Loremen Podcast
Join the Loremen (James Shakeshaft and Alasdair Beckett-King) as they "investigate" local legends and forgotten folklore.
Episodes
Loremen S7Ep39 - The Haunted Ruins of Woodchester Mansion
In the depths of Gloucestershire there lived a man, nay, a visionary! This man dared to dream that his egg-intolerant wife could enjoy a sweet dollop of custard on her pudding and he made that dream a reality. That man is not the main subject of this episode. But let's hear it for experimental chemist Alfred Bird.
Just like Mrs. Bird was haunted (ironically) by eggs, the unfinished Woodchester Ma
Loremen S7Ep38 - The Legends of Silbury Hill
Remember that big hill from the West Kennet Long Barrow episode just a couple of weeks ago? Well it's back. This time Silbury Hill brings some golden treats, a posset of seethed milk* and a 4500 year old flying ant.
Plus, the loreboys finally get a GOOD idea for a podcast.
* We'll explain later.
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Loremen S7Ep37 - The Everingham Ghost Alignment
Yorkshire's answer to the Bermuda triangle is more of a straight line between Everingham and Pocklington. As ever, James and Alasdair tackle the burning questions. What happens when a police officer sees something peculiar on the road? (They try to arrest a ghost, of course!) What on earth is going on with Fahrenheit? And what are you doing with all that pig blood?
Seriously.
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Loremen S7Ep36 - Ghosts of West Kennet Long Barrow
YouTube Version (with James' pics)
James leads us down to Wiltshire to see the megalithic marvel that is West Kennet Long Barrow. This Neolithic burial mound is the source of much folklore and at least one awkward social encounter for James. There's ghosts, grabbing hands and a lovely reminder of a funny video off of the internet.
The Neanderthal Countdown Video... 3! 2! 1!
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Loremen S7Ep35 - Essex and Wirral Tales with Scarred For Life
Smugglers! Murderers! Funereal fakers!
The loreboys present tales of nautical naughtiness and photogenic phantoms from the hometowns of Andy and Dave, hosts of the Scarred For Life podcast. Plus, one or two mentions of the things that scared/scarred us all as children.
Find the Scarred For Life Podcast here!
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Loremen S7Ep34 - Arthur: A New Life with Amy Jeffs
Author Amy Jeffs (Arthur: A New Life) joins us with the tale of King Arthur's most important quest: learning what (medieval) women want. As with a lot of Arthurian rambles, there's meandering aplenty. But thanks to the Loreboys, this retelling has more Super Mario references than you'd expect.
Buy Amy's books here!
Get tickets to Alasdair on tour - Immediately!
Note: Amy would like list
Loremen S7Ep33 - Little Bakery Shop of Horrors
Ciabatta beware! The Loreboys investigate a devilish crime in London's notorious bakery district. This is the St Luke's Mystery from 1881: the vanishing of a German baker whose whereabouts technically remain a mystery to this day.
Plus, Alasdair introduces James to the original consulting detective. It's Wendel Scherer, Germany's answer to, "what if Sherlock Holmes were German and not a very good
Loremen S7Ep32 - The Poole Pirate
It is time to screw on your sea legs, because the Loreboys are heading for the high seas! Specifically the ones immediately around Poole. (In Dorset? Of course we be endorsin' it, ye lubber!) James tells the life story of the Poole pirate Harry Paye, who learned that crime can actually be quite profitable.
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Loremen S7Ep31 - Witches of London with Nikki Druce
Strike a light guv'nor and go up (or down) the apples and pears because the Loreboys are headed to Old London Town (well Camden Town, specifically). Expertly guided by Nikki Druce (host of Macabre London and Killers, Cults and Queens and producer of Scarred For Life Podcast) we visit a couple of typical London boozers that are, of course, thick with witches.
Get tickets to Alasdair on tour - I
Loremen S7Ep30 - Snow in Summer
It's been a cruel summer and James is ready to chill out with a meteorological mystery from Cumberland. Things are getting snowy in Sausage County! Plus, the boys take in some saintly origin stories and enjoy a "cameo" from "Nicolas Cage".
