Loremen Podcast

Chris Cantrill of The Delightful Sausage (BBC Radio 2) returns! And, having moved to Cumbria, he has a brand new story up his grubby little sleeve. Meg Merrilies was a highwaywoman from "the pasten days" who was ruthless in her pursuit of riches, a hobby which some say has continued beyond the grave... However, Chris devotes most of the show to describing a nearby tea room's delicious tray bakes. If you've never heard the words "tray bake" before, you will be sick of them by the end of this episode. To his credit, Chris's story includes First Hand Witness Testimony™, and you won't believe how badly a man from Bradford can mangle the word "lure". Loreboys nether say die! Support the Loremen here (and get stuff): patreon.com/loremenpod ko-fi.com/loremen @loremenpod www.twitch.tv/loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK | @ToplessCantrill Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds (1841) is a remarkable compendium of mass hysterias, written by the Scottish curmudgeon Charles Mackay. Alasdair (half-Scottish curmudgeon) takes James on a tour of the stand-out fads, fancies and follies: from Dutch tulip-fanciers, via slow-poisoners, to some cracking haunted house scams. Brace yourself for chilling tales of faux-ghosts. (Fhosts.) Loreboys nether say die! Support the Loremen here (and get stuff): patreon.com/loremenpod ko-fi.com/loremen @loremenpod www.twitch.tv/loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've ever thought, "they couldn't make it up," then you are about to be proven so very wrong. They DID make this one up! But don't let that put you off. This bit of hoax-lore from the Isle of Wight has medieval romance, time travel and a solar eclipse: all the excitement of a parish newsletter, plus cocktails and a cameo from Michael Legge. By the way, do you know Tom Collins? He's been chatting some right stuff about you... Loreboys nether say die! Support the Loremen here (and get stuff): patreon.com/loremenpod ko-fi.com/loremen @loremenpod www.twitch.tv/loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ah, the Peak District: nestled snugly betwixt Lancashire and Yorkshire. Quiet, peaceful, serene... that is until the Loreboys rock up! Long-time listeners will know that the Gabriel Hounds are invisible flying dogs that presage death. We track them down to the Hope Valley, and what must be THE rudest village in England. Warning: we pour scorn on a so-called ghost farmer and dish more dirt on Jesus Christ: Serial Killer. Loreboys nether say die! Support the Loremen here (and get stuff): patreon.com/loremenpod ko-fi.com/loremen @loremenpod www.twitch.tv/loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did Jesus’s uncle Joseph (presumably on his mum’s side) retire to England’s West Country? Did he bring the Holy Grail with him? Common sense and recorded history say, ‘no’. James Shakeshaft says… ‘maybe?’ Join the Loremen in this festive dive into bizarre Christmas traditions, weird biblical outtakes and the dubious origins of the Holy Grail. We livestreamed the recording of this episode on the Loremen Twitch channel on Dec 23rd (twenty-twenty). If you’d like to see it with extra shenanigans, a few swears and one greenscreen catastrophe, check it out: http://www.loremenpodcast.com/episode-51-s3 Loreboys nether say die! Support the Loremen here (and get stuff): patreon.com/loremenpod ko-fi.com/loremen @loremenpod www.twitch.tv/loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stuart Goldsmith of the Comedian’s Comedian Podcast joins the Lorebois for some spooky tales from Stu’s old stomping ground of Warwick Castle* where he used to be the jester**. Plus! One tale from Royal Leamington Spa, in which the veteran podcaster delves into a particular… area he has never touched upon before. *An actual castle, not a pub with an overly ambitious name. **An actual jester, not a buffoon with an overly ambitious name. Patreon subscribers can enjoy some supernatural bonus chat with Deputy Stu. Loreboys nether say die! Support the Loremen here (and get stuff): patreon.com/loremenpod ko-fi.com/loremen @loremenpod www.twitch.tv/loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Loremen are on the hunt for British werewolves, but it turns out the scariest thing of all… is the truth. James and Alasdair uncover grisly stories of cannibalism, Sunny Delight and the world’s deadliest Bean. This episode features some of the least accurate animal facts in podcast history. You’ll never look at a weasel’s ear the same way again. Loreboys nether say die! Support the Loremen here (and get stuff): patreon.com/loremenpod ko-fi.com/loremen @loremenpod www.twitch.tv/loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alasdair leads us off the beaten track and across the sea to the northernmost