Sword dancers, shapeshifting goblins and an ancient mythological worm! What a way to bring in the year! This time it's Sir Cuthbert Sharp's 1834 collection The Bishoprick Garland of Durham.

'This poor goblin, whose pranks were otherwise perfectly harmless, was at length banished by the usual expedient of presenting him with a suit of clothes. A green cloak and a hood were laid before the kitchen fire, and the domestics sat up watching the event, at a prudent distance. At twelve the sprite glided gently in, stood by the glowing embers, and surveyed the garments provided for him very attentively, tried them on, and seemed delighted with his appearance.'

Tales From Antiquaria is a podcast dedicated to exploring the legacy of work published regarding folklore and local history during the golden age of antiquarian writing in the nineteenth century.

For show notes and links, visit talesfromantiquaria.com

Episode written, produced and presented by Eli Lewis-Lycett. All source material taken directly from the stated publication. Main theme music by Humanoid Media. Incidental music from Restum-Anoush.

Find Eli Lewis-Lycett Folklore and History on Facebook and Bluesky

King Arthur, Christian saints and very un-christian Druids! Let's explore our earliest collection to date, George W Manby's 1801 work, The History and Antiquities of the Parish of St Davids.

'Although the life of Saint David will come within the class of its bishops, yet it may not be improper, in this place, to give some few features of this venerable, august , and renowned character. He was a man of great parentage, and near of kin to Arthur, King of England.'

Tales From Antiquaria is a podcast dedicated to exploring the legacy of work published regarding folklore and local history during the golden age of antiquarian writing in the nineteenth century.

For show notes and links, visit talesfromantiquaria.com

Episode written, produced and presented by Eli Lewis-Lycett. All source material taken directly from the stated publication. Main theme music by Humanoid Media. Incidental music from Restum-Anoush.

Find Eli Lewis-Lycett Folklore and History on Facebook and Bluesky

A little festive themed episode to see out 2025 with some Lancashire traditions of Christmas and New Year taken from Lancashire Folklore by John Harland & T.T. Wilkinson, published in 1867 by Frederick Warne & Co of Covent Garden.

There will be two full episodes on this title later in the new year.

Wishing all listeners a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

See you in 2026!

Tales From Antiquaria is a podcast dedicated to exploring the legacy of work published regarding folklore and local history during the golden age of antiquarian writing in the nineteenth century.

For show notes and links, visit talesfromantiquaria.com

Episode written, produced and presented by Eli Lewis-Lycett. All source material taken directly from the stated publication. Main theme music by Humanoid Media. Incidental music from Restum-Anoush.

Find Eli Lewis-Lycett Folklore and History on Facebook and Bluesky