Untruth Seekers

04/05/2024

Ever wondered if Jack in the Green is truly a pagan festival? 🤔🌿 Many believe it, and even more say it. But is it true?

While the first recorded festival dates back to 1795, its origins remain unclear. Some scholars link it to a broader "Garland" tradition, where milkmaids would form a procession of leaves, flowers, and even household items. Others mention associations with "green men" in processions that existed at least two centuries before the first documented JITG procession.

Think that's complicated? Add theories about Jack's alleged links to the Green Man and the Wild Man and we could be here all day!

Despite the debate, one thing's for sure: Jack in the Green guarantees a fantastic weekend out! 🌿🎉

Follow for more folklore, ghost stories, and interesting titbits about Sussex!

03/05/2024

Ever spotted the mysterious Green Man carved into English church walls and wondered about his connection to Jack? 🤔 The Green Man, a leafy-faced figure, symbolises rebirth and spring's new growth. Some say Jack in the Green is linked to medieval carvings of the Green Man and embodies pre-Christian nature spirits. But let’s not get carried away! Folklorists debate this, with recent studies diving into historical evidence that challenge old beliefs. 🌿

What's the real answer? Folklore roots are tangled and run deep, so we may never know! What do you think?

Follow for more folklore, ghost stories, and interesting titbits about Sussex!

01/05/2024

Jack in the Green is just around the corner! The festival comes to Hastings on the first Monday of May every year. 🌿 Don your leafy headgear and green face paint as we dive into the origins of this colourful procession!

Who's Jack in the Green? 🌿 First recorded in the 17th century, this English folk tradition involves Jack, a bushy tree-like fellow wearing a flowery crown. He represents the spirit of summer that must be freed in order for the season to start. Accompanied by his procession of bogies, drummers, and giants, he dances through the streets of Old Town. Jack climbs up the West Hill where he is set free.

What's the history of JITG? 🌿 Emerging from older May Day customs, Jack in the Green was once carried out by milkmaids and chimney sweeps. Despite fading in the early 20th century due to Victorian sensibilities, Mad Jack’s Morris, now known as Hastings RX Morris revived it in the late 20th century.

Today, Jack in the Green continues to thrive, blending old traditions with modern celebrations. Hastings hosts one of the largest events of its kind, boasting vibrant processions and festive activities all weekend but especially on Monday 🌿

Follow for more folklore, ghost stories, and interesting titbits about Sussex!

02/04/2024

Here are our top East Sussex events! 🎉 While we didn't include any from Brighton (we're more eastward-bound), these are the ones we eagerly anticipate each year. Let us know your favourites and any must-add suggestions! 🌟

26/03/2024

👻✨ As promised, here's the chilling tale of John Breads, whose skull* still remains in the gibbet in Ypres Tower.

In 1743, Deputy Mayor Allen Grebell met a tragic demise at the hands of butcher John Breads in a case of mistaken identity. For over two decades, Breads's ghastly form hung in a metal frame, a grim spectacle for all to see. Now, within Ypres Tower's confines, a replica gibbet stands as a haunting reminder of the town's dark past.💀🕯️

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19/03/2024

🏰 Unravelling the Tales of Ypres Tower... 🗝️✨ Built in 1249 by King Henry III, this fortress stood tall against the looming threat of French invasion during the tumultuous 13th century. Its imposing walls bore witness to centuries of history, weathering the storms of time.

In 1377, French raiders left their mark, inflicting significant damage upon the castle's defenses. Sold to cloth merchant Jean d’Ypres in 1430, the tower still bears his name.

Even today, Ypres Tower endures as a museum. Come back next week for one of Rye's most famous grisely tales...

📜🕯️ Follow for folklore, ghost stories, and peculiarities from Sussex and beyond...
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12/03/2024

Visitors to Rye may remark on the oddly named Turkey C**k Lane, but while the name sounds rather humourous, the story behind the name is not 🦃 💀

Ghostly sounds like those of a turkey gobbling used to be heard in Turkey C**k Lane. They apparently emanated from the ghost of a monk who broke his vows of chastity and went mad after he was bricked up alive after being caught trying to elope with a local girl that he had fallen in love with 💔

A shadow of the monk is apparently still sometimes seen, but according to reports, the spectral sounds are no longer heard. Perhaps the priest finally found peace after all these years...

