The terrifying tale of the Grey Hitchhiker (or the Gray Hitcher, for Americans) comes from that spooky road, The Notorious A38. Over several decades, drivers have made the mistake of stopping for a hitchhiker who does not obey the laws of hitchhiking (or nature). If you're driving between Tiverton and Taunton, you might see the Grey Hitchhiker. If …

The Loremen encounter what might be the biggest ghost in the history of the podcast. We're talking about a house that is a ghost. (Pretty big, right?) James takes Alasdair to the South West of England to view a property that's just come on the market and could vanish at any moment. Could this phantom maison be an echo of The Anarchy from the reign …

The boys are back, with yet more tales of Moreton lore! This time James visits South Moreton in Oxfordshire, for the outrageous story of a faux-poltergeist (fauxtergeist?). But don't fret, folklore fans - the village of South Moreton boasts enough "real" ghosts to spook the horses. Plus, a deadly locomotive and a very misleading prophecy. Come see …

Who's that, beckoning to you from the mouth of a weird looking cave? Why it's Alasdair Beckett-King of course! Join him and James Shakeshaft, and enter a subterranean labyrinth hidden beneath a leafy London borough. In 1907, The Illustrated London News called it The Great Chislehurst Cave Mystery: 22 miles of hand-carved tunnels, with stories of sm…

We return to the Tower of London and make a last ditch attempt to find John Barkstead's lost treasure. Meet Mr Quarrell (the treasure hunter) and Major Pogson (the big daddy of British dowsing). The year is 1957: will the traitor's horde finally be unearthed? No, of course not. But James will tell a fun story about the Ceremony of the Keys. Come se…

What connects a traitor, a Sandwich and a mushroom farmer from Kent? It's the lost treasure of 'Invisible' John Barkstead, which is buried somewhere underneath the Tower of London. Although there are those who say ... it isn't. In Part 1 of this LIVE episode, we meet a regicidal bum bailiff, Alasdair unearths the TRUTH™ about the death of Oliver Cr…

James talks Alasdair through the case of Anne Gunter's demonic possession... or was it all an elaborate hoax with lashings of wee wee? It's time for more Moreton! We're not talking Eleanor Morton, here. And We're not talking Moreton-in-Marsh either. This week's tale comes from North Moreton, and from from Mike White's book The Veiled Vale: Strange …

Saints alive! Amy Jeffs returns to the pod, and she's brought a bunch of kooky saints with her. We're talking adorable otters, vengeful ghosts and a guy with a load of forks in his beard. (Maybe...) An alternative telling of St Edmund's legend (and many more) can be found in Amy's upcoming book: Saints: A new legendary of heroes, humans and magic. …

Athena Kugblenu returns to the pod, for a journey through Enfield: the Croydon of North London and home to one of the world's most famous polterguys. But how is this London borough connected to a three-legged ape in Illinois? What kind of beast appears on the Enfield coat of arms? And is The Conjuring 2 a good film?* These, dear listener, are the E…

Pssst! It's mid-August Holidays Bonus Episode Bonanza time! Enjoy this bundle of bonus material from our Xmas Pig episodes. Featuring: Sunil Patel BB Miller Nick Mason and... Danny Robins You can get more bonus bits at patreon.com/loremenpod Join... Us... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Join Alasdair and James in a hot air balloon of the mind and gently float over the actual rolling hills of the cotswolds / Vale of the White Horse area. Quiet, peaceful, serene - wait what on earth is that on the side of that hill? Is it a horse? Is it?? Really? Have a look at the graphic for this ep - Have you seen a horse before? This episode was…

Eleanor Morton returns, with the remarkable tale of an Edinburgh haunting - and a school trip to the site of the nightmare! These are the legends of Mary King's Close, an underground street with more supernatural activity than you can shake a disembodied arm at. Eleanor has a new book out on August 15th, and an upcoming Edinburgh Festival Fringe sh…

