Folk Tales Then and Now

Vanessa Burrows
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What happens when a forgotten book of legends finds its way off the shelf and back into the world? Folk Tales Then and Now brings some much-needed escapism into everyday life — inspired by a little blue book of Folk Tales in the East Midlands, published in 1954 and rediscovered in a charming second-hand bookshop in the Peak District. Each week, a story from the book is retold and re-explored: the places behind the pages are visited, the folklore and legends of the East Midlands unpacked, and the voices of the landscape brought to life once more. From haunted halls and ancient greenwoods to quiet villages with centuries of stories under their stones, this podcast blends history, myth, and place to reconnect you with the magic hidden in the heart of Middle England.

Episodes

  1. Oct 28

    Halloween-Special-Black-Cat-Folklore: Witches-Superstition-and-Halloween-History

    Why are black cats associated with witches, bad luck and Halloween? And how did these mysterious creatures go from being worshipped as sacred animals to becoming symbols of superstition and the supernatural? In this Halloween Special of Folktales Then and Now, Vanessa explores the fascinating history of black cat folklore, uncovering the myths, legends and historical beliefs that shaped our perception of these enigmatic creatures. Our journey begins in 1560 Lincolnshire, with a curious folktale about an injured black cat, a suspected witch and a strange coincidence that helped fuel beliefs about witches transforming into cats. But the story doesn't end there. We'll travel back to Ancient Egypt and the goddess Bastet, explore Greek mythology and witchcraft, and venture into Irish and Scottish folklore to discover the mysterious cat-sìth, a supernatural feline with a rather sinister reputation. Along the way, we'll explore: The history of black cats and witchcraft. Why black cats became associated with witches' familiars and the devil. The origins of black cat superstitions and beliefs about good and bad luck. Celtic, Irish and Scottish folklore surrounding shape-shifting animals. Witch trials and the impact of superstition on ordinary people. Why black cats can still face challenges finding homes today. Producer Mark joins Vanessa for a lighter look at black cat folklore around the world, including unusual good luck traditions, Japanese beliefs about romance and the extraordinary story of Blackie, the cat who inherited a £7 million fortune! And finally, Vanessa shares a rather special childhood memory of a little book called Gobolino the Witch's Cat. So, settle down, get cosy and join us for a little Halloween history, folklore and feline mystery. Because perhaps the black cat hasn't changed at all. Perhaps it's the stories we've told about it that have. Folktales Then and Now – discovering the myths, magic and folklore hidden within the landscapes and stories of Middle England. Want to find out what we actually uncovered?  See images, videos, location details and links to places and information sources on the blog: www.folktalespodcast.com  And if you have a folktale from your own corner of the world, we'd love to hear it — your story could inspire a future episode!   Hi!  Thanks for listening  As a small team your reviews, likes and sharing the love mean the world to us and should you want to hear more and more any little support you also wish to bestow to us on the 'buymeacoffee' platform means we can continue to research, visit and plan more content and explore further afield. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Folktalespodcast

    Halloween-Special-Black-Cat-Folklore: Witches-Superstition-and-Halloween-History

  2. Oct 22

    A Meal For The Redman

    In this episode we wander deep in the ancient woodland of Rockingham Fores. Three brothers are struggling to survive when a mysterious little creature emerges from the trees and asks for a bowl of broth. Who — or what — is the Redman, and why does he keep returning to their lonely forest home? What follows is a strange encounter involving hunger, courage, a hidden woodland secret and the promise of unexpected riches. And remember… a rustle in the bushes doesn't always herald danger…. Inspired by the Folk Tales of The East Midlands collection by Eric Swift, published in 1954, we breathe life back into these old folk tales with our storytelling, explore the traditions, beliefs and superstitions of folklore in the day and bring you with us to those very same places to discover what they are like now…and if any remnants of the past tales remain. Want to find out what we actually uncovered? See images, videos, location details and links to places and information sources on the blog: www.folktalespodcast.com And if you have a folktale from your own corner of the world, we'd love to hear it — your story could inspire a future episode! Hi! Thanks for listening As a small team your reviews, likes and sharing the love mean the world to us and should you want to hear more and more any little support you also wish to bestow to us on the 'buymeacoffee' platform means we can continue to research, visit and plan more content and explore further afield. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Folktalespodcast

