Myths,Legends and other strange tales from the British Isles, and sometimes further afield.

I thought I would get out for a breath of fresh air, a break from the tavern, to tell you about one of Britains greatest neolithic sites. West Kennet Long Barrow is a Neolithic long barrow dating to 5,650 years ago. With its large facade and long chalk barrow it is a striking monument, you can also go into the tomb and explore the chambers within. Many people say that West Kennet Long Barrow is haunted and that they feel a strange presence when they enter the tomb, but regardless of whether you believe it or not, it is really easy to get spooked here – especially if you have an overactive imagination like me! It really is a great place to visit if you get the chance.

I suppose it’s about time I included a story from folklore that involves wicked women and headless horses who pull a carriage made of human bones. The legendary story of Lady Howard is probably one of the more noted of Dartmoor ghost stories that has been told around the peat fires of a dark night.

When the Devil rides out you better stay awake.... This legend from the wilds of Dartmoor tells of the repercussions of not being alert in church, and gives an insight into what the Devil likes to drink on a hot afternoon..... Church goers, you have been warned.....

The Afanc is a legendary lake monster from Welsh mythology. Its exact description varies; it is described variously as resembling a crocodile, beaver or dwarf-like creature, and is sometimes said to be a demon. Having eventually had enough of it's tantrums causing widespread flooding, and being unable to kill it, the locals came up with a cunning plan to rid themselves of it

Folklore and Legends concerning Boggarts and Fairies abound in the fine county of Lancashire, but it's not all sweetness and light. They can be a nasty bunch...

Myth, Legend, Folklore, Witches, Unrequited Love, Village Idiots, Werewolves....What more could you want?

Before Jack the Ripper terrorized London, Spring-Heeled Jack was tormenting citizens with his claws and tight-fitted clothes. It remains unclear if Spring-Heeled Jack was a real man who terrorized the streets of London, a case of mass hysteria, an urban legend, or simply a ghost story that got out of control. Whatever it’s based on, the legend of the Victorian Demon of London still lives on in pop culture today.

No other place in the world holds more legends or sightings of legendary black dogs than the United Kingdom. Each region might even have its own version of the tale with different names given to the black dogs too, such as: Black Shuck, the Gurt dog, Padfoot, Barguest, the Harry Hound, the Yeth hound, and the Grim. Sit a while and listen to some more of these tales from all over the British Isles of a dog that isn't always mans best friend.....

No other place in the world holds more legends or sightings of legendary black dogs than the United Kingdom. Each region might even have its own version of the tale with different names given to the black dogs too, such as: Black Shuck, the Gurt dog, Padfoot, Barguest, the Harry Hound, the Yeth hound, and the Grim. Sit a while and listen to some of these tales from all over the British Isles of a dog that isn't always mans best friend.....

Unlike the beautiful sprites and fairies normally associated with rivers and lakes, the hags are an evil, dangerous legend from the darker side of British folklore. Watch and beware.......

Ben Macdhui is the second highest peak in Scotland, a huge mountain with deep corries, situated in the Cairngorms: one of Scotland’s finest mountain ranges, and a magnet for walkers, climbers and other outdoor enthusiasts. Ben Machdhui is also reputed to be haunted by ‘something’ that is popularly known as the Grey Man or Fear Liath Mhor in Gaelic. Learn the Legend of The Grey man, is he real or a myth ? Sub titled in Scottish Gaelic ( I hope!!)

One of the more popular of Dartmoor’s stone circles are the enigmatic ‘Grey Wether’s, two stone circles found on the eastern flank of Sittaford Tor. One legend attached to them concerns magical sheep and golden fleece, and a greedy mans attempt to steal the treasure from the dead. And you should never underestimate the dead.....

From the annals of Welsh folklore, myth and legend comes the story of King March, who is keen to keep his hair long to hide his ears. Only he and his barber know his secret, but can it be kept ? What is the secret ? Will it remain a secret ? The only way to find out is to watch the video shown ear. I mean hear, here...whatever. Just watch it. Please.... For any Welsh speakers out there ,I have attempted to add welsh subtitles. Let me know what you think, and I apologise in advance for butchering your language....

The Baobhan Sith (Baa-van-Shee) are female vampires in the folklore and legends of the Scottish Highlands, though they also share certain characteristics in common with other mythical creatures such as the banshee, the succubus / incubus and fairy. They appear as beautiful women who seduce their victims before attacking them and draining their blood.

We are all familiar with the idea of the Banshee. In Irish legend and folklore the wailing female spirit cries out to announce a death within certain Irish families. But what of her cousin, the Bean-Nighe (Ben-Nee-Yeh) ? This lonely spirit also marks impending deaths according to Scottish folklore. Let’s get to known them both a little better ...

An urban legend from the streets of London, this mythical beast sent a shiver down the spine of 18th Century society. It is known today as the "Nameless thing of Berkeley Square." An unidentifiable monstrosity is said, by some, to be a vile, phantasmagorical killer from beyond the grave… though there is some evidence to suggest that it may be a bizarre, mutant cephalopod, which lurks in the filthy labyrinth of the London sewer system waiting to rise up and kill again.

The Red Cap is a malevolent, murderous goblin found in Border folklore. He is said to inhabit ruined castles along the Anglo-Scottish border, especially those that were the scenes of tyranny or wicked deeds, and is known for soaking his cap in the blood of his victims.

here are some mythical creatures that figure strongly in traditional folklore and legend that are extremely frightening, and whose name strikes fear into the heart of those who hear it. One such legend exists around the seas of Orkney. Known as The Nuckelavee, it may just be the most frightening entity you've never heard of !!

Sit awhile, and listen to the tales of the Freshwater Sprites, Fairies and Mere-Maids who call Britain their home. After a few pints, you may even start to believe my stories.....

Pull up a chair, lift your pint and listen to the tale of Black Annis, the child stealing witch of Leicester. One dark tale of many from the rich vein of British Folklore and Myth.

The oldest known recorded vampire story in Western Europe comes from ancient Celtic folklore and took place in the rural parish of Glenullin, in the town of Slaughtaverty, Ireland. Viewed as a possible origin for Bram Stoker's Dracula, the legendary Abhartach was an undead vampire that roamed Northern Ireland at night and drank his victims' blood. He was also a tyrannical ruler in his living days as well as a cunning magician capable of cheating death. Listen to the tale, and check my Irish subtitles.....let me know if they are any good !!