In the final episode of the series we look at how the last Sunday of Lent was marked in the past, focussing on Fig Sunday and Palm Sunday. Neil cooks up some historical pax cakes to give out to shoppers and traders at Levenshulme Market so see

Altruists and Cheaters: Social Evolution and Lent

Mar 29th, 2020 35m 21s

In the penultimate episode of the podcast, we look at what goes on in the fifth Sunday of Lent, which was called Carlin Sunday in some parts of Britain, a day when carlin (aka black) peas were traditionally eaten. Neil goes on a trip to Bury Ma

Fasting and Diet: Lent and Health

Mar 22nd, 2020 45m 4s

In the fifth episode of the series we look at Mid-Lent Sunday, traditionally a day where lots of different celebrations occurred, but we focus on Mothering Sunday and the lesser known Clipping the Church. Neil bakes a simnel cake and chats agai

Bluebells and Magpies: the Natural History of Lent

Mar 15th, 2020 54m 43s

In episode four, we look at how Lent was dumbed over the years from extremely strict to almost non-existent. Then Neil investigates the natural history of Lent and has a conversation with Brenda Smith of Bud Garden Centre, Manchester about what

Eostra and Eggs - Pagan Lent and Easter

Mar 8th, 2020 56m 23s

In this episode we look at the Pagan aspects of Lent and Easter that have endured to the modern day and investigate how the Christian Church had to let folk keep some of their Pagan ways whilst simultaneously have them keep them at arm’s length

Fish and Humours: The History of Lent

Mar 1st, 2020 47m 7s

This episode explores Ember Week, a nod to the coming of Spring always observed in the first full week of Lent. We see how folk in medieval Britain believed mood and health were controlled by the seasons. We also look at the history and rules o

Collops and Pancakes - Preparing for Lent

Feb 19th, 2020 45m 16s

This episode explores all the things that traditionally happen (and are eaten) before the great Lenten fast begins; Collop Monday, Pancake Day or to give its proper name Shrove Tuesday and the first day of the fast itself, Ash Wednesday. We ha