In search of the mythical Green Man in Derbyshire
To venerate the return of spring and new growth, Richard Bradley scours Derbyshire looking for examples of a mythical figure
Why do people place a place a lump of coal on the fireplace on New Year?
This tradition occurs in private houses during the first minutes of New Year, to ensure prosperity for the household for the year ahead.
The mysterious Christmas tradition in North East Derbyshire
In Scarsdale a centuries-old winter tradition remains strong, yet the story of its protagonist remains an intriguing mystery
Curious Derbyshire animal sightings throughout history
From mysterious large black cats to wolves, wild wallabies to ‘cat-pheasants’, some local sightings defy belief, yet others are based in fact
The bizarre local custom found on the remote Eastern moors
During the autumn season, the male red deer compete to attract a mate by ‘bolving’ or bellowing loudly
The history of Matlock Bath's Illuminations
Ahead of the 2023 Matlock Bath Illuminations, which take place between September 9 and October 29, Richard Bradley charts the history of one of Derbyshire’s best-loved traditions
Beating the Bounds: the ancient boundary-marking custom in Derbyshire
Beating the Bounds is an ancient tradition formerly practised in an era before cartographers - and more recently GPS devices, satnavs and Google Maps - mapped everything out for us with precision.
Derbyshire's curious churches
Richard Bradley observes some of our county's more outlandish religious symbols
The history of maiden's garlands or crants in Derbyshire
Richard Bradley goes in search of Derbyshire's remaining 'crants' - and uncovers a sad South Wingfield-based tale along the way
Guy Fawkes Night traditions in Derbyshire
‘Remember, remember, the Fifth of November, Gunpowder Treason and Plot. I see no reason why Gunpowder Treason Should ever be forgot.’