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This episode was edited by Joseph Burrows - Audio Editor. Come see us LIVE Again! https://www.angelcomedy.co.uk/event-detail/loremen-live-again-18th-aug-the-bill-murray-london-tickets-202408181730/ LoreBoys nether say die! Support the Loremen here (and get stuff): patreon.com/loremenpod ko-fi.com/loremen Check the sweet, sweet merch here... https:/…

James takes Alasdair to the spooky manor house at Sandford Orcas (a village not some cetacea) and this place is simply brimming with ghosts! From Ghosts in the South West by James Turner, this is a tale of loads of ghosts and one very macabre way of not getting blamed for farts! Follow along here... https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/147382139#…

The Loremen have been transported back to the Midnight Library and Miranda has a bedtime story set to chill you to the bone... CONTENT WARNING Some grisly bits in this one, not for the young tbh LoreBoys nether say die! Join us for another Loremen Live at The Bill Murray in London https://www.angelcomedy.co.uk/event-detail/loremen-live-again-18th-a…

If you manage to guess the nature of this episode's cryptid then please write in and claim your prize! Inspired by Steve Cliffe's Moor Mysteries, James and Alasdair return to Derbyshire's Peak District. The Loremen are on the hunt for stones adorned with strange carvings. We're on the hunt for the truth about Parma Violets. And we are on the hunt f…

The Loremen return to the good old U S of America. Inspired by a gift from a listener, the boys head to Monterey Bay, CA, and tangle with a whole bunch of sea beasts. (Or should that be school? Pod? Flock? What is the collective noun for aquatic cryptids?) We meet the monkey-faced Old Man of Monterey (AKA Bobo) and some real-life red-haired sea ser…

The Loremen lived again - again! This is part two of the episode recorded in Oxford (the Cambridge of Oxfordshire) as part of the Saint Audio Podcast Festival. James takes Alasdair and a live lorefolk audience on a tour of Oxford, this time courtesy of John Richardson's Oxford & County Ghost Stories. In Part 2, the boys encounter a couple of workme…

The Loremen lived again! This episode was recorded in Oxford (the Cambridge of Oxfordshire) as part of the Saint Audio Podcast Festival. James takes Alasdair and a live lorefolk audience on a tour of the county, courtesy of Mike White's book The Ox-Files. In Part 1, the boys encounter an apparition in Burford, a haunted cellar and a teeny-tiny croc…

Welcome to Bamburgh Castle! Make yourself at home, especially if you're name's Lancelot du Lac. Don't mind the enormous venom-spitting toad. There's a funny story behind that, actually. It's the Laidly Worm of Spindleston Heugh... The boys visit Bamburgh, possibly England's most dramatic castle, rising up from the waves on a volcanic dolerite outcr…

Richard Herring, a comedian who straddles England's North/South divide like a podcasting colossus, joins the boys for a deep dive into one of Somerset's deepest dives. It's Cheddar Gorge! Somerset's answer to the question, "Which Somerset attraction is almost as good as Wookey Hole?" Prepare to meet the Witches of Pocklington, the Devil (himself), …

The Loreboys meet the audacious Scottish con man "Sir" Gregor MacGregor. Calling himself the Cazique of Poyais, this charismatic ex-soldier is the mastermind behind a debacle that will make Fyre Island look like Centre Parcs. He's selling land and government bonds belonging to the Central American kingdom of Poyais. The big problem being: Poyais do…

Where wolves? James attempts to answer that question with a midnight excursion to Cannock Chase. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is home to a range of distinctly unnatural creatures. We're talking lycanthropes, black eyed children, numerous UFOs and at least one pigman. In fact, there are many reports of uncanny incidents in Cannock Chase, …

Thersa Matsuura of Uncanny Japan joins the Loreboys for a tale with more human faces than you've had hot dinners with human faces*. We look at a bunch of Yōkai that can take a look right back at us. From fish with a face to a blister with a kisser, these jinmen will give you the jitters. Especially the fish, because they're real. (No seriously... t…