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Loremen S7Ep29 - The Beast of Barrisdale
Alasdair takes James to the Loch from Hell. Loch Hourn boasts no less than two distinct cryptids. One is your standard water-based Nessie-alike, but the Beast of Barrisdale breaks ALL the rules. Except the rules of front door etiquette, of which it's surprisingly respectful.
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Loremen S7Ep28 - The Spectral Vicar of Deddington
You find yourself in a vicarage in the Cotswolds. You've no company but the tick-tock of the many clocks. But wait! Is that the rustle of a book leafed through by an unseen hand? Is that a cough and sneeze from the empty library? And hold on... who is that brushing your hair?!?
From a disembodied hand in a drawing room to some spooky boots in The Paddocks, these ghostly tales might just inspire
Loremen S7Ep27 - Metroland with Metroland
In England's North East there was a land. A Metroland. Apart from being a gang of Geordie sketch comedians, Metroland was also a semi-mythical theme park peopled with gnomes, wizards and 1990s teens who quite wrongly believed that things could only get better.
But what could ever beat the biggest shopping mall in Europe
(at the time)? Or the most gigantic (indoor) rollercoaster in all of Christ
Loremen S7Ep26 - Cult Classics with Hannah Platt
Comedian Hannah Platt shares her obsession with cults, from our friends the Agapemonites to the tragic case of the Heaven's Gate comet-botherers. Meanwhile, James falls down an unusually rude rabbit hole. In a miraculous feat of bleeping, he dives into the origins of the F-word. You know the one.
Hannah returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with Cult Classic at Pleasance Courtyard, The Attic from 7th t
Loremen S7Ep25 - Weird Antarctica with Ellie Gibson
Brrr! It's chilly at the South Pole! The boys are joined by comedian & videogame sage Ellie Gibson (Scummy Mummies, Go 8-bit), who takes us on a guided tour of Antarctica in all its creepy splendour. And then Alasdair takes us on a quick tour of the Arctic, for a very good reason that is absolutely not a clerical error.
With penguin hi-jinks, Lord Franklin's passage and Ernest Shackleton's indi
Loremen S7Ep24 - Australian Cryptids with Scout Boxall
James is joined by comedian Scout Boxhall to explore some Australian cryptids including at least one thing that definitely did exist. Oh, and also the terrifying Drop Bear.
Check out the haunting film of the thylacine here.
Scout Boxall brings the critically acclaimed God’s Favourite to Assembly George Square throughout the Edinburgh Fringe from 5th to 30th August at 4.20pm. Tickets here.
Ed
Loremen S7Ep23 - Spooky Pubs with Amy Matthews
Phew, it's warm out, innit? Thankfully, the hilarious Amy Matthews has brought us a cask-chilled bevy of terrifying taverns and pub poltergeists.
From Scotland to Cornwall (via the Midlands), prepare for a legendary lock-in with the lorelads.
Amy Matthews is at the Edinburgh Fringe and on tour with her new show ‘Definitions of Toast’. Dates and tickets info here.
Watch Amy’s special ‘I Feel Lik
Loremen S7Ep22 - British Zombies
The dead do not rest easy - not if they've been on the Buckfast, at least. Treat yourself to a buffet of British walking deads / shufflers / deadites / whatever you want to call 'em. From a finger-nibbling zombie in Buckfastleigh to a double-deadbeat husband in Buckinghamshire, this episode is a vintage Jimmy Shakes grab-bag.
It seems that what you do in life DOES continue in the afterlife. Espe
Loremen S7Ep21 - Doodles in the Dark with Dave Green
Hey, Lorefolk! We have a bona fide dream-weaver for you this week! Comedian turned lucid dreamer, Dave Green joins the Loreboys to tell us about his nocturnal adventures.
Apologies for the background builder noise and mic issues this ep is beset by. Recording it was, ironically, a bit of a nightmare.
Buy Dave's new book! Doodles in the Dark: an artist's guide to lucid dreaming
And come see us
Loremen S7Ep20 - Sweet Acorns from Japan
Sweet acorns! No, that's not a cool new exclamation taking the world by storm. These sweet acorns lead a pair of half-sisters on an extraordinary adventure in the Kumamoto region of Japan. There's a talking statue of the Amitābha Buddha and a tragic ending.
