraudster Iolo Morganwg (Edward Williams to his friends) revived interest in the Druids through mass scale fakery. But what's real and what isn't? The Ogham alphabet? Human sacrifice? The power to summon storms? Eleanor has the answers. Well, some of them, at least...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eleanor and Martin launch into Series 3 of Three Ravens with a visit to the historic county of Bedfordshire, one-time home of John Bunyan.

After a brief chat about St Barbara, St Osmund and St Clement, they slosh down the Great Ouse basin and leap into the history and folklore of Bedfordshire - from the Five Knolls barrow cemetery and Someries Castle to the ghostly nun of Chicksands Priory, a bit of devilish action at Marston Moretaine, some rascally highwaymen, and much more besides. Then it's time for the main event: Eleanor's telling of "The Bottled Curse."

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Martin and Eleanor start Series 3 by looking both forward and backwards.

In addition to chatting about some things they learned during Series 2, they chat about what's new for Three Ravens, what's worked, and some of what they're planning for the weeks ahead, mentioning some of the counties they will be exploring over the next 13 episodes and some of the stories they are excited to tell...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our second Listener Episode, we read seven stories and a poem sent in by members of the Three Ravens community.

The stories include methods of protection from "The Evil Eye" and the doings of a mysterious 1,500 year-old midwife from Robert, tales of Irish werewolves from Sabrina, an account from Sam of her family's visit to the Rollright Stones, Kathryn's story of "The Nutshell Cat" from Bury St Edmunds, some Ouija and Tarot discussion care of Andrew, two fantastic tales from Sophie, including "Twice Buried Margorie McCall" and "The Headless Ghost of Henry Cuppage," and word from Andy about "The Belvoir Witches" as well as a poem about Leicestershire legend Black Annis.

To send us your own folktales to be read on future listener episodes, please email us at [email protected], and we'll be back next week for the launch of Series 3!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The last in a trio of bonus compilation episodes of the Three Ravens podcast, to plug the gap before Season 3 starts in December.

We’ve entitled this episode Three Kisses because it contains three of our more romantic tales, including our Surrey story, "The Tale of Blanche Heriot," our Northumberland story, "The Fish and the Ring," and our Worcestershire story, "The Legend of the Swan."

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The second of a trio of bonus compilation episodes of the Three Ravens podcast, to plug the gap before Season 3 starts in December.

We’ve entitled this episode Three Hauntings because it contains three of our ghost stories, including our Hampshire story, "The Netley Abbey Phantoms," our Dorset story, "William Doggett the Vampire Ghost," and our Northamptonshire story, "The Hexham Heads."

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first of a trio of bonus compilation episodes of the Three Ravens podcast, to plug the gap before Season 3 starts in December.

We’ve entitled this episode Three Mermaids because it contains three of our tales of semi-aquatic transformation and so-called monstrosity, including our Cornwall story, "The Mermaid of Zennor," our Suffolk story, "The Wild Man of Orford," and our Cheshire story, "The Mermaid of Rostherne Mere."

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To cap off Haunting Season, Eleanor and Martin reach back through time to explore the ancient roots of Samhain, Halloween, and Allhallows.

From Celtic megalithic tombs like Newgrange and the remnants of pagan rites discovered by archaeologists to widespread European traditions of guising, souling, 'need-fires', divination, demons and deities, they chat about everything from the early seasonal guidance of Hywel Dda and decrees for seasonal worship passed down by the Roman senate, to Pope Gregory III's edicts about All Saints and All Souls, and much more besides - all before they tell their take on the old legend, "The Tale of Jack O' Lantern."

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is that just a shadow in the corner or is there something waiting in the dark? With the moon full and the stars out, it's hard to tell... either way, it's Haunting Season, so time to feel afraid!

For their final weekly double-bill of original ghost stories this year, Eleanor and Martin tell The Five Minute Call, a theatrical tale of backstage haunting, and The Rotten House, a chronicle of loneliness, poverty, and seeping dread, all before a brief chat about their inspirations at the end.

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Haunting Season Bonus Episode, Martin and Eleanor chat about the life and crimes of Ronald O'Bryan, a.k.a. 'The Candy Man.'

Part of the "Something Wicked" series about folkloric true crimes, they chew over the Satanic Panic, ideas of Halloween Sadism, the 'Mad Poisoner' trope and its roots in the Industrial Revolution, Urban Legends around food contamination and more, while also digging into the life, crimes, and media storm which surrounded O'Bryan himself, a wildly incompetent optician and murderer whose grisly acts on a rainy Halloween night saw him christened both 'The Candy Man' and 'The Man Who Killed Halloween.'

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

These are nights of long shadows, where hollowed pumpkins watch with empty mouths and scarecrows stand lonely in the mist: it's Haunting Season, and time to feel afraid!

For their third weekly double-bill of original ghost stories, Eleanor and Martin tell The Audience, a creeping chronicle of political horror, and The Coal Hole, a tale of fear real or imagined, told through a child's eyes, all before a brief chat about their inspirations at the end.

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Bonus Episode, Eleanor and Martin explore the dying art of corn dolly making.

