Lantern - No 26

Magazine Overview

Title: LANTERN
Issue: Number 26
Date: Summer 1979
Publisher: Borderline Science Investigation Group (BSIG)
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This edition of LANTERN introduces significant changes to the publication's future direction and content. The editorial begins by addressing the future of the BSIG, confirming its continued activity, and then details the decisions made regarding LANTERN itself. The magazine will move away from an all-embracing approach to subjects, focusing instead on publishing contributed material. This means that if material on certain topics, such as UFOs or dowsing, is not forthcoming, those subjects may not be covered. A key decision is to make LANTERN primarily an East Anglian publication, focusing on information from this region. Readers are urged to contribute articles, especially on individual research into East Anglian phenomena like UFO research, psychical research, folklore, geomancy, and leys.

Initially, Mike Burgess was to become joint editor, but he has withdrawn for personal reasons, leaving Ivan Bunn as the sole editor.

The magazine is published by the Borderline Science Investigation Group, a non-profit organization dedicated to investigating unexplained phenomena in East Anglia. The annual subscription is £1.00 for four issues.

Articles and Features

'OLD BLUNDERHAZARD' - ECHOES FROM THE PAST NO2

This article, by Ivan A.W. Bunn, delves into the origins of a legend concerning a 'phantom coach'. It traces the history of the Blennerhassett family, who held lands in Barsham, Suffolk, from the 16th century. The author investigates the family's acquisition of Barsham Hall, the construction of a mysterious tower known locally as 'Blennerhassett's Tower', and the eventual sale of the estate. The article suggests that Thomas Blennerhassett, son of John Blennerhassett, is the likely figure behind the legend, possibly due to his temperament and his mention of a 'coche and coche horses' in his will. The legend is thought to have sprung from conversations and tales about Thomas's activities and his sale of the estate to an outsider.

TALES OF OLD WITCHCRAFT IN SUFFOLK

This section presents a letter from Sam Manning to Mr. John Morley, dated 1732, transcribed from Ernest R. Cooper's book 'Mardles From Suffolk'. The letter recounts an incident involving a Mr. Collett, a smith, who threw a hot iron into a churn to make butter, believing witchcraft was involved. This action allegedly led to the death of a labourer who cried out in pain and died on the spot, with a mark of the iron found on his back.

Early East Anglian ANTIQUARIANS - PART TWO: THE RESEARCHERS

This ongoing series by Michael W. Burgess profiles key figures in East Anglian antiquarian research.

• W. G. Clarke: Born in 1877, Clarke was a journalist and antiquarian who became known for his work on the 'Breckland' region around Thetford. He was a founder of the Prehistoric Society of East Anglia and his posthumously published book, 'Breckland Wilds', is described as a masterpiece of history, archaeology, and natural history. He is characterized by his deep love of truth and his ability to observe the natural world with poetic detail.
• W. A. Dutt: A contemporary and friend of W.G. Clarke, Dutt pursued a less orthodox research path. He was a prolific author focusing on natural history and archaeology in East Anglia, with notable works including 'Norfolk Broads' and 'The Norfolk and Suffolk Coast'. Dutt was also an early follower of ley line theories, inspired by Alfred Watkins.
• Walter Rye: Described as 'the Historian's historian', Rye was a monumental figure in the field of records and genealogy, with a particular interest in preserving the Norfolk Broads. He produced over 80 books and was a founder of the Norfolk Broads Protection Society. Rye was known for his sharp mind and his dismissal of 'perposterous' theories like those of Watkins and Dutt.
• Arthur Cross: The least detailed profile is of Rev. Arthur Cross, who was a geomancer and metrologist. His interest lay in the idea that ancient Britons placed mounds and camps at specific intervals, and he held a belief that 'the great Architect of the Seas' placed celestial bodies in a line connecting the poles.

THE CAMBRIDGESHIRE LEY PROJECT

This section announces a project initiated by Nigel Pennick and The Institute of Geomantic Research to study Alfred Watkins's ley lines in the Cambridge area. The project aims to conduct accurate mapping and field-work on these alignments, and the results will be published by the IGR. Assistance, including financial help or field-work, is welcomed.

