The Local Mythstorian
@elilewislycett.bsky.social
Eli Lewis-Lycett is an independent folklorist and history writer from Cheshire - described by the BBC as “one of the definitive voices on Cheshire and Staffordshire folklore."
Visit thelocalmythstorian.com
Visit thelocalmythstorian.com
WONDER IN THE WOODS - JAMES CRAWFOOT AND THE MAGICAL METHODISTS OF DELAMERE FOREST
(NEW ESSAY FEATURE PUBLISHED TODAY)
READ HERE: thelocalmythstorian.com/wonder-in-th...
(NEW ESSAY FEATURE PUBLISHED TODAY)
READ HERE: thelocalmythstorian.com/wonder-in-th...
September 26, 2026 at 7:00 PM
WONDER IN THE WOODS - JAMES CRAWFOOT AND THE MAGICAL METHODISTS OF DELAMERE FOREST
(NEW ESSAY FEATURE PUBLISHED TODAY)
READ HERE: thelocalmythstorian.com/wonder-in-th...
(NEW ESSAY FEATURE PUBLISHED TODAY)
READ HERE: thelocalmythstorian.com/wonder-in-th...
Some shots from Lindow Common today. It’s quite an eerie place in the rain. Tales of bog bodies, human sacrifice and Jenny Greenteeth can have that effect I guess!
September 6, 2026 at 3:02 PM
Some shots from Lindow Common today. It’s quite an eerie place in the rain. Tales of bog bodies, human sacrifice and Jenny Greenteeth can have that effect I guess!
A few references to elfin-inspired place names across Cheshire, Derbs and Staffs from Jeremy Harte’s “Fairy Encounters in Medieval England” - which I’ve just finished at last! #folklorethursday #fairylore
September 3, 2026 at 9:32 PM
A few references to elfin-inspired place names across Cheshire, Derbs and Staffs from Jeremy Harte’s “Fairy Encounters in Medieval England” - which I’ve just finished at last! #folklorethursday #fairylore
FOLKLORE IN THE USA...the latest episode of Tales From Antiquaria is all about Charles M Skinner's 1896 collection "Myths and Legends of Our Own Land" - our first trip across the Atlantic and a glimpse into the folklore collection of the US in the 1800s.
LINK www.buzzsprout.com/2538046/epis...
LINK www.buzzsprout.com/2538046/epis...
Myths and Legends of Our Own Land (Part One) - Tales From Antiquaria: 19th Century Folklore & Legends
Witches in the Catskills and the infamous galloping Hessian of Tarry Town! Welcome to America, as we explore part one of Myths and Legends of Our Own Land, Charles M Skinner's collection of American f...
www.buzzsprout.com
August 18, 2026 at 3:34 PM
FOLKLORE IN THE USA...the latest episode of Tales From Antiquaria is all about Charles M Skinner's 1896 collection "Myths and Legends of Our Own Land" - our first trip across the Atlantic and a glimpse into the folklore collection of the US in the 1800s.
LINK www.buzzsprout.com/2538046/epis...
LINK www.buzzsprout.com/2538046/epis...
Watching the eclipse tonight by the Bronze Age burial mound at the top of my lane, there was a strange feeling of connection. More than that, suddenly there was talk of all the old folklore, of crows fleeing, dogs barking…quite the moment.
We ain’t so different from our ancestors sometimes…
We ain’t so different from our ancestors sometimes…
August 12, 2026 at 6:40 PM
Watching the eclipse tonight by the Bronze Age burial mound at the top of my lane, there was a strange feeling of connection. More than that, suddenly there was talk of all the old folklore, of crows fleeing, dogs barking…quite the moment.
We ain’t so different from our ancestors sometimes…
We ain’t so different from our ancestors sometimes…
Black Shuck, witchcraft and the galloping ghost of Sir Thomas Boleyn!
The new episode of Tales From Antiquaria is "The Norfolk Garland", John Glyde's 1872 collection of Norfolk folklore.
LINK: www.buzzsprout.com/2538046/epis...
#blackshuck #norfolkfolklore #talesfromantiquaria
The new episode of Tales From Antiquaria is "The Norfolk Garland", John Glyde's 1872 collection of Norfolk folklore.
LINK: www.buzzsprout.com/2538046/epis...
