Illustrated Tales of ... – serie

The historical county of Suffolk has a host of strange and mysterious tales ranging from ancient legends and stories of the supernatural to more modern documented cases. These strange and spooky stories include the Green Children of Woolpit, where a boy and girl with green-tinged skin, neither of whom could speak English, were discovered in a wolf pit in central Suffolk in the twelfth century, and the Wild Man of Orford who was a ʻmermanʼ captured off the Suffolk coast. The famous Black Dog of Bungay was a giant supernatural hound said to have killed parishioners in Bungay church during a thunderstorm in the sixteenth century, before killing again at Blythburgh church.Many tales have been told of the ninth-century King Edmund of East Anglia, who gave his name to Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk. Another royal connection is the casket said to contain Anne Boleynʼs heart that was found during the nineteenth century at Erwarton church. Other old tales include the Kessingland Sea Serpent – Suffolkʼs answer to ʻNessieʼ; the Beccles Rat-catcher Pipers, a story which has similarities with the Pied Piper of Hamelin myth; the lost city of Dunwich, sometimes called ʻBritainʼs Atlantisʼ; Suffolk witchcraft; and tales of hauntings and other supernatural activity. More recent stories include the 1980 Rendlesham Forest UFO incident dubbed ʻBritainʼs Roswellʼ.These strange and spooky stories are accompanied by the authorʼs photographs of places featured in the text, both present-day and historical, in this hugely entertaining book.

Staffordshire is renowned for its impressive industrial heritage and as one of the counties that drove the Industrial Revolution. In this book Helen Harwood looks at another aspect of the countyʼs history: its rich folklore, which is all too often overlooked by the standard histories and guides. Here are the myths, legends, superstitions and customs that are an intrinsic part of Staffordshireʼs character and cultural heritage. Among the items featured are the annual tradition of the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance, the legend of the Burslem witch and some of the lesser-known customs such as the Boy Bishop and the Mock Mayor. Readers are also taken to some curious and mystical locations, which provided the setting for some unusual tales and bizarre events. In recognition of the countyʼs industrial heritage the author highlights the old customs linked to pottery and mining. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book reveals some strange and surprising aspects of Staffordshireʼs history that will both enlighten and entertain readers.

Warwickshire, often known as Shakespeare’s County, has a host of strange and mysterious tales ranging from ancient legends and stories of the supernatural to more modern documented cases. Curious beliefs and customs were once widespread in Warwickshire’s towns and villages, some of which still flourish today.These strange and spooky stories include the quirky death of the Roundhead commander who owned Warwick Castle, the association of the great author J. R. R. Tolkien with the town, and the story of the hand of glory obtained at Warwick hangings. The historic buildings of Stratford-upon-Avon have witnessed many strange events over the centuries and more recently the Crackley Wood sprite has been sighted at Kenilworth. Other stories include the Wroth Silver at Knightlow Cross, an 800-year‑old violent ball game played annually at Atherstone on Shrove Tuesday, and the unresolved mystery of the 1945 murder at Lower Quinton associated with witchcraft, along with other strange tales from the surrounding towns and villages. These stories are accompanied by the author’s photographs in this hugely entertaining book.

Wiltshire’s very landscape is steeped in folklore and mythology, with almost every hill, standing stone and barrow having its own stories and legends. With so much of this history still visible on the land it is no wonder that the county has more than its fair share of mysterious happenings and strange tales from ancient times to the modern day. This book will explore a multitude of these tales, from how locals earned nicknames such as Moonrakers, Dabchicks, Snuffy, Gudgeons and Knobs, to tales of buried treasure and origin myths of the county’s stone circles. It will look at the folklore around sites such as Oliver’s Castle, Hackpen Hill, Old Sarum, Collingbourne Wood and, not least, Stonehenge and Avebury. Folk tales have developed around the county’s personalities, such as the ‘flying’ monk of Malmesbury, the Devizes Wizard, the Seend Giant and the wonderful oddities of Jack Spratt’s amazing clocks at Wootton Rivers. Other unusual aspects of Wiltshire’s history and traditional customs that have entered into local legend include Thomas Lambert (who died before he was born), the election song at Salisbury, the annual fairs on Cley Hill and Cow Down and the healing waters of Purton. Some stories are founded in historical fact, such as the sudden death of a woman in Devizes Market, the reason why Bristol’s cross now stands in Wiltshire, the discovery of somewhat ‘mysterious’ mud springs at Royal Wootton Bassett and Salisbury’s memorial to a woman killed by a tiger. Modern mysteries also form part of the county’s folklore including the rumours surrounding Rudloe Manor, the alleged Boscombe Down spy plane, the dart embedded in the tower of Calne’s church, the tunnels at Corsham and the monolith that suddenly appeared on Laverstock Down in 2021.