part of the UK: the Shetland Islands. Prepare yourself for a veritable ‘Who’s Who‘ of sea monsters, a ‘Where’s That‘ of obscure place-names and a ‘Why’s This‘ of supposedly Scottish accents. Watch out for an unexpected number of bees, and learn how intimidating Norwegian applause can get… Loreboys nether say die! Support the Loremen here (and get stuff): patreon.com/loremenpod ko-fi.com/loremen @loremenpod www.twitch.tv/loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode comes from the much derided and profoundly strange city of Milton Keynes. The Lorepokes are joined by comedy maverick, steampunk pioneer and practising ritual magician Andrew O’Neill. MK’s ultra-modernist architecture conceals a cursed elm tree, a diabolical neighbour and a time-travelling windmill. Learn the secret of invisibility from Aleister Crowley, try to avoid the Illuminati and DO NOT EAT THE MYSTERY JELLY. You have been warned. Loreboys nether say die! Support the Loremen here (and get stuff) patreon.com/loremenpod ko-fi.com/loremen @loremenpod www.twitch.tv/loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alasdair and James return to the borough where the Loremen first saddled up. It may sound like a fairy tale, but South London was once home to a great palace of cast iron and glass. Crystal Palace may have burned down*, but many mysteries remain… Plummet! Into a ghost train full of Victorian skeletons. Dine! Inside an historically inaccurate dinosaur. Marvel! As a vengeful TV psychic comes a cropper. Listen! To this episode. * Somehow. Like, glass and iron don’t burn, so…? We’re just asking questions. Loreboys nether say die! Support the Loremen here (and get stuff) patreon.com/loremenpod ko-fi.com/loremen @loremenpod www.twitch.tv/loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A thrilling Kentish episode this week! James recounts the legend of 14th century kick-machine Sir Robert de Shurland. He kicked cattle. He kicked commoners. He kicked clergymen. NO ONE was safe from his pied-à-terror! This ep features a B-plot concerning a sailor's corpse with a wicked grin, who wreaked havoc on Kent's coastal churchyards. James pushes the boundaries of podcast storytelling* and gives you a startlingly accurate idea of the size of the Isle of Sheppey. (It's approximately Bristol plus Winchester). *tells the story slightly out of chronological order for dramatic effect. Loreboys nether say die! Support the Loremen here (and get stuff) patreon.com/loremenpod ko-fi.com/loremen @loremenpod www.twitch.tv/loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Loremen came together for a special Halloween livestream, and here is the audio thereof! Featuring the much-anticipated reveal of great-grandaddy Shakeshaft's name! (It is not a human name.) James brings you a clock-hating poltergeist, a classic haunted inn and a bunch of skeletons that are believed... to be dead. The stories all connect, but how? Gather your red string and thumbtacks now, for one challenge remains. Are you brave enough to enter the ghost maze of Wyck Rissington? (Say it with a flourish.) Loreboys nether say die! Support the Loremen here (and get stuff): patreon.com/loremenpod ko-fi.com/loremen @loremenpod www.twitch.tv/loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alasdair takes us on a journey to the Otherworld. The tale begins at the Peak District's rudest tourist attraction, stops off at Yorkshire's sauciest Neolithic mound and then emerges from the "ancient cavities" of Suffolk. The Green Children of Woolpit raise more questions than they answer. Do aliens exist? Do fairies? What about Australians? What are they all about? Accent warning - the Loreblokes do a wide variety of Australian accents in this episode. Often within the same sentence. Loreboys nether say die! ko-fi.com/loremen @loremenpod www.twitch.tv/loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comedian and genuine Canadian Dana Alexander takes us 'neath the waves of the legendary Pacific Northwest (or Pacific Southwest from Canada's point of view). The Nootka Sound was once home to an orphaned Killer Whale called Luna who just wanted attention from sailors. Hey, we've all been there. This episode also features some dodgy Canadian accent work from James and Alasdair, you betcha. Loreboys nether say die! ko-fi.com/loremen @loremenpod www.twitch.tv/loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK | @ComedianDana Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We figured that every man and his podcast would be doing a spooky special in honour of Halloween month, so we've gone entirely ghost-free. James tells the tale of a kooky doctor trying to dispose of a dead body. The twist? It's a whale's body. The other twist? He's really bad at it. (Feat. Gary Barlow) Loreboys nether say