#blackshuck #norfolkfolklore #talesfromantiquaria
The Norfolk Garland - Tales From Antiquaria: 19th Century Folklore & Legends
Black Shuck, witchcraft and the galloping ghost of Sir Thomas Boleyn! Its The Norfolk Garland, John Glyde's 1872 collection of Norfolk folklore.'The spectre of this gentleman is believed by the vulga...
www.buzzsprout.com
August 12, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Black Shuck, witchcraft and the galloping ghost of Sir Thomas Boleyn!
The new episode of Tales From Antiquaria is "The Norfolk Garland", John Glyde's 1872 collection of Norfolk folklore.
LINK: www.buzzsprout.com/2538046/epis...
#blackshuck #norfolkfolklore #talesfromantiquaria
The new episode of Tales From Antiquaria is "The Norfolk Garland", John Glyde's 1872 collection of Norfolk folklore.
LINK: www.buzzsprout.com/2538046/epis...
#blackshuck #norfolkfolklore #talesfromantiquaria
Tales From Antiquaria returns today with the 1863 collection "My Summer Holiday - Being a Tourists Jottings About Tenby."
A particularly charming collection regrading Tenby and its surrounding landscape in South West Wales.
www.buzzsprout.com/2538046/epis...
#tenby #tenbyhistory
A particularly charming collection regrading Tenby and its surrounding landscape in South West Wales.
www.buzzsprout.com/2538046/epis...
#tenby #tenbyhistory
My Summer Holiday (Being a Tourists Jottings About Tenby) - Tales From Antiquaria: 19th Century Folklore & Legends
The legend of Dunraven, ship wrecks and sermons in the stones! My Summer Holiday - Being a Tourists Jottings About Tenby is an 1863 publication from William Freeman of London and the work of an unknow...
www.buzzsprout.com
August 4, 2026 at 9:56 PM
Tales From Antiquaria returns today with the 1863 collection "My Summer Holiday - Being a Tourists Jottings About Tenby."
A particularly charming collection regrading Tenby and its surrounding landscape in South West Wales.
www.buzzsprout.com/2538046/epis...
#tenby #tenbyhistory
A particularly charming collection regrading Tenby and its surrounding landscape in South West Wales.
www.buzzsprout.com/2538046/epis...
#tenby #tenbyhistory
I’ve often talked about the picture books on lore and legend I would look through when I was a kid.
Well, unbelievably I came across one on EBAY as I recognised the cover! 4 quid! Haven’t seen this beauty in over 30 years until it came today!
Well, unbelievably I came across one on EBAY as I recognised the cover! 4 quid! Haven’t seen this beauty in over 30 years until it came today!
July 31, 2026 at 10:15 AM
I’ve often talked about the picture books on lore and legend I would look through when I was a kid.
Well, unbelievably I came across one on EBAY as I recognised the cover! 4 quid! Haven’t seen this beauty in over 30 years until it came today!
Well, unbelievably I came across one on EBAY as I recognised the cover! 4 quid! Haven’t seen this beauty in over 30 years until it came today!
After a couple of days offline, my website is back and refreshed!
The slightly Tim Burton-esque feel is gone and it's much brighter, with new formatting for essays, podcasts and a new live events page. I quite like it!
thelocalmythstorian.com/home
#thelocalmythstorian
The slightly Tim Burton-esque feel is gone and it's much brighter, with new formatting for essays, podcasts and a new live events page. I quite like it!
thelocalmythstorian.com/home
#thelocalmythstorian
The Local Mythstorian
Home page of The Local Mythstorian. The Local Mythstorian is the online hub of folklorist Eli Lewis-Lycett, containing essays, podcasts and news.
thelocalmythstorian.com
July 30, 2026 at 4:26 PM
After a couple of days offline, my website is back and refreshed!
The slightly Tim Burton-esque feel is gone and it's much brighter, with new formatting for essays, podcasts and a new live events page. I quite like it!
thelocalmythstorian.com/home
#thelocalmythstorian
The slightly Tim Burton-esque feel is gone and it's much brighter, with new formatting for essays, podcasts and a new live events page. I quite like it!
thelocalmythstorian.com/home
#thelocalmythstorian
Little trip to Farndon, Cheshire. From the church with its musket damage and civil war window, across the medieval bridge into wales and Holt Castle (the villages are a ten minute walk apart) - an absolute dream of a historical day out.
