Vanessa Burrows

Folk Tales Then and Now

History EN ↓ 4 episodes

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 qui...

Author

Vanessa Burrows

Episodes

The Shoemaker of Southwell 29.05.2026 36:16

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 dom...

A Bag of Nuts 01.05.2026 34:18

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; specifical...

The Griffin of Griffydam 31.03.2026 37:28

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 lan...

Introducing: Folk Tales Then and Now 18.03.2026 1:15

✨ 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 probab...