Folklore of Dorset

Folklore of Dorset surveys the county’s traditional customs, songs and beliefs, bringing together subjects from saints’ lore and smugglers to witchcraft, wise men and West Gallery Music. Its scope extends to hill figures, holy wells, hempseed divination, mummers’ plays, May garlands and maypoles, Oosers, Oak Apple Day, bonfires and Beating the Bounds.

Fran Doel and Geoff Doel draw on writers and collectors including William Barnes, Thomas Hardy, John Hutchins, John Udal and the Hammond Brothers, while also using oral material and original research. Nearly 100 photographs illustrate the text, which concludes with an appendix presenting a complete mummers’ play. The authors also consider how far Barnes and Hardy can serve as primary sources for Dorset folklore.