The telling of the tale leads James to do one of the greatest chicken impressions ever committed to podcast. Plus, a series of demon voices t
Mid-season Bonus: Ride-along 2: Carlectric Cargaloo
BACK IN 2022... we recorded another ride-along. And this one is a real roller-coaster. (The emotional kind. We remained safely in the car throughout). The loreboys went to Leicester for an awards ceremony and (spoiler alert) came back empty-hearted. Still, we had plenty of fun on the road.
Content Warning: Attempted Northern Irish accents and River Tees-related misinformation. And there's a pun
Mid-season Bonus: Ride-along with the Loreboys
Ever wondered what it would be like to be in a car with Alasdair and James?
Wonder no more!
Here is a recording of just that, so you can pop it on your headphones when you're on the bus and experience the thrill-a-minute feeling of driving behind a caravan on an A-road whilst two men play the pub game and generally pass the time.
Enjoy!
This is a former Patreon-only episode from 2021. So if y
Loremen S7Ep19 - The Ghosts of Finchale Priory
James and Alasdair meet a retired pirate experiencing a self-imposed male loneliness crisis. Starting in the ruins of Finchale Abbey, we travel back to a time before the monastery was built (don't look for it, it's not there yet) and meet the notorious Saint Godric.
This burly old hermit had a very hot & cold relationship with animals and would go to extraordinary lengths to impress the ladies.
Loremen S7Ep18 - Kwairyo and the Headless Yokai
People are really losing their heads in this tale from old-timey Japan.
James dips into the work of Lafcadio Hearn and recounts the legend of the rokurokubi. You want a warrior monk? We got one. Seeking a sinister woodcutter? You better believe that's here. In the market for a system of bamboo water pipes? All present and correct!
Come see us in Oxford! July 1st 2026 (2026)
Edited by
Loremen S7Ep17 - Flix, the Conser Lake Beast
The Loreboys venture back to the Pacific North West for a gander at the 9 foot tall monster that terrorised a small town in 1960. "Is it a white ape? Is it an alien? Does it come in peace?" These are the questions the townsfolk asked, immediately before hunting it with guns. Lots of guns.
Come see us in Oxford on the 1st July 2026
Join the LoreFolk at patreon.c
Loremen S7Ep16 - The Legend of the Sicilian Vases with Verity Babbs
The Loreboys are joined by art historian and comedian Verity Babbs for a lesson in the Art of Murder. And the Art of Gardening. What horticultural secrets lie buried in the Italian legend of Isabella and her pot of basil?
Meanwhile, Alasdair pilots a new bingo format and James learns a lesson that has him re-evaluating his entire life*. And if you're a fan of the sinister 1990s puppet Pob - fear
Loremen S7Ep15 - The Sleeping Frenchman
James hops in a time-travelling taxi to investigate the strange case of M. Chauffat, the Frenchman who put the snooze in “you snooze, you lose.” After being robbed of a small fortune, he fell asleep in a Soho hotel and didn’t wake up for 19 days, instantly becoming a media sensation.
Then there’s the pea-throwing ghost of Peckham, the monkey who testified in court, and other London oddities to
Loremen S7Ep14 - The Long Pack
A gang of burglars come a cropper in a Northumbrian country house, in this strange tale from the North Country. It's basically an 18th century Home Alone, with a trigger-happy teen, a put-upon parlour maid and a haunted backpack.
Alasdair is back from his tour, with a fresh stack of pamphs in hand! This tale of thwarted crime comes from the legendary Ettrick shepherd, James Hogg.
Come see us in
Loremen S7Ep13 - The Guildford Ghoul
From an ABC to a haunted Zoologist, James presents another entry in the consistently and succinctly named series "Bits of Folklore From Near Where Alasdair is Going On Tour". James tells of an Aldershot wildcat, a ghost in Guildford and gives a frighteningly accurate explanation of infra-sound. (EDITED because James should've done more research on William Cobbett).
See Alasdair On Tour in
Loremen S7Ep12 - Byron's Ghosts
The Loremen were LIVE in Leicester, with a bit of bloomin' Byron. We took a squiz around Newstead Abbey, old Georgie's ancestral home. And James told the tale of one crafty Jack versus a witch. Thanks to all the lorefolk who came to the show!
See Alasdair On Tour in 2026!
