Boye, a white poodle belonging to Prince Rupert of the Rhine, was killed at the Battle of Marston Moor. Frances Owen looks at the stories that grew up around this famous ‘devil’ dog.
Be Afraid. Be Just a Little Bit Afraid
What is it that fascinates us about Halloween? Why have we, even over here in sensible old Britain, so readily embraced the whole spook-fest? Is it the chance to wear day-glow orange? The opportunity to Come To Work As A Goth for a day? The dubious thrill of sending our children out into the streets […]
Broomsticks and Orgies
‘When did witches start to fly?’ a reader asked me after the Harrogate History Festival. Good question! Until the 16th century, witchcraft was not a crime unless it caused injury or death. The community needed witches who could calm storms or banish pests from crops. Early writers on witchcraft didn’t mention the infamous witches’ sabbat. […]