The Loremen lived again! This episode was recorded in Oxford (the Cambridge of Oxfordshire) as part of the Saint Audio Podcast Festival. James takes Alasdair and a live lorefolk audience on a tour of the county, courtesy of Mike White's book The Ox-Files. In Part 1, the boys encounter an apparition in Burford, a haunted cellar and a teeny-tiny croc…

Welcome to Bamburgh Castle! Make yourself at home, especially if you're name's Lancelot du Lac. Don't mind the enormous venom-spitting toad. There's a funny story behind that, actually. It's the Laidly Worm of Spindleston Heugh... The boys visit Bamburgh, possibly England's most dramatic castle, rising up from the waves on a volcanic dolerite outcr…

Richard Herring, a comedian who straddles England's North/South divide like a podcasting colossus, joins the boys for a deep dive into one of Somerset's deepest dives. It's Cheddar Gorge! Somerset's answer to the question, "Which Somerset attraction is almost as good as Wookey Hole?" Prepare to meet the Witches of Pocklington, the Devil (himself), …

The Loreboys meet the audacious Scottish con man "Sir" Gregor MacGregor. Calling himself the Cazique of Poyais, this charismatic ex-soldier is the mastermind behind a debacle that will make Fyre Island look like Centre Parcs. He's selling land and government bonds belonging to the Central American kingdom of Poyais. The big problem being: Poyais do…

Where wolves? James attempts to answer that question with a midnight excursion to Cannock Chase. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is home to a range of distinctly unnatural creatures. We're talking lycanthropes, black eyed children, numerous UFOs and at least one pigman. In fact, there are many reports of uncanny incidents in Cannock Chase, …

Thersa Matsuura of Uncanny Japan joins the Loreboys for a tale with more human faces than you've had hot dinners with human faces*. We look at a bunch of Yōkai that can take a look right back at us. From fish with a face to a blister with a kisser, these jinmen will give you the jitters. Especially the fish, because they're real. (No seriously... t…

James lures Alasdair back down to the water's edge for an Important Mermaid Update! The Hayfield Mermaid first appeared in Series 2 (get up to speed here). Somehow, the Loreboys managed to overlook yet another freshwater mermaid in a nearby bottomless pool. And the grasping creature that dwells in the waters of Blakemere has a heck of a backstory. …

This year's live show at the Leicester Comedy festival was a delight. The lorefolk were in fine form and James rustled up a folkloric feast, including 'facts' from Geoffrey Hodson's 1925 book Fairies at Work and at Play. Sadly, fairy mischief meant that our recorder batteries died towards the end of the show, so the final portion of this episode ha…

April is the time for fooling, especially in Scotland where the first of the month is Huntigowk Day: a day for tartan paint, long stands and other bootless errands. James and Alasdair (a pair of anti-prank killjoys) spent this April Fool's investigating Loch Ness, a body of water which has seen more than its share of hoaxes. But one monster prank f…

The cats from Long Cat Media came back! Lindsay Sharman and Laurence Owen (who are so award-nominated they seem to have gained another nomination since last week) return. And they bring with them a first-hand sighting of a cryptid. That's right, Laurence saw Derbyshire's elusive Beast of Belper. Meanwhile, James Shakeshaft has not been shake-shirki…

The cats from Long Cat Media lure the Loreboys to the wild, wild east. Lindsay Sharman and Laurence Owen (the excessively award-nominated podcasters behind Mockey Manor and Magenta Presents) are on the trail of a hound with a thunderous bark and eyes like saucers. It's a terrifying beast that can turn even the bravest churchgoer into a quivering, c…

[RECORD SCRATCH] I suppose you're wondering how we got here? Well, it all started when James told Alasdair the story of a spectral hound that dwells on the border of Devon and Dorset. (AKA In-Dorset and Next-Dorset.) A sighting of the black dog could be a bad omen, but it might just make you rich. (There is actually a third option, but that involve…

What does it sound like when a spooky story has James Shakeshaft quaking in his (big giant's) boots? You'll find out in this episode, because Alasdair has torn two hair-raising mysteries from the pages of W. T. Stead's book of Real Ghost Stories. Meet a hard-as-nails northern ghost in a train station cellar, and swim frantically away from the eyele…

