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

Feb 8, 2024 • 33min
S5 Ep19: Loremen S5Ep19 - The Hanging Judge of Lyme Regis
James has been fossil-hunting in Devon (AKA Next-Dorset) and he has unearthed the tale of a horrible old judge who just won't stay buried. It's the story of the Monmouth Rebellion, "Hanging" Judge Jeffries and the Bloody Assizes. (Those bloody assizes).
Expect some baffling pub names, a smattering of actual history, and a chance to learn the difference between a bugle and a beagle. (You really shouldn't blow into a beagle.)
Yes, of course there are ghosts.
This episode was edited by Joseph Burrows - Audio Editor.
LoreBoys nether say die!
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Feb 1, 2024 • 26min
S5 Ep18: Loremen S5Ep18 - Toby the Sapient Pig
Believe it or not, there once was a time when the hottest show in town was a pig doing maths. A porcine professor might not sound as binge-worthy as The Traitors or a double bill of Miss Marple, but back in 1817 people flocked to see this canny swine. James presents the story of a learnéd pig named Toby, as told in his own words. (The pig's own words, that is.)
This episode started life as our Xmas Pig 2023 Livestream, which you can watch in full with all the trimmings here.
LoreBoys nether say die!
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Jan 25, 2024 • 41min
S5 Ep17: Loremen S5Ep17 - The Wild Man of Letchworth Hall
John Alington was an English eccentric who really put the "letch" in Letchworth. This randy reverend scandalised Hertfordshire with his saucy sermons and rock-and-roll hijinks. Alasdair tells James the peculiar history of a very rich man with a penchant for leopardskin and massively over-explaining things.
Plus, an unusual attorney, a pair of identical twin poachers and a ghostly monk chucked in for chills.
This episode was edited by Joseph Burrows - Audio Editor.
LoreBoys nether say die!
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Jan 18, 2024 • 44min
S5 Ep16: Loremen S5Ep16 - The Curse of Naworth Castle with Chris Cantrill
It's our first proper episode of the year, and we're welcoming back Deputy Loreperson, Chris Cantrill!
Chris drops in to plug the Delightful Sausage's upcoming Radio 4 series Icklewick FM, and to whisk James and Alasdair off to a medieval wonderland of his own devising. Expect a tale of betrayal and intrigue from the borderlands of England (and Scotland). And prepare to be utterly astonished... because Chris actually read the book beforehand this time.
This episode was edited by Joseph Burrows - Audio Editor.
LoreBoys nether say die!
Support the Loremen here (and get stuff):
patreon.com/loremenpod
ko-fi.com/loremen
Check the sweet, sweet merch here...
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Jan 11, 2024 • 1h 27min
S5 Ep15: Loremen S5Ep15 - 2023 Almanac Part 2
And lo! The six top episodes of 2023 (as selected by the Lorefolk via patreon.com/loremenpod) appeared!
Lets see which tales were tall enough to make the cut:
06: Strawberry Hill Gothic
05: The Tanuki with Yuriko Kotani
04: Cornwall's Loneliest Vicar
03: The Ghostbusting Parsons of Penzance
02: The Croglin Grange Vampire
01: The Wold Rangers with Amy Gledhill
And stay tuned at the end for a spooky bonus from Bec Hill's episode...
LoreBoys nether say die!
Support the Loremen here (and get stuff):
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Check the sweet, sweet merch here...
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Jan 4, 2024 • 52min
S5 Ep14: Loremen S5Ep14 - 2023 Almanac Part 1
What a year! James and Alasdair are counting down the top 14 (fourteen) episodes of 2023 (twenty twenty-three). This is only part one, so prepare yourself for eight of our highlights from last year. (Yes, it would have made more sense to do seven, but we got carried away.)
If you don't want to know the results, look away now...
14: The Spitting Ghost of Haddon Hall
13: Denizens of Another World
12: The Vampyre with Sacha Coward
11: The Devil's Hoofprints
10: The Queen Rat with Tom Mayhew
09: The Flaming Head of Norton Mill
08: The Denham Tracts
07: Kelpies of Kintyre
There's also a cameo from Geordie Samuel L. Jackson.
LoreBoys nether say die!
Support the Loremen here (and get stuff):
patreon.com/loremenpod
ko-fi.com/loremen
Check the sweet, sweet merch here...
https://www.teepublic.com/stores/loremen-podcast?ref_id=24631
@loremenpod
youtube.com/loremenpodcast
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www.facebook.com/loremenpod
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Dec 26, 2023 • 22min
Xmas Pig with The Quantum Mechanics!
It's Pig Boxing Day! Do you box a pig? Or put a pig in a box? We simply don't know.
Instead of worrying about that, listen to the final Xmas Pig special. James meets up with Pete and Ben from The Quantum Mechanics podcast to share a story about an absolute pig of a bridegroom...
As ever, join us on the Patreon (www.patreon.com/loremenpod) for exclusive behind-the-scenes material. James put a lot of work into these Xmas Pig episodes, surely he has earned a spoonful of gruel? (Alasdair didn't lift a finger to help. Don't think about that!)
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Dec 25, 2023 • 22min
Xmas Pig with Danny Robins!
As a special Xmas treat, we're joined by the spooky podmaster himself - Danny Robins. The Loreboys introduce Mr. Uncanny to a couple of chilling, pig-tinged tales! Are you Team Xmas or Team Pig?
This episode is a lot of fun, and you can listen to exclusive behind-the-scenes stuff by joining us at www.patreon.com/loremenpod
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Dec 24, 2023 • 28min
Xmas Pig with Maso!
For the third pig of Xmas, the Loremen gave to me... The Weekly Planet's Nick Mason! Maso drops in to hear an Arthurian legend that miiiiiiiight be linked to an absolute ledge from modern-day Australia.
Enjoy! And don't forget to join the Patreon if you want Xmas pig bonuses including behind-the-scenes audio! Visit patreon.com/loremenpod to support this nonsense.
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Dec 23, 2023 • 27min
Xmas Pig with Bethan Briggs-Miller!
It's the second day of the Five Pigs of Xmas. James is joined by Bethan from the Eerie Essex podcast for a few Xmas pigs in a blanket (of folklore). Grab a sausage roll (vegan, of course) and enjoy these hamtastic tales!
Join us for access to the Lorefolk Discord and exclusive bonus episodes at patreon.com/loremenpod
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