Tales of Darkest Lincolnshire

A light-hearted selection of entertaining Lincolnshire stories loosely connected by the theme of darkness and light. From the so-called ‘Dark Ages’ come the folk myths of the death of Sweyn Forkbeard and King Cnut and the waves; from the Stuart era there is the murder of Rev Francis Storre and the unlikely subsequent career of his killer, Francis Cartwright; we learn about the ‘dark arts’ of the decoy men, now long forgotten; and we enjoy some tales from the ‘darkest place’ – the privy down the garden. Something for everyone to enjoy!

Adrian has written several books on Lincolnshire folk tales and in this talk will give a lively, illustrated selection of some of his favourites from the 'dark days' of long ago. Tales will also include Viking murders at Gainsborough, pirates and romance in Boston or mysterious disappearances in the Carrs around Axholme. Throw in the odd appearance of the Devil himself, in various disguises, and you can have a fun afternoon but sometimes with a message - these stories were told for a purpose!

Lincoln Central Library where the event will take place. Image courtesy of Richard Croft