Loremen Podcast

Loremen Podcast

Join the Loremen (James Shakeshaft and Alasdair Beckett-King) as they "investigate" local legends and forgotten folklore. read less

Our Editor's Take

For fans of folklore, the Loremen Podcast may be a series worth checking out. This show explores little-known legends, curiosities, and mysteries from the British Isles. From the tales of Stonehenge to the Kelpies of Kintyre, these stories are entertaining.

Podcast hosts Alasdair Beckett-King and James Shakeshaft are two British folklore fans. Calling themselves the "Loreboys," they examine some of their favorite tales from history. Alasdair and James then discuss these tales, often leading to hilarious conversations. The stories they tell range from the relatively normal to the downright bizarre.

In one episode, the Loreboys discuss "The Evil Jester of Muncaster Castle." This real-life figure, Thomas Skelton, has many myths attached to his name. His misdeeds were varied, from pulling pranks to sending innocents to their doom. Another podcast episode explores "The Legend of Edric the Wild." Edric was an Anglo-Saxon hero who led a rebellion against Norman invaders in Britain. Other fun tales from the past include "Hereward the Wake," "The Devil Monkey of Danville," and "The Flaming Head of Norton Mill."

The hosts sometimes invite special guests to join them to go along with the topics. These visitors range from comedians to experts on the subjects. Their added commentary with the podcast hosts' hilarious musings is funny and entertaining. It can also be very informative. Historian Amy Jeffs, for instance, provides much-needed knowledge on Stonehenge.

Some of these guests also take podcast listeners beyond Britain. In "Spiritualism Down Under," comedy writer Bec Hill shares some folklore from her home country of Australia. "The Tanuki" is another episode that brings listeners to a foreign locale. Comedian Yuriko Kotani discusses the legends surrounding Japan's familiar raccoon dogs. Other guests include Amy Gledhill, Chris Cantrill, and Jenny Collier.

The Loremen Podcast is for anyone looking for entertainment in their history. New episodes come out every Wednesday.

read less
ComedyComedy

Episodes