This is our collection of tales from the area. Many are retellings of well-established folk tales, but some are totally original works; created for places where no tale exists. Stories are very fluid things and can change with each retelling. It is important to remember that stories are meant to be told, not just read. Each storyteller will make their own changes to a story, no matter how subtle or unconscious they may be. These changes can be influenced by the words used, the environment and the listening audience. The tales here are not presented as definitive or historically original, for no such things exist; as all stories have come down to us from an oral tradition.
Folklore is an ever evolving tradition and all stories have to have a beginning. Follow the text links or click the thumbnails below, to read from our ever-growing selection of stories, from Derbyshire and the Peak District:
Folklore is an ever evolving tradition and all stories have to have a beginning. Follow the text links or click the thumbnails below, to read from our ever-growing selection of stories, from Derbyshire and the Peak District:
THE LITTLE RED HAIRY MAN
This really is a classic Derbyshire fairy story. It has all the elements one would expect from such a tale, all in magical threes; brothers, castles, giants and princesses, as well as the titular character - but only one of him!
This really is a classic Derbyshire fairy story. It has all the elements one would expect from such a tale, all in magical threes; brothers, castles, giants and princesses, as well as the titular character - but only one of him!
THE TRAGEDY OF HEDESSA THE SHEPHERDESS
This is an ancient and enchanting, though tragic story, set amidst the hills of Monsal Dale and the waters of the River Wye.
This is an ancient and enchanting, though tragic story, set amidst the hills of Monsal Dale and the waters of the River Wye.
THE CROOKER
A folktale about an evil spirit that infests the banks of the Derwent, near Cromford. It is also the subject of some controversy.
A folktale about an evil spirit that infests the banks of the Derwent, near Cromford. It is also the subject of some controversy.
THE WEREWOLF OF LONGDENDALE
Werewolf tales in the UK are a natural rarity, with only three recorded. This is one of those and the only tale of a werewolf in Derbyshire, from the time of King Henry II.
Werewolf tales in the UK are a natural rarity, with only three recorded. This is one of those and the only tale of a werewolf in Derbyshire, from the time of King Henry II.
ENCOUNTER WITH THE KINDER MERMAID
This is a fictional account of a nocturnal encounter with the Mermaid of Kinder Scout, written in the form of a Victorian diary entry.
This is a fictional account of a nocturnal encounter with the Mermaid of Kinder Scout, written in the form of a Victorian diary entry.
THE DRAKELOW VAMPIRES
Vampire stories are a rarity in Britain, but here is one from Derbyshire. Most intriguingly, it is presented as a true account!
Vampire stories are a rarity in Britain, but here is one from Derbyshire. Most intriguingly, it is presented as a true account!
THE BAKEWELL WITCHES
A dramatic retelling of a very famous - and, allegedly true - account of witchcraft, from Bakewell.
A dramatic retelling of a very famous - and, allegedly true - account of witchcraft, from Bakewell.
THE TALE OF T'OWD MAN
Based on existing tales, this was originally created to tell the story of Wirksworth's iconic and enigmatic mining spirit, T'owd Man.
Based on existing tales, this was originally created to tell the story of Wirksworth's iconic and enigmatic mining spirit, T'owd Man.
THE GIANT OF STONEY CLOUDS
An original origin tale for an iconic hill, sited on the Nottinghamshire border. Originally created for a community wassailing event.
An original origin tale for an iconic hill, sited on the Nottinghamshire border. Originally created for a community wassailing event.
THE BALLAD OF DUF
An original tale, from one of our contributors, presenting an alternative version of the founding of Duffield.
An original tale, from one of our contributors, presenting an alternative version of the founding of Duffield.