History Extra Podcast: English Folklore – Everything You Wanted to Know
Release Date: June 7, 2025
Host: Emily Brifford
Guest: Francis Young, Folklorist and Historian of Religion and Belief
Introduction to English Folklore
In this episode of the History Extra Podcast, host Emily Brifford engages in an enlightening conversation with Francis Young, a renowned folklorist and historian specializing in religion and belief. The discussion delves deep into the rich tapestry of English folklore, exploring its origins, unique characteristics, and enduring traditions.
Emily Brifford introduces the topic by posing fundamental questions about English folklore:
"What happens when you step inside a fairy ring? Where did the figure of the Green man come from? And why have so many East Anglians been terrorized by a menacing dog-like creature called Black Shuck?"
[01:50]
Defining Folklore and Its Uniqueness to England
Francis Young begins by attempting to define folklore:
"Folklore is a rather fiendishly difficult discipline to define. I suppose my go-to definition would be vernacular culture that's transmitted via traditional oral means rather than written means."
[02:48]
He emphasizes that English folklore is highly localized and regional, differing from the more distinctive traditions found in Celtic nations like Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. Unlike these regions, England lacks folklore collections that were systematically gathered during the folklore golden age (circa 1870-1970), which impacts its international recognition.
International Recognition and Preservation Efforts
When asked about the global awareness of English folklore, Young notes:
"I don't think they're that well known... England didn't have a massive project to collect folklore, unlike other European countries during the folklore golden age."
[05:06]
He attributes the lack of a significant folk revival in England to its strong written literary culture and the nation's focus on empire-building rather than self-definition through vernacular traditions.
Indigenous vs. Borrowed Elements in English Folklore
Exploring the origins, Young explains that English folklore is a composite of various traditions from the peoples of the British Isles:
"English folklore is to some extent a composite of the traditions of all the peoples of this island... It's a mixture, but it is distinctively British, though not always clearly distinctively English."
[07:18]
He uses the King Arthur legends as an example of folklore that transcends specific English identity, having roots and variations across different regions and cultures.
Pre-Roman and Post-Roman Influences
Addressing the deep historical roots of English folklore, Young challenges the notion that folklore directly reflects prehistoric traditions:
"Folklorists used to have a great deal of confidence in the idea that folklore can take us back to the prehistoric era... but that's an oversimplification."
[09:10]
He highlights enduring traditions tied to prehistoric sites, such as megalithic structures, and practices like the deposition of metalwork in bodies of water, which persist into modern times as part of ritual behavior, even if their original meanings have evolved or been lost.
Wishing Wells and Ritual Practices
Responding to a listener's question about wishing wells, Young delves into their origins and significance:
"Wishing wells go back as far as the Iron Age... They've persisted into the early Middle Ages, transcending even Christianity."
[11:30]
He explains that these practices often lack a clear rationale, embodying the essence of ritual behavior where actions are performed without explicit reasoning, serving as a fundamental aspect of human culture.
Well Dressing Traditions
Young elaborates on the tradition of well dressing, particularly in regions like Cornwall, Devon, and Yorkshire:
"Well dressing seems to be something that goes back to the late Middle Ages... it's associated with holy wells and special days in the calendar."
[14:28]
He traces the tradition's roots to both pre-Christian practices and their Christianization during the Reformation, illustrating the layered history of such customs.
Regional Richness in Folklore
When discussing which English counties boast the most vibrant folklore traditions, Young identifies Yorkshire, Devon, Cornwall, and Sussex as especially rich:
"Yorkshire is incredibly rich... The Southwest, like Devon and Cornwall, also has strong Celtic elements linking it with broader British traditions."
[16:32]
He underscores the significance of regional particularities in maintaining and nurturing folklore.
Black Shuck and East Anglian Legends
A listener's question about mermaids in the Peak District leads Young to discuss the Black Shuck legend:
"Black Shuck is particularly associated with East Anglia... traditionally seen as a monstrous black dog with huge red eyes."
[32:27]
He shares personal anecdotes, mentioning that both his wife's grandfather and his mother have encountered Black Shuck in Suffolk, highlighting the living nature of these traditions.
Fairy Rings and Their Mystical Significance
The conversation shifts to fairy rings, their origins, and associated myths:
"Fairy rings have been regarded as evidence for the activity of the fairies since the late Middle Ages."
[19:27]
Young discusses how fairy rings influenced the perception of fairies, including the notion that fairies are small due to the typically compact size of these rings, and the dangers associated with stepping into them.
The Role of Dance in Folklore and Traditions
Addressing the integral role of dance, Young connects it to both ancient religiosity and social practices:
"Dance is one of the oldest human activities and links with ancient forms of religiosity... it's associated with fertility and sensuality."
[20:36]
He cites the Abbotts Bromley Horn Dance as a prime example of tradition that incorporates ancient elements, such as holding antlers, dating back to at least the 11th century.
Iconic Folkloric Characters: Robin Hood and the Green Man
Robin Hood
"Robin Hood is a figure who emerges only in late medieval ballad tradition... His popularity dates from the early modern period, mostly the 16th century."
[25:35]
Young explains that Robin Hood embodies themes relevant to the 15th and 16th centuries, such as economic crisis and anti-establishment sentiments, rather than purely medieval characteristics.
The Green Man
"The Green Man is a figure entirely English in origin... Lady Raglan hypothesized a fertility god combining various folklore elements."
[28:45]
He critiques Lady Raglan's theory, suggesting that architectural features like the Foliate Head are likely decorative rather than representations of a singular folkloric figure. Nevertheless, he acknowledges the Green Man's contemporary significance in modern paganism and folklore.
Contemporary Revival and Preservation of Folklore
Discussing the current resurgence of interest in folklore, Young attributes it to a desire for community connection and regional identity:
"People are looking for a connection with the places they live... folklore provides a sense of identity and connection with ancestors."
[41:49]
He emphasizes the importance of preserving these traditions amidst declining mainstream religious practices and the impacts of modernization.
Emerging Folkloric Traditions in the 21st Century
Young observes the emergence of new traditions and the revival of old ones in modern contexts:
"Love locks and coin trees are examples of new or revived folkloric practices... ritual deposits at stone circles have become more common."
[43:38]
He highlights how these practices represent new forms of connecting with the landscape and ancestral traditions, even as their original meanings may evolve or become obscured.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Young reflecting on the resilience and adaptability of English folklore:
"Folklore is happening now. It's not just something in the past... new forms of meaning and connection emerge as society changes."
[43:38]
Emily Brifford thanks Francis Young for his insightful contributions, leaving listeners with a deeper appreciation of England's rich folkloric heritage and its ongoing evolution.
Key Takeaways:
- English folklore is highly localized, deeply connected to specific regions, and less internationally recognized due to the lack of large-scale collection efforts.
- Folkloric traditions such as fairy rings, wishing wells, and well dressing exhibit a blend of pre-Christian, Christianized, and modern influences.
- Iconic figures like Robin Hood and the Green Man illustrate the dynamic nature of folklore, evolving over centuries and adapting to contemporary contexts.
- Regional richness varies, with counties like Yorkshire, Devon, Cornwall, and Sussex maintaining particularly vibrant traditions.
- Contemporary revival efforts are driven by a desire for community connection and regional identity, ensuring that folklore remains a living, evolving aspect of culture.
This detailed summary captures the essence of the "English Folklore: Everything You Wanted to Know" episode, highlighting key discussions, insights, and notable quotes to provide a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the podcast.