Open Country

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Countryside magazine featuring the people and wildlife that shape the landscape of Britain

Countryside magazine featuring the people and wildlife that shape the landscape of the British Isles

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Open Country: Folklore and Ghost Stories in Northumberland

Folklore and Ghost Stories in Northumberland

BBC Radio 4 - Open Country, Folklore and Ghost Stories in Northumberland

On Halloween, Jez Lowe explores Northumberland's rich folklore, song and ghost stories.

Folk singer Jez Lowe uncovers Northumberland's long history of legends, folk song and ghostly goings on. The moors have seen many border battles, perfect for stories on Halloween.

Jez Lowe is a singer and writer and in this Halloween episode of Open Country he explores the slightly sinister song and story of Northumberland. This is a county filled with history; from Roman walls to Border battles, and that may be one reason why it is also a place of legends, mythical creatures and ghostly stories. In Northumberland National Park Jez learns about the history beyond the iconic Hadrian's Wall. Further into the park he learns about the murderous Duergarr and meets Rachel Unthank to hear about the traditional song that depict maidens turned into serpents and cruel sisters. The mist and moors and castles of the county lend themselves to tales and songs with magic at their heart and at Featherstone Castle Jez uncovers the historical truth behind some of Northumberland's most spooky tales and finds out why we all love a good ghost story.

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