Calls for Spooky Cornish stories

Jamaica Inn is world famous for its spooky past

Halloween is considered by some as the start of the Celtic New Year and in recent times there has been a revival of this tradition.

The Cornish village of Withiel is one of those that recognises this auspicious date. And of course there's always the modern day Trick or Treat.

Experts in mysticism and myth from the University of Exeter are involved in new research that explores storytelling and the ghostly spiritual world.

The team want your ghostly stories.

In the 1800s authors William Bottrell and Robert Hunt collated Cornish folktales such as 'Traditions and Hearthside Stories of West Cornwall' published in 1870 & 1873. Volumes of their work on folktales are housed in the Cornwall Centre.

Bodmin Moor can be a spooky place at times

As part of the spooky enw project, 'Mysticism, Myth and Celtic Nationalism' there is a conference in 2010 exploring the issues.

University of Exeter experts based at the Tremough Campus in Penryn are keen to encourage participation and contributions from people in Cornwall who are involved or interested in Cornwall as a mythical and mystical place.

Common tales include that of Jan Tregeagle whose spirit is said to rage on cold dark nights when his ghostly wails can be heard along the rugged coasts and across the bleak moors; as a man whose wealth was gained by evil measures he was doomed to a life in purgatory.

He was also chased by demons and managed to escape and find sanctuary in a little chapel on Roche Rock near St Austell.

Mystic goings on are also retold that include the haunting of Jenkin Keigwin who died defending the village of Mousehole from Spanish invaders.

In one of Conan Doyle's stories Sherlock Holmes even visited Cornwall to investigate the mythical power and strange events surrounding the standing stones on the moors which also feature in modern day PC games such as Barrow Hill.

Dr Marion Gibson is one of those involved in the research:

"We are carrying out interviews with people who either live in Cornwall or are visitors, and asking them to tell us about mystical Cornwall. We really hope people will come forward and share their stories."

In 2010 there will be a conference will also feature an exhibition of artwork and photos on the ghostly theme. People who are interested in contributing should contract Shelley Trower at the Tremough Campus. Click on the link at the top of this page to find out more about the project and to submit your stories.