GLEANINGS FROM THE LOWESTOFT JOURNAL

This section presents a collection of historical reports from the Lowestoft Journal:

• April 7, 1894: THE AURORA BOREALIS: An account of an unusually brilliant illumination of the northern hemisphere, observed between 8 and 10 PM on Friday night, with five distinct streams of light and a rose-colored western portion.
• Celestial Phenomena: Mentions a recent lunar rainbow and a lunar halo, with observations on their potential connection to weather and atmospheric conditions.
• July 4, 1894: Terrible Thunderstorm: A report of a severe thunderstorm over the town, during which two fishermen were struck and killed by lightning.
• August 18, 1894: Terrible Thunderstorm: Exactly five weeks after the previous incident, another thunderstorm hit the town, striking a cottage with lightning. The occupant, Laura Ellis, escaped unharmed.
• November 24, 1894: GRAMPUS WHALE LANDED AT YARMOUTH: A small specimen of an Orca Gladiator, or 'Killer whale', measuring 6.5 feet, was landed on the Yarmouth fish market. The report notes the rarity of such sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the evolution of the Lantern magazine and the BSIG, with a clear editorial stance towards a more focused, regional (East Anglian) publication. There is a strong emphasis on encouraging reader contributions to ensure the magazine's relevance and breadth within its chosen scope. The historical articles, particularly the 'Old Blunderhazard' legend and the profiles of antiquarians, highlight a deep interest in local history, folklore, and the investigation of unexplained phenomena within East Anglia. The inclusion of 'Gleanings from the Lowestoft Journal' further reinforces this regional focus by presenting historical accounts of local events and natural phenomena. The magazine appears to value rigorous research, as evidenced by the detailed work of the antiquarians profiled, while also being open to newer theories like ley lines, albeit with a critical eye from some figures like Walter Rye.

Title: SPELLTHORN
Issue: 4
Document Type: Magazine Issue
Cover Headline: THE BLOODY HAND
Description: This issue of Spellthorn, published by Fast Suffolk and Norfolk Antiquarians, focuses on local legends, folklore, and unexplained phenomena from the UK. The cover prominently features the headline 'THE BLOODY HAND' and is predominantly orange with black text.

The Bloody Hand

The issue opens with a tale by R.A. HAXELL titled 'THE BLOODY HAND,' recounting a fragment of local ghost-lore from a now ruined and ill-fated farm in Hall Lane, Oulton, near Lowestoft. The story, based on the recollections of a young man named Albert who played at the farm around 1950, describes a large cupboard in the empty farmhouse. Local children claimed to see a 'bloody hand' either floating or laying in the darkness within the cupboard. This phenomenon was attributed to a past owner's brother who had lost a hand in an accident with a threshing machine on the farm and subsequently died. Albert himself, accompanied by a spiritualist, investigated the cupboard, confirming the presence of 'something.' The tale also mentions an apple tree in the garden that bore no fruit, said to be a testament to someone having hung themselves from its branches. HAXELL concludes by reflecting on the inexorable fate of rural beliefs and the potential loss of much unrecorded lore.

Exchange Magazines

• A section lists various related publications available for subscription or purchase:
• THE LEY HUNTER: Magazine of Earth Mysteries, published quarterly.
• CAULDRON: A newsletter of the Old Religion, published quarterly.
• FORTEAN TIMES: Magazine of curiosities, mysteries, and strange phenomena.
• MUFOB: Covers wider aspects of UFO research and associated subjects.
• PICWINNARD: Bi-monthly magazine of Wessex leys and folklore.
• AWARENESS: Quarterly Journal of CONTACT (UK), featuring articles on UFO research.
• SANGREAL: Quarterly journal of the Mysteries of Britain.
• EARTHLINK: Quarterly journal of the EUFOSG, focusing on UFOs and associated phenomena.
• JOURNAL OF GEOMANCY: Quarterly publication of the INSTITUTE OF GEOMANTIC RESEARCH.
• RES BUREAUX BULLETIN: Details contemporary inexplicable events.
• UFO RESEARCH REVIEW: Quarterly Journal of NUFOIS, with a 'nuts and bolts' approach to UFO research.

