London Lore April 25, 2009

'Folklore is the way that people fill their lives with meaning, through the stories they share, the daily rituals they perform.' Folklore Society Leaflet.
This one-day conference, held in conjunction with the Folklore Society and the South East London Folklore Society (SELFS), explores not only the history of London’s traditions and collectors of London folklore, but also modern interpretations and rediscoveries of old customs. The conference will discuss magical talisman collections, seasonal customs, urban witchcraft and contemporary mysteries. Meet the Jack-in-the-Green, learn the secrets of Crossbones Graveyard, hear stories of the city’s rats and ravens, and learn of London’s people from their own stories and beliefs.
Speakers include:

Doc Rowe, London Seasonal Customs

Sonia Ritter & Dr Eva Griffit, The Lions Part Bankside festivals: the old in the new

Antony Clayton, Strange Brew: The Folklore of London pubs

John Callow, Witchcraft & Witch Trials in London

John Constable, The Southwark Mysteries and the Crossbones Shrine

Mark Pilkington, The Brompton Cemetery Time Machine

Sarah Crofts, The Deptford Jack-in-the-Green

Paul Cowdell, Rats, Redstarts, and Ravens

Richard Barnett, Folklore, medicine and the body in London's history

Official Website: http://www.bishopsgate.org.uk/events_details.asp?EventsID=343