Fran Doel – författare

Folklore of Northumbria is a comprehensive survey, drawing on a wide range of printed, manuscript and oral material and it places the folklore of Northumbria in its historical, cultural, religious and social context. It is richly illustrated and covers a wide range of subjects including; witchcraft, dragon lore, seasonal customs, ghosts, legends and mythology.

Kentish folklore reflects the curious geography and administrative history of Kent, with its extensive coastline and strong regional differences, which are reflected in distinctive cultural traditions. Bounded by sea on three sides, Kent has the longest coastline of any English county and was the base for much maritime activity, giving rise to communities rich in sea-lore.Fran and Geoff Doel explore the folklore, legends, customs and songs of Kent and the causative factors behind them. From saints to smugglers, hop-pickers to hoodeners, mummers to May garlands and wife sales to witchcraft, this book charts the traditional culture of a populous and culturally significant southern county.

This absorbing collection of Sussex carols and customs, seasonal recipes and literary tales, plays and pastimes, re-examines the rich heritage of Christmas past from around the county. Stories range from the Anglo-Saxon era to the Second World War, encompassing urban and rural Sussex, and featuring secular and religious celebrations of rich and poor, which is sure to enthrall both long-time residents and newcomers alike.From tales of Brighton Pavilion under snow and old festive recipes to well-known seasonal songs, such as Good King Wenceslas and the traditional Sussex wassail, A Sussex Christmas provides the reader with a seasonal anthology of the county and will be a treat for all.

An examination of the evidence for the historical Arthur and of the creation of the hero of medieval romances, through the early Welsh sources and the French Romances to Thomas Malory and the Tudor myth. The contribution of Tennyson and the pre-Raphaelites and the connection with Tintagel and Glastonbury are also explored.