The Three Ravens Podcast Three Ravens

On this week's episode we're headed back to Kent, and Martin is telling a spooky story based on the life of a sinister historic Archbishop of Canterbury... 
We start off discussing St Nectan, his errant cows, and headless commute back home, after which we venture to Kent!
In addition to chatting about Dover Castle, the oldest boat in the world, and the eerie landscape of Romney Marsh, we chew over a tonne of delicious Kent foodstuffs before assembling a tasty-sounding "Dredgerman's Breakfast!"
After some folkloric chat about topics including the lost heir to the Plantagenet throne, a hidden alchemist's tower in the heart of Canterbury, and a pagan shrine buried deep in a Roman villa, plus some excerpts from this week's Local Legends interview with Kent resident and host of the Real Life Ghost Stories podcast Emma Ozenbrook, it's onto the main event: Martin's story "The Stain of Vice."
Speak to you again on Thursday for our new Magic and Medicines bonus episode all about Cunning Folk!
The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.
Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...
Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.
With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?
Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast
Get bonus content on Patreon
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of Local Legends, Martin gathers round the campfire with Oxfordshire local and host of The History of England podcast, David Crowther.
Born in Loughborough over the border, David has lived in Oxfordshire for many years, giving him a perfect perspective on the county. That of someone who's familiar with it, but who sees it with a sense of perspective.
Plus, in addition to being very funny, David is inclined to take the long view, having told the story of England from the Anglo Saxon period right on through to - at present - the English Civil War, via his much-loved podcast, which has been running for a whopping 13 years!
Indeed, David is not just the creator and host of one of our favourite pods; he is a person who has championed Three Ravens since we launched.
So, what better companion could we ask for to sit around the campfire and enjoy a chat?
As such, we suggest you make a cup of tea, or pour a glass of something stronger, and join us for a conversation which ranges from being bopped on the head with pigs' bladders to mistaking Morris Men for fox hunters.
Discussions of the differences between history and literature, Geoffrey of Monmouth, Henry VIII, and the ways in which the landscape of Oxfordshire has shaped the county's history.
Not to mention how both human action and Roman horse manure have left indelible marks on England which enrich our culture.
Even if we don't fully understand how...
The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.
Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...
Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.
With a range of exclusive content on Patreon too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?
Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast
Get bonus content on Patreon
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's bonus episode, we're exploring the history of the 17th century mass murderer and sorceress La Voisin!
Part of the "Something Wicked" series, we start by chatting through the history of poisoner rings and life in the times of Louis XIV, "the Sun King." We then discuss the rise to power of Catherine Deshayes, a penniless child fortune-teller on the streets of Paris, who married jeweler and silk merchant Antoine Monvoisin and began her ascent to the upper echelons of French society.
After chatting through some of the potions and services 'La Voisin' provided, which eventually came to include child sacrifice, with dig deeper into the darker side of her life: her many colourful associates, how her ceremonies and arcane arts left thousands dead, empowered one of the most infamous royal mistresses in all of history, and how, when it all began to unravel, hundreds of people ended up implicated, exiled, or executed.
From lesbian assassins to masters of disguise, kidnapped alchemists to poisoned clothes, it's a story so wild it didn't end when its subject was tried for witchcraft and burned at the stake, connecting to legends like that of The Man in the Iron Mask and much more besides...
The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.
Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...
Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.
With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?
Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast
Get bonus content on Patreon
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode we're headed back to Oxfordshire, and Eleanor is telling a tale drawn from a ghastly 18th century true crime! 
We start off discussing St Olivia of Palermo, who was apparently resistant to boiling oil - if not axe-blows - after which we head to Oxfordshire.
In addition to chatting about Oxford's Civil War heritage, Henry VIII's favourite bathing spot at Ewelme, and the peculiar tradition of 'Christmas Princes,' we then bake ourselves some Banbury Cakes in County Dishes, and debate how practical it really is to wear bells on your toes...
After some folkloric chat about topics including oppressive ghostly clouds near Burford, the Towersey Headless Horsemen, and Martha Warman's deeply unfortunate demise, plus some excerpts from this week's Local Legends interview with Oxfordshire local and host of The History of England Podcast David Crowther, it's onto the main event: Eleanor's story "The Taste of Lightning" which is based on the infamous crimes of Mary Blandy.
Speak to you again on Thursday for our new Something Wicked bonus episode all about murderer and sorceress La Voisin - and, if you're a supporter, our Patreon Exclusive episode for June, which is all about The Folklore of Plants!
The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.
Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...
Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.
With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?
Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast
Get bonus content on Patreon
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of Local Legends, Martin gathers round the campfire with Nottinghamshire local and author of the fascinating new book Historic Building Mythbusting, James Wright.
Though a long-time resident of Nottinghamshire and a genuine expert in its historic buildings and folklore, James was born in Staffordshire and has been involved with the world of archaeology for over twenty years. 
Following his graduation from the Department of Archaeology at the University of Nottingham, he qualified as a conservation stonemason and these days works mostly as a buildings archaeologist, investigating ancient places and revealing their hidden secrets.
In addition to running the Castles of Nottinghamshire Project for Nottinghamshire County Council, winning a British Archaeological Award for his work at Knole in Kent, and a Collaborative Doctoral Award with the National Trust for his work on Tattershall Castle in Lincolnshire, James has led many major projects, including at sites like the Tower of London, the Palace of Westminster, Southwark Cathedral, and King John’s Palace in Nottinghamshire.
In 2020 however he began writing the 'Mediaeval Mythbusting Blog' and that project was then picked up as a book – Historic Building Mythbusting: Uncovering Folklore, History, and Archaeology, which was published this week.
He's a fascinating chap with genuine expertise in Nottinghamshire's culture and heritage. And he's not afraid to take a pigeon to the face in the pursuit of science.
So, settle in and enjoy a ranging chat that includes a diverse array of topics, from Goose Fairs and Robin Hood to saucy carvings, Lord Byron, secret tunnels, and much more besides.
You can find out more about James, read his blog, and learn about the new book, on his website at https://triskeleheritage.triskelepublishing.com/
The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.
Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...
Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.
With a range of exclusive content on Patreon too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?
Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast
Get bonus content on Patreon
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's bonus episode, Eleanor talks us through the surprisingly saucy history of glove making!
Part of the "Dying Arts" series, we start by discussing where Eleanor's interest in the topic first arose, specifically in Renaissance drama, clothing and costume, before we then explore the truly ancient relationships humans have had with gloves, from Ice Age mittens to Tutankhamen's riding gloves, references to gloves in Classical texts and art, and the important positions gloves occupied in Northern European life, from medieval gauntlets to poisoned gloves, love tokens, and more.
After chatting through the processes involved in actually making a pair of gloves, much of which involves some very silly terminology, we then explore how gloves appear in literature and culture, from Beowulf to the novels of Samuel Richardson and beyond, before ending in our current era of mass produced gloves, where their purposes are still surprisingly specific - not least if you're a soldier at war in the Middle East...
The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.
Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...
Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.
With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?
Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast
Get bonus content on Patreon
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.