Local Legends #7: James Wright

The Three Ravens Podcast

On this week's episode of Local Legends, Martin gathers round the campfire with Nottinghamshire local and author of the fascinating new book Historic Building Mythbusting, James Wright.

Though a long-time resident of Nottinghamshire and a genuine expert in its historic buildings and folklore, James was born in Staffordshire and has been involved with the world of archaeology for over twenty years.

Following his graduation from the Department of Archaeology at the University of Nottingham, he qualified as a conservation stonemason and these days works mostly as a buildings archaeologist, investigating ancient places and revealing their hidden secrets.

In addition to running the Castles of Nottinghamshire Project for Nottinghamshire County Council, winning a British Archaeological Award for his work at Knole in Kent, and a Collaborative Doctoral Award with the National Trust for his work on Tattershall Castle in Lincolnshire, James has led many major projects, including at sites like the Tower of London, the Palace of Westminster, Southwark Cathedral, and King John’s Palace in Nottinghamshire.

In 2020 however he began writing the 'Mediaeval Mythbusting Blog' and that project was then picked up as a book – Historic Building Mythbusting: Uncovering Folklore, History, and Archaeology, which was published this week.

He's a fascinating chap with genuine expertise in Nottinghamshire's culture and heritage. And he's not afraid to take a pigeon to the face in the pursuit of science.

So, settle in and enjoy a ranging chat that includes a diverse array of topics, from Goose Fairs and Robin Hood to saucy carvings, Lord Byron, secret tunnels, and much more besides.

You can find out more about James, read his blog, and learn about the new book, on his website at https://triskeleheritage.triskelepublishing.com/

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

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