The Bailiwick of Guernsey is a cluster of small islands in the English Channel, the largest of which are Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm. With a history going right back to prehistoric times, Guernsey and its neighbouring islands are rich in folklore, legends and customs. Small island communities, by their very nature, tend to have a distinct heritage based on storytelling and these tales are passed down from generation to generation. The tales often originate from the truth, even if they are altered so much over the centuries that they end up as fairy stories, so the folklore of Guernsey reveals its history. It is also the foundation of what makes the people and culture of the islands distinct through their customs and their superstitions. What local people may take for granted as ʻthe normʼ, may seem absolutely fascinating or bewildering to a visitor.In this book local author Soo Wellfair explores the folklore and legends of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, as well as some of the things that could be considered ʻquintessentially Guernseyʼ. These strange and fascinating stories are accompanied by illustrations of places featured in the text, both present-day and historical, in this hugely entertaining book.

Devon’s landscape and history is steeped in its folklore and legends. In Illustrated Tales of Devon, author John Husband explores a multitude of mysterious happenings and strange tales from ancient times to the modern day. The book looks at the legends surrounding Dartmoor’s pixies, sightings of the Devil, hairy hands menacing drivers, the true Uncle Tom Cobley at Widecombe Fair, a murderous monk and a postman poet, one of the first air accidents, an inn designed as a pack of cards built by a gambler and a housing estate and pleasure gardens built on the proceeds of a cough syrup… and much more. These strange and remarkable stories are accompanied by the author’s photographs of places featured in the text in this hugely entertaining book.

The ancient county of Gloucestershire is steeped in folklore and unique traditions. Its landscapes encompass the Cotswold uplands which became wealthy in the Middle Ages through the wool trade, the Forest of Dean and its mining history and the River Severn with its valley flatlands. Alongside stories of dragons, ghosts, witches, saints and sinners, flood, fire and hidden treasure are old customs handed down through the ages. Here one will find the Witch of Berkeley, Tom Long, the highwayman, the Deerhurst Dragon, mummers and morris dancers and cheese throwing amongst many other tales and traditions. Illustrated Tales of Gloucestershire will explore Gloucestershire’s hidden history where legend, folklore and reality are intertwined in a compelling story of the county's often magical past and present-day traditions.These strange and spooky stories are accompanied by illustrations of places featured in the text, both present-day and historical, in this hugely entertaining book.

One of the largest and most populous counties in England, Hampshire has been continuously settled for around 14,000 years. As a result, the area is steeped in history and folklore. Illustrated Tales of Hampshire delves deep into the unsolved mysteries, mythology, strange stories and folklore of this ancient English county. It examines local traditions, folk medicine, and supernatural beings such as the Mermaid of Nately Scures, the Highclere Grampus, as well as the several giants said to have once inhabited the county, and the time Spring-heeled Jack terrorised Aldershot. There are unusual stories surrounding local personalities, such as the Nazi saboteur Dorothy O’Grady, the séances of Helen Duncan (the last person to be convicted of witchcraft), Dame Alice Lisle (the last person to be publicly beheaded), and the 1415 Southampton Plot conspirators. Notable tales of haunting and spectral apparitions abound, including the Duc de Stacpoole at Glasshayes House, the phantom monk of Netley Abbey, and the menagerie of ghostly beings at Beaulieu, and legends surround many of the local landscape features, such as the Gospel Oak, Bentworth Thorn and the many prehistoric hill forts, mounds and barrows.These strange and spooky stories are accompanied by illustrations of places featured in the text, both present-day and historical, in this hugely entertaining book.