(Also, keen-eyed observers will notice the photo is not from Turkey C**k Lane... I forgot to get a photo of it, sorry! 🙈 )

👻 🪦 Love ghost stories & folklore? Follow for more fascinating titbits from Sussex and beyond

05/03/2024

🌊⚓ Rye has seen it all. Once celebrated among the finest of the Cinque Ports, Rye's prosperity was intricately linked to its bustling harbour. However, the gradual accumulation of silt threatened navigation on the Rother River, triggering tensions between maritime interests and landowners reclaiming marshlands. 🛳️🌾

As the era of larger ships and deepwater ports dawned, Rye's economic fortunes waned. Fishing and smuggling, notably owling (smuggling wool), surged in prominence. Taxation spurred smuggling from as early as 1301, evolving into a criminal enterprise by the 17th century, dominated by groups like the infamous Hawkhurst Gang, whose gatherings at The Mermaid Inn were inextricably linked with crime and murder. 💰🔒

📜🕯️ Follow for folklore, ghost stories, and peculiarities from Sussex and beyond...

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27/02/2024

🏰✨ Welcome to Rye, where each cobblestone whispers tales of trade, industry, and the enduring spirit of this well-storied town. In this series of posts, we'll delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Rye's history, including some spine-tingling tales. Follow so you don't miss anything!

The name 'Rye' stems from the West Saxon term 'ieg,' meaning island. This medieval town flourished on the shores of the Rye Camber, an expansive embayment of the English Channel, offering safe anchorage and harbour since Roman times. 🌊⚓

Once part of the Saxon Manor of Rameslie, Rye found itself under Norman rule, gifted to the Benedictine Abbey of Fécamp by King Æthelred. Its significance echoes through history, evident in the 1086 Domesday Book, listing 189 households and solidifying Rye's stature as a notable settlement.

📜🕯️ Follow for folklore, ghost stories, and peculiarities from Sussex and beyond...

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20/02/2024

Even though we've only skimmed the surface of the many mysteries, we've reached the end of our series on the Mermaid Inn in Rye. 👻✨

The sheer number of reported hauntings has made the Mermaid Inn a well-known destination for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts. The television programme, 'Most Haunted', conducted an investigation here. Several visitors have reported unexplained light anomalies dancing through its ancient halls. In a chilling incident, an employee tending to the fireplace witnessed bottles cascading from shelves, prompting his swift resignation.

Would you dare to stay the night?🕯️🔮

We've finished with the Mermaid Inn for now, but stay tuned. More stories from Rye are coming soon!

👻 🪦 Love ghost stories & folklore? Follow for more fascinating titbits from Sussex and beyond

13/02/2024

The historic Mermaid Inn is chock-full of ghost stories, but perhaps the most memorable takes place in the Elizabethan room. Legend has it, this room hosted a mysterious duel between two men, clad in enigmatic 16th-century attire. The skirmish led to a fatal end, as one was dragged into the adjacent room and cast through a hidden trapdoor. 🚪⚔️

🕯️ 🔮 Love ghost stories & folklore? Follow for more fascinating titbits from Sussex and beyond

06/02/2024

At the height of the smugglers' heyday in the 18th century, the Mermaid Inn was a haven for the notorious Hawkhurst Gang. You can almost imagine them sitting in front of the oversized fireplace with their guns on their laps, ready to defend their ill-gotten merchandise 🍺 💰

Room 17 is named for Thomas Kingsmill, a Hawkhurst Gang leader; this room has been known to suddenly go cold. Guests have felt an eerie presence, and the rocking chair dances with phantom motions. 👻

🕯️ 🔮 Love ghost stories & folklore? Follow for more fascinating titbits from Sussex and beyond

30/01/2024

If you stay at Rye's historic Mermaid Inn, you might be lucky enough to rest your head in the room of the enigmatic Reverend Doctor Christopher Syn. Brought to life by Russell Thorndike's books in 1915, the fictional Dr Syn is a mild-mannered reverend by day and a smuggler hero by night. He is often depicted wearing a scarecrow mask during his moonlit hijinxes.

