Lantern - No 25

Magazine Overview

Title: LANTERN
Issue: 25
Date: Spring 1979
Publisher: Borderline Science Investigation Group
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of LANTERN begins with apologies for the late delivery of the previous issue due to transport strikes. The editor reflects nostalgically on the character of older, less standardized publications. The issue features the first part of a series by Mike Burgess on early research into geomancy and ley systems in East Anglia, suggesting that while approaches may change, the core ideas remain.

Featured Articles and Content

The Woodwose of Needham Market

This article details the discovery of a carved 'woodwose' or wildman figure in a niche in the brick wall of an old malting building in Needham Market. Initially thought to be a medieval survival, it was identified as a 19th-century creation made of cement by James Pulham. The figure was uncovered during maintenance work prompted by the lorry drivers' strike. The article explores the possible significance of woodwose figures as good luck charms or personifications of John Barleycorn, referencing Dr. Anne Ross's work on the persistence of pre-Christian beliefs.

A Small Miscellany of the Diverse Doings of the 'Good People' of E. Anglia

Authored by R.A. Hawell, this section delves into local folklore concerning fairies in East Anglia. It recounts tales of 'Feriers' or 'Ferishers' in Stowmarket, 'Frairies' in Norfolk dressed in white, and the Aurora Borealis being known as 'Perry dancers' in Suffolk, believed to be a supernatural battle. The piece also touches upon 'water-horses' appearing from the sea and 'Hyter-sprites' that can be helpful or harmful. It mentions a striking example of fairy activity at Ilkley Wells and provides methods to ward off fairies, such as carrying bread or wearing a daisy chain. A tale from the Ipswich Journal of 1877 describes a farmer's encounter with tiny fairies stealing his wheat. The article concludes by discussing 'Buttery Spirits' associated with inns and wasteful revelry.

UFO News

This section reports on UFO sightings in early 1979. A spectacular report from Norfolk describes an object "some 200 yards long and throwing out bright lights" seen off Cromer, also reported from Skegness. The object was observed by coastguards and described as "like a spaceship" with bands of whitish light and a line of red and green lights. The MOD suggested it might have been the rocket that launched the Russian satellite Cosmos 1068. Another report from Eaton, Norwich, by the Russell Dick family, described a similar object. The Eastern Evening News also reported sightings over Norwich by Rosemary Fitchett and her parents, and by John Pooler.

Early East Anglian Antiquarians: Part One - Alfred Watkins and the Theory of Ley Lines

This article by Michael W. Burgess introduces Alfred Watkins and his theory of 'ley lines', first published in 'Early British Trackways' in 1922. The theory posits that prehistoric trackways formed straight lines connecting ancient sites. The article reproduces correspondence from the East Anglian Press debating Watkins' theory. W.G. Clarke critically reviewed Watkins' work, arguing that his deductions were not supported by evidence and that his method of drawing lines on maps was arbitrary. Watkins defended his work, highlighting facts about antiquarian sites falling on straight lines in the West Midlands and suggesting similar patterns in Norfolk. W.A. Dutt, a supporter of Watkins, provided local East Anglian evidence, suggesting numerous leys connecting ancient earthworks and sites. Walter Rye also refuted the theory, arguing that ancient trackways would follow natural features like ridges. Arthur Cross offered a broader perspective, suggesting a more ancient, possibly non-Briton or Roman, origin for these alignments, possibly related to a sophisticated surveying system.

Other Content

The issue also includes a mention of a 'mystery weekend' held in Norwich, organized by Lionel Fanthorpe, covering paranormal subjects. A book review of 'The Ancient Science of Geomancy' by Nigel Pennick is included, described as an attractive but sometimes 'skimpy' exposition.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on unexplained phenomena, local folklore, and historical curiosities, particularly within the East Anglia region. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation and reporting, encouraging reader participation and discussion, as evidenced by the inclusion of correspondence and a call for help with book research. There is a clear interest in challenging established historical narratives and exploring alternative theories, such as geomancy and ley lines, while maintaining a degree of 'healthy scepticism' as noted by Mike Burgess.

SPELLTHORN 3 is an issue from the ESNA presses, focusing on local antiquarian interests, particularly in East Anglia. The cover highlights a publication titled 'THE BURY ST.EDMUNDS TERRESTRIAL ZODIAC' by Michael W.Burgess, described as a quarto work with 50 pages, including drawings and diagrams of the geomantic and metrological structure of a Suffolk landscape pattern. The issue also includes a section on 'EXCHANGE MAGAZINES', listing various publications related to Fortean phenomena, mysteries, UFOlogy, and folklore.