die! ko-fi.com/loremen @loremenpod www.twitch.tv/loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alasdair wows James with England's self-proclaimed "most haunted castle." That description is technically accurate, in that it is a castle that's been on the TV show "Most Haunted". Alasdair tells a tale of skeletons, charlatans and circus clowns, and James nearly derails the episode with an anecdote about crisps. Crisps... and lies. Loreboys nether say die! ko-fi.com/loremen @loremenpod www.twitch.tv/loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Loremen travel through time and space (which is literally the only way to travel) to visit the dark and delightful Midnight Library Podcast. Yes, this is a crossover episode! We meet the mysterious Miranda Merrick, who regales us with tales of the Great Lake Monsters. Are the monsters great? Or the lakes? The answer is yes. This time, your humble Loreboys are more than out of their depth. Pull on a slanket and join us. Sound design by https://soundslikeanearful.com/ Loreboys nether say die! ko-fi.com/loremen @loremenpod www.twitch.tv/loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK | @NightLibrary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've all heard of Wookey Hole, haven't we? HAVEN'T WE? Oh, we haven't? Huh. Then let Deputy Loreperson Rosie Holt introduce you to Somerset's 2nd best subterranean tourist attraction. James chips in with a bunch of West Country witch tales that all have something familiar about them. (That's a pun.) Plus a timeless lesson on the dangers of pig sarcasm, and a hot tip for getting rid of unwanted toads. Loreboys nether say die! ko-fi.com/loremen @loremenpod www.twitch.tv/loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK | @RosieisaHolt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yuriko Kontani joins the Loreboys to talk about the Kappa - a quirky Japanese river-monster with some nasty appetites. Webbed hands and a bowl on its head are the least of your worries.In spite of our best efforts, this episode contains much talk of bottoms, bumholes and farts. So if you're listening with kids, be warned that they're going to love it. Loreboys nether say die! ko-fi.com/loremen @loremenpod www.twitch.tv/loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK | @YurikoComedy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Edinburgh's roll-call of villains is long, crooked and rotten. Like the worst banana. And Major Weir is one of the nastiest. Thomas Weir aka "Angelic Thomas" did not live up to that nickname, as you will soon discover. Eleanor Morton, Edinburgh native, comedian and mystery enthusiast, joined the Loremen livestream to get to the bottom of this devil of a fellow. Stay tuned after the credits to hear a horror story from James's real life. It is in the top three most disgusting stories he's told on the pod. Loreboys nether say die! ko-fi.com/loremen @loremenpod www.twitch.tv/loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK | @EleanorMorton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Garrick's Head pub is home to many Bath-based legends, so we called up our Bath area Deputy Loreperson - Sunil Patel (BBC Asian Network). The Loreboys cover a fair amount of genuine history in this one, from pneumatic wigs to the MC of Bath's extravagant balls. And before you ask - YES! We do describe several 1970s photos of 1970s men pointing towards places ghosts were once seen. Loreboys nether say die! ko-fi.com/loremen @loremenpod www.twitch.tv/loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK | @SunilDPatel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Faringdon in Oxfordshire is a peculiar town. The folly comes with a health warning and the doves are painted neon colours. The most unsurprising thing about the place is that the graveyard has a ghost: the headless spectre of poor Hampden Pye. James spills the beans on how Hampden lost his head, when all about were keeping theirs. Also, it was very, very hot when we recorded and we are very, very English. So we moan about it. A lot. (Contains mild references to violence and suicide.) Loreboys nether say die! ko-fi.com/loremen @loremenpod www.twitch.tv/loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This tale has it all; Romans, bikers, buried treasure, UFOs, the devil, a woman, trees. You name it! If anything, Chanctonbury Ring in the South Downs has too much folklore. This ep also features two of Alasdair's 'best' voices and will leave you questioning whether James understands how hills work... Loreboys nether say die! ko-fi.com/loremen @loremenpod www.twitch.tv/loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's only the most haunted house in the bloomin' Midlands! James tells us about Stratford-upon-Avon's star-crossed Clopton