Caroline Wise

This is a remarkable quest for the elusive deer goddess led by Caroline Wise with contributions from Caitlin Matthews, Andrew Collins and others. With its rich harvest of words and ideas, it brings the figure of Elen into focus more than ever before. And what a dazzling figure she is; part goddess, part dream, part saint, a green lady and a water nymph, primordial mother and patroness of deer, and guardian of the Old Straight Tracks and solar alignments. Her name is remembered even in healing plants. If this book does nothing more (and it will surely do much more) it will encourage people to dig deeper into the loam of tradition to follow the footsteps of the divine Elen of the Ways. Elen is as real as the roads named after her, as solid as the ancient paths that carry her presence and story across vast tracts of Britain and the European continent and beyond. What an intriguing and exhilarating journey it is.

The Quest for Elen of the Ways

Finding Elen

John Matthews

Gareth Knight

Nigel Pennick

Caitlín Matthews

Harold Bayley

Lewis Spence

Robert Stephenson

William Stukeley

Chesca Potter

Bernard Nesfield-Cookson

Carol Clancy

Ross Nichols

R.J. Stewart

Geraldine Beskin

Alan V. Insole

With a foreword by Iain Sinclair. London is an ancient city, whose foundation dates back literally thousands of years into the legendary prehistory of these islands. Not surprisingly it has accumulated a large number of stories, both historic and mythical, during this period, many of which, though faithfully recorded at the time, have lain almost forgotten in dusty libraries throughout the city. The Secret Lore of London is a guide to the legends, including a discussion of their importance as part of the oral tradition of Britain, combining Prehistoric, Celtic, Arthurian, Roman, Saxon and Norman levels - each of which has contributed to the many-layered life of the city. The first part contains a unique selection of essays (some printed here for the first time) by experts in their fields, each of whom possesses a unique interest in the legends of these islands, and who have written widely on associated themes. The second part of the book will consist of a Gazetteer of the sites mentioned which are still in existence, together with various other sites of associated interest, compiled by the Editor, the contributors, and members of the London Earth Mysteries Group. This part will be fully updated and extended to include many more sites. The result is a wide ranging and wholly fascinating book, with wide sales application possible. A series of appendixes will include William Stukley's extraordinary document The Brill, which relates to the ancient prehistoric sites around the area of present day St. Pancras, and excerpts from some of the best known 19th and early 20th century works on Legendary London by Lewis Spence and Harold Bayley Contributors to the book are: Nigel Pennick John Matthews Caroline Wise Caitlín Matthews Carol Clancy R.J. Stewart Bernard Nesfield-Cookson Gareth Knight Robert Stephenson Geraldine Beskin Chesca Potter William Stukeley Lewis Spence Harold Bayley Alan V. Insole Ross Nichols

The city's forgotten stories and mythology

The Secret Lore of London

Caroline Wise

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