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NORTH NORFOLK: Felmingham Woodwose

1st February 2015

Cathy & I attended a Christening in Felmingham church, and after the service I had a look around to find a carving of a Woodwose on the pulpit. Woodwoses are 'wild men', usually depicted as men covered in hair (although this one actually looks more leafy) and usually holding a club. My interest in seeing this one stems back to an article several months ago in the Fortean Times (the only magazine I read these days) about the presence of Woodwoses in Suffolk churches. Having looked for references to them it turns out there are lots in Norfolk too, including Felmingham and North Walsham churches. So next time you find yourself with a bit of time in a church, why not see if you can find a Woodwose?


7 comments:

  1. Hi James!
    Didn't know we shared an interest in Cryptozoology!
    Have you seen the Black Shuck scratch marks at Blythburgh?

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    1. Hiya. Yes as well as wildlife I have an interest in cryptozoology, local folklore etc. One of my favourite books is Ghosts of the Broads - the storytelling is excellent. I haven't seen the Black Shuck marks, but I'll get round to them eventually!

      I did think of you this week actually, as the latest Fortean Times has an interview with the guy who has directed the Rendlesham Forest film.

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    2. Been meaning to see those scratch marks myself David. One could combine an excellent birding and crypto day out in east anglia.

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  2. A lovely carving, thanks for posting James. 'Hairy Men' were featured on Finding Bigfoot UK this week; although not one of their finer pieces of work I'll be honest. Always been interested in the paranormal myself, may have a look at that magazine.

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    1. There does seem to be quite a few programmes of that sort around, of very varying quality. Channel 4's Bigfoot Files (presented by Mark Evans) were very good. Yeah I would recommend Fortean Times, there are regular features of cryptozoology, UFOs, ghosts and weird news stories, then a number of articles on specific topics. Book reviews are handy too for finding out about obscure releases!

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    2. Cheers. Have always been interested in Cryptids but have never really pursued this beyond reading some Loren Coleman. Yes, the Bigfoot Files were decent. Planning a birding/squatching trip to Pacific Northwest America next year!

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    3. That sounds excellent. You should try to rent a car like the one in Harry & The Hendersons to maximise your chances. Worth reading one of Karl Shuker's books on cryptozoology.

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