James tells the true story of a man who escaped the hangman's noose, not once, not twice and not four times either. The life of John "Babbacombe" Lee was made into a silent film in 1912. Smash-cut to 2025, and James is retelling the tale with his usual cinematic panache. Yes, this is a James Shakeshaft Joint starring your two favourite Loreboys. Th…

Author Willow Winsham joins the Loreboys with a tale of a woman more witched against than witching! The infamous Ann Wagg simply could not move without being accused of witchcraft. Ironically, locals said she was casting curses that rendered them unable to move. Eventually, a lawman was called in. Will Ann Wagg face the wrath of her neighbours, or …

Now this is a story all about how Donald Omand’s life got flipped turned upside down when he encountered a Chinese idol possessed by a murderous spirit. Alasdair introduces James to the so-called ‘Circus Priest’, a Scottish exorcist who fought the forces of evil everywhere from the Bermuda Triangle to a hotel room in Edinburgh. That is, if Dr Omand…

Listener beware! Loremen is not a financial advice podcast, BUT if you are offered untold riches by an aged ghost who departs with a devilish laugh — that's probably a bad sign. James tells Alasdair a real chiller from Cornwall for our 250th episode! This episode was edited by Joseph Burrows - Audio Editor Join the LoreFolk here... patreon.com/lore…

The LoreBoys lived again! Returning to the Leicester Comedy Festival, we treated an audience to tales of beasts of the water, beasts of the air and a beast of the land — a cyclist with no head at all! Thanks to all the Lorefolk who joined us in real life and on YouTube. You too can check out the whole thing with moving images on our YouTube Channel…

It is the Most Romantic Time of the Year™ and we have a tale steeped in romance... if your idea of romance is Arthurian toxic masculinity. Welsh Valentine's Correspondent Jenny Collier joins us with what HAS to be the last bit of romance we can eke out of the Mabinogion. Or should that be MabiSNOGion? It's the legend of Enid and Geraint: a classic …

Alasdair introduces James to the inverted ghost of Lady Elizabeth Hoby. Prepare your ears for the tragic tale of Lady Hoby's (imaginary) son William. Are the legends true? Was the mistress of Bisham Abbey cursed by a Benedictine monk? Was Lady Hoby... a murderer? As usual, the answer is "probably not". But that won't stop the Loreboys. And if anyon…

(No, not that Hellfire Club.) The Loremen return for series 6 and it's a saucy start to the year. We travel to the county of Buckinghamshire to meet some rich and powerful men who are behaving disgracefully — what a twist! William Hogarth, Sir Francis Dashwood and The Notorious John Booth set up a secret drinking society in the 18th century. The fi…

It's still the 'tween times and the Loreboys are on their winter break. But fear not! Here is a wealth of bonus bits from the last year to keep your earholes warm! If you would like these bonuses and access to the Lorefolk Discord you can join the Lorefolk here... patreon.com/loremenpod AND ALSO! Join us LIVE in Leicester on the 9th February 2025 (…

The yuletide is over, Xmas Pig is a dim memory and it is already time to tear down the Plough Monday decorations. There's just time for a bit of sentimentality. So join the Loreboys as we look back on the 5 (five) best episodes of 2024 (twenty twenty four). What an exciting year we had! A heartfelt thanks goes out to you, the listeners for all the …

It's Almanac time! The Loreboys take a look back over the episodes of 2024 and re-listen to some of the best clips, as voted for by the Lorefolk. This is a bumper compilation, with loads of extra chit-chat and a deep dive into The Art of Kissing. (The book.) This is one of your classic Top 11 countdowns, starting at 9 and counting down to 6. We'd l…

For the last Xmas Pig of 2024, The Quantum Mechanics join James for a final piggy tryptic of tales. With stories from the UK's "Cannock Chase" to America's "Road Bridge" it seems The Pigman gets around a bit. Whether he be a butcher gone wrong or the victim of a science experiment also gone wrong, The Pigman is always a source of terror... This epi…

To brighten these gloomy days between Xmas Pig and Plough Monday, we have another wonderful deputy loreperson! It's Bethan Briggs-Miller of Eerie Essex with an original (and porcine) method of dispersing youths. Plus a dark bit of Peppa Pig-lore that will chill you to your trotters. Check out the East Anglian Folklore Centre here. This episode was …

Mark Norman of The Folklore Podcast joins James to share a bit of porcine folklore that hits very close to home! Christmas is a time for reflection, and who among us can say, "Non, je ne piglette rien"? This episode was edited by Joseph Burrows - Audio Editor. LoreBoys nether say die! Support the Loremen here (and get stuff): patreon.com/loremenpod…

Would you have another slice of Xmas Pig? You would! Well, today's stocking filler features our Welsh correspondent Jenny Collier, so you are in luck! Look forward to some peculiar pig-based folklore, and a bit of chat about Disney's 1980s "Dark Phase". We're talking about The Black Cauldron! This episode was edited by Joseph Burrows - Audio Editor…

The Xmas Pig keeps on rolling! Returning deputy Sunil Patel joins us for a chat about the festive customs of Sweden and Germany. But beware, you'd better have your wits about you in the depths a Swedish winter, or a glowing hog might get you! Catch Sunil on rival podcast Rural Concerns and/or the Sky Original comedy Bad Tidings. https://open.spotif…

It is the second pig of Xmas Pig! We are joined by Maso of @WeeklyPlanetPodcast and @mrsundaymovies for a very peculiar Jesus-based story. One of those teen bad-boy Jesus tales, you know. The odd ones... With a bonus bit of local Charlbury Fitch folklore. This episode was edited by Joseph Burrows - Audio Editor. LoreBoys nether say die! Support the…