The Curious Death of Henry I
How Clement Vallandigham became history’s unluckiest defence lawyer
The UK has a history of big cat sightings, including the “Beast of Bodmin” in the late 1700s, the “Essex Lion” in 1905, and the “Fen Tiger” in the 1980s. These reports have sparked speculation about the presence of exotic felines in the British countryside, with sightings continuing into the 2020s.
Beauty, style, a little fire… What can possibly go wrong?
Sometimes the facts are stranger than fiction…
Scarecrows used to be harmless protectors of crops, but now they creep us out and star in horror stories. Still, towns celebrate them in festivals, showing their quirky charm and creativity.
Screaming Beach, or Trevaunance Cove, is a stunning yet eerie coastal region in Cornwall, England, known for its haunting legends and tragic maritime history. Its tales include the “Screaming Sailor,” ghostly apparitions, and mysterious occurrences related to shipwrecks. Visitors are drawn by both its natural beauty and supernatural intrigue, evoking a blend of fascination and skepticism.
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Celebrating the Festival of Archaeology 2026
“For every branch that falls from this old oak, a member of your family shall die.”
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.
Sometimes there is no motive. No reason. Just the mundane made monstrous.
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.
There are places in Britain where the past never truly leaves. Old churches. Quiet stations. Lonely roads across the moors. And, sometimes… football grounds…
Some stories refuse to stay buried…
William Boyd Dawkins, a 19th-century Welsh scientist, transformed our understanding of prehistoric Britain by excavating caves and uncovering Ice Age creatures’ remains. A pioneering geologist and paleontologist, he contributed significantly to archaeology and challenged conventional beliefs. His legacy endures in the landscapes he explored, holding stories of lost worlds awaiting rediscovery.
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.
So, why doesn’t Buxton have a stone circle when there’s so much prehistoric activity nearby? The area’s rich with ancient sites like Arbor Low and burial mounds, but modern development may have buried any potential sites. Maybe the real focus was the town’s thermal springs instead. Who knows what’s still hidden?
Drumming could never be considered a rarity – there have been many percussionists throughout the world and down through the ages, some distinctly more talented […]
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.
Have fun and enjoy the spirit of Cinco de Mayo while honouring Mexican heritage and culture – ¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!
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