    A Meal For The Redman

  3. Oct 19

    A Pause in the story....Update

    Folktales Then and Now is for you if you love history, folklore, and the feeling that the world used to be just a little more magical than it sometimes feels today. But....life sometimes gets in the way - so this is a little apology for keeping you waiting inbetween stories and an update on upcoming episodes that will be out very SOON! Hi!  Thanks for listening  As a small team your reviews, likes and sharing the love mean the world to us and should you want to hear more and more any little support you also wish to bestow to us on the 'buymeacoffee' platform means we can continue to research, visit and plan more content and explore further afield. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Folktalespodcast  Want to find out what we actually uncovered?  See images, videos, location details and links to places and information sources on the blog: www.folktalespodcast.com And if you have a folktale from your own corner of the world, we'd love to hear it — your story could inspire a future episode!

    A Pause in the story....Update

  4. May 29

    The Shoemaker of Southwell

    Step into a world where old stories find new voices. Our Folktales Then and Now podcast explores the legends, landscapes, and hidden histories of Middle England, inspired by a much-loved 1954 edition of East Midlands folklore. In this episode, we journey into the heart of Nottinghamshire as civil war that rages across the kingdom and sees King Charles I seeks refuge in a breathtaking village dominated by a magnificent Gothic minster. Battle-worn, proud, and trudging through the chaos with holes in his boots, the King makes an unexpected stop at a humble shoemaker's shop. But when the weary monarch steps through the door, why does the cobbler react with such shock …?? Want to find out what we actually uncovered?  See images, videos, location details and links to places and information sources on the blog: www.folktalespodcast.com Join us as we retell forgotten tales, visit the real places behind the pages, and uncover the magic still lingering in quiet villages, ancient woods, and winding country lanes. Do you have a folktale from your own corner of the world?   We'd love to hear it — your story could inspire a future episode Hi!  Thanks for listening  As a small team your reviews, likes and sharing the love mean the world to us and should you want to hear more and more any little support you also wish to bestow to us on the 'buymeacoffee' platform means we can continue to research, visit and plan more content and explore further afield. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Folktalespodcast

    The Shoemaker of Southwell

  5. May 1

    Derbyshire Folklore: A Bag of Nuts...a strange tale

    Two thieves, a bag of nuts and a churchyard encounter that left a sexton convinced the devil had arrived! Welcome to one of the most curious tales in Derbyshire folklore. In this episode of Folktales Then and Now, Vanessa takes us into the beautiful Peak District to uncover the story of A Bag of Nuts, from Eric Swift's 1954 collection, Folk Tales of the East Midlands. Our tale follows two sheep thieves travelling between the Derbyshire villages of Carver, Curbar and Baslow. While one heads off to steal a sheep, his apprentice waits in the shadowy porch of a church, munching on a stolen bag of nuts. But when the local sexton hears strange noises in the churchyard, his imagination takes over, with rather hilarious consequences for the unfortunate local parson! But there's much more to this story than a case of mistaken identity. Join Vanessa and producer Mark as they head out into the Peak District National Park to trace the thieves' route and explore the landscape behind the legend. Along the way, we discover: The history of sheep stealing and rural crime in 17th and 18th-century Derbyshire. Why Baslow Bridge and its historic tollgate help us date the story. The origins of the curfew and the role of village night watchmen. Churchyard folklore, ancient yew trees and their association with death and the supernatural. Historical beliefs about ghosts, purgatory, lost souls and the dangerous dead. The fascinating history of the nearby village of Eyam and the 1655–56 plague. We'll visit historic Baslow Bridge, explore the churchyard where the story unfolds, walk along the River Derwent and discover how the landscape has changed from rural farming communities to the Peak District we know today. And does the mysterious bag of nuts still survive in local folklore?  We shall find out, but either way, there's plenty of history and mystery left to discover! Whether you love British folklore, Derbyshire history, ghost stories, local legends or exploring the beautiful Peak District, come along for a walk through the past. Folktales Then and Now – discovering the myths, magic and history hidden within the landscapes of Middle England. Want to find out what we actually uncovered?  See images, videos, location details and links to places and information sources on the blog: www.folktalespodcast.com And if you have a folktale from your own corner of the world, we'd love to hear it — your story could inspire a future episode! Hi!  Thanks for listening As a small team your reviews, likes and sharing the love mean the world to us and should you want to hear more and more any little support you also wish to bestow to us on the 'buymeacoffee' platform means we can continue to research, visit and plan more content and explore further afield. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Folktalespodcast

