Popular Romances of the West of England, or the Drolls, Traditions For Sale

Explore the rich world of Cornwall’s legends, superstitions, and old customs in this carefully edited collection. This volume gathers enduring tales, saints’ legends, and the “inner life” of West of England communities, offering a window into how people once explained the world around them through folklore, ritual, and wonder.

From saintly stories and giant-tale traditions to Death tokens and trance-like beliefs, the pages illuminate a culture where myth, memory, and daily life intertwined. The writing preserves a sense of place and time, inviting readers to understand how Cornish beliefs shaped behavior, celebrations, and responses to life’s mysteries.

• Delve into legends of saints, miracles, and legendary sites that influenced local faith and pride.


• Encounter customs around birth, death, and seasonal rites that reveal everyday life in old Cornwall.


• Explore practical charms, omens, and tokens that circulated in communities long ago.


• Gain context on how superstition and sentiment colored people’s hopes, fears, and humor.

Ideal for readers interested in folklore, regional history, and the anthropology of belief, this edition makes a vivid, accessible entry into Cornwall’s past.

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