Spellthorn 4 Entries

This section presents a series of numbered entries detailing various historical accounts, legends, and curiosities:

• ARP No.1: Mention of a publication titled 'THE BURY ST. EDMUNDS TERRESTRIAL ZODIAC' available for purchase.
• NIGEL CERNLEY: A request for contact from a reader who lost Nigel's original letter and address.
• No.25. TUNNEL: In the 1860s, 19 skeletons were found beneath the altar at Ingham church, Norfolk, along with the entrance to an underground passage said to run from Ingham Manor House to the ruined priory.
• No.26. GIANT: In 1665, a massive human thigh bone, 38 inches long and weighing 57 pounds, was exposed by sea erosion at the mouth of the Hundred Stream in Thurne, Norfolk, suggesting a man approximately 10 feet tall.
• No.27. FORTFANA: An account from William Lilly's 'Merlinus Anglicus Junior' (1644) describes a swarm of red spiders in St. Edmunds-Dury, Suffolk, in 1660. The spiders marched in order, spun webs, and were consumed by fire when servants attempted to remove them. The event was interpreted by some as a sign of witchcraft.
• No.28. QUERT: An inquiry about the location of a burial mound near Thetford, Norfolk, called 'Thet Hill,' said to be haunted by a benevolent, red-haired chieftain.
• No.29. HIDDEN TREASURE: The legend of King John's lost treasure, still said to be hidden in a dark pool known as 'King John's Hole' on the road from King's Lynn to Long Sutton.
• No.30. STONE: A massive glacial erratic known as the 'Preaching Stone' rests on the green at Back Street, Mendlesham, Suffolk, said to have been preached from by John Wesley and mendicant friars 360 years earlier.
• No.31. SPRINGS: Further mention of twelve springs that appeared at Hunstanton, Norfolk, when St. Edmund landed in England, as documented by Galfridus de Fontibus around 1140-60. The name 'Honestanton' (Honey-stone town) is linked to these springs and a potential boulder.
• No.32. FORTEANA: An account from 'Spacelink' (July 1968) about fish, 6 to 12 inches long, appearing in gardens in Harlow, Essex, on August 12th, 1968.
• Of Healths drinking, and Heaven's doom thereon: An excerpt from a teetotaler's tract (circa 1630) detailing a letter from Mr. Abr. Ramsbotham describing a fire descending a chimney in Geslingham, Suffolk, which struck a man and set the house ablaze.
• No.33. TUNNELS: Several tunnel traditions are mentioned, including one from the vicarage at Southwold to the sea, tunnels in Norwich connecting the Castle to Carrow Priory and the Cathedral, and a passage in Gt. Yarmouth from St. Nicholas' church to the Priory. Another legend describes a subterranean passage from Ranworth Old Hall to the ruins of St. Benet's Abbey at Ludham.
• No.34. STONES: Reference to 'Fodderstone' in Norfolk and another Norfolk erratic marking the boundary of three parishes near Twyford, Guist, and Foulsham.
• No.35. OLD LORE: An entry referencing 'Barton Mere,' a body of water in Suffolk that varies in size, and its observed correlation with the price of corn. A deceased farmer used to monitor the mere to predict corn prices.
• No.26. QUFRY: An inquiry from Michael W. Burgess seeking a pre-1864 booklet by F.W. Fairholt titled 'The Giants in Guildhall, with an Account of other Civic Giants, at Home and Abroad.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Spellthorn are local folklore, historical mysteries, unexplained phenomena, and anecdotal accounts of the unusual. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting and sharing these often-obscure stories, encouraging reader participation through inquiries and shared knowledge. There is a clear interest in UFOs and Fortean phenomena, as evidenced by the listed exchange magazines, but the primary focus remains on historical and regional curiosities within the UK, particularly East Anglia.