James lures Alasdair back down to the water's edge for an Important Mermaid Update! The Hayfield Mermaid first appeared in Series 2 (get up to speed here). Somehow, the Loreboys managed to overlook yet another freshwater mermaid in a nearby bottomless pool. And the grasping creature that dwells in the waters of Blakemere has a heck of a backstory. …

This year's live show at the Leicester Comedy festival was a delight. The lorefolk were in fine form and James rustled up a folkloric feast, including 'facts' from Geoffrey Hodson's 1925 book Fairies at Work and at Play. Sadly, fairy mischief meant that our recorder batteries died towards the end of the show, so the final portion of this episode ha…

April is the time for fooling, especially in Scotland where the first of the month is Huntigowk Day: a day for tartan paint, long stands and other bootless errands. James and Alasdair (a pair of anti-prank killjoys) spent this April Fool's investigating Loch Ness, a body of water which has seen more than its share of hoaxes. But one monster prank f…

The cats from Long Cat Media came back! Lindsay Sharman and Laurence Owen (who are so award-nominated they seem to have gained another nomination since last week) return. And they bring with them a first-hand sighting of a cryptid. That's right, Laurence saw Derbyshire's elusive Beast of Belper. Meanwhile, James Shakeshaft has not been shake-shirki…

The cats from Long Cat Media lure the Loreboys to the wild, wild east. Lindsay Sharman and Laurence Owen (the excessively award-nominated podcasters behind Mockey Manor and Magenta Presents) are on the trail of a hound with a thunderous bark and eyes like saucers. It's a terrifying beast that can turn even the bravest churchgoer into a quivering, c…

[RECORD SCRATCH] I suppose you're wondering how we got here? Well, it all started when James told Alasdair the story of a spectral hound that dwells on the border of Devon and Dorset. (AKA In-Dorset and Next-Dorset.) A sighting of the black dog could be a bad omen, but it might just make you rich. (There is actually a third option, but that involve…

What does it sound like when a spooky story has James Shakeshaft quaking in his (big giant's) boots? You'll find out in this episode, because Alasdair has torn two hair-raising mysteries from the pages of W. T. Stead's book of Real Ghost Stories. Meet a hard-as-nails northern ghost in a train station cellar, and swim frantically away from the eyele…

This episode is a veritable bestiary! Meet an egg-thieving bird, an aquatic prankster and a big cat that's just a bit much. Amy Jeffs returns to the podcast, with a raft of early medieval legends and (frankly) way more research than the guests normally bring. These are the legends of the panther, the partridge and Iasconius ... the whale who preten…

What's going on 'ere then? It's the bite-sized tale of Leicester's first private detective, Francis "Tanky" Smith: the renowned master of disguise / owner of hats. Don't forget, you can see the Holmes and Watson of podcasting (James and Alasdair) LIVE at the Leicester Comedy Festival on Sunday 25th February 2024 (2024). Tickets here: comedy-festiva…

Are you in the mood for love? Are you in the mood for giant-slaying? Are you in the mood for some really, really long lists? Then - good news! Jenny Collier returns to her role as our Welsh Valentine's Day correspondent with aplomb and another romantic tale from the Mabinogion. Expect curses! Extremely circuitous schemes! And a dog that is bigger t…

James has been fossil-hunting in Devon (AKA Next-Dorset) and he has unearthed the tale of a horrible old judge who just won't stay buried. It's the story of the Monmouth Rebellion, "Hanging" Judge Jeffries and the Bloody Assizes. (Those bloody assizes). Expect some baffling pub names, a smattering of actual history, and a chance to learn the differ…

Believe it or not, there once was a time when the hottest show in town was a pig doing maths. A porcine professor might not sound as binge-worthy as The Traitors or a double bill of Miss Marple, but back in 1817 people flocked to see this canny swine. James presents the story of a learnéd pig named Toby, as told in his own words. (The pig's own wor…

John Alington was an English eccentric who really put the "letch" in Letchworth. This randy reverend scandalised Hertfordshire with his saucy sermons and rock-and-roll hijinks. Alasdair tells James the peculiar history of a very rich man with a penchant for leopardskin and massively over-explaining things. Plus, an unusual attorney, a pair of ident…

