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Folk Tales Then and Now

Folk Tales Then and Now

Written by: Vanessa Burrows
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What happens when a forgotten book of legends finds its way off the shelf and back into the world? Folk Tales Then and Now brings some much-needed escapism into everyday life — inspired by a little blue book of Folk Tales in the East Midlands, published in 1954 and rediscovered in a charming second-hand bookshop in the Peak District. Each week, a story from the book is retold and re-explored: the places behind the pages are visited, the folklore and legends of the East Midlands unpacked, and the voices of the landscape brought to life once more. From haunted halls and ancient greenwoods to quiet villages with centuries of stories under their stones, this podcast blends history, myth, and place to reconnect you with the magic hidden in the heart of Middle England.2025 - Present, Vanessa Burrows Drama & Plays World
Episodes
  • The Shoemaker of Southwell
    May 29 2026

    Step into a world where old stories find new voices. Our Folktales Then and Now podcast explores the legends, landscapes, and hidden histories of Middle England, inspired by a much-loved 1954 edition of East Midlands folklore.

    In this episode, we journey into the heart of Nottinghamshire as civil war that rages across the kingdom and sees King Charles I seeks refuge in a breathtaking village dominated by a magnificent Gothic minster.

    Battle-worn, proud, and trudging through the chaos with holes in his boots, the King makes an unexpected stop at a humble shoemaker's shop. But when the weary monarch steps through the door, why does the cobbler react with such shock …??

    Want to find out what we actually uncovered? See images, videos, location details and links to places and information sources on the blog: www.folktalespodcast.com

    Join us as we retell forgotten tales, visit the real places behind the pages, and uncover the magic still lingering in quiet villages, ancient woods, and winding country lanes.

    Do you have a folktale from your own corner of the world? We'd love to hear it — your story could inspire a future episode

    Hi! Thanks for listening


    As a small team your reviews, likes and sharing the love mean the world to us and should you want to hear more and more any little support you also wish to bestow to us on the 'buymeacoffee' platform means we can continue to research, visit and plan more content and explore further afield.
    https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Folktalespodcast

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    36 mins
  • A Bag of Nuts
    May 1 2026

    Our Folktales Then and Now podcast explores the legends, landscapes, and hidden histories of Middle England, inspired by a much-loved 1954 edition of East Midlands folklore. We retell forgotten tales, visit the real places behind the pages, and uncover the magic still lingering.

    In this episode this haunting, yet slightly comical folk tale, transports us to the county of Derbyshire; specifically the rugged and beautiful Peak District.

    This story gives a real insight into the traditions, lives, superstitions and beliefs of rural England in the 17th century and where we find out, on an eerie, dark Hallows Eve in the middle of a churchyard, if the Devil and the 'unquiet dead' lay in wait for the local clergymen…??
    While our story-telling transports you back in time, our On Location exploration reveals real-life adventures and where you can join us on our hike along the Thieves Route itself!

    Join us as we step into a world where old stories find new voices.

    Want to find out what we actually uncovered? See images, videos, location details and links to places and information sources on the blog: www.folktalespodcast.com

    And if you have a folktale from your own corner of the world, we'd love to hear it — your story could inspire a future episode!

    Hi! Thanks for listening

    As a small team your reviews, likes and sharing the love mean the world to us and should you want to hear more and more any little support you also wish to bestow to us on the 'buymeacoffee' platform means we can continue to research, visit and plan more content and explore further afield.
    https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Folktalespodcast

    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • The Griffin of Griffydam
    Mar 31 2026

    Step into a world where old stories find new voices. Our Folktales Then and Now podcast explores the legends, landscapes, and hidden histories of Middle England, inspired by a much-loved 1954 edition of East Midlands folklore.

    Join us as we retell forgotten tales, visit the real places behind the pages, and uncover the magic still lingering in quiet villages, ancient woods, and winding country lanes.

    This first episode takes us to the county of Leicestershire and where the story tells of a majestic, mythical Griffin that cause chaos among the small village of Griffydam. While our story-telling transports you back in time, our On Location exploration reveals real-life adventures!

    Want to find out what we actually uncovered? See images, videos, location details and links to places and information sources on the blog: www.folktalespodcast.com

    And if you have a folktale from your own corner of the world, we'd love to hear it — your story could inspire a future episode!

    Hi! Thanks for listening
    As a small team your reviews, likes and sharing the love mean the world to us and should you want to hear more and more any little support you also wish to bestow to us on the 'buymeacoffee' platform means we can continue to research, visit and plan more content and explore further afield.
    https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Folktalespodcast

    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
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