Family, who met some truly tragic fates - in one case a LITERALLY sticky end. But their untimely deaths may have inspired Shakespeare and Edgar Allen Poe. So that's... good? Maybe? We also reveal which historic building Alasdair has been kicked out of and (as a post-credits bonus) James has prepared some Shakespeare puns. Niche? Us? Yes, very! Loreboys nether say die! ko-fi.com/loremen @loremenpod www.twitch.tv/loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ah, the fae folk, they seem so carefree and jolly. But theirs is a society full of arbitrary rules and harsh punishments even for the most unintentional infractions. Also they're very small and get upset when you look directly at them. Sounds like working with Tom Cruise. In this episode, Alasdair takes us into the realm of the faeries (Northumberland) as your bold Loremen face a second wave of Lockdown Fever... May Pob have mercy on our souls. Loreboys nether say die! ko-fi.com/loremen @loremenpod www.twitch.tv/loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The award winning Ross Brierley (of The Not So Late Show) takes the Loremen on a (virtual) tour of the village of Eyam. Fans of nominative determinism will be both pleased and annoyed by this tale, like someone whose name was Jolly Upset. This Derbyshire tragedy features ghosts, noble sacrifices and 1 (one) magical pudding-boy. No explanation needed or given. (To the listeners writing in about our lax scoring: you win all right... or do you?) If you'd care to spare a sou or two... ko-fi.com/loremen @loremenpod www.twitch.tv/loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 50th episode sees the Lorefolks tackle the Rollright Stones in a special livestream edition! The past and the future collide, as predicted by the film Stargate and to a lesser extent the TV series of the same name. Discover standing stones, a witch's curse and the dreaded Dix Pit. You can also watch the full livestream here: www.loremenpodcast.com/episode-29-s3 Thanks to all our loyal listeners, here's to 50 more! (50 more episodes, not 50 more listeners. We'd settle for 25.) Bonus Content: James attempting to make a Serial-esque podcast phenomenon out of the Snuffling Beast of Lidstone. It lasts ten minutes, but bless 'im, he tried. Mooie Warning: They're back. ko-fi.com/loremen @loremenpod www.twitch.tv/loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alasdair invites you into his 'psychomanteum' to hear a triptych of ghostly tales. You want a ghost to get bullied by schoolboys? You got it! You want a ghost who steals hats? No problem!You want a ghost on skates chatting to a hip vicar? Weirdly specific. But yes, we have that too. Do we need to mention we've come up with a new detective series concept? Because we blooming well have. ko-fi.com/loremen @loremenpod www.twitch.tv/loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ah, Chipping Norton! A town that sounds like a minced oath from the 19th century, like "Flaming Nora!" Or "Odds Bodkins!" Also the town that produced a podcast presenter utterly determined to get to the bottom of local legends, obscure curiosities and whatnot. (It's James. We're talking about James.) Please enjoy this love letter to the market town of "Chippy" that could have been James' debut Edinburgh Festival Fringe show if circumstances were different.* *Audience's expectations were much lower. Wang us some sweet, sweet dough via here if you'd be so kind... ko-fi.com/loremen @loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Get in the sea" has been in common parlance since 2015 but it is by no means a modern concept. Towns, cities and fabled islands have been doing just that for thousands of years. Alasdair takes us on a deep dive (PUN) into Yorkshire's own submerged towns, one of which was populated exclusively by pirates. Well, they must have had non-pirates to do the normal stuff like take the bins out, but you get the idea. Pop a couple o coffers here would ya guv? Ko-fi.com/Loremen @loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joined by Rachel Fairburn (off of the All Killa No Filla podcast), the Loremen return to the Wild West Country for a poke around a magical and mysterious area known as 'The Gump'. With hooting stones, partying pixies and wrestling demons, this tale has something for everyone. Giants? Yes, mate. Plu,s Alasdair remembers an encounter with the ghost of Yorkshire's Gary Coleman. Wap us a few pennies here would you guv?? Ko-fi.com/Loremen @loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK | @RachelFairburn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James Shakeshaft plays against type by offering up a story that's very nearly historically accurate. The legend of the Vegetable Lamb of Tartary or 'Barometz' seemed so plausible. It was a