Join the LoreFolk at patreon.com/loremenpod
Loremen S7Ep11 - James Hind, Highwayman
It's the big three-oh-OH! Yes, the Loreboys have turned in a triple century of episodes (depending on how you do the sums).
To celebrate, James returns to his home town with a tale of a "hero of the road". The highwayman James Hind robbed from the rich and gave, mostly, to himself, but sometimes a little bit to the poor. The poor being the people he had just relieved of their money, more often th
Loremen S7Ep10 - Spectres of York
Old York, Old York... The city so York they named it York.
James has been visiting the ancient walled city, but he's here to tell Alasdair about visitations of a very different kind. The city centre is home to York Minster, as well as the ghosts of a keen Dean, a smug mason, a nuddy arsonist and a latchkey kid with awful vibes.
Fans of the city in the vale may want to check out our previous York
Loremen S7Ep9 - The Hermit of Barnard Castle
No, not THAT Barnard Castle. This is Barnard Castle the castle not Barnard Castle the town. And neither have got anything to do with eye tests, ok?
There's another funny little man that puts this town/castle on the map and James tells Alasdair all about him. Plus, one freaky ghost from Glowrowram.
See Alasdair On Tour in 2026!
Shorts edited by Laurence Hisee
Loremen S7Ep8 - The North Aston Terror
England is notorious for its bad weather but at least an Englishman can shelter from the rain in his home/castle. Except in North Aston, where an unlucky bunch of Englishmen and Englishwomen (and one Englishdog) got caught in a shower indoors. And it was a shower of rocks! (Twist!)
Taken from actual friend of the show Mike White's The Ox-Files.
See Alasdair On Tour in 2026!
Loremen S7Ep7 - Michelham Priory, Upper Dicker
A new contender for Rudest Place Name has entered the ring! (Don't get your tonsure in a twist, Upper Dicker is actually very polite). James provides a run-down of Michelham Priory's top monks*. Plus, a couple of mysterious spectres and a jug you do NOT want to drink from.
*"Mooooonks!" - Alasdair Beckett-King.
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Loremen S7Ep6 - The Ghosts of Chilham Castle
James takes Alasdair round the manor house of Chilham Castle, in Kent. Featuring some vintage names, a panoply of ghosts and some classic Shakeshaft misunderstandings.
You want skeletons? We got skeletons mate, don't you worry! In manacles? Of course in manacles.
See Alasdair On Tour!
Join the LoreFolk at patreon.com/loremenpod
Loremen S7Ep5 - A Romantic Welsh Buffet with Jenny Collier
Roses are red,
Daffodils are jollier,
It's Valentine's time,
So we're joined by Jenny Collier!
Jenny returns to the pod having just moved house, so James pulls out a classic Shakeshaft grab-bag. Prepare yourself for some romantic Welsh tales! Or, at least some Welsh tales with a tenuous link to romance.
And please, can no one ever mention the welly incident again?
Follow Jenny's house-mov
Loremen S7Ep4 - Wild Wild Maidstone
In preparation for Alasdair's UK Tour, James has been digging up the dirt on Maidstone. He's found a cute little Kentish tale, plus a murderous bull straight out of Looney Tunes. This installment is longer than a minisode but shorter than an episode. It's another classic Loreboys midisode.
See Alasdair On Tour in 2026!
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Loremen S7Ep3 - The Shug Monkey of Cambridge with Edd Hedges
The Loreboys are joined by the legend that is Edd Hedges, returning to right an ancient wrong. Comedian & podcaster, Edd is probably best known for being on the fabled lost episode of Loremen. We're finally making up for that whole palaver with a bevy of Cambridgeshire oddities, from a terrifying monkey (some would call it a dog) to The Chronophage.
Check out Edd on tour in the UK, Ireland and
Loremen S7Ep2 - The Mysterious Portal of Langley
James leads Alasdair back into the depths of Wychwood Forest. Therein, the denizens of a peculiar farmstead make a terrible mistake while digging up a tree stump...
As usual, the Loreboys offer fresh nuggets of insight and wisdom. And we might just have come up with a new form of forensic science to aid the police in the fight against crime. (It's fingerprints, but instead of fingers it's bums. I
Loremen S7Ep1 - The Pittville Circus Haunting
The Loreboys have returned!