The story was inspired by the 18th-century Romney Marsh, where clandestine battles unfolded between smugglers and authorities. 📚🌙

23/01/2024

Numerous hauntings have been reported at the Mermaid Inn in Rye. With a long history spanning six centuries, it's probably not surprising that a few souls have decided to stick around.✨ 👻

Some guests have shared spine-chilling encounters with the ethereal "lady in white." Witnesses speak of her moving through closed doorways and, eerily, standing at the foot of their beds. Details of her story are hazy, but some say she was a scullery maid who was sharing too much about the exploits of the inn's infamous guests, the Hawkhurst Gang. Dead women tell no tales. 💀 🪦

16/01/2024

In the next few posts, we'll uncover the mysteries of the Mermaid Inn, the most haunted building in the medieval town of Rye, East Sussex. But before we get to the ghosts, here's a brief history of this iconic building. 💀 🔍

Dating back to 1156, its original wattle-and-daub structure brewed ale for a penny a night. Rebuilt in the 1420s and renovated in the 16th century, it housed Catholic priests during the Reformation. Later, it became a den for the notorious Hawkhurst Gang in the 1730s, featuring secret tunnels and a revolving cupboard for their daring getaways. Queen Elizabeth I even graced its halls. All these years later, its tales linger in the ancient cellars and historic nooks. 🕯️👻

12/01/2024

Here’s a little story from one of our biggest supporters from across the pond. After falling for a local, she moved to Hastings in 2017 under quite random circumstances. She could have ended up anywhere in the UK, or indeed the world, but she ended up in this often-overlooked corner of East Sussex. 🌿

Like many Americans, she has a complicated mix of heritages that she knows little about. So, she thought looking into her family history to find her roots in the UK would be interesting. The most direct line between herself and the UK was a family named Perigoe. It struck her as an unusual name that could be easy to trace, so she looked further. 📜 🔍

The story led her to a ‘gunsmith’ named Robert Perigoe, who was married at All Saints Church, hanged at Nordon's Cross in the All Saints Parish on 31st October 1617 for burglary, and buried at St Clement's. He left behind seven children, including a grandson who immigrated to Massachusetts. It struck her as an exceedingly strange turn of events that she would end up in the exact place where her most direct link to the UK died exactly 400 years later. 🪦

Now, we must wonder, is it a tale of coincidence and happenstance… or was something more sinister bringing her back to Hastings?💀 💫

08/01/2024

Have you ever heard of Sussex's best-kept secret, the 'Dobb'? These delightful, mischievous, and helpful little household fairies have been a part of Sussex folklore for generations. 💫🏡

Much like their cousins, the 'brownies' in Scotland and 'pixies' elsewhere in the UK, Dobb's have a penchant for lending a hand with the chores around the house.

But here's where it gets interesting. While they're known for their goodwill, Dobbs are notoriously easy to offend. A simple gesture like offering them a saucer of milk or a new set of clothes can send them packing in a huff! They prefer their independence and don't take kindly to being 'paid' for their services. 🥛👚

Many fans have wondered if the 'Dobb' might have been the inspiration behind Dobby, the lovable house elf in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. The similarities are uncanny, don't you think? 🧦⚡

Regardless of any literary connections, we believe it's high time these charming Dobbs step out of the shadows and into the mainstream public imagination. Sussex's own little house fairies, weaving magic into the everyday! ✨

Let's celebrate the Dobbs, Sussex's enchanting secret, and give them the recognition they truly deserve. Who knows, you might just spot one lending a helping hand in your home one day! 👀💖

Excerpt from Jaqueline Simpson's book, THE FOLKLORE OF SUSSEX.