grazing lamb that grew on a bush; it seemed like it HAD to be real. The stories were so convincing a series of extraordinarily named men launched expeditions to find it. They didn't find it. It's not a real thing. Come one, a vegetable lamb? What next, strawberry crackling? Beef tomatoes? BLOOD ORANGES?! Chuck us a few pennies here Ko-fi.com/Loremen @loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've decided not to put out an episode of Loremen this week. Half our listeners come from the USA, and the black lives matter protests should matter to everyone, everywhere. Stay safe. Love people. https://blacklivesmatter.com/about/ https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Swedish comedian Evelyn Mok brings us a selection of Scandinavian stories about nymphs. This episode is like a delicious selection of small, tasty treats. If only there were an appropriate Swedish word for that... Nope, can't think of one. Prepare for an abundance of naked nymphs and some phallus-y fallacies, all from Sweden's SECOND best city - Gothenburg. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jenny Collier returns! Again! This episode answers the age-old question, "how many is too many plagues?" We discover that finding the dead centre of Britain is surprisingly controversial. And we ask hard-hitting questions about 1980s TV star and evil puppet, Pob. Questions such as, "you don't remember Pob?" and, "how can you not remember Pob?!" We also dive into the Welsh myth of Lludd and Llefelys and learn that London was founded by a Welshman. Who knew? The Welsh knew. @loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK | @JenJenCollier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 16th century was a dangerous place, kids. Con artists, knaves and robbers roamed the land, causing mischief. If the pamphlets Alasdair has uncovered are to be believed, there was a vast underground crime network with its own secret language. It was a lot a lot like the John Wick franchise. And, like the John Wick franchise, it's a load of old nonsense. Still, bit of fun, innit? @loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Loremen meet old Mister Crump in this listener-suggested tale of Gloucestershire oddities. (Thanks for sending it in, Emily!) What begins as an exploration of spectral phenomena quickly devolves into a cabin fever-dream. We discuss of bees, bones, back doors and boozy ghosts. It's another lockdown episode and things are getting weird... Enjoy! @loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alasdair takes a deep dive into an epic, extraordinary year! 1816 was a real shocker, by all accounts. The world seemed to have been turned upside down. Holidays were ruined. Worst of all, people moped around indoors writing POETRY. Maybe life two centuries ago wasn't so different after all... Hmmm? (Puts on sunglasses.) (Takes sunglasses off because of the lack of summer.) @loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FLORIDA MAN RECORDS PODCAST! The Loremen are joined by indie game auteur Francisco González - a genuine American! He gives us the lowdown on Florida's creepiest life-size, melty-faced, doll-boy, Robert the Doll. This bumper episode also investigates Florida's OTHER claim to paranormal fame: the Skunk Ape of the everglades. (He's basically a stinky bigfoot.) Plus, if you enjoyed the world's oldest paperboy in last week's episode, you'll go crazy for America's smallest post office. (It's impractically small!) @loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK | @GrundislavGames Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Award-winning comedian Harriet Braine steps up to the Loremen plate and tries to convince us that Surbiton is an interesting place, actually. We meet modern folk legends in the form of a goat-headed cheesemaker, a dead giant and the world's oldest paper boy. However, we do end up talking about the train station a lot. Such is the overwhelming blandness of Surbiton: "The city suburb that always sleeps". @loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK | @HarrietBraine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Chris Cantrill (The Delightful Sausage) gives us the lowdown on Yorkshire's biggest pigs. This boy knows his pork and porcine lore! Meanwhile, James embarrasses himself and insults the North. (Neither for the first time.) We also learn why a Bradfordian should always carry a tongue and how Chris is handling lockdown with his in-laws. @loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK | @ToplessCantrill Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Mancunian tale of the macabre. Two hauntings, one terrible clock, several pronunciations of M. Night Shyamalan and a twist we're sure you won't see coming. (The twist isn't that there is