Alasdair kicks off Series 7 with the story of amateur ghost-hunter Rosina C. Despard. Her Cheltenham home was the site of one of the most well-documented hauntings of the 19th century... Or was it?
Creaks on the stair! A rustle of cloth! A face hidden by a handkerchief! It simply has to be a ghost... Surely?
We promise not to end every sentence this series with an
Loremen S6Ep49 - 2025 Almanac Part 2
We conclude our round-up of the Lorefolk's favourite moments from 2025. Now is a time to reflect on man-eating horses, saucy giants and islands that definitely aren't potatoes. No one who remembers The Amazing Journey of 1607 will be surprised to learn that the episode about "the pinnace" made it to the top five. Or eight.
The Disappearing Diplomat
Scareships and the Headless Cyclist -
Loremen S6Ep48 - 2025 Almanac Part 1
It's time for the annual Loremen misunderstanding of how countdowns work! We've selected the top ten* moments from 2025, as voted for by the Lorefolk.
Part 1 of this year's Almanac is more of a Jamesmanac, as Shakeshaft delivers hit after hit. Roman robots! Man-faced pigs! Two Jesuses?
The featured episodes are:
The Legends of Lullingstone
Valentine's Special 2025 with Jenny Collier
Th
Loremen S6Ep47 - Xmas Pig 2025 with Daisy Earl
It's PIIIIIIIIGMAAAAAS! James and Alasdair are joined by multi-award-having comedian Daisy Earl. We make merry with the legend of a boozy Mancunian pig named Polly, and the Scottish fairy tale of Whuppity Stoorie. (The latter of which bears a strong resemblance to the more famous tale of old... you know... Rumple-whatshisname.)
Follow Daisy!
See Alasdair On Tour in 2026!
Edited by
Loremen S6Ep46 - The Man-Faced Pigs of Brussels
Who is that, judging me from afar? Why it's the Man-Faced Pigs of Brussels (Wisconsin), the pickiest swine the Loreboys have encountered to date!
With a sprinkling of Christmas Pig magic, here is a festive little tale to warm you from your snout right down to your curly, curly tail.
See Alasdair On Tour in 2026!
Edited by Laurence Hisee
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Loremen S6Ep45 - The Hanborough Haunting
Long Hanborough? Home of the Oxford Bus Museum?
Yes! THAT Long Hanborough. And once you've listened to this episode, you'll know it for more than being home to the Spice Girls' bus from Spice World (1997). You'll know it for containing a spooky cottage with a particularly busy poltergeist.
See Alasdair On Tour in 2026!
Join the LoreFolk at patreon.com/loremenpo
Loremen S6Ep44 - Finstock Phantoms
You know what they say: if you remember Finstock, you've been to West Oxfordshire. Here we discover a wealth of ghosts from James's old stomping ground. There's a 1990s spectre, an 1800s preacher and a 39000s (BCE) neanderthal. Plus, a truly chilling lady ghost whose beckoning hands can only be seen by children. Pop on your body warmers... now!
See Alasdair On Tour in 2026!
Edited by
Loremen S6Ep43 - The Penzance Poisoner
James dives back into the well of Cornish lore and surfaces with story of undying love - and a chilling counterpart to last week's tale. It's a case of Till Death Us Don't Part in the legend of Sarah Polgrain and Yorkshire Jack, whose marriage vows echoed beyond the grave.
Plus, a lovely handful of teeth.
See Alasdair On Tour in 2026!
Edited by Laurence Hisee
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Loremen S6Ep42 - The Spectral Bridegroom
Sure, this starts with a derailment. But a derailment BY Alasdair? What crazy mixed up episode is this?
Well, most of it is a classic ghost story from Cornwall. Featuring a fast-thinking blacksmith, a humble servant, a burst horse and a bit of magick.
See Alasdair On Tour in 2026!
Edited by Laurence Hisee
Join the LoreFolk at patreon.com/loremenpod
Loremen S6Ep41 - The Disappearing Diplomat
Prussia, 1809. An Englishman named Benjamin Bathurst vanishes without leaving a trace. Apart from his trousers. And his cloak. And possibly his skull. Who is behind this baffling disappearance? A local hoodlum, a French comte, or Napoleon Bonaparte himself?
This cold case has remained unsolved for over two centuries. Until now! Because James has a theory NO ONE has considered before.
