“For every branch that falls from this old oak, a member of your family shall die.”
Category: Folklore
The Major Oak – Britain’s Greatest Living Legend
The Major Oak in Sherwood Forest has captivated hearts for centuries, intertwining history and folklore. As it nears the end of its life, the deep connection people feel for this ancient tree reflects not just its grandeur but also the profound role it has played in our collective imagination. Saying goodbye feels like parting with an old friend.
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The Tale of the Hartlepool Monkey.
The tale of the Hartlepool Monkey is a bizarre legend from the Napoleonic Wars. It tells how the people of Hartlepool supposedly captured, tried, and hanged a monkey, believing it to be a French spy. Whether fact or folklore, the story has become a source of local pride, inspiring everything from football mascots to a mayoral election victory.
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Thursday Throwback – The Highgate Vampire – An Exercise In Deception?
Another classic from the Mysterious Times mahoosive vault 🧛♂️
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When the Final Whistle Never Blows
The Ghosts of Britain’s Football Grounds.
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Lord Flame and the Last Jester
There are some people who slip quietly into history. Others kick the door down, throw glitter into the air and refuse to leave.
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Did Harry Meet Sally?
My Grandad Harry was a great storyteller. Yet amongst the lions, crocodiles and other improbable adventures was a story that always intrigued me. Harry swore that, when he was a boy, there was a woman in Attercliffe who owned a cat with wings…
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Stocksbridge Bypass Revisited
Some stories refuse to stay buried…
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The Headless Horseman of the Staffordshire Moorlands.
“Count the heads before you climb aboard…”
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Steel & Spirits – The Forgotten Folklore of Yorkshire’s Furnaces
The steel industry shaped towns, communities and families. Yet, alongside the engineering, economics and industry there existed something else. Stories.
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The Dragon of South Yorkshire – Hero, Hoax or Hidden History?
Iron scales, fiery eyes and a vulnerable spot beneath its tail. The Wantley Wyrm is one of Yorkshire’s greatest dragon legends, but was it ever meant to be taken seriously?
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Farewell to the Major Oak – The Passing of England’s Greatest Folkloric Witness
The Major Oak of Sherwood Forest has stood for perhaps a thousand years, becoming one of Britain’s most beloved folkloric landmarks. With news that the ancient giant has finally died, we reflect on the life, legacy and enduring mythology of England’s greatest folkloric witness. 🌳💚
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The Audience of The Dead – Kirst D’Raven
In a stormy Buxton, a folklorist encounters an elderly gentleman who recounts the tragic tale of John Kane, a celebrated comedian who died from accidental poisoning after a performance in 1799. Kane’s grave faces the audience in St Anne’s Churchyard, symbolizing his enduring legacy amidst local folklore and memory.
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The Murder of the Scottish Pedlar
A murdered Scottish pedlar, a hidden cave, a haunted inn and a mystery that has endured for more than two centuries. We investigate the dark legend of Stoney Middleton’s Moon Inn and the ghost said to walk the dale to this day…
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Hexing the Bomb
The Witches of Greenham Common and Britain’s Most Magical Protest
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House Brownies – Guardians of the Hearth and Home
House brownies, magical creatures from British and Scottish folklore, quietly help with household tasks in exchange for food offerings. Their appearance is rugged, and they prefer working unseen. To maintain a positive relationship, offer food, show respect, and avoid causing offense. Various authors and cultural tales feature these beings. By following specific practices, a harmonious connection with them can be fostered.
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The M.T. Almanac – June 2026
Ghosts, UFOs, Cryptids, Crop Circles and Curious Things…
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Fata Morgana.
The world is filled with optical illusions that captivate the human eye and mind, and among them, the Fata Morgana phenomenon stands as one of the most mesmerizing. From ghostly ships on the horizon to cities in the sky, Fata Morgana has fueled myths, legends, and illusions across diverse cultures.
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Goats, Ghosts, and UFOs: High Strangeness in Llandudno
Llandudno, a picturesque seaside town in North Wales, is known for its Victorian architecture and inexplicable phenomena. From goat invasions to UFO sightings and ghostly apparitions, its blend of natural beauty and mysterious events captivates residents and visitors. The town’s historical richness and scenic location make it a fertile ground for legends and unexplained phenomena.
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Sacred Paws and Second Chances
Cats have held a profound influence on human culture throughout history, symbolizing mystery, magic, and independence. Revered as divine protectors and associated with both good and evil forces, they have inspired rich mythology and superstitions worldwide. From ancient Egypt to medieval Europe and Japanese folklore, cats continue to captivate and mystify.
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Tsuchinoko
In Japan, the tsuchinoko is a snake potentially three cocktails deep, slithering through folklore while dodging actual proof of existence.
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Bank Holiday Mondays – Modern Folklore in the Making.
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Thresholds
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