July 26, 2026 at 5:37 PM
Little trip to Farndon, Cheshire. From the church with its musket damage and civil war window, across the medieval bridge into wales and Holt Castle (the villages are a ten minute walk apart) - an absolute dream of a historical day out.
In the pamphlet boom of the 1700s there were few more popular topics than the ‘Cheshire prophet’. The farm hand that foretold the future has fascinated folklore for 300 years: but could the most incredible part of his story actually be based in fact?
LINK: thelocalmythstorian.com/the-hungry-p...
LINK: thelocalmythstorian.com/the-hungry-p...
July 21, 2026 at 10:29 PM
In the pamphlet boom of the 1700s there were few more popular topics than the ‘Cheshire prophet’. The farm hand that foretold the future has fascinated folklore for 300 years: but could the most incredible part of his story actually be based in fact?
LINK: thelocalmythstorian.com/the-hungry-p...
LINK: thelocalmythstorian.com/the-hungry-p...
RELICS OF THE CORNFIELD
My new essay exploring the ritual symbolism of the Moulton Crow Dance is now released. This unique folk tradition has taken place in my own village for 100 yrs, but its contents suggest it could be far, far older.
LINK: thelocalmythstorian.com/relics-of-th...
#moultoncrows
My new essay exploring the ritual symbolism of the Moulton Crow Dance is now released. This unique folk tradition has taken place in my own village for 100 yrs, but its contents suggest it could be far, far older.
LINK: thelocalmythstorian.com/relics-of-th...
#moultoncrows
July 18, 2026 at 11:57 PM
RELICS OF THE CORNFIELD
My new essay exploring the ritual symbolism of the Moulton Crow Dance is now released. This unique folk tradition has taken place in my own village for 100 yrs, but its contents suggest it could be far, far older.
LINK: thelocalmythstorian.com/relics-of-th...
#moultoncrows
My new essay exploring the ritual symbolism of the Moulton Crow Dance is now released. This unique folk tradition has taken place in my own village for 100 yrs, but its contents suggest it could be far, far older.
LINK: thelocalmythstorian.com/relics-of-th...
#moultoncrows
RELICS OF THE CORNFIELD
My new essay exploring the ritual symbolism of the Moulton Crow Dance is now released. This unique folk tradition has taken place in my own village for 100 yrs, but its contents suggest it could be far, far older.
LINK: thelocalmythstorian.com/relics-of-th...
#moultoncrows
My new essay exploring the ritual symbolism of the Moulton Crow Dance is now released. This unique folk tradition has taken place in my own village for 100 yrs, but its contents suggest it could be far, far older.
LINK: thelocalmythstorian.com/relics-of-th...
#moultoncrows
July 18, 2026 at 12:47 PM
RELICS OF THE CORNFIELD
My new essay exploring the ritual symbolism of the Moulton Crow Dance is now released. This unique folk tradition has taken place in my own village for 100 yrs, but its contents suggest it could be far, far older.
LINK: thelocalmythstorian.com/relics-of-th...
#moultoncrows
My new essay exploring the ritual symbolism of the Moulton Crow Dance is now released. This unique folk tradition has taken place in my own village for 100 yrs, but its contents suggest it could be far, far older.
LINK: thelocalmythstorian.com/relics-of-th...
#moultoncrows
In summer, in Cheshire…few things can beat an English country morning.
#moulton #davenham #englishsummer #cheshirelife
#moulton #davenham #englishsummer #cheshirelife
July 16, 2026 at 10:46 AM
In summer, in Cheshire…few things can beat an English country morning.
#moulton #davenham #englishsummer #cheshirelife
#moulton #davenham #englishsummer #cheshirelife
Sleepless nights with baby Lyra bring there own benefits for research! Perfect 2am reading!
July 14, 2026 at 12:50 AM
Sleepless nights with baby Lyra bring there own benefits for research! Perfect 2am reading!
The Moulton Crow Dance - filmed today. Local folk tradition dating back 100 years…but its wider origin may be far far older! Currently working on an essay regarding it.
#moultoncrows #folkdance #englishfolktraditions
#
#moultoncrows #folkdance #englishfolktraditions
#
July 11, 2026 at 5:57 PM
The Moulton Crow Dance - filmed today. Local folk tradition dating back 100 years…but its wider origin may be far far older! Currently working on an essay regarding it.
