Wyrd Wessex

Craig Brooks

Dive into the weird, spooky and supernatural with Wyrd Wessex, a podcast hosted by Craig Brooks and Andy Stevens. These self-proclaimed "wyrdo's" delve into the mysteries, myths, and legends of the world, focusing on the UK, but sometimes straying further afield. Expect to hear chilling ghost stories, explorations of unexplained phenomena, and even dabbles into true crime. Whether you're fascinated by hauntings, folklore, Ufology or cryptids, Wyrd Wessex has something for you. So, if you're ready to unravel the hidden weirdness of the world, "Stay Wyrd" and tune in! www.wyrdwessex.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 2d ago

    Ridgeway Ghosts & UFO Sightings | Wyrd Wessex

    In this episode, Craig and Andy head to Oxfordshire's ancient Ridgeway to explore one of England's most haunted landscapes—from Farringdon churchyard where a headless ghost still patrols, to the Uffington White Horse that inspired Tolkien, and finally Wayland's Smithy, where an invisible blacksmith once shoed horses for pennies. What starts as a folklore walk quickly turns into something stranger, as we're joined by local carver Toby to share unsettling firsthand accounts of small brown figures spotted in the tree line, objects thrown at tents, and sounds with no visible source. We dig into the true story of Hampden Pye, a 17th-century aristocrat murdered during a naval engagement and cursed to haunt his memorial service as a headless spectre. We examine the Bronze Age origins of the White Horse and the ritual mutilations discovered at Childley Warren, before ending at the Neolithic barrow of Wayland's Smithy—where Saxons believed a demigod blacksmith still worked the night. Plus, we investigate a 1978 UFO sighting from Stanford-in-the-Vale that doesn't quite add up on paper. In This Episode The Headless Ghost of Farringdon: Hampton Pie's tragic love affair, murder by treachery, and decades-long haunting of All Saints Church before a Victorian vicar laid him to rest. The Uffington White Horse: Britain's oldest hill figure (1380–550 BC), its WWII camouflage, and why you can't see it properly when standing right on top. Dragon Hill & St. George: The bare chalk patch where a dragon's blood supposedly poisoned the earth forever—and Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" connection. Wayland's Smithy: A Neolithic long barrow home to the invisible Saxon demigod blacksmith who offered roadside horse-shoeing services until the 19th century. The Little Brown Figures: Guest Toby shares two separate accounts from different decades of diminutive brown figures appearing in the tree line around Wayland's Smithy at night—with objects thrown at tents and no witnesses. Stanford-in-the-Vale UFO: A 1978 alleged close encounter with missing time, though the travel timeline raises questions. Stay Wyrd! Help keep the lights on and join our Discord here: buymeacoffee.com/wyrdwessex Buy our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shop?asc=u Written by Craig Brooks and hosted by Craig Brooks and Andy Stevens Edited by Craig Brooks Intro music by Antipodean Writer: Full of Soul - Neon Waves Extended - Remix Outro music by Colt Fingaz: Ding Ding Dong Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Jul 24

    The Smalls Lighthouse Incident

    Welcome back to WyrdLore, our bonus series dedicated to the strange tales, local legends, and folklore that are just too "Wyrd" for the main show. In this episode, Andy and Craig travel out to the treacherous, wave-lashed waters twenty miles west of the Marloes Peninsula to uncover the grim and haunting history of the Smalls Lighthouse. Back in the autumn of 18th-century Britain, this wasn't the sturdy stone tower people picture today, but a bizarre, claustrophobic wooden cage balanced precariously on nine oak pillars—allowing the violent Atlantic swells to rush right through beneath the keepers' feet. Stationed out on this isolated post were Thomas Griffiths and Joseph Harry, two men whose forced confinement spiralled into a psychological nightmare. What happened inside that tiny wooden room left one man dead, the other irrevocably changed, and gave birth to a dark maritime legend that would eventually echo all the way to modern cinema. Step inside the cage with us as we unpack a true chapter of coastal horror that changed lighthouse regulations forever. Support the show and join our Discord here: buymeacoffee.com/wyrdwessex Buy our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shop?asc=u Written by Craig Brooks Hosted by Craig Brooks and Andy Stevens Edited by Craig Brooks Main theme: NRA-LAB Intro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Jul 22

    Strange Days at the Barge (High Strangeness and Folk Horror)

    In this episode of Wyrd Wessex, we sit down with Matt, the director of Area 51, to peel back the layers of one of the UK’s most unique gatherings: The Strange Days Festival. Hosted at the legendary Barge Inn in Honey Street, this weekend-long celebration on the Kennet and Avon Canal has become a vital hub for the Fortean community. Matt takes us behind the scenes of creating immersive, "shit-scary" experiences—from his work designing elaborate Halloween scare mazes like Witchfinder to the eclectic, "psychedelic space rock" atmosphere of the festival itself. We discuss the fine line between believers and skeptics, the fascinating history of Forteana, and why the Barge is the perfect, uncanny setting for healthy debate and storytelling. Join us as we explore the lineup for this year’s festival, discuss the "Sandown Clown" mystery, and dive into the peculiar crossover between folk horror and modern UFO encounters. Links: Strange Days Festival: strange days festival.co.uk Follow the Barge: https://www.facebook.com/thebargehoneystreet/?locale=en_GB Stay Wyrd! Support the Show: Join our Discord: buymeacoffee.com/wyrdwessex Shop our merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shop?asc=u Written by Craig Brooks and hosted by Craig Brooks and Andy Stevens Edited by Craig Brooks Intro music by Antipodean Writer: Full of Soul - Neon Waves Extended - Remix Outro music by Colt Fingaz: Ding Ding Dong Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Jul 17

