East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire Folklore Inspires New Sculpture Trail

Sculptures with a specific theme have been inspired by stories of mythical creatures once thought to inhabit East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. These beings serve as the foundation for a haunting walking trail situated at Tophill Low Nature Reserve, located near Driffield. Geologist Richard Myerscough explained that early settlers in the fenlands would create tales to deter their children from venturing into the marsh. He stated, “They would hear peculiar noises in the night, not knowing what they were,” adding, “Out in the bogs methane would ignite forming Willow the Wisp fires and again, they would see those at night.” The creatures featured in the half-term walking trail draw their inspiration from publications on local folklore. One such creature is the boggle, an imaginary hobgoblin said to cause fear or terror, and another is the bargeest, a specter “with large flaming eyes as big a saucers” whose presence “was a sign of death.” Another legendary figure is the Lincolnshire Tiddy Mun, which, according to local legend, would emerge from the mist at night “limpety lobelty, like a drearie wee au’d gran’ther,” characterized by long, tangled white hair and a beard, and emitting a “pyewipe screech.” Richard Hampshire, the warden at Tophill Low reserve, mentioned that his favorite narrative was about Auld Goggie, a sprite that manifested as a giant caterpillar and served as the orchard’s protector. Legend claims Auld Goggie preyed on any children who entered to steal apples. Mr. Hampshire remarked, “I suspect it might have been an invention to keep those pesky kids out of the orchard.” A self-guided tour of the sculpture trail, featuring these ancient bog creatures, is available during the October half term.