#moultoncrows #folkdance #englishfolktraditions
#
#moultoncrows #folkdance #englishfolktraditions
#
Next up - ‘The Phantom Rebel’. Very proud this is the go-to for researching the headless horseman of the Staffs Moorlands.
Also the piece that gets, erm, “borrowed” a lot online - which is a huge compliment I guess!
LINK
thelocalmythstorian.com/the-phantom-...
#headlesshorsemanofbutterton
Also the piece that gets, erm, “borrowed” a lot online - which is a huge compliment I guess!
LINK
thelocalmythstorian.com/the-phantom-...
#headlesshorsemanofbutterton
July 10, 2026 at 7:39 PM
Next up - ‘The Phantom Rebel’. Very proud this is the go-to for researching the headless horseman of the Staffs Moorlands.
Also the piece that gets, erm, “borrowed” a lot online - which is a huge compliment I guess!
LINK
thelocalmythstorian.com/the-phantom-...
#headlesshorsemanofbutterton
Also the piece that gets, erm, “borrowed” a lot online - which is a huge compliment I guess!
LINK
thelocalmythstorian.com/the-phantom-...
#headlesshorsemanofbutterton
Having refreshed many essays recently, I’ll be posting links to them here. These are the foundation stones of my whole folklore ‘thing’ 😂.
First up, my research piece on the rise and fall of Shipbrook Castle in Cheshire.
LINK: thelocalmythstorian.com/invisible-fo...
#shipbrookcastle
First up, my research piece on the rise and fall of Shipbrook Castle in Cheshire.
LINK: thelocalmythstorian.com/invisible-fo...
#shipbrookcastle
July 8, 2026 at 10:47 AM
Having refreshed many essays recently, I’ll be posting links to them here. These are the foundation stones of my whole folklore ‘thing’ 😂.
First up, my research piece on the rise and fall of Shipbrook Castle in Cheshire.
LINK: thelocalmythstorian.com/invisible-fo...
#shipbrookcastle
First up, my research piece on the rise and fall of Shipbrook Castle in Cheshire.
LINK: thelocalmythstorian.com/invisible-fo...
#shipbrookcastle
THE LOCAL MYTHSTORIAN
There's been a fair few new followers here recently (hello!) and it occurred to me you may not be aware of my website - packed with essays, podcasts and general local mythstoria! It's a hub of my 'work' really, some folks may enjoy it!
The link is thelocalmythstorian.com
There's been a fair few new followers here recently (hello!) and it occurred to me you may not be aware of my website - packed with essays, podcasts and general local mythstoria! It's a hub of my 'work' really, some folks may enjoy it!
The link is thelocalmythstorian.com
July 3, 2026 at 9:14 PM
THE LOCAL MYTHSTORIAN
There's been a fair few new followers here recently (hello!) and it occurred to me you may not be aware of my website - packed with essays, podcasts and general local mythstoria! It's a hub of my 'work' really, some folks may enjoy it!
The link is thelocalmythstorian.com
There's been a fair few new followers here recently (hello!) and it occurred to me you may not be aware of my website - packed with essays, podcasts and general local mythstoria! It's a hub of my 'work' really, some folks may enjoy it!
The link is thelocalmythstorian.com
THE REAL FOLKLORE OF CHESHIRE - LECTURE TRANSCRIPT
Hello! For those who may be interested, a full transcript of my lecture at The Grange School from last month - 'The Real Folklore of Cheshire' - is now available at thelocalmythstorian.com/the-real-fol...
Hope you enjoy it!
#cheshirefolklore
Hello! For those who may be interested, a full transcript of my lecture at The Grange School from last month - 'The Real Folklore of Cheshire' - is now available at thelocalmythstorian.com/the-real-fol...
Hope you enjoy it!
#cheshirefolklore
June 16, 2026 at 10:34 AM
THE REAL FOLKLORE OF CHESHIRE - LECTURE TRANSCRIPT
Hello! For those who may be interested, a full transcript of my lecture at The Grange School from last month - 'The Real Folklore of Cheshire' - is now available at thelocalmythstorian.com/the-real-fol...
Hope you enjoy it!
#cheshirefolklore
Hello! For those who may be interested, a full transcript of my lecture at The Grange School from last month - 'The Real Folklore of Cheshire' - is now available at thelocalmythstorian.com/the-real-fol...
Hope you enjoy it!
