Cumbrian Folk Tales

by Taffy Thomas

These engaging folk tales from Cumbria were collected as fragments that the author has brought back to life. Shaped by the natural world, local customs and generations of chattering, these traditional tales reflect the unique Cumbrian wit and wisdom. Herein you will find intriguing accounts of Hunchback and the Swan, the Screaming Skulls of Calgarth, the Millom Hob Thross, Hughie the Graeme, Cumbrian Crack, and Billy Peascod's Harp. They will make you want to visit the places where they happened and meet some of the characters that feature in them. Including charming illustrations from the local artist Steven Gregg, this captivating collection will be enjoyed by readers time and again. Taffy Thomas has lived in Grasmere for well over thirty years, and is a highly experienced storyteller with a repertoire of more than 300 tales. In the 2001 New Year Honours List he was awarded the MBE for services to storytelling and charity, and in 2010 was appointed as the first UK Storyteller Laureate.

Genres: Fiction

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 30, 2011

Reviews

[Loki]

You know, I actually cried upon finishing this book, after devouring it in a few hours. The illustrastions are nice, with an etching-feel (idk if they actually are woodcuts or pen drawings). Some lovely tales here, and they feed the old imagination. Brings me back to those sunny fields with kids sitting in a circle as Taffy tells some wise old tales.

As a Cumbrian, it's a great thing to see that we do have a culture that isn't just about getting absolutely plastered, and my curiosity is definitely fired up to learn more.

[Irene Reyero Calera]

I loved to learn about local folklore.

[t o m (T.J. Reads the Stars)]

This was a lot of fun. Although quite casual and wasn’t the hugest fan of a lot of the ballads, there are some wonderful moments in this collection and all are told with so much love for Cumbrian folklore and oral tradition.

“People remember their histories as stories.”
- Taffy Thomas

[Thomas Brassington]

I had a good time reading these and learning some regional folklore. It was particularly fascinating to me that some of these folk tales seemed to develop in the twentieth century, rather than all of them being much older inventions.

[Sophie Bowns]

Some of the tales were good, but I found myself skimming others.

[Rosie]

I enjoyed this book, the illustrations are nice and I remember being told some of these stories whilst growing up in Cumbria.

[Jenny Smith]

4⭐️ (Research)

Fantastic book of folklore re-tellings! I picked it up as part of my current research into the folklore of places I have spent a lot of time in when growing up, and I was happy to learn lots whilst enjoying my time reading the book!

The author has a very clever manner in which he engages the reader, I almost felt like I was sat around a campfire being told the stories in person.

It was a major highlight hearing about places nearby to where I live, as well as places I have visited recently!

[Jennie]

From the tale of Long Meg via hobs and John Peel, Taffy retells the tales from the magical county of Cumbria. But it's not only ancient tales from the past which are told; Taffy also visits modern day urban myths such as the hitchhiker on the Shap pass. It's a lovely book both in design and in content - there's a real love here both from the author and the publisher.

Taffy was the first Storytelling laureate - a well deserved title. Highly recommended.

[Linda Wainwright]

Fascinating all these legends. Everywhere has them. I wonder how many places in the Lake District I've passed without knowing its story? Must take this with me next time! And definitely must visit the Story Teller's Garden in Grasmere!

[Hannah]

A fantstic range of short stories; tales and yarns from a fantastic storyteller. Obviously not as good as hearing them told live in person but still incredibly enjoyable.

[Dawn Southward]

Like

Really interesting read would advise every one to read it especially if you are from Cumbria a very good read