(Maybe a ho
Loremen S6Ep40 - Somerset Sects
The boys discover a peculiar cult boasting not one, but two Jesuses. Yowzah! Must be pretty awkward at Christmas. James whisks Alasdair off to the commune of the Agapemonites: a scandalous Victorian sect nestled in the sauciest region of Somerset. (Well, a few miles north of Taunton.)
There's a little extra spice in the mix, because James has noticed that the word "sects" sounds a bit rude.
See
Loremen S6Ep39 - Keeping Austin Weird
James and Alasdair do their absolute darndest to keep Austin at least a little bit odd with this selection of spooky tales from that Texan bastion of peculiarity.
SPOILER ALERT: we get the fairy tale Goldilocks very wrong. But wait! Before you have your butler send us a strongly worded telegram, we do get it right in the end.
Edited by Laurence Hisee
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Loremen S6Ep38 - Vicky's Ticker
Queen Victoria, the second longest Queen of England (at the time of recording), escaped death on numerous occasions. But did she ever explore the spirit world? Alasdair recounts an series of (attempted) murder mysteries and relates the strange tale of a stolen timepiece. While James attempts to answer that age old question: who watches the watch, man?
Find out more about Vicky's Ticker in Roger C
Loremen S6Ep37 - The Gold Hoard of the Great Ants
Alasdair bedazzles James with tales of gold-digging ants. Did we mention these creatures were also massive? And deadly? Well, they were! Beginning with an Old English legend from Hana Videen's bestiary The Deorhord, the Loreboys travel into a world of dubious manuscripts and outlandish beasts.
Lock up your camels!
This episode was edited by Joseph Burrows - Audio Editor
Loremen S6Ep36 - The Little Man in the Red Cap
Are the paths of Wiltshire stalked by a pagan deity in disguise? Usually on Loremen we recount tales that are seldom told, but this week is different. The legend of the Peaked Red One was, in fact, told by James and Alasdair at the Strange Days Festival of Forteana. But the sound quality was a bit bobbins, so we told our stories again, and here they are!
There's ghosts, treasure and a little man
Loremen S6Ep35 - The Sea Witch with Amy Matthews
Comedian and podcaster Amy Matthews takes the Loreboys on a spooky tour of her Essex hometown. From Bell Wharf to Doom Pond, Leigh-on-Sea is no stranger to strange goings-on. But what's the truth behind the legend of the witch who sold the wind?
Order Amy's stand-up album Commute with the Foxes now, and check out the English Heritage Podcast!
See the Loremen LIVE in London on Oct 15th.
Th
Loremen S6Ep34 - Pluckley, the Hauntedest Village
It's Britain's most haunted village, according to the Guinness Book of Records. Pluckley in Kent is replete with legends and thick wi' ghosts. James leads Alasdair through your basic Pluckley hauntings, and uncovers a couple of stories that haven't had mainstream media coverage*. Plus... has James been Mandela-effected?
* I.e. they're not in the Usborne Book of Ghosts.**
** Plus a BIG*** reveal
Loremen S6Ep33 - Hy-Brasil with the Map Men
The Loremen meet the Map Men. Yes, it's the crossover we can only assume people have been clamouring for! Jay and Mark joined us to discuss the mythical island / clerical error known (amongst other things) as Hy-Brasil.
Prepare for some dodgy pronunciations and little local lore from Enfield.
Watch the Map Men on YouTube and pre-order their book.
And see the Loremen LIVE in London on Oct 15th.
Loremen S6Ep32 - The Black Rains of Slains
Storm's comin', and it is quite literally "mucky out". Alasdair forecasts peculiar precipitation with spells of weird science. The black rains that fell on one small Scottish parish in the 1860s have a variety of explanations, ranging from the odd (squids) to the really odd (Italy). Plus, we have a doozy of a theory from the man himself: Charles Fort.
This episode was edited by Jos
Loremen S6 Ep31 - Beware Cambridge with Matt Stewart
Matt Stewart (Do Go On Pod, Who Knew It? With Matt Stewart) joins James as Alasdair is laid-low having lost his voice. Matt is about to launch his UK tour and James gives him a stern warning about the city of Cambridge.
Book yout tickets via his website www.mattstewartcomedy.com and check out his YouTube special and various podcasts.