no twist. Come on.) This episode is another coronavirus lockdown edition, so please listen from a safe distance of 2 metres (6' 6"). @loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bath comedian Sunil Patel ( BBC Asian Network) dons the mantle of Deputy Loreperson in this Covid-19 Lockdown Special. Sequestered in our separate garrets, sheds and jazz lounges, we learn the story of King Bladud. Bladud was a daredevil, a leper, an assistant pig farmer and founder of the city of Bath. Now that's a portfolio career. Who petrified the Keynsham snakes? Is it possible to fly from Bath to London, Icarus-style? Does Sunil Patel's mum know he's on TV? Find out in Episode 14. @loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK | @SunilDPatel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Loremen are joined by the delightful half of award-winning double-act The Delightful Sausage - Amy Gledhill. We chat about the Hull Werewolf, also known as "Old Stinker". With bonus coverage of an underwater witch, a beheaded boy and, of course, the Pig-man. Plus we hear some of the funniest place names in all of Yorkshire. Warning - This episode may cause you to question the very nature of reality / Hull. @loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK | @ThatGledhill Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Award winning comedian Sooz Kempner (Mystery On The Rocks Podcast) joins the Loremen with stories of airborne gremlins. Not to be confused with the film Gremlins (1984), these impish critters* outfoxed RAF pilots in World War 2. As always**, the Loremen shine the searing light of scrutiny on our guest's tall tales. But will we finish recording the episode before the gremlins attack? *not to be confused with the film Critters (1986). **not to be confused with the film Always (1989). @loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK | @SoozUK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James brings in an extraordinary tale of betrayal, backstabbing and the Devil himself. He also lobs a bunch of civil war stories directly into your ears. Which musical instruments can Satan play? Why does Warwick market stink? How big is TOO big for a shoe? Please write in to tell us your favourite devilish pseudonyms. Old Scratch? Old Nick? Old Scratchy Nick? Let us know on the socials. Ayoade Warning: James does a Richard Ayoade impression for about the ninth time this series. @loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comedian and podcaster Michael Legge (you know - off Do The Right Thing) joins the Loremen to tell us about the Irish legend of Fionn mac Cumhail - aka - Finn McCool. We learn why it is big and clever to act like a massive baby, which is useful. Plus who was the more famous 7Up logo, Fido Dido or Cool Spot? AND which character from the extended Back To The Future universe James's wife thinks he is the most like. @loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK | @michaellegge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Like all great tales, this episode begins with a riddle and ends with a warning... The Roaring Bull of Bagbury is certainly a unique story that sparks off some sinister memories from James' past. And poses a few of life's bigger questions - What are the Mooies? What size is a small pineapple? How big is too big a bull? MOOIE WARNING - contains talk of Mooies. Should have warned you earlier, soz. @loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jenny Collier returns! After last year's Welsh Valentine's hilarity (pimp out of pimp across the board) we brought our favourite Welsh comedian back into the studio to give us the lowdown on an actual epic. We cover book two of The Mabinogion (Mabinogion 2: The Legend of Curly's Gold). The Mabinogion is a 12th Century text recounting ancient Welsh myths and legends. As you can imagine, it scores highly in Naming. Content Warnings: Two non-Welsh people doing their "best" Welsh accents, horse mutilation, references to Love Island. @loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK | @JenJenCollier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alasdair brings an "account" of how to open your third eye. And it's squirm-inducing stuff! Meanwhile, James can't get over the fact that Tibetan lama sounds a lot like Tibetan llama. For a whole episode. There's also a man whose name is Tuesday Lobsang Rampa. Really what more could you want... A portentous owl? You got it. A Yeti cameo? You got that too. A cat with a surname? You got that three. That's one per eye. We, like the ambassador who hosted that reception that time, are really spoiling you. Enjoy! @loremenpod www.instagram.com/loremenpod www.facebook.com/loremenpod @JamesShakeshaft | @MisterABK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices