Explore timeless tales across the East Midlands
The East Midlands is awash with an array of colourful myths and ancient legends, which, in my opinion, add to the mystery and magic of this fantastic region. If we delve into our past, we rediscover tales of warriors and witches, kings and outlaws, dragons and ghosts and saints and sinners in almost every county, and here at TopThingsToDo, we’ve done just that…. Read on if you dare!
Robin Hood riding through the glen in Nottingham
One of the best-known heroes from English folklore has got to be the highly skilled archer, Robin Hood. This notorious outlaw was known for robbing the rich and giving to the poor, helped by his fellow outlaws—the Merry Men. The reputed home of Robin Hood is Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, where visitors can follow in his footsteps along ancient paths, unchanged since medieval times. You can also visit Nottingham Castle and Museum, which was once the home of the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. Today, the castle is a vibrant museum and art gallery.
Jack the Ripper in East London
Here’s one to make your blood curdle—in 1888, five prostitutes were brutally murdered and mutilated in the Whitechapel area of London. The identity of the killer, who has been dubbed Jack the Ripper, was never discovered and to this day remains a horrifying and fascinating mystery. If gruesome horror is your thing, travel back in time and join the Victorian police as they hunt the Ripper through the eerie and atmospheric back streets of the East End on a Jack the Ripper Walk. Warning—not for the faint hearted!
Imps in Lincoln Cathedral
For more sensitive souls, here’s a less gory legend. According to a 14th-Century myth, two imps caused mayhem in Lincoln Cathedral by smashing tables and chairs and tripping up the bishop. An angel attempted to stop the mischievous pair but one of the imps threw rocks at it.
Out of revenge, the angel turned the imp into stone, and the statue can still be seen today on a pillar at Lincoln Cathedral. The wind that can often be heard around the south side of the building is said to be the second imp flying around. Imps or not, the stunning cathedral is worth a visit, you might even recognise parts from the 2005 blockbuster The Da Vinci Code, which was filmed there.
Keep an eye on the kids in Leicester
If you want your children to be impeccably well behaved on your day out, a trip to the Dane Hills in Leicester might be just the ticket. Legend has it that, many centuries ago, an old hag named Black Annis occupied a cave known as Black Annis’s Bower in the Dane Hills area. She was said to grab children from their bedroom windows to eat and use their skin as a skirt. The Dane Hills area is now built up but Annis is said to still haunt Leicester today.
Feed the birds in Liverpool
If you don’t want to give your kids nightmares, a visit to the Liver Building might be a safer bet. On the banks of the Mersey, the Liver Building is one of Liverpool’s most iconic buildings. Atop of this majestic tower sit statues of the Liver Birds spreading their wings. Local legend holds that the birds face away from each other because, if were they to mate and fly away, the city would cease to exist.
Go on, get out and explore the wealth of myths and legends on offer across the East Midlands—and enjoy!