It's our first proper episode of the year, and we're welcoming back Deputy Loreperson, Chris Cantrill! Chris drops in to plug the Delightful Sausage's upcoming Radio 4 series Icklewick FM, and to whisk James and Alasdair off to a medieval wonderland of his own devising. Expect a tale of betrayal and intrigue from the borderlands of England (and Sco…

And lo! The six top episodes of 2023 (as selected by the Lorefolk via patreon.com/loremenpod) appeared! Lets see which tales were tall enough to make the cut: 06: Strawberry Hill Gothic 05: The Tanuki with Yuriko Kotani 04: Cornwall's Loneliest Vicar 03: The Ghostbusting Parsons of Penzance 02: The Croglin Grange Vampire 01: The Wold Rangers with A…

What a year! James and Alasdair are counting down the top 14 (fourteen) episodes of 2023 (twenty twenty-three). This is only part one, so prepare yourself for eight of our highlights from last year. (Yes, it would have made more sense to do seven, but we got carried away.) If you don't want to know the results, look away now... 14: The Spitting Gho…

It's Pig Boxing Day! Do you box a pig? Or put a pig in a box? We simply don't know. Instead of worrying about that, listen to the final Xmas Pig special. James meets up with Pete and Ben from The Quantum Mechanics podcast to share a story about an absolute pig of a bridegroom... As ever, join us on the Patreon (www.patreon.com/loremenpod) for exclu…

As a special Xmas treat, we're joined by the spooky podmaster himself - Danny Robins. The Loreboys introduce Mr. Uncanny to a couple of chilling, pig-tinged tales! Are you Team Xmas or Team Pig? This episode is a lot of fun, and you can listen to exclusive behind-the-scenes stuff by joining us at www.patreon.com/loremenpod Learn more about your ad …

For the third pig of Xmas, the Loremen gave to me... The Weekly Planet's Nick Mason! Maso drops in to hear an Arthurian legend that miiiiiiiight be linked to an absolute ledge from modern-day Australia. Enjoy! And don't forget to join the Patreon if you want Xmas pig bonuses including behind-the-scenes audio! Visit patreon.com/loremenpod to support…

It's the second day of the Five Pigs of Xmas. James is joined by Bethan from the Eerie Essex podcast for a few Xmas pigs in a blanket (of folklore). Grab a sausage roll (vegan, of course) and enjoy these hamtastic tales! Join us for access to the Lorefolk Discord and exclusive bonus episodes at patreon.com/loremenpod Learn more about your ad choice…

Xmas Pig everyone! This episode features everyone's favourite Sunil Patel - it's Sunil Patel! In the first of five festive specials, we explore the tale of a relatively obscure saint and a herd of porcine cowboy builders in Dorset. Endorse it? No, we forgot to do that joke. Join us at patreon.com/loremenpod for exclusive behind the scenes audio (an…

Get excited! We will be Livestreaming at 830pm GMT (330pm ET) an Xmas Pig Porktacular! at youtube.com/loremenpodcast subscribe and ding the bell for updates! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesโดย Loremen Podcast

Ewww! A low stakes, gross ghost! James tells ABK about some well-documented (but not encouraged) ghosts from Derbyshire. Something about the formerly-ruined building of Haddon Hall has stirred the poetic side of James. He even reads out a bit of what some would consider poetry, or indeed poesie*. This episode also features the stunning debut of bra…

If you’re walking home late one night, and you hear something rolling along beside you – beware! You might have encountered the Sac Bàn - AKA the Seckyban or the White Sack. Alasdair chills James to his marrow with the legend of a creature who rolls around the byways of Scotland like an angry pudding. You see, a sighting of the White Sack means dea…

James mutters an incantation and whisks Alasdair off to Bakewell in the Peak District, a town famous for its variety of puddings. There, the Loreboys meet a pair of ALLEGED witches. Hear how they use their devilish powers to... make and sell women's hats. Oh, the horror! It's the legend of the Bakewell Witches*. *Story may contain innocent women an…