#cheshirefolklore
THE REAL FOLKLORE OF CHESHIRE - LIVE FROM THE GRANGE SCHOOL
For those interested, a live recording of my lecture on 21st May forms the latest episode of the Tales From Antiquaria podcast.
Hope you enjoy it - back later in the summer (we're about to have a baby!)
thelocalmythstorian.com/live-events
For those interested, a live recording of my lecture on 21st May forms the latest episode of the Tales From Antiquaria podcast.
Hope you enjoy it - back later in the summer (we're about to have a baby!)
thelocalmythstorian.com/live-events
The Local Mythstorian - Live Events
Live Events. The Local Mythstorian
thelocalmythstorian.com
June 12, 2026 at 7:51 AM
THE REAL FOLKLORE OF CHESHIRE - LIVE FROM THE GRANGE SCHOOL
For those interested, a live recording of my lecture on 21st May forms the latest episode of the Tales From Antiquaria podcast.
Hope you enjoy it - back later in the summer (we're about to have a baby!)
thelocalmythstorian.com/live-events
For those interested, a live recording of my lecture on 21st May forms the latest episode of the Tales From Antiquaria podcast.
Hope you enjoy it - back later in the summer (we're about to have a baby!)
thelocalmythstorian.com/live-events
THE HISTORY OF WITCHCRAFT IN CHESHIRE
Hi folks - for those so interested - a transcript of my lecture at The Grange Theatre from May 2025 is available now on my website.
thelocalmythstorian.com/the-history-...
#thelocalmythstorian #cheshirehistory #witchcrafthistory
Hi folks - for those so interested - a transcript of my lecture at The Grange Theatre from May 2025 is available now on my website.
thelocalmythstorian.com/the-history-...
#thelocalmythstorian #cheshirehistory #witchcrafthistory
June 5, 2026 at 3:43 PM
THE HISTORY OF WITCHCRAFT IN CHESHIRE
Hi folks - for those so interested - a transcript of my lecture at The Grange Theatre from May 2025 is available now on my website.
thelocalmythstorian.com/the-history-...
#thelocalmythstorian #cheshirehistory #witchcrafthistory
Hi folks - for those so interested - a transcript of my lecture at The Grange Theatre from May 2025 is available now on my website.
thelocalmythstorian.com/the-history-...
#thelocalmythstorian #cheshirehistory #witchcrafthistory
The Green Man by Kingsley Amis (1969) - my favourite novel and a perfect accompaniment to summer walks (on audiobook). If you’ve never read it, highly recommend - a pub landlord battling a mid life crisis AND the ghost that haunts his establishment. Great TV adaptation with Albert Finney too!
June 2, 2026 at 6:22 PM
The Green Man by Kingsley Amis (1969) - my favourite novel and a perfect accompaniment to summer walks (on audiobook). If you’ve never read it, highly recommend - a pub landlord battling a mid life crisis AND the ghost that haunts his establishment. Great TV adaptation with Albert Finney too!
Haunted Magazine Issue 50 is out in UK shops next week and a little later in June in the US - the issue will include a feature from me regarding the ghostly folklore of the 19th century!
You can also order online at www.hauntedmagazineprintshop.com
#talesfromantiquaria #HauntedMagazine
You can also order online at www.hauntedmagazineprintshop.com
#talesfromantiquaria #HauntedMagazine
May 30, 2026 at 9:59 AM
Haunted Magazine Issue 50 is out in UK shops next week and a little later in June in the US - the issue will include a feature from me regarding the ghostly folklore of the 19th century!
You can also order online at www.hauntedmagazineprintshop.com
#talesfromantiquaria #HauntedMagazine
You can also order online at www.hauntedmagazineprintshop.com
#talesfromantiquaria #HauntedMagazine
I first began to wonder about this stretch of the Cheshire / Staffs border about 20 years ago. A series of man-made hillocks, within walking distance of the Bridestones...an unacknowledged tomb complex? I actually spoke with the landowner in 2006 - they too, had begun to wonder.
#ancientlandscapes
#ancientlandscapes
May 28, 2026 at 4:08 PM
I first began to wonder about this stretch of the Cheshire / Staffs border about 20 years ago. A series of man-made hillocks, within walking distance of the Bridestones...an unacknowledged tomb complex? I actually spoke with the landowner in 2006 - they too, had begun to wonder.
#ancientlandscapes
#ancientlandscapes