22/12/2023

Embrace the stillness and magic of the Winter Solstice. ❄️✨ As the world tilts into the longest night, we welcome the return of the sun's gentle embrace, a promise of brighter days to come. Let's cosy up, reflect on the year that's passed, and look forward to the renewed light and opportunities in the days ahead. 🌟🕯️

12/12/2023

Embark on a spine-chilling adventure through the twittens of Hastings with 'Spirits of Hastings' 🌙👻 Immerse yourself in the ghostly tales embedded in this seaside town, where every corner hides secrets of the past. From spectral whispers to mysterious apparitions, Hastings reveals its haunting charm in these short stories.

📚➡️ https://amzn.eu/d/bsyqP9o

04/12/2023

From the terrifying knucker to plucky fairies, England’s southeastern coast continues to be steeped in ancient lore and traditions in surprising ways. Explore Sussex’s folklore in this collection of stories with a modern twist 🌿
📚➡️ https://amzn.eu/d/iP1UqUj

Sussex Roots: Folklore and mythology from Sussex, England eBook : Seekers, The Untruth, Rodk, Inez: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

01/12/2023

Have you ever laid eyes on the legendary Amsterdam shipwreck? 🚢 This massive Dutch East Indiaman met its fateful end when it ran aground on Bulverhythe Beach during a fierce gale on the 26th of January, 1749. But the story runs deeper than the ship itself. 🌬️💔

Tragically, before its ill-fated voyage from the Netherlands to Java, the Amsterdam was plagued by a deadly outbreak, with 50 of its 333 crew members succumbing to the disease. Amidst these grim circumstances, a mutiny unfolded, and the crew turned to the ship's cargo for solace – its precious cargo of wine. 🍷🍾

Today, the Amsterdam rests as a globally significant archaeological site, nearly two-thirds intact, shedding light on the maritime history of global trade during the dynamic 17th and 18th centuries. 🌎⚓

Exploring this shipwreck isn't just a journey through time; it's an opportunity to uncover the untold stories of adventure, struggle, and the relentless sea. 🌊⏳

13/11/2023

Did you know that smuggling and ghost stories are intertwined? 🌙 Back in the mid-eighteenth century, cunning smugglers wove eerie tales to protect their secret treasures.

Take Herstmonceux Castle's gatehouse, for instance – it's rumoured to be haunted by a 9-foot-tall phantom drummer, a loyal comrade of Sir Roger, who met his end in battle. Legend has it that even after his body was returned, his ghost continued to drum on the castle's battlements.

These spooky stories kept curious townsfolk at bay, giving smugglers free rein to move about undetected, their secrets safe in the shadows. 🕵️‍♂️🕯

Art by MJ

05/11/2023

✨ Remember, Remember the 5th of November! 🎆

As the chill of autumn sets in, our thoughts turn to the fiery spectacle of Bonfire Night. But do you know the captivating history behind this tradition? 📜🔥

Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night, marks the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605. A group of conspirators, including Guy Fawkes, aimed to blow up the House of Lords and assassinate King James I. Their motive was to protest religious persecution and bring about political change. 💥

However, their explosive plans were thwarted, and the 5th of November became a day of celebration. Bonfires were lit to commemorate the safety of the king, and effigies of Guy Fawkes were paraded and set ablaze. 🎇🔥

Today, Bonfire Night has evolved into a fantastic fusion of history and spectacle. It's a night of crackling bonfires, mesmerizing fireworks, and show-stopping processions. We gather with loved ones, wrap up in our cosiest attire, and marvel at the colours that light up the dark November sky. 🌌🍂

So, when you watch the fireworks burst forth on this special night, remember the events of 1605 and the enduring tradition that celebrates unity, safety, and the triumph of light over darkness. Happy Bonfire Night, everyone! 🎇🔥🌠

31/10/2023

As we eagerly prepare for a night of spooky fun and costumes, let's take a moment to dive into the enchanting history of All Hallow's Eve, which evolved into the Halloween we know and love today.

Halloween's roots stretch back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. This marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, a time when the boundary between the living and the spirit world was believed to blur. 🌾🍂

Fast forward to the 8th century when Pope Gregory III designated November 1st as All Saints' Day, a day to honour all saints and martyrs. The night before, October 31st, became All Hallow's Eve, a celebration with pagan and Christian traditions intertwined.