This episode is a veritable bestiary! Meet an egg-thieving bird, an aquatic prankster and a big cat that's just a bit much. Amy Jeffs returns to the podcast, with a raft of early medieval legends and (frankly) way more research than the guests normally bring. These are the legends of the panther, the partridge and Iasconius ... the whale who preten…

What's going on 'ere then? It's the bite-sized tale of Leicester's first private detective, Francis "Tanky" Smith: the renowned master of disguise / owner of hats. Don't forget, you can see the Holmes and Watson of podcasting (James and Alasdair) LIVE at the Leicester Comedy Festival on Sunday 25th February 2024 (2024). Tickets here: comedy-festiva…

Are you in the mood for love? Are you in the mood for giant-slaying? Are you in the mood for some really, really long lists? Then - good news! Jenny Collier returns to her role as our Welsh Valentine's Day correspondent with aplomb and another romantic tale from the Mabinogion. Expect curses! Extremely circuitous schemes! And a dog that is bigger t…

James has been fossil-hunting in Devon (AKA Next-Dorset) and he has unearthed the tale of a horrible old judge who just won't stay buried. It's the story of the Monmouth Rebellion, "Hanging" Judge Jeffries and the Bloody Assizes. (Those bloody assizes). Expect some baffling pub names, a smattering of actual history, and a chance to learn the differ…

Believe it or not, there once was a time when the hottest show in town was a pig doing maths. A porcine professor might not sound as binge-worthy as The Traitors or a double bill of Miss Marple, but back in 1817 people flocked to see this canny swine. James presents the story of a learnéd pig named Toby, as told in his own words. (The pig's own wor…

John Alington was an English eccentric who really put the "letch" in Letchworth. This randy reverend scandalised Hertfordshire with his saucy sermons and rock-and-roll hijinks. Alasdair tells James the peculiar history of a very rich man with a penchant for leopardskin and massively over-explaining things. Plus, an unusual attorney, a pair of ident…

It's our first proper episode of the year, and we're welcoming back Deputy Loreperson, Chris Cantrill! Chris drops in to plug the Delightful Sausage's upcoming Radio 4 series Icklewick FM, and to whisk James and Alasdair off to a medieval wonderland of his own devising. Expect a tale of betrayal and intrigue from the borderlands of England (and Sco…

And lo! The six top episodes of 2023 (as selected by the Lorefolk via patreon.com/loremenpod) appeared! Lets see which tales were tall enough to make the cut: 06: Strawberry Hill Gothic 05: The Tanuki with Yuriko Kotani 04: Cornwall's Loneliest Vicar 03: The Ghostbusting Parsons of Penzance 02: The Croglin Grange Vampire 01: The Wold Rangers with A…

What a year! James and Alasdair are counting down the top 14 (fourteen) episodes of 2023 (twenty twenty-three). This is only part one, so prepare yourself for eight of our highlights from last year. (Yes, it would have made more sense to do seven, but we got carried away.) If you don't want to know the results, look away now... 14: The Spitting Gho…

It's Pig Boxing Day! Do you box a pig? Or put a pig in a box? We simply don't know. Instead of worrying about that, listen to the final Xmas Pig special. James meets up with Pete and Ben from The Quantum Mechanics podcast to share a story about an absolute pig of a bridegroom... As ever, join us on the Patreon (www.patreon.com/loremenpod) for exclu…

As a special Xmas treat, we're joined by the spooky podmaster himself - Danny Robins. The Loreboys introduce Mr. Uncanny to a couple of chilling, pig-tinged tales! Are you Team Xmas or Team Pig? This episode is a lot of fun, and you can listen to exclusive behind-the-scenes stuff by joining us at www.patreon.com/loremenpod…

For the third pig of Xmas, the Loremen gave to me... The Weekly Planet's Nick Mason! Maso drops in to hear an Arthurian legend that miiiiiiiight be linked to an absolute ledge from modern-day Australia. Enjoy! And don't forget to join the Patreon if you want Xmas pig bonuses including behind-the-scenes audio! Visit patreon.com/loremenpod to support…