Part of the "Dying Arts" series, they discuss the link between European beliefs around 'Harvest Maidens,' 'Corn Spirits,' and elaborately fashioned 'corn tokens,' including English regional variants such as the Worcester Crown and the Yorkshire Spiral, then dig into traditions recorded by James Frazer in his book The Golden Bough as well as techniques, methodology, and recent famous examples of Corn Dollies, such as the stunning straw work figures exhibited by Fred Mizen at The Festival of Britain.

Learn more about The Three Ravens Podcast at www.threeravenspodcast.com and join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The evenings are getting darker, and there's a spine-chilling tingle in the air, which can only mean one thing: it's Haunting Season!

For their second weekly double-bill of original ghost stories, Martin and Eleanor step outside their comfort zones and tell Right Then, My Love, a twisted tale of old-aged terror, and The Blackberry Pickers, a Gothic romance where the sweetest fruit ferments into horror, all before a brief chat about their inspirations at the end.

Learn more about The Three Ravens Podcast at www.threeravenspodcast.com and join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast.

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In this Haunting Season Bonus Episode, Martin and Eleanor explore the arcane history of demons.

Part of the "Three Ravens Bestiary" bonus series, they move through Ancient Greek and Roman concepts of the demonic, discussing primal forces such as Nemesis, Eros and Phobos, then reach back further, to Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, and demons such as Ammit, The Devourer of Corpses, Memy, a flint-knife wielding giraffe, and Pazazu, King of the South Wind. Then they leap ahead into the wild world of post-Abrahamic demons, from Lucifer and Satan to Asmodeus, the Dybbuk, the Mazzikin, Se'irim, and more...

Learn more about The Three Ravens Podcast at www.threeravenspodcast.com and join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast.

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Grab yourself a mug of something warm, or maybe a glass of something stronger, wrap yourself in a blanket, close the curtains, and light some candles: it's Three Ravens Haunting Season and time to get spooky!

For their first weekly double-bill of original ghost stories, Eleanor and Martin tell two 20th century tales, The Rosemary Branch, about a chilling encounter on a steam train, and Tomfoolery, an unsettling story of childhood pranks gone wrong, all before a brief chat about their inspirations at the end.

Learn more about The Three Ravens Podcast at www.threeravenspodcast.com and join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast.

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In this Bonus Episode, Eleanor and Martin start their month-long 'Haunting Season' with a discussion of the history of Ouija.

Part of the "Magic and Medicines" series, they chat about the first recorded Spirit Boards from 12th century China, then dig into their next appearance: as the Ouija Board, which named itself, along with the Spiritualist Movement, the life and grisly death of William Fuld, the 'Father of Ouija,' and how perceptions of Ouija changed from that of a family parlour game into something far more sinister...

Learn more about The Three Ravens Podcast at www.threeravenspodcast.com and join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast.

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For the Three Ravens Series 2 finale, Martin and Eleanor yomp to Yorkshire, England's largest county, releasing an appropriately-sized bumper episode!

After looking ahead to Haunting Season, and discussing Old Man Day and the rather grisly tradition of Goose Riding, they load up the steam engine and traverse the history and folklore of Yorkshire - from the ancient city of York and beautiful places like Whitby and Mother Shipton's Cave to tales of feuding giants, cantankerous kelpies, very smelly werewolves, and much more besides. Then it's time for the main event: Martin's telling of "The Discovery of Supposed Witchcraft."

Learn more about The Three Ravens Podcast at www.threeravenspodcast.com and join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast.

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In this Bonus Episode, Martin and Eleanor discuss a ghostly murder that took the Victorian world by storm.

Part of the "Something Wicked" series, they chat about the life of William Corder and his lover, Maria Marten, whose ghost returned after she was killed to help solve the crime. With a case that travels from Suffolk to London and involves a book bound in human skin, a haunted skull, an electrocuted cadaver, and mobs of people stripping the murder site and grave of the deceased for mementos, join us for a chat about this salacious murder solved by the spectre of the victim, which also birthed the most successful play of the mid-19th century...

Learn more about The Three Ravens Podcast at www.threeravenspodcast.com and join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast.

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On this week's episode, Eleanor and Martin venture to Cheshire, a county rich with ancient mysteries.

After discussing Old Holy Rood Day and St Helena, they dabble in the River Dee and then dive into the history and folklore of Cheshire - from the Lindow Man and Maiden Castle to the Dragon of Moston, the many mysteries of Alderley Edge, the ghost duck of Tushingham's Blue Bell Inn, and much more besides. Then it's time for the main event: Eleanor's telling of "The Mermaid of Rostherne Mere."

Learn more about The Three Ravens Podcast at www.threeravenspodcast.com and join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast.

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In this Bonus Episode, Eleanor and Martin talk about the dying art of marionette-making.

Part of the "Dying Arts" series, they discuss puppetry in general, including the history of the tradition across different cultures, then dig into the specific methods used by marionette-makers and marionettists - art forms which were once ubiquitous across Europe and Great Britain, but which are now only really extant in England at five specialist theatres...

Learn more about The Three Ravens Podcast at www.threeravenspodcast.com and join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast.

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