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Folk Tales Then and Now

Folk Tales Then and Now

Written by: Vanessa Burrows
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About this listen

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
  • 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

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    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

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    37 mins
  • Introducing: Folk Tales Then and Now
    Mar 18 2026

    ✨ Inspired by a 1954 book of East Midlands folk tales, and slightly disenchanted with real life, this host brings forgotten tales back to life. Each week, a story is retold, the place behind it visited and the myths and legends of counties explored including the stunning Derbyshire Peak District, historic Leicestershire, Rutland, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire (who has probably the most famous folk hero of them all!). Escape into history, folklore, and the magic of the East Midlands ✨

    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
    1 min
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