Ghosts, Ghouls & Spirits of Medieval Britain

Why were people in medieval Britain so fascinated by ghosts and spirits — and what did these stories really mean? Medieval writings are full of ghosts, demons, and strange beings said to haunt forests, rivers, and villages. These stories weren't just entertainment: they helped people make sense of death, fear, and the unknown, and reflected tensions between old pagan beliefs and newer Christian ideas — as well as the very real risks of life beyond the safety of the village. Dr Jennifer Farrell explores how supernatural stories shaped the way people understood their world, and how they were used to support or challenge religious and social authority. Looking back at these beliefs helps us see how fear and storytelling have always been part of human life.