Jersey’s landscape and history are steeped in its folklore and legends. In Illustrated Tales of Jersey, local author Paul Darroch explores a multitude of mysterious myths and strange tales from centuries past. The book reveals the legends of the dragon that tormented Jersey, the giant storm hound that preyed on Bouley Bay, and the long-lost bridge across the water to France.The tales span the Island, from Geoffrey’s Leap in the east to the manor of La Brecquette in the west, which was swept away by the waves and became Jersey’s very own Atlantis. We witness the martyrdom of Saint Helier and the day that de Carteret’s horse made its impossible leap across the void.True tales from Victorian times include the heartbreaking tragedy of the SS Stella, and the curious reign of Philippe Pinel, the Hermit King.These strange and remarkable stories are accompanied by the author’s photographs of places featured, making for a hugely engaging and entertaining read.

Buckinghamshire is an old county, established by the Anglo-Saxons. It has played its part in Britain's ever-changing history but there is another side to this seemingly peaceful shire: a magical heritage of myths, folklore, superstition, and extraordinary people and events. In Illustrated Tales of Buckinghamshire, writer and historian Eddie Brazil goes in search of the county's dark, misty past and discovers prehistoric roads, forgotten earthworks, Iron Age hill-forts, deserted villages, ancient churches, haunted houses, dastardly murders, peculiar people and satanic rituals. Here one will find the Dinton Hermit, the mad hatter, the real Ebenezer Scrooge, the Stab Monks of Chalvey and the truly incredible story of the Dunsmore doomed daredevil, amongst others. Illustrated Tales of Buckinghamshire will take the reader on a journey back through Buckinghamshire’s hidden history where legend, folklore and reality are intertwined in a compelling story of the county's magical past.These strange and spooky stories are accompanied by illustrations of places featured in the text, both present-day and historical, in this hugely entertaining book.

From its remote North Pennine uplands and the historic cathedral city of Durham to the more populous areas in the east, nearer to its North Sea coast, where towns like Sunderland, Hartlepool and Darlington grew massively in the Industrial Revolution, the historic county of Durham has a myriad of folk tales to tell. These stories include dragons and wyrms, fairies and brownies, and ghosts and apparitions, as well as legendary figures from the mists of time and mythical beasts. Here one will find the Middridge Fairies, the Bishop Auckland Boar, the Lambton Worm, the Witch of Washington and the Grey Lady of Durham Castle, among many others.Illustrated Tales of County Durham will take the reader on a journey back through Durham’s hidden history where legend, folklore and reality are intertwined in a compelling story of the county’s magical past. These strange and spooky stories are accompanied by illustrations of places featured in the text, both present day and historical, in this hugely entertaining book.

Formed primarily from the historic counties of Cumberland and Westmorland, Cumbria is home to the glorious natural landscapes of the world-renowned Lake District and Hadrian’s Wall, together with the city of Carlisle and other historic towns, ancient stone circles and many more striking landmarks. The area’s history dates back more than 5000 years and with such a rich and varied past, Cumbria’s culture is steeped in an extraordinary range of myths, legends and curious real-life stories. The mysterious Dark Ages figure of King Arthur is just one of many fascinating characters associated with the county, as is Adam Bell, an audacious forest-dwelling outlaw comparable to Robin Hood. There are many more remarkable tales and characters besides including the eighteenth-century recluse Jane Roger and the villainous ‘Wicked Jimmy’, one-time resident of Lowther Castle, whose nickname became a byword for political corruption in the early nineteenth century.This hugely entertaining book is packed full of surprising, strange and spooky stories about Cumbria, accompanied by a fascinating selection of both present-day and historical illustrations of places featured in the text.

