The Liminal Shore first published in 2022, was the sixth book by Alex Langstone. A native of Essex in England, this book is a treasure trove of the old lore of the county of Essex, a place steeped in witchcraft, folk customs, myths, legends as well as a rich conventional history throughout the ages.
Langstone was well placed to write such a history, raised among the salt marshes, the estuary and ancient ways, he has written extensively on folklore and magic and the weave of the landscape around him.
And Essex can boast a wonderful array of lore and traditions in which everyday life was once closely connected to folklore, superstition and the turning wheel of the seasons.
What appeals to me about Langstone’s book is his willingness to look beyond the familiar historical landmarks and explore the less obvious corners of the landscape. I have long felt that the most interesting stories are often to be found away from the beaten track, in forgotten villages, isolated churches, lonely marshes and places whose people and their histories have largely escaped mainstream attention.
But no such book could be without mention of Cunning Folk, and Langstone certainly doesn’t disappoint. From the famous James ‘Cunning’ Murrell, to the infamous Old George Pickingill, who boasted an enviable reputation across the county and beyond, regularly receiving visitors eager to seek advice, a herbal cure or a helpful spell. Pickingill is, in parts, credited with helping Gerald Gardner, the self-styled King of the Witches, to develop what we know as modern day witchcraft or Wicca.
The beauty of The Liminal Shore is its ability to take a stretch of English coastline seemingly unremarkable and reveal its mysterious and fascinating depth. I find that the study of folklore encourages me to look at the landscape differently, recognising that beneath its apparently quiet exterior lies a history steeped in the spirit of time and place. Langstone clearly loves his subject matter but retains a sense of objectivity and whether one believes the stories or not, there was a time when these quirky traditions were practiced seriously and most often for good reason. The world would be a better place for a few more cunning folk.
Further reading:
Folklore, Myths and Legends of Britain
Categories: British History and Folklore
