The Straw Bear
FolkLands27 Maj 2025

The Straw Bear

On todays show we go looking for the Straw Bear of Whittlesea, an annual winter custom set deep in the Cambridgeshire Fenlands.


No one quite knows where the bear comes from or how it even began but we do know that it was banned in the 19th century as it was seen as a form of begging. A person or driver is wrapped completely in Straw, head to toe, and danced around the town to celebrate Plough Monday. After the revival it's now seen as something of enormous pride for the local population, bringing in people and Morris sides from all over the country.


Expect sub zero temperatures, Woodwo's and plenty of Osses!


Enjoy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Avsnitt(35)

Limehouse Nights

Limehouse Nights

Today we unearth a hidden corner of London as we creep around the frozen docks and inky darkness of Limehouse.In the 16th to the 18th century the area of Limehouse became synonymous as a melting pot o...

26 Nov 20241h 49min

Last Orders

Last Orders

In todays episode of FolkLands we delve into the world of spirit as we explore some of the stranger Inns, hostelries and public houses of London.From the 'hanging' breakfasts of Newgate, the bombed ch...

30 Okt 20241h 33min

The Night Library

The Night Library

In todays episode we explore the dark, dusty and mysterious world of books. Those weird, rare, and legendary forgotten tomes that have been Justin and I’s lifelong passion and obsession.We delve into ...

30 Sep 20242h 18min

Black Annis

Black Annis

In todays episode we are tracking down the elusive and often misunderstood witch of Leicester. Black Annis. Local tales tell of her blue skin and liking for stealing away children should they stray in...

27 Aug 20241h 57min

The Lore of the Playground

The Lore of the Playground

On this weeks episode we explore the folklore that was part of the best years of our lives, or so they say, Playground lore.From marbles and jacks, to tag and skipping, kicking and kissing whilst not ...

30 Juli 20241h 45min

Stone Lands

Stone Lands

In today's episode we go stone bothering. We begin in Leicester with the now largely forgotten Wishing Stone of Bradgate Park, a large granite menhir overlooking the babbling River Lin. We then go on ...

28 Juni 20241h 39min

Bunkers Deep & Caverns Old

Bunkers Deep & Caverns Old

On today's episode we explore everything from 1970s top secret nuclear bunkers to Tolkein's mines of Moria. Phil 'The Tunnel Inspector' Catling takes us down the rabbit hole stopping off in Alan Garne...

29 Maj 20241h 4min

Underworlds

Underworlds

In todays episode we delve into the dark tunnels and shadowy corners of the underworld. First we are in the lime caves of Dorking for tales of robbers and dark forgotten secrets, we then head over to ...

30 Apr 20241h 50min

Populärt inom Komedi

mellan-himmel-och-jord-med-jlc
ursakta
alex-sigges-podcast
den-som-skrattar-forlorar-podcast-2
hogt-i-tak-2
filip-fredrik-svarar
alla-andra-kan-ga-hem
gynning-berg
jocke-jonna-sanningen-maste-fram
rss-vafalls
alla-goda-ting-ar-tre
skaringer-nessvold
hor-har
rss-vastgotapodden
mardromsgasten
wahlgren-wistam
bygga-at-idioter
killradet
rss-alla-goda-ting-ar-tre
flashback-forever