The old county of Sussex is one of the most beautiful in England, but beneath its rural idyll lies a history that is surprising and often shocking.Local author and historian Christopher Horlock brings us some of the county's strange and mythical tales, bringing together a whole range of places, events and people that are seldom mentioned in standard histories or guides. Interesting remains, strange happenings, hoaxes, witchcraft and unusual memorials are featured, along with some new reminiscences on smuggling. Several little-known hill figures are featured, plus some famous individuals not usually associated with Sussex, including Guy Fawkes, Vincent van Gogh and John F. Kennedy. It’s an unusual mix of the curious, the quaint and the mysterious, where even those who know Sussex well will find something new and surprising.

The historic county of Norfolk has more than its fair share of strange tales. From ancient legends, through stories of the supernatural to more modern documented cases, there is much to tell. In Illustrated Tales of Norfolk, John Ling brings together all kinds of stories from around the county including spooky and ghostly tales, folklore, witchcraft, smuggling, mysterious murders and much besides.From the legend of the giant supernatural dog known locally as Black Shuck, which helped provide inspiration for The Hound of the Baskervilles, to the peculiar case of the former vicar of Stiffkey who after being defrocked was killed in a lion’s cage, Norfolk has a wealth of fascinating and sometimes disturbing stories. This book also seeks out a number of other unusual local characters such as the 7-foot- 8-inch-tall Norfolk Giant and the nineteenth-century circus owner who was immortalised in a Beatles song.

Author and historian David Paul brings us a selection of strange and mythical tales from across Yorkshire, from the Wolds, Dales and Moors to its lesser-known rural landscape, from the coast to its towns, villages and cities, including a whole range of places, events and people that are seldom mentioned in standard histories or guides. Interesting remains, strange happenings, hoaxes, witchcraft and incredible legends are all featured in Illustrated Tales of Yorkshire. Included is an unusual mix of the curious, the quaint and the mysterious, where even those who know this northern county well will find something new and surprising.

In Illustrated Tales of Shropshire author and historian David Paul brings us a selection of the county’s strange and mythical tales, from its hills and lakes and rural landscapes to its ancient and more modern towns, villages and cities. These strange and spooky stories are accompanied by the author’s photographs, both present-day and historical. This entertaining book will appeal to all with an interest in this West Midlands county.

A red and white dragon fighting tooth and claw in the moonlit sky; mischievous fairy folk luring unwary travellers deep into their underground lairs; a kind-hearted mermaid saving the lives of those in peril on the high seas; and a charmed boy who transforms into an otter and a bird to outrun a wicked witch.In Illustrated Tales of Wales, author Mark Rees explores the fantastical myths, legends and folk stories of Wales which have long fired the imagination of young and old alike. From the medieval tales of the Mabinogion to those rooted firmly in Arthurian mythology, they range from the quirky to the macabre and tell of heroic pets, strange superstitions, devious devils and restless spirits.Wales is home to mighty giants which live on the highest mountains and battle to the death with King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. It has a patron saint of hares, who created a safe haven for humans and animals alike, and a patron saint of love, whose idyllic island became a place of pilgrimage. It has a water horse which has been known to give those who mount it the ride of their lives, and the unforgettable Mari Lwyd, one of the world’s more unusual Christmastime traditions in which an eerie horse-skulled visitor goes door-to-door in the dead of night.Illustrated Tales of Wales offers an engaging and different look at Wales, with this alternative tour through the country’s peculiar past.

Essex is a place where you learn to expect the unexpected. If you know where to look, thereʼs history and mystery at every turn, and this book is here to help you find it all. It brings you stories of strange places with weird names, mystery buildings that make no sense until you know their history, bizarre legends, forgotten facts, lost villages, unknown islands, spirits and ghosts, witches and smugglers.Who knows, for example, the part played by Essex in the colonisation of America? Or that a town in Essex was once the capital of England? Did you know that Captain Cook was married in Essex prior to setting out on his voyages of discovery? Or that legend has it that the story of Saint George slaying a dragon might have begun on Essex soil?All this and more is described by writer and photographer John Wade in Illustrated Tales of Essex. In it he reveals that Essexʼs people and places of the past are a million miles away from the modern-day reality-TV view of the county.