    Quantum Disappearances, Skinwalker Anomalies and the "Witch Mark" Debate| AfterWyrd

    Welcome back to AfterWyrd where we dive into the anomalies, the unexplained, and the unsettling stories that were just too "Wyrd" for the main show. ]This week, we confront the strange reality of modern science and ancient folklore. From the disturbing pattern of researchers vanishing after experiments involving quantum matter, to the "data rot" causing AI chatbots to hallucinate the same fictional man—Elias Thorne—we explore the boundaries of what we think we know. We also revisit the debate over "witch marks," challenging whether those iconic daisy wheels and hexafoils are truly ritual protection, or merely the practical geometry of bored medieval stonemasons. The conversation takes a darker turn as we move to the clinical and the paranormal: dissecting the electromagnetic glitches at Skinwalker Ranch and the terrifying "mind games" of the devil as documented by modern exorcists.  The Wyrd News: The Quantum Disappearances: We look into the disturbing trend of researchers vanishing after experiments involving quantum state research. Is this a statistical anomaly, or is there a darker, more persistent thread connecting these cases? Elias Thorne & The AI Glitch: Why are the world’s most advanced AI models obsessed with the same fictional lighthouse keeper? We explore why our digital intelligence is running out of original ideas and stuck in a loop of its own making. Witch Marks vs. Geometry: Following our talk with Toby the Stone Carver, we analyse new research suggesting that iconic "witch marks" might just be the practical practice sketches of medieval stonemasons—and debate if that explanation is simply too convenient. Skinwalker Ranch & Exorcisms: From the physicist who used magnets to replicate the ranch’s electronic glitches to the priests who claim the "mind of the devil" is a tangible, terrifying presence, we examine the fine line between the clinical and the paranormal. The Semen-Injection Incident: A bizarre, clinical look at a medical case study involving a DIY "remedy" that serves as a grim reminder of what happens when human curiosity ignores all medical logic. Don't blame the Owls! Website: www.wyrdwessex.co.uk Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/explore Hosted by: Craig Brooks & Andy Stevens Edited by: Craig Brooks Intro music by: Universfield Dark 80s Sci-Fi Atmosphere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Jul 15

    Live from Solskin festival

    Join Craig as he leaves the comfort of the studio behind for a special live recording from the stunning Peak District. Amidst the magic and folklore swirling around the festival grounds, this episode captures the raw energy of Solskin, featuring intimate conversations on shamanism, Celtic mythology, and the supernatural. Between teaching butchery and cooking over open fires, Craig sat down with fascinating guests to explore the deeper currents of myth and spirit that define the event. First up, we speak with Faber Horbach from Sowulo about his spiritual musical practice. Known for blending Anglo-Saxon lyrics with modern orchestration and historical instruments, Faber delves into the cyclical nature of the sun, the roots of shamanism, and how drumming acts as a gateway to non-ordinary reality. He shares insights on creating meaningful music for the present moment using old ingredients, and why authenticity resonates more deeply than high-budget production. Next, we catch up with storyteller Jason Buck to discuss his latest production, Sláine: the Horned God. Adapted from Pat Mills’ celebrated 2000 AD graphic novel, Jason breaks down the journey of bringing ancient Celtic myths to the stage for a 21st-century audience. We talk about the "warp spasm," the hero Cú Chulainn, and the challenge of translating hand-painted comics into immersive storytelling without needing to get lost in costume. Then, we delve into the strange and wonderful work of Snooze from Portable Weirdness. Describing herself as a "taxi for dead guys," Snooze uses animal remains to create craftwork and spiritual tools. She offers expert analysis on a listener’s terrifying lifelong night visitations, decodes the runes carved into a cow bone talisman, and discusses the concept of spirit animals in preparation for the festival's big animal mask ball. Finally, while getting a tattoo from Hamish (Pictavia leather) Craig shares a captivating account of a 1950s Pictish time slip, exploring archaeological evidence, warrior tattoos, and the possibility of glimpsing history across time. Whether you’re here for pagan music, bone work, ghost stories, or the mystery of the Horned God, this episode brings the essence of the festival straight to your screen. Stay Wyrd! Support the Show: Join our Discord: buymeacoffee.com/wyrdwessex Shop our merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shop?asc=u Written and hosted by Craig Brooks Edited by Craig Brooks Intro music by Antipodean Writer: Full of Soul - Neon Waves Extended - Remix Outro music by Colt Fingaz: Ding Ding Dong Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Jul 12

