The Quantock Hills and surrounding area are full of stories – from tales of mythical creatures, dragons, giants and ghosts to extraordinary saints and miracles. Folk customs have been practiced and folk music has been penned by musicians such as William Winters and collected by the famous Cecil Sharp. There are sites of traditional crafts and industry such as besom broom making, a once thriving silk industry and wool weaving. Plus stories of fascinating people and hidden places just waiting to be rediscovered by a new generation.

The map above includes the crafts, traditions, people and stories of the Quantock Hills, West Somerset. Click on a location marker on the map or a category in the key to see the stories to be found in this area. Or you can view a list of all of the stories here.

Stories of the Hills is a project that seeks to celebrate the intangible heritage of the Quantock Hills, from folklore and music, to traditional crafts and lesser known local stories and people, ensuring its preservation for future generations. It is part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund funded Quantock Landscape Partnership Scheme, of which Halsway is a partner organisation. This folk map and the series that accompanied it in 2022 was Halsway’s contribution.
Click here to find out more and download the Schools Resource Pack.

Supported by the Quantock Landscape Partnership Project and Heritage Fund.