15 July - The Bishop of Winchester or St Swithin died in AD 862. In legend the monks could not remove his body for 40 days and 40 nights because of torrential rain. It has now become folklore that if it rains on St Swithins day, it will rain for 40 days and 40 nights.
You are hereAllendale Tar Barrel Burning
31 December - A version of burning out the old year, locals walk down the street with blazing tar barrels on their heads. Some of these are then thrown to light a bonfire.
"Paranormal Stoke-on-Trent" (History Press Ltd) is the new 96 page book detailing hauntings, myths and legends in and around the city of Stoke. It is the culmination of many years experience and research by Matt Hicks, along with Terri Setterington. Read More »
The ancient king seat of Dunadd - capital of the kingdom of Dalraidia (Dal Riata) - rises out of the barren flatness of Crinan Moss, the raised bog floodplain of the meandering River Add. This rocky outcrop was the power base of the Scotti tribe, who invaded from Ireland around the 5th century AD. Read More »
