Episode 47: The Witch of Eagle’s Crag

Tales of Britain and Ireland

A storytelling and folklore podcast.

Telling some of the famous and not so famous British and Irish myths, legends and folktales, in no particular order.

Coming direct from South Yorkshire it is currently regularish, and will feature all of the above and whatever other miscellaneous snippets take my fancy.

Presented by Graeme. Website at http://www.TalesofBritainandIreland.com

This episode we have a tale featuring Lancashire Witches, phenomenal cosmic power, a sort of gap year/nature documentary, an unexpected promotion and a story mash up that almost works if you squint, coming from the pen of Lancashire folklore’s most unreliable narrator,

For musical credits, sources and more visit the website: https://talesofbritainandireland.com/episode-47-the-witch-of-eagles-crag/

#Myths #Legends #Folklore #Witches #Lacanshirefolklore

“On the eve of All Hallows the hound and the doe meet on the crag – a spectre hunstman in full chase!”

This episode we have a tale featuring Lancashire Witches, phenomenal cosmic power, a sort of gap year/nature documentary, an unexpected promotion and a story mash up that almost works if you squint.

Originally coming straight from the pen of Lancashire folklore’s most unreliable narrator and now told by me, another unreliable narrator, you’ll end this story probably scratching your head and wondering what actually just happened.

This is a story I originally wanted to include to go along with a live show I did at the Centre for Folklore, Myth and Magic in Todmorden, but the story is actually set a few miles outside of Todmorden, and I performed the story about four months before I released the episode. Just means I’ll have to do better next time!

This is also the longest ever podcast episode (it really just should have been a two parter but I got carried away).

I hope despite all that you can enjoy this story of witches of various moral aligments.

Featured Folklorist

John Roby

John Roby – Traditions of Lancashire – A Regional antiquarian of the highest order

Keep reading

Todmorden and The Centre for Folklore Myth and Magic

The Centre for Folklore Myth and Magic in Todmorden does exactly what it says on the tin – it’s a meeting place, and research hub for folklorists, and folklore with a cafe, shop events space, library and workspaces.

It’s got rotating art exhibitions, live events of various sorts – music, academic talks, storytelling, and is generally a wonderful place, to visit or at attend many events.
I’d really recommend popping if you’re in the area and it’s definitely worth travelling further for the live events.

It also features a presentation done by me!

You can see the upcoming event schedule on the website here: https://www.folkloremythmagic.com/upcoming-events And here are just a few photos to whet your appetite.

Eagle’s Crag Brewery

As mentioned on the podcast Todmorden is also home to Eagle’s Crag Brewery – which I’ve not tried, but given the link to this story I absolutely need to very soon: https://eaglescragbrewery.co.uk/

Pendle and Witchcraft

As I mentioned Pendle is very much associated with Witchcraft to the present day – here are a few illustartions of this I took on a recent trip there

“The Witch of Eagle’s Crag” 1895 Book

In researching this episode I found reference to an 1895 book, by Allen Clarke called the Witch of Eagle’s Crag – the front cover illustration from which I have used as the episode image. However unlike most books I find reference to I cannot find an online copy at all.

I’d love to read it so if anyone ever does manage to find a version then please let me know!

Selected Sources

Traditions of Lancashire – John Roby’s version
Bernshaw Tower and Lady Sybil – A shorter 1873 version of the same tale, by John Harland
The Late Lancashire Witches – the 1634 Play which contains much of the action