It's the second day of the Five Pigs of Xmas. James is joined by Bethan from the Eerie Essex podcast for a few Xmas pigs in a blanket (of folklore). Grab a sausage roll (vegan, of course) and enjoy these hamtastic tales! Join us for access to the Lorefolk Discord and exclusive bonus episodes at patreon.com/loremenpod…

Xmas Pig everyone! This episode features everyone's favourite Sunil Patel - it's Sunil Patel! In the first of five festive specials, we explore the tale of a relatively obscure saint and a herd of porcine cowboy builders in Dorset. Endorse it? No, we forgot to do that joke. Join us at patreon.com/loremenpod for exclusive behind the scenes audio (an…

Get excited! We will be Livestreaming at 830pm GMT (330pm ET) an Xmas Pig Porktacular! at youtube.com/loremenpodcast subscribe and ding the bell for updates!By Loremen Podcast

Ewww! A low stakes, gross ghost! James tells ABK about some well-documented (but not encouraged) ghosts from Derbyshire. Something about the formerly-ruined building of Haddon Hall has stirred the poetic side of James. He even reads out a bit of what some would consider poetry, or indeed poesie*. This episode also features the stunning debut of bra…

If you’re walking home late one night, and you hear something rolling along beside you – beware! You might have encountered the Sac Bàn - AKA the Seckyban or the White Sack. Alasdair chills James to his marrow with the legend of a creature who rolls around the byways of Scotland like an angry pudding. You see, a sighting of the White Sack means dea…

James mutters an incantation and whisks Alasdair off to Bakewell in the Peak District, a town famous for its variety of puddings. There, the Loreboys meet a pair of ALLEGED witches. Hear how they use their devilish powers to... make and sell women's hats. Oh, the horror! It's the legend of the Bakewell Witches*. *Story may contain innocent women an…

Alasdair takes James to Canterbury, in Kent*, a city positively brimming with ghosts. The boys skip from the Roman streets to a tea house, which boasts its own unique ghost room. But! What begins as a grisly interior design show ends up as a hard hitting exposé. Folklore or FAKElore? You decide. We also come up with some Chaucer-themed business ide…

The Loremen meet a quadruple threat. This kid is no mere zombie vampire wizard. He's Welsh too. James brings in the story of a Hereford revenant who had simply too much going on. This tale is taken from Witchcraft in Britain by "Christ in a hole", it's Christina Hole. And from the writings of 12th century historians/liars William of Newburgh and Wa…

Halloween may be over, but it is always spooky season on Loremen. With that in mind, James brings in a tale of a Berkeley Witch whose last request is as elaborate as it is ineffectual. Poor wee James is under the weather this week, so his deep bass baritone is even bassier than usual. And yes, Alasdair does dole out a couple of pity points. There's…

As part of the Cheerful Earful Podcast Festival, James and Alasdair take to the stage on the spookiest night of the year. We meet the Saxon bad-boy Hereward the Wake, and ask - at what point does putting heads on spikes stop being a hobby and start being a job? Accompanied by a fine bunch of Lorefolk (hand-picked like the spookiest of Scottish kale…

Hark, the jingling of bells! 'Tis two fools come to make merry. What luck! Alasdair and James recorded a live episode at the Bill Murray in London's London. The Evil Jester of Muncaster Castle features all the Loremen classics. We're talking bowls. We're talking Cumbrian superstitions. We're talking trombones and a comedian who kills (literally). A…

Kintyre is the name of a mysterious (and objectively NOT sexy) peninsula in the western highlands of Scotland. Alasdair plumbs its depths, skips along its beaches and gazes at its glinting surface, hypnotised by his own reflection. Oh yeah, and he also told James a bundle of tales from the collection of Cuthbert Bede. We're talking tartan pirates, …