UFO Sightings and Reports

The magazine presents several accounts of unusual aerial phenomena. One witness in Thorpe, Norwich, reported seeing a "very bright object travelling from west to east at an absolutely enormous speed" just before midnight, which they were sure was not a shooting star. The EEN (Eastern Evening News) columns are noted for receiving numerous letters on the UFO topic. Specific reports include:

• January 4th: Two witnesses reported seeing a "ball of glowing orange light" over Norwich.
• August 27th, 1978: Mrs. Waller of Sprowston, Norwich, reported seeing three objects, initially mistaken for shooting stars, descend into marshland between Kessingland and Southwold. A few moments later, a large star-like object emerged, followed by another, travelling slowly across the skyline and out to sea, evenly spaced and at the same height.
• September 29th, 1978: Two schoolgirls walking home in Norwich reported seeing several flashes which they took to be lightning. These then "solidified and seemed to bank." The object was described as red underneath, and they heard a "whining noise" as it climbed and then vanished.
• December 23rd, 1978: The Gorleston lifeboat spent three hours at sea searching off Scratby after receiving a 999 call about a "white flash" possibly followed by a red flare, but found nothing.

Local History, Folklore, and Mysteries

Beyond UFO reports, SPELLTHORN 3 delves into local history and folklore, presenting various notes, queries, and historical accounts:

• 'THE BURY ST.EDMUNDS TERRESTRIAL ZODIAC': This featured work by Michael W.Burgess is described as jam-packed with local information on history, archaeology, topography, and folklore, with a chronology of Bury St. Edmund.
• ESNA Press Closure: The East Suffolk and Norfolk Antiquarians (ESNA) presses are closing down for a period of one to three years due to financial reasons. This means 'Anglian Research Papers' will be a single-issue series, and 'SpellThorn' may continue independently.
• Reference System: A new system of reference numbers is introduced for easier back-referencing of items.
• No.16 - FORTEANA: An account from 'Unnatural Natural History Notes' (1884) about a fisherman named Hannant who hauled up a codfish containing a full-grown baby. The cod and child were pitched overboard.
• No.17 - TUNNELS: Mentions a large subterranean arch discovered at 'Langley Abbey farm' after a fire in 1801, which labourers were afraid to penetrate. It also references Jack Lindsay's 'The Discovery of Britain' (1958) regarding a tunnel legend running from Gresham Market Cross to Beeston Abbey, where a 'Golden Calf' is allegedly hidden.
• No.18 - TREE: A query about a 'Gospel Oak' reputed to be in the Park at Haughley, Suffolk.
• No.19 - HILL FIGURE: Discusses the rarity of chalk-cut hill figures in East Anglia, mentioning T.C. Lethbridge's discoveries and a lost 'white horse' figure near Thetford reported by W.G.Clarke.
• No.20 - STONES: Nigel Dernley provides details of stones in Wattisham, including a shaped menhir used as a gatepost and a large stone in a field, both with potential superstitions.
• No.21 - ROADSIDE BURIAL: Refers to the Churchwarden's Accounts for Redenhall-with-Harleston (1668) mentioning 'Lush's bush', a traditional burial place for suicides. It details the case of a woman buried there after poisoning herself, who later became a criminal and was transported to Botany Bay.
• No.22 - GHOST: A query about a corner of Walberswick reportedly haunted by the "Monster of the Green."
• No.23 - FORTEANA: Bernard Barrington describes how the top branches of a Magnolia Grandiflora in Hollesley appeared lit up by many "little white lights" on the evening of August 27th, 1949.
• No.24 - TUNNEL: A passage from 'E. Anglian, or Notes & Queries' (1865) asks about a subterranean passage believed to connect Reedham Hall to the church, which was frequently touched by the plough.

Exchange Magazines

This section lists several publications available for exchange or purchase, catering to niche interests:

• FORTEAN TIMES: Quarterly, on curiosities, mysteries, and strange phenomena.
• THE LEY HUNTER: Quarterly, on leys and earth mysteries.
• MUFOB: Quarterly, an informal journal on UFOlogy and associated subjects.
• ALBION: Irregularly, a national magazine on ancient mysteries of Britain, folklore, legends, and geomancy.
• JOURNAL OF GEOMANCY: Quarterly, published by the Institute of Geomantic Research.
• PICWINNARD: Bi-monthly, on Wessex leys and folklore.
• SANGREAL: Quarterly, an illustrated journal of British mysteries, crafts, and folk traditions.
• AWARENESS: Quarterly, the Journal of CONTACT (UK), covering UFO research and interesting articles.
• EARTHLINK: Quarterly, Journal of the EUFOSG, focusing on UFOs and associated phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores anomalous phenomena, local history, folklore, and unexplained mysteries, with a particular emphasis on UFO sightings in the East Anglian region. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting witness accounts and historical records for consideration, while also facilitating the exchange of information through its magazine listings and query sections. The inclusion of detailed local historical accounts alongside reports of modern phenomena suggests a broad interest in the unusual and the unexplained within a specific geographical context.