Listen to Alasdair (in full voice) guesting on The Rules Podca
Loremen S6Ep30 - Bonny Bona of the Great North Road
Buff the buckles on your shoes and ready your bodices for ripping. James has plucked a tale of betrayal and romance from the annals of Yorkshire legend.
SMASH CUT: It's another Shakeshaft Movie Special. This time featuring gambling dens, a fortune teller, an innocent man accused and - of course - gentlemen of the road (i.e. highwaymen / thieves).
This episode was edited by Joseph
Loremen S6Ep29 - The Cholsey Poltergeists
Polterguys are back! As are Alasdair and James! After a wee August break, the Loreboys return with some noisy sprits from a disputed corner of Oxfordshire. Listen carefully and you might just learn something about early British Christians. Not how to pronounce their names, though. Apologies in advance for that.
This episode was edited by Joseph Burrows - Audio Editor
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Loremen - Summer Bonus 2025
The boys are on holiday, so this episode is pure "bants". Enjoy a selection of bonus bits from our recent episodes and take care out there, kids.
If you like this and want more of it, go to patreon.com/loremenpod
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Loremen S6Ep28 - Edward Mordake and Herne the Hunter
Join Alasdair and James in a not-at-all dank Oxford cellar, as part of the Oxford Comedy Festival. The boys meet a hornéd hunter and a two-faced Edward: legends who left the pages of literature and entered the realm of lore. Like a pair of old-school Slendermen.
Thanks to Matthew Chadourne and the Oxford Comedy Festival for having us!
Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/IMykate4t9s
Loremen S6Ep27 - Banbury!
James takes Alasdair back to the Croydon of the Cotswolds™ - Banbury! - for a deep-dive into the origins, variations and possible meanings of the town's "famous" nursery rhyme. You know, the one with the rude horse and the lady with peculiarly positioned bells? Plus, James shares the tragic tale of a horse whose sat-nav led to a vicar's downfall.
This episode was edited by Joseph Burr
Loremen S6Ep26 - The King Hare
James is joined by Dave Warneke of the podcasts Do Go On and Book Cheat to hear about one of the UK's breaking (and bounciest) cryptids.
Check Dave's upcoming stand-up special here... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIuGey7qQ50
This episode was edited by Joseph Burrows - Audio Editor
Join the LoreFolk at patreon.com/loremenpod
ko-fi.com
Loremen S6Ep25 - The Cauldknockle Haunting
Looking for a tale to warm your knockles? If so, you've come to the wrong place! Alasdair's North Country legend will make your knockles chillier than ever. You're gonna wish you'd invested in 8 tiny beanies to keep 'em warm*.
This is the sanguinary story of Stephen Hollin's ghost from Manfield (near Darlington). Stephen is a spectral prankster who will either kill you with a plough coulter or
Loremen S6Ep24 - The Figure on the Stairs
Welcome to Sydenham, but be warned — this ain't your grandma's Sydenham. It's more likely to be your great-great grandma's Sydenham.
James takes Alasdair to a tumbledown cottage on a moonlit night, where an unwary rambler had a terrific fright. At least, according to the ghosthunter Elliot O'Donnell. From dreamland visions to the horrors of the London rental market, this episode should give you
Loremen S6Ep23 - Stone Watch 2025
James takes Alasdair on a whistle-stop tour of Britain's mobile stones, as catalogued in Janet and Colin Bord's The Secret Country. These standing stones were made for walking, and that's just what they'll do. Except when they're spinning around on the spot. Or not moving at all.
Plus, we answer the questions no other podcast would dare ask:
Do stones grow? (No)
Should you go in a Piper's
Loremen S6Ep22 - The Ghosts of 50 Berkeley Square, London
In the midst of a heatwave, James brings the temperature down with the chilling tale of a ghost named Bloody Bones. The loreboys visit the most notorious haunted house in London. It's the Victorian equivalent of the Cat Bin Lady (but with ghosts in a house rather than a cat in a... well, you know).
Prepare yourself for tales of hubris and horror, plus a typewritten message from the beyond!
Join.