Artist, author and excellent podcast guest Amy Jeffs guides the Lorebois through the lesser known mythic origins of STONEHENGE! We meet a load of giants having an Irish spa day. We encounter the treacherous (and definitively real) King Vortigern. And we attempt to turn "Wallace and Grommitting" into a verb. Don't forget to join... us... at the Chee…

Cheeky little minisode with film maker Miles Benson and a little treat about devilish simians from across the pond. Here's the link to Miles' project... https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/dream-clean-a-short-film-about-urban-legends#/By Loremen Podcast

The Loreboys are back to doing what they do best - making mistakes via a podcast medium. Fortunately, James's snafu this week is quickly corrected. Listen, as he tells a thrilling tale, racked by self-doubt and undermining himself at every turn. Edric the Wild's adventure begins with the Norman invasion, and takes us from flooded Roman garrisons to…

New York, London, Bendigo (it's a place in Australia). These are the three equally famous cities visited by celebrity apparition Katie King. Apart from being the daughter of the legendary pirate/drink Captain Morgan, Ms King was a world-wide spiritualist sensation in the 19th century. This is the story of her other-worldly jaunt to Victorian-era Vi…

James and Alasdair are joined by the hilarious (and crafty) comedian Bec Hill. Series 5 (series 5) begins with tales of Australian apparitions, antipodean seances and the scariest monster of all... Scotsmen. With cameos from Arthur Conan Doyle, the pseudonymous Demonax and the Wizard Bombardier of Ballarat. And this is only part 1! Join us next wee…

While James continues his convalescence, we are busting out another bonus episode from the vaults! Enjoy some more previously Patreon-only extra stuff from episodes with the hilarious Amy Gledhill. Plus join us for live shows... At the Bill Murray - 17th September https://www.angelcomedy.co.uk/event-detail/loremen-live-again-17th-sep-the-bill-murra…

*Now with fixed audio* We are having one of our patented (unplanned) Loremen series breaks. So, we applied to the Lore Council and they agreed to release this juicy bonus episode from the vaults. Enjoy some previously Patreon-only extra stuff from our episode with the wonderful Robin Ince in April 2021. Plus join us for live shows... At the Bill Mu…

James is on holiday, but before he left we recorded a little minisode. So enjoy this tale of a ghostly premonition, and join us for our upcoming London live shows: At the Bill Murray - 17th September https://www.angelcomedy.co.uk/event-detail/loremen-live-again-17th-sep-the-bill-murray-london-tickets-202309171830/ At Cheerful Earful Podcast Festiva…

The Loremen return to the North East of England, for a stroll through Nicky-Nack Woods. We meet a Teeside Miller with a skeleton in his closet (literally), and solve the murder of the Lumley Mill ghost. It's a spectre-packed episode, with flaming face-holes, a green lady (plus mouse) and a floating hand holding the ghost of a dead knife. In the wor…

A little Loreman met a Pie Man, going to the fair. Said little Loreman to the Pie Man, "Is Datchworth Green near Ware?" And the Pie Man said, "Yeah, but it's closer to Knebworth." James takes Alasdair to the many-spectred village of Datchworth in Hertfordshire - a hamlet terrorised by both spirits of the dead and a flesh-and-blood highwayman. From …

Alasdair bundles James into a red telephone box and dials S for snail. There are ghosts in the wire. There are signals from the other side. The Wichita lineman is still on the LIIIIINE. The year 1850 saw the bizarre tale of the "snail telegraph" play out in Paris: an eccentric inventor, a gullible journalist and forty-eight alphabetic-sympathetic s…

Comedian Yuriko Kotani returns to the pod to tangle with a shapeshifting trickster. The tanuki (or racoon dog) is both a real animal and a very cheeky yōkai. (That’s a spirit in Japanese folklore, but you probably knew that.) This furry little fellow is famed for his enormous… that is to say his massive… well… he’s got a lot of chutzpah, let’s leav…

This four poster bed was built for royalty, but take our word for it - it's a lot more than king-sized. This bed is big. You might ask, how many butchers (plus partners) can you fit in it? The answers will surprise you! James gives Alasdair the old 'come to bed' podcast tale. About a big bed. The biggest bed. Bigger than you're thinking of. Oh, and…