    Derbyshire Folklore: A Bag of Nuts...a strange tale

  6. Mar 31

    The Griffin of Griffydam

    Step into a world where old stories find new voices. Our Folktales Then and Now podcast explores the legends, landscapes, and hidden histories of Middle England, inspired by a much-loved 1954 edition of East Midlands folklore. Join us as we retell forgotten tales, visit the real places behind the pages, and uncover the magic still lingering in quiet villages, ancient woods, and winding country lanes. This first episode takes us to the county of Leicestershire and where the story tells of a majestic, mythical Griffin that cause chaos among the small village of Griffydam.  While our story-telling transports you back in time, our On Location exploration reveals real-life adventures! Want to find out what we actually uncovered?  See images, videos, location details and links to places and information sources on the blog: www.folktalespodcast.com And if you have a folktale from your own corner of the world, we'd love to hear it — your story could inspire a future episode! Hi!  Thanks for listening  As a small team your reviews, likes and sharing the love mean the world to us and should you want to hear more and more any little support you also wish to bestow to us on the 'buymeacoffee' platform means we can continue to research, visit and plan more content and explore further afield. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Folktalespodcast

    The Griffin of Griffydam

  7. Season 1 Trailer

    Introducing: Folk Tales Then and Now

    ✨  Inspired by a 1954 book of East Midlands folk tales, and slightly disenchanted with real life, this host brings forgotten tales back to life. Each week, a story is retold, the place behind it visited and the myths and legends of counties explored including the stunning Derbyshire Peak District, historic Leicestershire, Rutland, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire (who has probably the most famous folk hero of them all!).  Escape into history, folklore, and the magic of the East Midlands  ✨ Want to find out what we actually uncovered?  See images, videos, location details and links to places and information sources on the blog: www.folktalespodcast.com And if you have a folktale from your own corner of the world, we'd love to hear it — your story could inspire a future episode!     Hi!  Thanks for listening  As a small team your reviews, likes and sharing the love mean the world to us and should you want to hear more and more any little support you also wish to bestow to us on the 'buymeacoffee' platform means we can continue to research, visit and plan more content and explore further afield. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Folktalespodcast

    Introducing: Folk Tales Then and Now
  • 1 Trailer
    6 Episodes

Trailer

About

What happens when a forgotten book of legends finds its way off the shelf and back into the world? Folk Tales Then and Now brings some much-needed escapism into everyday life — inspired by a little blue book of Folk Tales in the East Midlands, published in 1954 and rediscovered in a charming second-hand bookshop in the Peak District. Each week, a story from the book is retold and re-explored: the places behind the pages are visited, the folklore and legends of the East Midlands unpacked, and the voices of the landscape brought to life once more. From haunted halls and ancient greenwoods to quiet villages with centuries of stories under their stones, this podcast blends history, myth, and place to reconnect you with the magic hidden in the heart of Middle England.

Information

  • Creator
    Vanessa Burrows
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 - Present, Vanessa Burrows
  • Show Website
    Folk Tales Then and Now