Welcome
I am a folklore researcher, author and broadcaster. I began my career as a journalist at the Sheffield Star and spent four years working as a Press Officer. But my passion was always for folklore and in 1999 I completed a PhD in Folklore at the National Centre for English Cultural Tradition, University of Sheffield. I moved to Sheffield Hallam University in 2005 where for two decades I taught journalism and media law before I was promoted to Associate Professor. Working with colleagues who shared my interest in folklore, I co-founded the Centre for Contemporary Legend research group at SHU in 2018. I was Project Lead the AHRC-funded National Folklore Survey for England until I left the university in 2026 to return to full-time writing and broadcasting. My books include The Angel of Mons, How UFOs Conquered the World and Space Age Folklore that will be published by Reaktion in 2027. Contact me by email at furnival.news at googlemail.com
Tag Archives: legends
The National Folklore Survey
I am pleased to announce the launch of the National Folklore Survey #NFS In Charlie Cooper’s new series Myth Country (streaming on BBC I-player) the actor and writer reveals his passion for folklore and how the peculiar rituals and traditions of this … Continue reading
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Tagged AHRC, Charlie Cooper, England, folklore, history, intangible cultural heritage, legends, mythology, myths, storytelling, travel
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Who Dares Wins?: Britain’s Roswell meets the SAS
‘If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise…’ (Anne Murray) Christmas 2018 marks the 38th anniversary of the mysterious events in the Rendlesham forest near RAF Woodbridge in Suffolk that became Britain’s best known … Continue reading
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Tagged Col Ted Conrad, Cold War, legends, Lt Col Charles Halt, NASA, RAF Bentwaters, RAF Woodbridge, Rendlesham, Robin Horsfall, SAS, SBS, Sony Pictures, Special Air Service, Suffolk, UFOs, Who Dares Wins
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