    The Endless Tale |WyrdLore

    Welcome back to WyrdLore, our bonus series dedicated to the strange tales, local legends, and folklore that are just too "Wyrd" for the main show. In this episode, Andy and Craig tackle the classic global folk motif known as "The Endless Tale." We meet a powerful king who offers his beautiful daughter's hand in marriage to any suitor who can tell a story that never ends—though the penalty for failing to entertain is an immediate, rather harsh decapitation. When a clever poor man steps up to the challenge, he unleashes the ultimate narrative filibuster involving a massive barn, a sky-high supply of corn, and a relentless swarm of singular locusts. As Craig dives into the repetitive rhythm of the legend, Andy finds himself caught in a psychological war of attrition that threatens to trap the entire studio in a permanent loop. Support the show and join our Discord here: buymeacoffee.com/wyrdwessex Buy our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shop?asc=u Written by Craig Brooks Hosted by Craig Brooks and Andy Stevens Edited by Craig Brooks Main theme: NRA-LAB Intro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Jul 8

    Mexican Batman and the Solstice Stone Circle Mystery Did CERN Fracture the Timeline?

    Welcome to AfterWyrd, the show where we sort through the odd little bits, strange stories, and global eccentricities that don’t quite make the main episodes. Fresh off a grueling vocal session that has left our voices in absolute tatters from doing silly accents, Craig and Andy reunite to break down a massive backlog of unhinged headlines. We dive straight into the tragic breaking news out of Derbyshire surrounding the brutal summer solstice murder of Isaac Clare-Watts at the ancient Nine Ladies Stone Circle in the Peak District. Then, we head over to Jalisco to track the "Batman of Lagos de Moreno"—a mysterious masked vigilante duct-taping motorcycle thieves to lampposts and drawing cat whiskers on their faces. Andy shares his weekend dodging street preachers at the Boscombe Witches Market with a pagan-friendly Jesus, while Craig recounts nearly getting shot by a farmer in a man-made crop circle. Plus, we explore the psychology behind why our brains see ghosts, a wild 37-year-old adult adoption scam in Brazil, and the brewing online theory that a rogue weasel at the CERN Large Hadron Collider permanently fractured our reality's timeline. Don't blame the owls! Website: www.wyrdwessex.co.uk Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/explore Hosted by: Craig Brooks & Andy Stevens Edited by: Craig Brooks Intro music by: Universfield Dark 80s Sci-Fi Atmosphere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Jul 8

    The Mowing Devil: A History of Flattened Fields & Wiltshire’s Enduring Mystery | Wyrd Wessex

    The 2026 season has brought new formations to the Wiltshire landscape, but the mystery of the "crop circle" didn't start in the 1980s. Long before the modern era of drones and sophisticated land art, people were finding strange, circular depressions in their fields—and they were blaming everything from cyclonic winds to the Devil himself. In this episode, Craig explores the long, bizarre history of flattened grain.  Tracing the lineage of the phenomenon, starting with the 1678 "Mowing Devil" pamphlet in Hertfordshire and moving through the "nest" sightings of the 1950s, all the way to the complex, mathematical formations that have come to define Wiltshire. Is there a hidden continuity to these reports, or are we just projecting our own modern anxieties onto the landscape? In This Episode: The Mowing Devil: Re-examining the 1678 account—was it folklore, an early report of a whirlwind, or the seed of a centuries-old legend? From "Nests" to Circles: How the 1950s UFO sightings in Australia and France turned "flattened vegetation" into a definitive link to the extraterrestrial. The 1976 Turning Point: How two friends at a Hampshire pub—Doug Bower and Dave Chorley—accidentally kicked off the modern "crop circle" era as a prank. The Mathematical Leap: Looking at the post-hoax era, where formations grew in complexity, leading to the massive 2001 Milk Hill anomaly. The "Wyrd" Persistence: Why these formations persist in our collective imagination, even when we have a clear, human explanation for their creation. A Wiltshire Perspective: Exploring why this specific corner of England remains the global epicenter for the phenomenon, regardless of origin. Stay Wyrd! Help keep the lights on, get ad free episodes and join our Discord here: buymeacoffee.com/wyrdwessex Buy our merch here: https://www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shop?asc=u Written and hosted by Craig Brooks  Edited by Craig Brooks Intro music by Antipodean Writer: Full of Soul - Neon Waves Extended - Remix Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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About

Dive into the weird, spooky and supernatural with Wyrd Wessex, a podcast hosted by Craig Brooks and Andy Stevens. These self-proclaimed "wyrdo's" delve into the mysteries, myths, and legends of the world, focusing on the UK, but sometimes straying further afield. Expect to hear chilling ghost stories, explorations of unexplained phenomena, and even dabbles into true crime. Whether you're fascinated by hauntings, folklore, Ufology or cryptids, Wyrd Wessex has something for you. So, if you're ready to unravel the hidden weirdness of the world, "Stay Wyrd" and tune in! www.wyrdwessex.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Craig Brooks
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    179
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Wyrd Wessex
  • Show Website
    Wyrd Wessex