Loremen S6Ep21 - Prince Edward, Island
Do you struggle to tell the difference between Prince Edward Island, the Canadian province, and Prince Edward the Duke of Edinburgh (15th in line to the throne AT TIME OF RECORDING)? If nothing else, this episode will teach you which of the two produces 25% of Canada's potatoes.
Plus, you can expect a bunch of cryptids sprung from the pages of Chasing North American Monsters by Jason Offutt (and
Loremen S6Ep20 - Ada Freer and the Island Seers
The remote islands of Scotland are known to be home to folk with the second sight. Alasdair tells James the story of three gifted seers, each of whom came to a sticky end. (In one case, literally. Barrel of tar, innit?)
This is a bumper episode for new ways to exploit the Loremen brand. We're talking a new TV show, a dark reboot of the name Kenneth, and a brand new music genre combining Drum & B
Loremen S6Ep19 - The Amazing Journey, 1607
James relates an unintentionally saucy tale about a man who took his pinnace to London. A pinnace is a kind of small boat and James didn't realise how rude was going to sound when spoken aloud. How would you pronounce it? Try it, say "pinnace" out loud. Say it on the bus, if you're on the bus.
Double-entendres aside, this is the 1607 story of a truly amazing journey made by air, land and - frien
Loremen S6Ep18 - The Legends of Lullingstone
A walk in the park turns out to be no walk in the park. Alasdair introduces James to Lullingstone Castle, home to both an aristocratic orchid hunter and the spectre of Colonel Meates - surely one of the meatiest ghosts in Kent.
Straying from the path, we encounter Percy Pilcher (the unfortunate aeronaut), Thomas Becket (the spiteful saint), and a Roman beefcake by the name of Titus Manlius.
Th
Loremen S6Ep17 - Spring Heeled Jack with Edy Hurst
Forget everything you thought you knew about Spring-Heeled Jack!
Because this marauding menace not only affrighted the women of London, but also the Uncles of Warrington!
Edy Hurst joins the LoreBoys to blow that case wide open, with tales of that famous monster springing* up in the most unlikely of places**!
* pun
** Warrington
See Edy at the Edinburgh Fringe
And see Edy's tour here
S
Loremen S6Ep16 - The Roman Robot of Cirencester
This episode features not only the titular Roman Robot and a (potentially) BAFTA-winning sitcom idea — but James ALSO chucks in a selection of ghostly tales from the Cirencester area. You know, like when you've ordered something online and you get tiny bag of free Haribo. Enjoy!
This episode was edited by Joseph Burrows - Audio Editor
Join the LoreFolk at patreon.com/loremenpod
Loremen S6Ep15 - Van Gogh in Streatham with Ed Night
Comedian Ed Night joins the Loreboys to share legends of Streatham in South London. These stories range from contemporary urban legends to tales from when all this were fields. Plus, a cameo from the Vincent Van Gogh of the art world: Vincent Van Gogh.
Check out Ed's tour here.
Content Warning: Self-harm, in reference to Van Gogh. We also discuss the case of the supposed "Croydon Cat Killer". A
Loremen S6Ep14 - The Beckoning Spectre of Llanuwchllyn
The wind whistles. The rain pours incessantly. It is also night time. Alasdair shelters in the only place he can in this bleak moor - under a big stone. But who's that fella coming down the track? The figure with a lantern and a slouch hat (look it up, it's the one with the fancy brim, not a beanie). Yes, it's James of course, with a terrifying tale from Wales!
This episode was edited by Josep
Loremen S6Ep13 - Albina or the Origin of Giants with Tales of Britain and Ireland
Did you ever wonder where those great big giants all over Britain came from? Well, wonder no more because it is prequel time! This is the origin story of Albion itself, starring princess Albina and Gogmagog the giant. This thrilling entry in the British Cinematic Universe is told to the Loreboys by Graeme Cooke of Tales of Britain and Ireland Podcast.
This episode was edited by Joseph Burrows - A
Loremen S6Ep12 - The Ghouls of Greenwich
We visit The Queen's House* in Greenwich, where a spiral staircase is haunted by a blurry ghost. And a stroll in Greenwich Park is no walk in the cake either. The park is home to early medieval barrows, disrespectful deer and very nasty things that like to drop from trees.
*Don't worry, she was out.
This episode was edited by Joseph Burrows - Audio Editor
Join the LoreFolk at patreon.com/loreme
