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.

From the wooded depths of the Wealden forest to the fortified cliffs of the Channel coast, and from the high hills of the North Downs to the wide flats of the Romney Marsh, Kent is a county of contrast and variety. Little wonder, then, that it is a place rich with folklore and stories, steeped in legend and superstition. The inhabitants of Kent present a vibrant cast of heroes and villains, while the county’s natural landscape, quiet villages, bustling towns, stately homes and royal residences provide the tales’ unique and colourful settings.In this book, local author Naomi Dickins brings together a collection of fascinating and entertaining tales from across the county, in which you might discover more about the origins of Kent place names and the Kentish customs of hoodening and yowling; hunt down a gang of smugglers or take a stand with the county’s defenders; bid farewell to an exiled king or discover where a native American princess is buried; meet with ancient ancestors, witches and ghosts, or just catch sight of a phantom ship.Illustrated throughout, this book will appeal to residents, visitors and all those with connections to Kent.

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.

Cornwallʼs landscape is intertwined with the countyʼs folklore and legends. In Illustrated Tales of Cornwall, author John Husband explores a multitude of mysterious happenings, haunted places and strange tales from ancient times to the modern day. This book looks at the legends surrounding Cornish piskies, stone circles and tors, and the court of King Arthur. Tales of the sea abound, including shipwrecks, mermaids and the Morgawr sea monster, as do stories of the Cornish saints and holy wells. Some historical crimes have entered folklore, such as the Nevell Norway murder, and the book is peopled with unusual and eccentric characters, as well as ghosts.These strange and spooky stories are accompanied by the authorʼs photographs of places featured in the text in this hugely entertaining book.

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 Black Country in the West Midlands was at the heart of the Industrial Revolution. The area became known for its intensive heavy industries and a unique identity developed around the densely populated towns of the Black Country. Over the years a host of strange and unusual tales have grown up around the Black Country, from remarkable historical happenings and stories of the supernatural to more recent documented cases. Curious beliefs and customs were once widespread in the area’s towns and villages, some of which still flourish today. The fascinating and quirky stories include the building of the world’s first successful steam engine by Thomas Newcomen, celebrated today by Black Country Day, and the manufacture of the anchor for the Titanic, the largest ship in the world at that time. A replica of Newcomen’s engine can be seen today at the Black Country Living Museum and a replica of Titanic’s anchor stands in Netherton town centre. Holbeach House near Dudley was the site of the last stand of the Gunpowder Plotters and Dudley Castle is known as one of the most haunted castles in the country, its many ghosts including the Grey Lady. Fully illustrated throughout, Illustrated Tales of the Black Country explores these stories and others of local historical importance.

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.

The beautiful county of Cheshire is one of the most visited of English counties and also one of the oldest. However, beneath its rural idyll lies a county that is surprising and often shocking.In Illustrated Tales of Cheshire, author and historian David Paul brings us some of the county’s strange and mythical tales, from its hills and lakes and rural landscape to its ancient and more modern towns, villages and cities. Stories featured in the text include the tale of King Richard II’s hidden treasure at Beeston Castle, the tale of a white rabbit that was said to have inspired Lewis Carroll’s character in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and the legend of the muzzled bear at Brereton Hall. These strange and spooky stories, and many more, are featured in this hugely entertaining book.

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.

Lancashire is one of England’s most diverse counties, with a rich heritage and a fascinating and often shocking history. Local author and historian David Paul 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 incredible legends are all featured in Illustrated Tales of Lancashire. It’s an unusual mix of the curious, the quaint and the mysterious, where even those who know this north-western county 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.

Author and historian David Paul brings us a selection of the strange and mythical tales from across Derbyshire, from the Peak District and its rural landscape to its towns and cities, and from ancient settlements and villages to places that grew up around mining and other industries. These strange and spooky stories are accompanied by the author’s photographs of places featured in the text, both present day and historical, in this hugely entertaining book.

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.