Irish and Scottish immigrants brought these customs to North America, where they mixed with Native American and other immigrant traditions, eventually giving birth to our modern Halloween. 🎃

Today, Halloween is all about costumes, trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving, and ghostly tales. It's a night where kids and kids-at-heart embrace their spooky side. 👹👻

So, as we embark on another magical Halloween, remember the rich tapestry of history that weaves together the traditions of this bewitching night. Whether you're haunting the night as a vampire or curling up with some classic horror stories, may your All Hallow's Eve be enchanting and filled with joy! 🕷️🕸️🌙

02/10/2023

As summer's vibrancy fade and cold creeps in, we are reminded that nothing lasts forever. But let's not not mourn the change. Instead, let's embrace the mysterious and macabre of the season. Nothing beats curling up with a cup of tea and a ghost story (preferably by a fire) 🕯️ ☕

If you're in need of spine-tingling stories, we recommend Spirits of Hastings (we are biased, of course). For those wishing to take a more active approach to the paranormal, our book of haunted trail maps might be precisely want you need! ⚰️ 🕸️

11/09/2023

Established in the 16th century, the Stag Inn is the oldest pub in Hastings. It's no suprise that a pub of this age is home to several supernatural events, but the discovery of two mummified cats in the chimney and gold treasure in the cellar (possibly left there by smugglers) are undeniably unique.

Here are two of the most popular legends from the Stag Inn:

🧹 Hannah Clarke the Witch: A sign on the wall tells the story of Hannah Clarke, a witch with two cats who served as a lookout for French raids upon the towns of the Cinque Ports during the middle ages. During the Great Plague of 1665, people blamed cats and dogs so they bricked up Hannah's two cats in the chimney. These mummified cats are still on display in the pub today.

⚓ The Dutch Sea Captain: Another legend at the Stag Inn is centred around a mysterious Dutch sea captain who was murdered by Hastings fishermen. No one knows the details of the story, but his spirit is said to be glimpsed in the cellar.

14/08/2023

What’s more cheerful than buttercups, the vibrant yellow flowers that dot the meadows and fields of England? Their golden petals gleam like little cups of sunshine, capturing the essence of a bright summer's day ☀️

There aren't many superstitions about this flower, but children often play a game by holding a buttercup under their chins to see the reflected yellow glow. If their skin reflects a yellowish glow, it means they have a fondness for butter (but honestly, who doesn't love butter?!)

Want more? We've got more tidbits in A Folklorist's Guide to English Woods & Gardens 🌱

31/07/2023

What is more iconic that ivy climbing up English buildings? Ivy is a symbol of longevity and immortality, and is associated with the god Dionysus in Greek mythology 🌿

In English folklore, ivy was associated with fidelity and everlasting love. It was said that if a woman carried a sprig of ivy on her wedding day, she would have a happy marriage. Ivy was also believed to have protective properties, and was often planted near homes to ward off evil spirits.

Find more superstitions in A Folklorist's Guide to English Woods & Gardens 💚

24/07/2023

Nettles have both positive and negative associations in folklore. 🌿 On one hand, they were believed to possess healing properties and were used to treat various ailments. Nettle tea was thought to purify the blood and promote good health.

On the other hand, nettles were considered to be plants of bad luck. It was believed that if you accidentally touched a nettle, you would attract misfortune and bad omens.

Discover more in A Folklorist's Guide to English Woods & Gardens (link in bio)

14/07/2023

Pirate Day -- indeed, Pirate Weekend -- starts tomorrow! ⚓ ⛵ Between guzzling rum and singing sea shanties, you may want to impress your friends with your knowledge of real-life 'pirates' (though, 'smugglers' might be more accurate). If so, read on!

The mid-eighteenth century, particularly from 1700 to 1850, is often referred to as the "Golden Age of Smuggling" in England. It was a time when smuggling reached its peak, with large-scale illegal operations taking place along the English coastlines.

Smuggling became prevalent due to high import duties and taxes imposed on goods by the British government. Smugglers sought to evade these taxes and make significant profits by smuggling prohibited or highly taxed goods such as tea, alcohol, to***co, and luxury items.